# Stationery Times: full text of all 252 guides > Independent US stationery guides with direct answers, sourced specs and to-scale drawings: notebooks, planners, pens, pencils, paper, cases, stamps and more. # Monami 153: Korea's Hexagonal Ballpoint Since 1963 > The Monami 153 is a retractable ballpoint pen that Monami launched in May 1963 as Korea's first domestically made ballpoint. It has a white hexagonal barrel (yellow for 1.0 mm), no clip, and 0.5, 0.7 or 1.0 mm points. Korean Wikipedia gives 146.3 mm long; the barrel is printed Korea. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/monami-153/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a Monami 153 0.7 mm ballpoint pen with black ink drawn to scale at 146.3 mm (5.8 in): white hexagonal barrel without a clip, black push button and front cone, with a close-up of the 0.7 mm ball tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/monami-153-16x9.png) *The Monami 153 0.7 mm with black ink, 146.3 mm long (drawn at 1 mm = 5 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/monami-153-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Monami 153 (BP 153) retractable ballpoint pen, 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm | Monami (by Monami Co., Ltd.) | South Korea | South Korea | Plastic hexagonal barrel, metal tip | 1963-05 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Monami 153 (BP 153) retractable ballpoint pen, 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm): South Korea. Monami's BP 153 sell sheet (linked from its English product page) shows KOREA printed on both the 0.7 and 1.0 mm barrels, and Korean Wikipedia says recently made pens carry Made in Korea on the barrel. Premium 153 versions may be made elsewhere. Source: https://www.monami.com/en/product/product_view.php?idx=26 ## Key takeaways - Korean Wikipedia gives the 153 at 146.3 mm (5.8 in) long and 8.65 mm wide. - It launched in May 1963 at ₩15 (about US$0.01 at today's rate, a real price in 1963 Korea), and Korea JoongAng Daily reports sales of over 3.4 billion. - Monami's Korean site lists three points: 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm; the 0.7 mm barrel is white and the 1.0 mm yellow. - The button and front cone match the ink: black, blue or red. - Monami's sell sheet shows KOREA printed on the barrel, and Korean Wikipedia says recent pens read Made in Korea. ## What is the Monami 153? **The Monami 153 is a simple retractable ballpoint pen with a hexagonal plastic barrel, and the first ballpoint pen made in Korea.** Monami's history page lists 1963 as the year it began producing the 153, and Korea JoongAng Daily dates the launch to May 1963. Monami's Korean site calls it 국민볼펜, "the nation's ballpoint," the most-sold ballpoint pen in Korea. Korea JoongAng Daily reports sales of over 3.4 billion pens. It's the Korean counterpart of the [BIC Cristal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/): cheap, plain and everywhere. In the US it turns up mostly through import sellers on eBay and online marketplaces, and as the base of Monami's premium 153 line. ## What does 153 mean? **Korea JoongAng Daily says the 15 is the launch price, ₩15 (about US$0.01 at today's rate), and the 3 is the last digit of 1963.** Korean Wikipedia agrees on the 15 but says the 3 marks Monami's third product. Founder Song Sam-suk started the company as Kwangshin Chemical in 1960, per Monami's history page, and the brand name is French: mon ami means "my friend." ## Monami 153 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Monami Co., Ltd. (South Korea) | | Type | Retractable (click) ballpoint, oil-based ink | | Points | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm (Monami Korea) | | Barrel | Hexagonal plastic: white for 0.7 mm, yellow for 1.0 mm | | Ink colors | Black, blue, red (button and cone match) | | Length | 146.3 mm (5.8 in), per Korean Wikipedia | | Width | 8.65 mm, per Korean Wikipedia | | Clip | None | | Identifiers | 0.7 mm black: code 2010132601, EAN 8801067081283 | | Made in | South Korea (KOREA printed on the barrel) | Monami's sell sheet packs the export version in boxes of 50, while Korean stores sell 12-pen boxes. ## Which point size should you choose? **Pick 0.7 mm for everyday notes, 0.5 mm for small writing and 1.0 mm for a smoother, bolder line.** Monami's Korean page describes them as thin and neat (0.5), clear and crisp (0.7) and soft-writing (1.0). ![Monami 153 drawn to scale: 0.7 mm version with white barrel and black button and cone, 1.0 mm version with yellow barrel and blue button and cone, both 146.3 mm long and 8.65 mm wide](https://stationerytimes.com/images/monami-153-sizes.svg) *The barrel color tells you the point size; the cone and button tell you the ink.* The yellow 1.0 mm barrel is easy to spot in a cup of pens. If you prefer a finer ballpoint, compare the 0.7 mm Fine [Pentel R.S.V.P.](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-rsvp/), a capped ballpoint with a rubberized grip. ## What are the premium Monami 153 pens? **Monami builds a whole family on the 153 shape, from the metal 153 ID and twist-action 153 Neo to a 153 fountain pen.** Monami's English pages say the premium ballpoints take standard 1.0 and 0.7 mm metal refills (ISO 12757-2), the Parker-style size. | Version | What's different (per Monami) | |---|---| | BP 153 | The classic plastic hex pen, 0.5/0.7/1.0 mm | | 153 Neo | Twist-retractable, chrome-plated parts, vivid colors | | 153 ID | Metal body, matte finish | | 153 Respect | Dense metal body, twist mechanism | | 153 Gold | Real gold coating | Monami also lists 153 Neo and 153 ID fountain pens with steel nibs, and a cheaper Korean fountain pen of its own, the [Monami Olika](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/monami-olika/). ## Where is the Monami 153 made? **In South Korea: Monami's own sell sheet shows KOREA printed on the 0.7 and 1.0 mm barrels.** Korean Wikipedia adds that recently made pens carry Made in Korea and a barcode on the rear of the barrel. Premium 153 models may be made elsewhere, so check the pack. ## How much does the Monami 153 cost? **The classic 153 is in our lowest band, $ (under $5 per pen).** It's sold in Korea in 12-pen boxes, and US listings we found are mostly imported 12-packs, which cost more per pen than in Korea. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does 153 mean in Monami 153? Korea JoongAng Daily says 15 was the pen's price in won when it launched and 3 is the last digit of 1963. Korean Wikipedia gives a different reading of the 3: Monami's third product. ### What point sizes does the Monami 153 come in? Monami's Korean site lists 0.5 mm (thin, neat lines), 0.7 mm (clear, crisp lines) and 1.0 mm (smooth writing). Its export sell sheet lists 0.7 and 1.0 mm. ### Why are some Monami 153 pens yellow? The barrel color shows the point size. Monami's sell sheet gives a white barrel for 0.7 mm and a yellow barrel for 1.0 mm. ### How long is the Monami 153? Korean Wikipedia gives 146.3 mm (5.8 in) long and 8.65 mm wide. Monami doesn't publish dimensions on its product pages. ### Does the Monami 153 have a clip? No. The basic 153 is a plain hexagonal barrel with a push button. Clip versions are separate products, such as Monami's 153 Clip. ### Where is the Monami 153 made? In South Korea. Monami's sell sheet shows KOREA printed on the barrel, and Korean Wikipedia says recent pens read Made in Korea. ### Is the Monami 153 the same as the 153 Neo or 153 ID? No. Those are Monami's premium 153 pens with metal or chrome-plated bodies and twist or click mechanisms. Monami says they take standard 1.0 and 0.7 mm metal refills (ISO 12757-2). ## Sources - [Monami (Korean site): BP 153 유성볼펜 (most-sold ballpoint in Korea, hexagonal, 0.5/0.7/1.0 mm)](https://www.monami.com/m/product/product_view.php?idx=156) - [Monami (English site): BP 153 (sell sheet: white 0.7 mm and yellow 1.0 mm barrels, codes, EANs, KOREA on barrel)](https://www.monami.com/en/product/product_view.php?idx=26) - [Monami (English site): Monami history (1963: began production of the 153 ballpoint pen)](https://www.monami.com/en/about/history.php) - [Monami (English site): 153 NEO (premium 153; standard ISO 12757-2 refills)](https://www.monami.com/en/product/product_view.php?idx=14) - [Monami (English site): 153 ID (premium 153 with metal body)](https://www.monami.com/en/product/product_view.php?idx=10) - [위키백과 (Korean Wikipedia): 모나미 153 (146.3 mm long, 8.65 mm wide; barrel colors; Made in Korea)](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%AA%A8%EB%82%98%EB%AF%B8_153) - [Korea JoongAng Daily: Ballpoint pen was an instant sensation (May 1963 launch, 15 won, 3.4 billion sold)](https://www.koreajoongangdaily.com/business/ballpoint-pen-was-an-instant-sensation/10719984) - [Danawa: 모나미 153 볼펜 0.7mm (12개) (Korean price comparison)](https://m.danawa.com/product/product.html?code=3351765) --- # Monami Olika: Korea's Budget Cartridge Fountain Pen > The Monami Olika is an inexpensive cartridge fountain pen from Korea's Monami. It has a steel nib in Fine or Extra Fine, a fiber wick feed, a dimpled rubber grip and 10 ink colors matched to the pen. Monami says it takes international standard cartridges and packs two spares; reviewers count three cartridges in all. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/monami-olika/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a Monami Olika EF fountain pen with blue ink, drawn in proportion with the cap posted: clear cap with a white logo window, clear barrel showing the blue cartridge, dimpled blue rubber grip and a steel nib in a close-up](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/monami-olika-16x9.png) *A clear Olika EF with blue ink; the grip color matches the ink.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/monami-olika-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Monami Olika fountain pen (F or EF steel nib, 10 colors) | Monami (by Monami Co., Ltd.) | South Korea | Not stated | Clear or tinted plastic body, rubber grip, steel nib | – | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Monami Olika fountain pen (F or EF steel nib, 10 colors)): Not stated. Monami's English and Korean pages and its sell sheet don't state the country of manufacture. An August 2017 Fountain Pen Network post quoting a JetPens newsletter called it made in South Korea, but a forum post can't be the only source, so we leave it unstated; check the blister pack. ## Key takeaways - Monami makes the Olika in 10 ink colors and two nibs, F and EF, with 20 item codes (2040047001 to 2040047020). - Monami's sell sheet says it's refillable with international standard cartridges and comes with 2 extra cartridges. - Monami's Korean site sells Olika refill cartridges in packs of 5, in all 10 colors. - A 2019 Pen Addict review found the EF only on clear pens and the F on fully colored barrels. - US reviews in 2018 and 2019 put it just above $5 at JetPens, our $$ band. ## What is the Monami Olika? **The Monami Olika is a low-cost plastic fountain pen from Monami, the Korean maker of the [Monami 153](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/monami-153/) ballpoint, sold with ink cartridges in the pen's own color.** Monami pitches it for handwriting, calligraphy, copying out text and decorating. Its Korean name is 올리카. In the US it drew reviews from The Pen Addict and Fountain Pen Network users after JetPens began stocking it in August 2017. JetPens' old Olika category link now opens its general Monami fountain pen page, so look for it at Korean stationery importers too. ## Monami Olika specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Monami Co., Ltd. (South Korea) | | Type | Cartridge fountain pen, snap cap | | Nib | Steel, Fine (F) or Extra Fine (EF) | | Feed | Fiber wick, not a plastic feed (reviewers, JetPens) | | Grip | Curved, dimpled rubber (Monami Korea) | | Colors | 10: red, orange, golden yellow, olive, green, blue, indigo, purple, red purple, black | | Cartridges | International standard, per Monami; 2 extra in the pack | | Item codes | F 2040047001–010 · EF 2040047011–020 | | Example EAN | EF Blue 8801067435529 · F Black 8801067422710 | | Made in | Not stated by Monami | Monami doesn't publish the pen's length or weight. A Fountain Pen Network user compared its size to the [Platinum Preppy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/), so our cover is drawn in proportion only. ![Monami Olika parts drawn in proportion: clear cap with logo window, clear barrel, rubber grip in the ink color, steel F or EF nib over a fiber wick feed, and an ink cartridge Monami calls international standard](https://stationerytimes.com/images/monami-olika-parts.svg) *The Olika's parts. The wick feed is what sets it apart from most budget pens.* ## F or EF: which nib should you get? **Choose EF for small handwriting and planners, F for everyday notes; Monami describes the EF as giving a finer, more detailed line.** The Pen Addict's 2019 review found the EF only on the clear pens (with a grip in the ink color) and the F on fully colored barrels. Reviewers liked the nibs for the price: Sarah Read called her EF "surprisingly smooth" in 2018, while noting reports of uneven nib quality between pens. ## What cartridges does the Olika take? **Monami's sell sheet says the Olika is "refillable with international standard ink cartridge," and Monami's Korean site sells Olika refills in packs of 5 per color.** Reviewers disagree on the details, so test before buying in bulk. - **Monami:** international standard cartridges; its own Olika cartridges come in all 10 colors. - **The Pen Addict, 2019:** Monami's cartridges differ in diameter and length from international short cartridges, but standard ones fit. - **The Pen Addict, 2018:** the reviewer also fitted LAMY cartridges; we haven't confirmed that. Because the feed is a fiber wick, ink soaks into it. The 2018 review and a JetPens note quoted on Fountain Pen Network both warn that switching colors means rinsing the wick for a long time. ## How does the Olika compare to other starter fountain pens? **The Olika is a cheap, colorful one-ink pen; the Preppy and Kakuno have plastic feeds and converters, so they handle bottled ink better.** | | Monami Olika | [Platinum Preppy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/) | [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/) | |---|---|---|---| | Nibs | F, EF (steel) | 02 EF, 03 F, 05 M (steel) | EF, F, M (steel) | | Feed | Fiber wick | Plastic | Plastic | | Cartridges | International standard (Monami) | Platinum | Pilot | | Price band | $$ | $$ | $$ | ## Where is the Monami Olika made? **Monami doesn't state it on its product pages or the Olika sell sheet.** An August 2017 Fountain Pen Network post quoting a JetPens newsletter called it made in South Korea; we list it as not stated until a maker or retailer spec sheet confirms it. ## How much does the Monami Olika cost? **It sits at the low end of our $$ band ($5–20 per pen); US reviewers in 2018 and 2019 found it just over $5.** That makes it one of the cheapest fountain pens with a matching set of colored inks. ## Frequently asked questions ### What cartridges fit the Monami Olika? Monami's sell sheet says the Olika is refillable with international standard ink cartridges, and Monami sells its own Olika cartridges in packs of 5. A 2019 Pen Addict review found Monami's cartridges differ a little in diameter and length from international short cartridges but said standard ones fit. ### Does the Monami Olika come with ink? Yes. Monami says each pen includes two extra cartridges, and reviewers report three in total, in the pen's own ink color. ### What nib sizes does the Olika have? Fine (F) and Extra Fine (EF), both steel. Monami lists them as separate products, Olika F and Olika EF. ### Can you use bottled ink in a Monami Olika? You can refill an empty cartridge with a syringe, which Fountain Pen Network users describe. We found no Monami converter for the Olika in our sources. ### Is the Monami Olika good for beginners? Reviewers think so: The Pen Addict called it a great gift and beginner pen in 2019. Its wick feed makes changing ink colors slow, so treat each pen as one color. ### Is the Monami Olika the same as the Monami 153 fountain pen? No. The 153 Neo and 153 ID fountain pens are Monami's pricier, metal-trimmed models with converters; the Olika is the plastic budget pen. ### Where is the Monami Olika made? Monami doesn't say on its product pages or sell sheet. One Fountain Pen Network post quoted JetPens as calling it made in South Korea; check the pack. ## Sources - [Monami (English site): Olika F / EF (10 colors, F and EF, two extra cartridges)](https://www.monami.com/en/product/product_view.php?idx=37) - [Monami (English site): Olika F / EF sell sheet (international standard cartridge, item codes, EANs)](https://www.monami.com/en/board/download.php?board=N&bo_table=product_en&file_name=file1_1521100032wb2ai2v1fc.jpg&o_file_name=file1_1521100032wb2ai2v1fc.jpg) - [Monami (Korean site): 올리카 F (curved grip; refills sold 5 per set)](https://www.monami.com/m/product/product_view.php?idx=29) - [Monami (Korean site): 올리카 EF (Extra Fine nib)](https://www.monami.com/m/product/product_view.php?idx=32) - [Monami (Korean site): 올리카 리필카트리지 (Olika refill cartridges, 5 per color, 10 colors)](https://www.monami.com/m/product/product_view.php?idx=31) - [Monami (English site): 153 NEO Fountain Pen EF (converter and cartridges)](https://www.monami.com/en/product/product_view.php?idx=119) - [The Pen Addict: Monami Olika Fountain Pen Review (Sarah Read, October 4, 2018)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2018/10/4/monami-olika-fountain-pen-review) - [The Pen Addict: Monami Olika Fountain Pen Review (Jeff Abbott, March 13, 2019)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2019/3/13/monami-olika-fountain-pen-review) - [Fountain Pen Network: Monami Olika FPs now at JetPens (August 3, 2017; wick feed note, syringe refilling)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/325915-monami-olika-fps-now-at-jetpens-550-ea) --- # Monami Plus Pen 3000: Korea's 0.4 mm Felt Tip Pen > The Monami Plus Pen 3000 is a capped, water-based felt tip pen from Korea's Monami, sold since 1968. It has a 0.4 mm fine point, a slim white barrel with a cap in the ink color, and comes in sets of 24, 36, 48 and 60 colors. Monami's export packs say it's made in Thailand. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/monami-plus-pen-3000/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped black-ink Monami Plus Pen 3000, drawn in proportion: slim white barrel with gray lettering and a black ribbed cap tapering to a rounded end, with a close-up of the 0.4 mm point](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/monami-plus-pen-3000-16x9.png) *A black Plus Pen 3000, capped; the cap matches the ink color.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/monami-plus-pen-3000-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Monami Plus Pen 3000 water-based felt tip pen, 0.4 mm (24-color set shown for identifiers) | Monami (by Monami Co., Ltd.) | South Korea | Thailand | Plastic barrel and cap, fiber point | 1968 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Monami Plus Pen 3000 water-based felt tip pen, 0.4 mm (24-color set shown for identifiers)): Thailand. Monami's own 24-color pack image (downloadable from its English product page) prints "Made in Thailand". The Korean art retailer Hwabang lists the 60-color set with 제조국명 (country of manufacture) Thailand and maker Monami Thailand. Monami's history page says it built and later expanded the Amata factory in Thailand. Source: https://www.monami.com/en/product/product_view.php?idx=102 ## Key takeaways - Monami gives one point size, 0.4 mm, the same as the Paper Mate Flair Ultra Fine. - Monami sells sets of 24, 36, 48 and 60 colors; the 60-color set mixes 54 water-based colors with 6 pigment grays. - A Monami official dated the Plus Pen 3000 to 1968 in a March 2020 interview with Asia Economy. - In Korea a 12-pen box lists at about ₩2,500 (about US$1.90) to ₩3,900 (about US$2.90) on Danawa, roughly US$0.20 a pen. - Monami's 24-color export pack and a Korean art retailer's 60-color listing both say made in Thailand. ## What is the Monami Plus Pen 3000? **The Monami Plus Pen 3000 is a capped felt tip pen with water-based ink and a 0.4 mm fiber point, made by Monami of South Korea.** Monami's Korean site calls it 대한민국 대표 스테디셀러 수성펜, "Korea's signature steady-selling water-based pen." A Monami marketing official told Asia Economy in March 2020 that the Plus Pen 3000 has been sold since 1968 and, with the 153 ballpoint, best represents the brand. In Korean it's 프러스펜 3000, often written 플러스펜. In the US it sells on Amazon in Monami-branded 12- and 36-packs and at stationery shops such as Stationery Pal, usually as an inexpensive alternative to the [Paper Mate Flair](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-flair/). ## Monami Plus Pen 3000 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Monami Co., Ltd. (South Korea) | | Type | Capped water-based felt tip (fiber point) pen | | Point size | 0.4 mm (Monami) | | Ink | Water-based; Pigment version in 6 grays | | Body | White plastic barrel, cap in the ink color | | Sets | 24, 36, 48 and 60 colors | | Introduced | 1968 (Monami, via Asia Economy) | | Made in | Thailand (Monami export pack) | | 24-color set | Code 2040003516, EAN 8801067434799 | Monami doesn't publish the pen's length or weight on its Korean or English pages, so our cover is drawn in proportion, not to scale. ## How fine is the Plus Pen 3000 line? **Monami gives a 0.4 mm point, the same width Paper Mate lists for the Flair Ultra Fine and a little over half the 0.7 mm Flair Medium.** The point is a firm fiber nib; Monami's Korean page says it is 견고한 (sturdy) and doesn't mash down easily. ![Point widths at 100 times: Monami Plus Pen 3000 0.4 mm next to Paper Mate Flair Ultra Fine 0.4 mm, Medium 0.7 mm and Bold 1.2 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/monami-plus-pen-3000-point-sizes.svg) *The Plus Pen 3000 point is as fine as the Flair Ultra Fine.* JetPens customers in 2009 described it as close to 0.4 mm and "a bit scratchy," like a fine Sharpie Pen. A Michigan arts blog reviewer in 2022 said the firm tip can also flex enough to act as a pseudo brush pen. ## Which Plus Pen 3000 set should you buy? **Pick by how many colors you want: Monami sells 24, 36, 48 and 60, and only the 60-color set adds pigment-ink grays.** Monami's photos show the 24-color set in a clear plastic case. | Set | What's in it | |---|---| | Single colors, 12-pen boxes | One color per box, such as black, blue or red | | 24 colors | Monami's starter range (clear case) | | 36 and 48 colors | Larger ranges of the same water-based ink | | 60 colors | 54 water-based colors + 6 pigment grays (Monami) | | Pigment, 6 colors | Grays that don't smudge in water once dry | Monami first sold a 60-color set as a 10,000-unit 60th-anniversary edition in March 2020, adding 12 colors to the 48, and now lists a regular 60-color set. Monami's Korean page says the 60-color set uses a sturdier black nib and a ventilated cap. ## Is the Plus Pen 3000 waterproof? **No: the standard Plus Pen 3000 is water-based, and Monami says a wet brush turns it into watercolor.** That makes it fun for hand lettering and blended coloring, but a drop of water will make notes run. For lines that stay put under paint, Monami makes the Plus Pen 3000 Pigment in six grays, or you can use a pigment fineliner such as the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/). ## How does it compare to other felt tip pens? **The Plus Pen 3000 is thinner and finer-tipped than most US felt tip pens, and costs less per pen.** | | Monami Plus Pen 3000 | [Paper Mate Flair](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-flair/) | [Pentel Sign Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sign-pen/) | |---|---|---|---| | Point | 0.4 mm fiber | 0.4 · 0.7 · 1.2 mm felt | Fiber, fine bullet | | Ink | Water-based (pigment grays option) | Water-based | Water-based | | Price band | $ | $ | $ | ## Where is the Monami Plus Pen 3000 made? **Monami's own 24-color export pack says "Made in Thailand."** The Korean art retailer Hwabang also lists the 60-color set as made in Thailand by Monami Thailand, and Monami's history page notes its Amata factory there. ## How much does the Plus Pen 3000 cost? **In the US it falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5 per pen), even in color sets.** In Korea, Danawa's store listings for a 12-pen box run from about ₩2,500 (about US$1.90) to ₩3,900 (about US$2.90). Monami's gold-plated 60th-anniversary Desk Pen version was a different thing entirely: ₩200,000 (about US$150) in 2020. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Monami Plus Pen 3000 tip? Monami lists a single point size, 0.4 mm. That's the same width Paper Mate gives for the Flair Ultra Fine, so the line suits small handwriting and detailed coloring. ### Is the Monami Plus Pen 3000 waterproof? No. The standard Plus Pen 3000 uses water-based ink, and Monami's Korean page for the 60-color set says you can spread it with a wet brush for a watercolor effect. Monami's separate Plus Pen 3000 Pigment, in six grays, is the version that doesn't smudge with water once dry. ### How many colors does the Plus Pen 3000 come in? Monami sells sets of 24, 36, 48 and 60 colors. The 60-color set has 54 water-based colors plus 6 pigment-ink grays. ### Is the Plus Pen 3000 a felt tip pen or a fineliner? Both names are used. Monami calls it a water-based marker and a fine liner; its 0.4 mm fiber point writes like a fine felt tip pen. ### Where is the Monami Plus Pen 3000 made? Thailand, according to Monami's 24-color export pack and a Korean art retailer's listing for the 60-color set. Monami is a Korean company with a factory in Thailand. ### How do you pronounce Plus Pen in Korean? Monami's Korean name is 프러스펜 (peureoseu-pen), which Koreans often write as 플러스펜. Asia Economy noted in 2020 that Pruspen is the official spelling. ### What's the difference between the Plus Pen 3000 and the Plus Pen S? They are separate Monami lines. This guide covers the capped Plus Pen 3000; Monami lists the Plus Pen S and its refills as their own products. ## Sources - [Monami (Korean site): 프러스펜 3000 (Plus Pen 3000), 0.4 mm, 24/36/48/60-color sets](https://www.monami.com/m/product/product_view.php?idx=95) - [Monami (Korean site): 프러스펜 3000 60색 세트 (54 water-based + 6 pigment colors, ventilated cap)](https://www.monami.com/m/product/product_view.php?idx=168) - [Monami (Korean site): 프러스펜 3000 피그먼트 (Plus Pen 3000 Pigment, 6 grays)](https://www.monami.com/m/product/product_view.php?idx=182) - [Monami (English site): Plus Pen 3000 (product images incl. 24-color pack: EAN 8801067434799, NO 2040003516, Made in Thailand)](https://www.monami.com/en/product/product_view.php?idx=102) - [Monami (English site): Plus Pen 3000 set (60 colors: 54 water-based, 6 pigment)](https://www.monami.com/en/product/product_view.php?idx=126) - [Monami (English site): Monami history (Amata factory in Thailand)](https://www.monami.com/en/about/history.php) - [Asia Economy: Monami launches 60-color set of Plus Pen 3000 for 60th anniversary (March 17, 2020; launched 1968)](https://www.asiae.co.kr/en/article/2020031714264005761) - [Asia Economy: Monami launches 60th anniversary Plus Pen 3000 Desk Pen (February 3, 2020)](https://www.asiae.co.kr/en/article/2020020308424844333) - [Danawa: 모나미 3000 프러스펜 (12개) (Korean price comparison: 0.4 mm, capped, store prices)](https://prod.danawa.com/info/?pcode=5836861) - [Hwabang: 모나미 프러스펜 3000 60색 세트 (Korean art retailer; 제조국명 태국, made in Thailand by Monami Thailand)](https://hwabang.net/product/%EB%AA%A8%EB%82%98%EB%AF%B8-%ED%94%84%EB%9F%AC%EC%8A%A4%ED%8E%9C-3000-60%EC%83%89-%EC%84%B8%ED%8A%B8-%ED%94%8C%EB%9F%AC%EC%8A%A4%ED%8E%9C-%EC%88%98%EC%84%B1%ED%8E%9C-%EC%82%AC%EC%9D%B8%ED%8E%9C/72179) - [Stationery Pal: Monami Plus Pen 3000, 24 colors set (US retailer)](https://stationerypal.com/products/monami-plus-pen-3000-24-colors-set) - [Amazon: MONAMI Plus Pen 3000 Felt Tip Pens, Fine Point (0.4 mm), 36-pack](https://www.amazon.com/Monami-3000-PLUSPEN-Color-Assorted/dp/B079GRZ81S) - [JetPens: Monami PlusPen 3000 Sign Pen, box of 12 (customer reviews, 2009)](https://www.jetpens.com/Monami-PlusPen-3000-Sign-Pen-Box-of-12/pd/879) - [Arts at Michigan: Letters by Lydia, Monami Plus Pen 3000 (review)](https://artsatmichigan.umich.edu/ink/2022/11/16/letters-by-lydia-monami-plus-pen-3000) --- # Caran d'Ache 849: The Swiss Hexagonal Ballpoint > The Caran d'Ache 849 is a click ballpoint with a slim hexagonal aluminum body, made in Switzerland since 1969. Pen Chalet lists it at 127 mm (5.0 in) long, 7.6 mm across and about 14 g. It takes Caran d'Ache's Goliath refill, which the maker says writes up to 600 pages. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/caran-dache-849/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a black Caran d'Ache 849 ballpoint drawn to scale at 127 mm (5.0 in) long and 7.6 mm across: black hexagonal aluminum body tapering to the point, silver push button and flexible silver clip; inset: the hexagonal body seen end-on around the round push button](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/caran-dache-849-16x9.png) *The black 849 (849.009), drawn to scale from Pen Chalet's 127 mm length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/caran-dache-849-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Caran d'Ache 849 Classic Line ballpoint pen, black (849.009) | Caran d'Ache (by Caran d'Ache SA, Thônex-Geneva, Switzerland) | Switzerland | Switzerland | Hexagonal aluminum body with powder-coated color, nickel-plated clip and push button | 1969 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Caran d'Ache 849 Classic Line ballpoint pen, black (849.009)): Switzerland. Caran d'Ache's Swiss product page says the 849 is 100% Swiss Made, developed and made in Switzerland; Pen Chalet and Dromgooles also list Switzerland. Source: https://www.carandache.com/ch/fr/ballpoint-pen-black-849-classic-line-ballpoint-pen-p-11075.htm ## Key takeaways - Caran d'Ache says the 849 has been made since 1969 and is 100% Swiss Made in Geneva. - Pen Chalet lists the 849 Classic at 127 mm (5.0 in) long, 7.6 mm across and 14.17 g (0.5 oz). - The Goliath refill is rated for up to 600 pages; black and blue come in F, M and L tips. - Caran d'Ache's Swiss shop lists the black 849.009 at CHF 22.00 (about US$27); its German shop lists €24.00 (about US$27). - The body is aluminum, colored by electrostatic powder coating, with a flexible clip and a push button. ## What is the Caran d'Ache 849? **The Caran d'Ache 849 is a click ballpoint with a slim hexagonal aluminum body, made in Geneva since 1969.** Caran d'Ache's Swiss site calls it the ideal everyday companion and says it is 100% Swiss Made. The same body is also sold as an 849 fountain pen, rollerball and mechanical pencil. In the US it's a classic gift pen from a Swiss art-supply maker. The Gentleman Stationer calls it something of an iconic writing instrument, and US pen shops such as Pen Chalet, Dromgooles and Blick carry it in many colors and special editions. A mirrored Amazon listing for the orange 849 shows 4.5 stars from 559 reviews. ## Caran d'Ache 849 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Caran d'Ache (Thônex-Geneva, Switzerland) | | Model | 849 Classic Line (black: 849.009) | | Type | Click (push-button) ballpoint | | Body | Hexagonal aluminum, electrostatic powder-coated color | | Clip and button | Flexible clip, push button | | Length | 127 mm (5.0 in), per Pen Chalet | | Width | 7.6 mm across, per Pen Chalet | | Weight | 14.17 g (0.5 oz), per Pen Chalet | | Refill | Goliath ballpoint, M blue installed (Caran d'Ache Switzerland) | | Refill life | Up to 600 pages (Caran d'Ache) | | Made in | Switzerland | Caran d'Ache doesn't publish the pen's own size in the pages we read. Dromgooles lists 5 1/16 in (about 129 mm) and 0.6 oz, and Digitec 13 cm, close to Pen Chalet's figures. ![To-scale drawing of the Caran d'Ache 849 at 127 mm long and 7.6 mm across next to the Parker Jotter at 128 mm long and 9.6 mm across](https://stationerytimes.com/images/caran-dache-849-size.svg) *The 849 and the Parker Jotter are nearly the same length; the 849 is 2 mm slimmer.* ## What is the Goliath refill? **Goliath is Caran d'Ache's own ballpoint refill, which the maker says writes up to 600 pages.** Caran d'Ache's Swiss page says the 849 comes loaded with a blue Goliath M and works with all standard Goliath refills. Caran d'Ache lists black and blue Goliaths in F, M and L tips, red in F and M, and green, violet and turquoise in M only. Its Swiss shop sells a violet M (8421.111) at CHF 7.90 (about US$9.60), with a stainless steel point. ## Is the 849 heavy or slim in the hand? **It's a light, slim pen: Pen Chalet lists 14.17 g and 7.6 mm across the hexagon.** That's thinner than most click pens, so people with large hands may prefer a wider body. The flat sides keep it from rolling off a desk. ## How does the 849 compare with other click pens? **The 849 is the slim aluminum hexagon; the Jotter is the round steel classic; the Cross Classic Century is the thin twist pen.** | | Caran d'Ache 849 | [Parker Jotter](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/parker-jotter/) | [Cross Classic Century](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/cross-classic-century/) | |---|---|---|---| | Mechanism | Push button | Push button | Twist | | Body | Hexagonal aluminum | Round stainless steel | Round chrome-plated brass | | Length | 127 mm | 128 mm | 133 mm | | Width | 7.6 mm | 9.6 mm | About 8 mm | | Refill | Goliath | Quinkflow | Cross 8513 / 8511 | | Made in | Switzerland | France (retailers) | China (our guide) | For an inexpensive hexagonal ballpoint, the [BIC Cristal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/) has a similar six-sided shape in clear plastic. ## Where is the Caran d'Ache 849 made? **In Switzerland.** Caran d'Ache's Swiss page says the 849 is developed and made in Switzerland and 100% Swiss Made, and its German page repeats the claim. Pen Chalet and Dromgooles also list Switzerland. ## How much does the 849 cost? **In the US it falls in our $$$ band ($20–75 per pen).** Caran d'Ache's Swiss shop lists the black 849.009 at CHF 22.00 (about US$27), and its German shop at €24.00 (about US$27), on October 20, 2026. Special editions and boxed versions cost more. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Caran d'Ache 849? About 127 mm (5.0 in), per Pen Chalet; Dromgooles lists 5 1/16 in and Digitec 13 cm. Pen Chalet gives 7.6 mm across the hexagonal body and 14.17 g. ### What refill does the Caran d'Ache 849 use? The Goliath ballpoint refill. Caran d'Ache says the 849 works with all standard Goliath refills and that one Goliath writes up to 600 pages. ### What tip sizes does the Goliath refill come in? Caran d'Ache lists black and blue in F, M and L, red in F and M, and green, violet and turquoise in M only. ### Is the Caran d'Ache 849 made of metal? Yes. The body is hexagonal aluminum, colored by electrostatic powder coating, with a flexible metal clip and push button. ### Where is the Caran d'Ache 849 made? In Switzerland. Caran d'Ache says the 849 is 100% Swiss Made by its Geneva manufacture, and US retailers list Switzerland too. ### How much does a Caran d'Ache 849 cost? Caran d'Ache lists the black 849 at CHF 22.00 (about US$27) in Switzerland and €24.00 (about US$27) in Germany. In the US it falls in our $$$ band, $20–75. ### Caran d'Ache 849 or Parker Jotter? Both are about 127–128 mm click ballpoints with long-life refills. The 849 is a slimmer 7.6 mm hexagon in aluminum; the Jotter is a 9.6 mm round steel pen with an arrow clip. ## Sources - [Caran d'Ache (Switzerland): Stylo Bille 849 CLASSIC LINE Noir, 849.009 (read in French)](https://www.carandache.com/ch/fr/ballpoint-pen-black-849-classic-line-ballpoint-pen-p-11075.htm) - [Caran d'Ache (Germany): Kugelschreiber 849 CLASSIC LINE Schwarz (read in German)](https://www.carandache.com/de/de/ballpoint-pen-black-849-classic-line-ballpoint-pen-p-11075.htm) - [Caran d'Ache (Switzerland): Recharge Goliath Violette, pointe M, 8421.111 (600 pages, read in French)](https://www.carandache.com/ch/fr/cartouches/cartouche-goliath-pour-stylo-bille-m-violette-p-11229.htm) - [Caran d'Ache (US): Refill Goliath Blue for Ballpoint Pen (F, M, L tips)](https://www.carandache.com/us/en/cartridges/refill-goliath-blue-for-ballpoint-pen-f-m-l-tip-p-10222.htm) - [Caran d'Ache (US): Refill Goliath Red for Ballpoint Pen (F, M tips)](https://www.carandache.com/us/en/cartridges/refill-goliath-red-for-ballpoint-pen-f-m-tip-p-10224.htm) - [Pen Chalet: Caran d'Ache 849 Classic, Black (length, diameter, weight, made in Switzerland)](https://www.penchalet.com/fine_pens/ballpoint_pens/caran_d_ache_849_classic_ballpoint_pen/Black/) - [Dromgooles: Caran d'Ache 849 Anthracite Grey (5 1/16 in, 0.6 oz, 600 pages)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/caran-dache-849-anthracite-grey-metal-ballpoint) - [Digitec: Caran d'Ache 849 Classic, blue (13 cm length)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/caran-dache-ballpoint-pen-849-blue-1-mm-1-ballpoint-pens-8059934) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Pen Review, Caran d'Ache 849 (2018)](https://gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2018/8/18/pen-review-caran-dache-849) - [Blick: Caran d'Ache 849 Claim Your Style ballpoint pens](https://www.dickblick.com/products/caran-dache-849-claim-your-style-ballpoint-pens/) - [Desertcart (Amazon mirror): Caran d'Ache 849 orange, 849.030 (ratings, Best Sellers Rank)](https://www.desertcart.co.th/products/7002563) --- # Faber-Castell Grip 2001: The Dotted Triangle Pencil > The Faber-Castell Grip 2001 is a triangular graphite pencil with a silvery barrel and a patented grip zone of raised black dots. Faber-Castell sells it in five grades, with a bonded lead it says resists breaking. Retailers list the HB (117000) at 175 mm (6.9 in) long and made in Germany. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-grip-2001/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Faber-Castell Grip 2001 HB pencil drawn to scale at 175 mm (6.9 in) long with the point sharpened: silvery triangular barrel with black imprint and a grip zone of raised black dots toward the point; inset: the grip zone's black dots close up](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/faber-castell-grip-2001-16x9.png) *The Grip 2001 HB at its listed 175 mm, drawn to scale; the width is drawn by eye.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/faber-castell-grip-2001-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Faber-Castell Grip 2001 graphite pencil, HB, silver (117000) | Faber-Castell (by Faber-Castell AG, Stein, Germany) | Germany | Germany | FSC-certified wood, water-based lacquer, graphite lead bonded to the wood | – | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Faber-Castell Grip 2001 graphite pencil, HB, silver (117000)): Germany. Galaxus lists Germany as the country of origin for the HB (117000), and a German tool retailer (ToolTeam) marks it Made in Germany. Faber-Castell's own product page doesn't state it, but says its water-based lacquer is used on almost all writing instruments made at its main plant in Stein. Source: https://galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/faber-castell-grip-2001-2-mm-hb-1-x-pencil-5610094 ## Key takeaways - Retailer listings give the Grip 2001 HB (117000, EAN 4005401170006) a length of 175 mm (6.9 in). - Faber-Castell's German site says the Grip 2001 comes in 5 grades; its shop lists 2H, H, HB, B and 2B. - A mirrored Amazon listing for the HB 6-pack shows 4.6 stars from about 5,742 reviews and #61 in Wooden Lead Pencils. - Faber-Castell bonds the lead to the wood (its SV process) and paints the barrel with water-based lacquer. - Galaxus and German retailers list Germany as the country of origin; Faber-Castell is based in Stein, near Nuremberg. ## What is the Faber-Castell Grip 2001? **The Grip 2001 is a triangular graphite pencil with a silvery barrel and a patented grip zone of raised black dots.** Faber-Castell's German site calls it a world first in pencils, says the grip zone stops fingers slipping, and says the triangular shape lets you write without tiring. It's a steady US seller. A mirrored Amazon listing for the HB 6-pack shows 4.6 stars from about 5,742 reviews and #61 in Wooden Lead Pencils, and The Journal Shop says it has won six design awards. ## Faber-Castell Grip 2001 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Faber-Castell (Stein, Germany) | | Model | Grip 2001, HB 117000 | | Shape | Triangular, with a grip zone of raised dots | | Grades | 2H, H, HB, B, 2B (5 grades) | | Length | 175 mm (6.9 in), per ToolTeam and Kaufland | | Lead | 2 mm, per Galaxus and German eBay listings | | Finish | Silver water-based lacquer (Faber-Castell) | | Lead bonding | SV special bonding, glued along its length | | Wood | FSC-certified | | EAN (HB) | 4005401170006 | | Made in | Germany (Galaxus, ToolTeam) | Faber-Castell doesn't publish the barrel width in the pages we read. The Pen Addict found it slightly narrower than a [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/). ![Lengths to scale: Faber-Castell Grip 2001 at 175 mm (6.9 in), Castell 9000 at 173 mm (6.8 in) and Ticonderoga #2 at 190 mm (7.5 in)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/faber-castell-grip-2001-lengths.svg) *The Grip 2001 is about as long as a Castell 9000 and 15 mm shorter than a Ticonderoga.* ## What do the grip dots do? **Faber-Castell says the patented grip zone keeps your fingers from slipping.** The dots sit on all three faces near the point, where you hold the pencil, so the grip works however you turn it. Combined with the triangle, the dots give your fingers a fixed place to rest. We think that suits long writing sessions, but we haven't tested it yet. ## Which grade should you choose? **HB for everyday writing; B or 2B for darker, softer lines; H or 2H for light, crisp lines that smudge less.** Faber-Castell sells all five as single pencils, and a set of four (H, HB, B and 2B, item 117198). | Grade | Item | Good for | |---|---|---| | 2H | Not published in our sources | Light construction lines | | H | 117011 | Crisp notes that smudge less | | HB | 117000 | Everyday writing | | B | 117001 | Darker writing and sketching | | 2B | 117002 | Soft sketching and shading | There's also a Grip 2001 with an eraser tip in HB, and Two Tone versions with colored barrels. ## How does it compare with other pencils? **It's the triangular, grip-zoned option; the [Castell 9000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-9000/) is Faber-Castell's hexagonal drawing classic and the [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) the yellow school pencil.** | | Grip 2001 | Castell 9000 | Ticonderoga #2 | |---|---|---|---| | Shape | Triangular, grip dots | Hexagonal | Hexagonal | | Length | 175 mm | 173 mm | 190 mm | | Eraser | Separate version | No | Yes | | Grades | 5 (2H–2B) | 16 (8B–6H) | HB and others | For a Japanese writing pencil with a long history, see the [Tombow 8900](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-8900/). ## How do you sharpen a triangular pencil? **Like a round or hexagonal one: the Grip 2001 fits ordinary hand and desk sharpeners.** Faber-Castell's German shop pairs it with its own Grip 2001 triple sharpener box, and an Amazon set adds a three-hole sharpener and two eraser caps. Faber-Castell says the lead is fully glued to the wood with its SV bonding, so it should break less often when sharpened or dropped. The barrel's silver finish is a water-based lacquer, a technology Faber-Castell says it introduced first among pencil makers. ## Where is the Grip 2001 made? **In Germany, per Galaxus and German retailers.** Faber-Castell's page doesn't state the country, but says its water-based lacquer is used on almost all writing instruments made at its main plant in Stein, near Nuremberg. ## How much does it cost? **It falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5 per pencil), in the usual 6- and 12-packs.** Sets with eraser caps and a sharpener cost more per pack but stay in the same band per pencil. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the dots on the Faber-Castell Grip 2001? They're Faber-Castell's patented grip zone: raised dots near the point that the maker says keep your fingers from slipping. ### What grades does the Grip 2001 come in? Five: 2H, H, HB, B and 2B, per Faber-Castell's German site and shop. HB is item 117000, H 117011, B 117001 and 2B 117002. ### How long is a Faber-Castell Grip 2001 pencil? 175 mm (6.9 in) new, per German retailer listings for the HB. That's slightly longer than a Castell 9000 and 15 mm shorter than a Ticonderoga. ### Does the Grip 2001 have an eraser? The standard pencil doesn't. Faber-Castell sells a separate Grip 2001 with eraser tip in HB, and Amazon sets add eraser caps and a sharpener. ### Is the Grip 2001 triangular or round? Triangular. Faber-Castell says the ergonomic triangular shape lets you write without tiring. ### Does the Grip 2001 lead break easily? Faber-Castell says no: the lead is fully glued to the wood casing with its SV bonding, which makes it especially break-resistant. We haven't drop-tested it yet. ### Where is the Faber-Castell Grip 2001 made? In Germany, per Galaxus and German retailers. Faber-Castell is headquartered in Stein, near Nuremberg. ## Sources - [Faber-Castell (Germany): Grip 2001 Bleistift, HB, silber, 117000 (read in German)](https://www.faber-castell.de/produkte/Grip2001BleistiftHBsilber/117000) - [Faber-Castell (international): Grip 2001 graphite pencil, HB, silver](https://www.faber-castell.com/products/Grip2001graphitepencilHBsilver/117000) - [Faber-Castell: Grip 2001 graphite pencil set of 4, H, HB, B, 2B (117198)](https://www.faber-castell.com/products/Grip2001graphitepencilsetof4HHBB2B/117198) - [Galaxus: Faber-Castell Grip 2001, 2 mm, HB (country of origin Germany)](https://galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/faber-castell-grip-2001-2-mm-hb-1-x-pencil-5610094) - [ToolTeam: Faber-Castell Bleistift GRIP 2001 117000, HB (175 mm, GTIN, Made in Germany)](https://toolteam.com/es-ES/faber-castell-bleistift-g-rip-2001-117000-dreieckfo-rm-hb-silbergrau-306012660-t-1411731-4005401170006.html) - [Kaufland: Faber-Castell 117000 Bleistift GRIP 2001, HB, silbergrau (175 mm)](https://www.kaufland.fr/product/22633471/) - [The Journal Shop: Faber-Castell Grip 2001 Pencil (silvery pencil with black dots, 6 design awards)](https://thejournalshop.com/en-us/collections/faber-castell-brands/products/faber-castell-grip-2001-pencil) - [Desertcart (Amazon mirror): Faber-Castell Grip 2001 HB 6-pack (ratings, Best Sellers Rank)](https://www.desertcart.co/products/48085774) - [The Pen Addict: Faber-Castell Grip 2001 Pencil Review (2014)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2014/2/21/faber-castell-grip-2001-pencil-review) --- # STAEDTLER triplus fineliner: 0.3 mm Triangle Pens > The STAEDTLER triplus fineliner 334 is a capped fiber-tip pen with water-based ink, a 0.3 mm metal-clad tip and a triangular barrel. STAEDTLER's German site says it is made in Germany and can lie uncapped for days without drying out. JetPens lists it at 16.1 cm (6.3 in) capped and about 8.9 mm across. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-triplus-fineliner/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped black STAEDTLER triplus fineliner 334, drawn to scale at 161 mm (6.3 in) long and about 8.9 mm across: metallic grey triangular barrel with dark lettering, black end and black cap with clip, with a close-up of the 0.3 mm metal-clad tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/staedtler-triplus-fineliner-16x9.png) *The black triplus fineliner (334-9), drawn to scale from JetPens' 16.1 cm capped length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/staedtler-triplus-fineliner-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | STAEDTLER triplus fineliner 334 (0.3 mm) | Staedtler (by Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG (Nuremberg)) | Germany | Germany | Polypropylene triangular barrel and cap (97% recycled plastic, per STAEDTLER), metal-clad fiber tip | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (STAEDTLER triplus fineliner 334 (0.3 mm)): Germany. STAEDTLER's German and French product pages carry a Made in Germany badge for the 334. Galaxus lists China and Germany as countries of origin for the single black pen and Germany for pink, so check the package. Source: https://www.staedtler.com/de/de/produkte/malen/fineliner/triplus-fineliner-334-dreikantiger-fineliner-m334/ ## Key takeaways - Every triplus fineliner writes a line of about 0.3 mm, finer than the 0.4 mm Stabilo Point 88. - JetPens lists the pen at 16.1 cm (6.3 in) capped, 15.3 cm uncapped, 17.6 cm posted and about 8.9 mm across. - STAEDTLER's German page lists 40 single colors and a barrel of 97% recycled plastic; its US page says 48 colors. - An ASINsight report from July 2026 estimates about 10,000 monthly Amazon sales for the top triplus fineliner listing. - STAEDTLER's German and French pages mark it Made in Germany, at its Nuremberg-based maker. ## What is the STAEDTLER triplus fineliner? **The STAEDTLER triplus fineliner 334 is a capped fineliner with water-based ink, a superfine 0.3 mm metal-clad tip and a triangular barrel.** STAEDTLER, based in Nuremberg, describes it on its German site as a fineliner for relaxed writing and drawing, sold in the stand-up STAEDTLER box that doubles as a pen holder. It's one of the best-selling fineliners on Amazon in the US. A July 2026 ASINsight report estimates about 10,000 monthly sales for the top listing, and Staples shows a 10-pack at 4.79 stars from 224 reviews. ## STAEDTLER triplus fineliner specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | STAEDTLER (Nuremberg, Germany) | | Model | triplus fineliner 334 (black: 334-9) | | Type | Capped fineliner (fiber tip) | | Line width | About 0.3 mm, every color | | Tip | Fiber, metal-clad | | Ink | Water-based; washes out of most textiles (STAEDTLER) | | Barrel | Triangular polypropylene, 97% recycled plastic | | Length | 16.1 cm (6.3 in) capped, 15.3 cm uncapped, 17.6 cm posted (JetPens) | | Width | About 8.9 mm (JetPens) | | Weight | 7 g with cap; cap 1 g (JetPens) | | Colors | 40 single colors (STAEDTLER Germany); 48 (STAEDTLER US) | | Made in | Germany (STAEDTLER) | Galaxus lists a shorter 14 cm for the single black pen. We use JetPens' measured 16.1 cm, which matches the other lengths in its listing. ![To-scale drawing of the STAEDTLER triplus fineliner capped at 16.1 cm (6.3 in), uncapped at 15.3 cm (6.0 in) and posted at 17.6 cm (6.9 in), about 8.9 mm across](https://stationerytimes.com/images/staedtler-triplus-fineliner-lengths.svg) *Capped, uncapped and posted, drawn to scale from JetPens' figures.* ## Why is the barrel triangular? **STAEDTLER says the ergonomic triangular shape makes writing relaxed and less tiring.** The three flat sides sit against the thumb, index and middle finger, and the pen doesn't roll off a sloped desk. Officeworks describes the barrel as metallic grey with a color-coded cap, so you can find the color you want in a full box. STAEDTLER also says the colors match its triplus color 323 felt-tip pens ("Mix & Match"), for pairing fine lines with broader fills. ## Can you leave it uncapped? **STAEDTLER's German site says yes: its DRY SAFE ink lets the pen lie open for days without drying out, except the neon colors.** The French page makes the same claim. We haven't tested it yet. STAEDTLER also calls the pen airplane-safe: an automatic pressure balance keeps it from leaking in flight. ## How many colors and sets are there? **STAEDTLER's German site lists 40 single colors; the US page says 48.** In Germany it sells the pens in STAEDTLER boxes of 4, 6 (pastel), 10 and 20, card wallets of 6 to 40, a triangular tin of 12 and a pencil case with 20. US retailers carry similar sets, and JetPens offers sets of 42 and 60 colors. A blister card of 4 pens in recycled plastic comes in black or blue, for writing rather than color work. ## How does it compare with other fineliners? **The triplus is the finer, triangular option; the Point 88 is the colorful hexagonal one; the Micron is the archival-ink choice.** | | STAEDTLER triplus | [Stabilo Point 88](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stabilo-point-88/) | [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) | |---|---|---|---| | Line | About 0.3 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.15–0.70 mm (003 to 12) | | Ink | Water-based | Water-based | Archival pigment | | Barrel | Triangular, metallic grey | Hexagonal, orange | Round, beige | | Length capped | 16.1 cm | 16.7 cm | Not published | | Made in | Germany (STAEDTLER) | Germany (most listings) | Japan | STAEDTLER's US fineliner page points hand-lettering fans to its range. For lettering, a firm brush pen such as the [Tombow Fudenosuke](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-fudenosuke/) adds thick strokes to the triplus' fine lines. ## Where is the triplus fineliner made? **STAEDTLER's German and French product pages mark the triplus fineliner 334 Made in Germany.** Galaxus lists China as well as Germany for the single black pen, and Germany for pink, so origin may vary by color or batch. ## How much does it cost? **It falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5 per pen), when bought in the usual 10- and 20-color boxes.** Single pens are also widely sold, and larger sets bring the per-pen price down further. ## Frequently asked questions ### What line width does the STAEDTLER triplus fineliner write? About 0.3 mm. STAEDTLER gives the same 0.3 mm line for every color, from a fiber tip held in a metal casing. ### Can you leave a triplus fineliner uncapped? STAEDTLER's German site says its DRY SAFE ink lets the pen lie open for days without drying out, except the neon colors. That's a maker claim; we haven't tested it yet. ### How many colors does the triplus fineliner come in? STAEDTLER's German site lists 40 single colors and its US page says 48. JetPens sells sets of up to 60 colors, so counts vary by market and set. ### Is the triplus fineliner waterproof? No. The ink is water-based, and STAEDTLER says it washes out of most textiles. For waterproof lines, STAEDTLER sells a separate triplus permanent fineliner. ### Can you refill a triplus fineliner? No. JetPens lists the tip as not replaceable and the pen as not refillable, so it's used up and replaced. ### Why is the triplus fineliner triangular? STAEDTLER says the ergonomic triangular barrel makes writing relaxed and less tiring, because the pen sits between thumb, index and middle finger without rolling. ### Where is the STAEDTLER triplus fineliner made? STAEDTLER's German and French pages mark it Made in Germany. Galaxus lists China as well as Germany for the black pen, so the package is the final word. ### STAEDTLER triplus fineliner or Stabilo Point 88? Both are capped water-based fineliners in dozens of colors. The triplus writes a finer 0.3 mm line from a triangular barrel; the Point 88 writes 0.4 mm from a hexagonal one. ## Sources - [STAEDTLER (Germany): triplus fineliner 334, Dreikantiger Fineliner (product information, read in German)](https://www.staedtler.com/de/de/produkte/malen/fineliner/triplus-fineliner-334-dreikantiger-fineliner-m334/) - [STAEDTLER (France): triplus fineliner 334, Feutre triangulaire (read in French)](https://www.staedtler.com/fr/fr/produits/materiel-de-coloriage/fineliner/triplus-fineliner-334-feutre-triangulaire-m334/) - [STAEDTLER (US): Fineliners (triplus 334: 0.3 mm, water-based ink, 48 colors)](https://www.staedtler.com/us/en/products/products-for-colouring/fineliners/) - [JetPens: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pen 0.3 mm, Black (lengths, diameter, weight)](https://www.jetpens.com/Staedtler-Triplus-Fineliner-Pen-0.3-mm-Black/pd/7967) - [JetPens: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pen 0.3 mm, 60 Color Set](https://www.jetpens.com/Staedtler-Triplus-Fineliner-Pen-0.3-mm-60-Color-Set/pd/27457) - [Galaxus: STAEDTLER triplus fineliner 334, black (dimensions, countries of origin)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/staedtler-fineliner-triplus-334-black-1-x-pens-5610470) - [Officeworks: Staedtler Triplus 0.3 mm Fineliner Salmon (metallic grey barrel, colour-coded cap)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/staedtler-triplus-0-3mm-fineliner-salmon-st334222sn) - [ASINsight: best-selling Staedtler Triplus Fineliner listings on Amazon US (July 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/staedtler-triplus-fineliner) - [Staples: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 10-pack reviews](https://www.staples.com/ptd/review/505270) - [Walmart: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pen Set, 10 Colors](https://www.walmart.com/ip/139355447) --- # Diamine Ancient Copper Ink: Shading, Bottle & Dry Time > Diamine Ancient Copper is a rusty copper-brown fountain pen ink from Diamine of Liverpool, England. It comes in an 80 ml (2.7 fl oz) glass bottle and a 30 ml plastic bottle. It's a wet-flowing dye ink with high shading, from pale orange to deep red-brown, dries in about 20 seconds in Goulet's test and has low water resistance. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/diamine-ancient-copper/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![An 80 ml Diamine Ancient Copper bottle drawn to scale, 68 mm (2.7 in) tall and 55 mm (2.2 in) wide, with copper-brown ink, beside a swab card; inset: one written stroke shading from pale orange to dark red-brown](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/diamine-ancient-copper-16x9.png) *The 80 ml Ancient Copper bottle, drawn to scale, with a swab and its shading.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/diamine-ancient-copper-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Diamine Ancient Copper fountain pen ink, 80 ml bottle | Diamine (by Diamine-Speciality Inks Limited, Liverpool, England) | United Kingdom | United Kingdom | Water-based dye ink in a glass bottle | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Diamine Ancient Copper fountain pen ink, 80 ml bottle): United Kingdom. JetPens' listing says Diamine ink is produced in the UK, and Diamine is a Liverpool ink maker (see our Diamine Oxblood guide). We didn't find a country of origin printed on Diamine's own Ancient Copper page. Source: https://www.jetpens.com/Diamine-Ancient-Copper-Ink-80-ml-Bottle/pd/8771 ## Key takeaways - The 80 ml (2.7 fl oz) glass bottle is 6.8 cm (2.7 in) tall and 5.5 cm (2.2 in) across, per JetPens. - Goulet's smear test puts the dry time at about 20 seconds, a second or two longer from a wet nib. - A Fountain Pen Companion top-25 list shared in 2022 ranks Ancient Copper 4th of all inks, owned by 815 users. - Diamine's own shop lists the 80 ml bottle at £8.06 (about US$10.60) before VAT and tags it Best Seller. - Goulet rates water resistance low, so a wet page will blur. ## What is Diamine Ancient Copper? **It's a rusty copper-brown fountain pen ink from Diamine, the Liverpool ink maker, sold in an 80 ml glass bottle.** JetPens files the color as brown; Goulet calls it a copper-colored ink with heavy shading and a lot of personality. It's part of Diamine's standard ink range, which Diamine's shop says comes in 111 colors, each in 80 ml and 30 ml bottles. Diamine tags Ancient Copper as a Best Seller there. It is also one of the most-owned inks among enthusiasts. A top-25 list from the Fountain Pen Companion database, shared on Fountain Pen Network on April 26, 2022, ranks it 4th, owned by 815 users. Only its stablemate [Diamine Oxblood](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/diamine-oxblood/), J. Herbin's Emerald of Chivor and Iroshizuku Yama-budo ranked higher. ## Ancient Copper specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Diamine-Speciality Inks Limited, Liverpool | | Codes | Diamine DIA096 (80 ml), DIA296 (30 ml); JetPens DIAMINE 7086; Goulet D7086 | | Bottle | 80 ml (2.7 fl oz) glass; 30 ml also sold | | Bottle size | 6.8 cm (2.7 in) tall, 5.5 cm (2.2 in) across (JetPens) | | Weight | 189 g (6.7 oz) without packaging (JetPens) | | Ink type | Water-based dye (Diamine; JetPens) | | UK price | £8.06 (about US$10.60) per 80 ml before VAT, on Diamine's shop | | Water resistance | Low (Goulet) | | Dry time | About 20 s (Goulet's test) | | Shading / flow | High / wet (Goulet) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 per bottle) | Goulet warns that the bottle you receive may look different from its photo, because Diamine has mixed stock of bottle designs. Our cover draws the round 80 ml bottle at JetPens' size. ![Ancient Copper 80 ml and 30 ml bottles to scale, with fills per bottle: about 200 and 75 for a 0.4 ml Pilot CON-40, 100 and 37 for a 0.8 ml LAMY Z28, 45 and 17 for a 1.76 ml TWSBI ECO; dye-based, low water resistance, about 20 s dry time, high shading](https://stationerytimes.com/images/diamine-ancient-copper-fills.svg) *How many converter fills each bottle holds (bottle ÷ capacity), with Ancient Copper's sourced properties.* ## How does Ancient Copper write? **Wet, with strong shading from pale orange to deep red-brown.** Goulet rates its shading high and its flow wet, like most Diamine inks, and says it still behaved on all the fountain pen paper it tried. The shading needs ink on the page to show. A JetPens customer says it shines in very wet or flex nibs, shading from yellow and tan through rust and orange to deep red-brown, and recommends ink-resistant paper such as [Tomoe River](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tomoe-river-paper/). In a fine nib on cheap paper, expect a flatter brown. ## How fast does it dry, and is it waterproof? **It dries in about 20 seconds in Goulet's smear test, and it isn't water resistant.** Goulet says a wetter nib adds a second or two and rates water resistance low, so it suggests notes and artwork over envelopes or important documents. JetPens also lists the ink as not water resistant. For a page that has to survive rain, use a water-resistant ink such as [Noodler's Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/noodlers-black-ink/). ## How does it compare with Diamine Oxblood? **Ancient Copper is warmer, more orange and more translucent; Oxblood is a darker, more opaque red.** That is how a JetPens reviewer who uses both describes them, adding that thinned with water Oxblood turns magenta while Ancient Copper turns warm yellow-orange. | | Ancient Copper | Oxblood | |---|---|---| | Color | Rusty copper-brown | Dark red, brown undertones | | Shading (Goulet) | High | Medium | | Dry time | About 20 s (Goulet) | 30–35 s (Goulet, Mountain of Ink) | | Bottle | 80 ml glass, 30 ml | 80 ml glass, 30 ml | ## Which pens is it safe for? **Any fountain pen, according to Diamine.** Its shop calls its standard inks water-based, non-toxic, acid-free and vegan-friendly, and suitable for any brand of fountain pen, vintage models especially. Goulet rates it easy to clean, with one caveat. Left in an unused pen, it can form "crust bubbles" on the nib, which rinse off with water. Fill a converter such as a [LAMY Z28](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-z28-converter/) from the bottle: at 0.8 ml per fill, 80 ml is about 100 fills. ## Where is Diamine Ancient Copper made? **In the United Kingdom.** JetPens says Diamine ink is produced in the UK and that the brand dates back to 1864; Diamine is based in Liverpool, England. Diamine's own shop lists the 80 ml bottle at £8.06 (about US$10.60) and the 30 ml bottle at £3.24 (about US$4.30), both before VAT, as of October 2026. In the US, the 80 ml bottle sits in the $$ band. ## Frequently asked questions ### What color is Diamine Ancient Copper? A rusty copper brown with orange and red in it. JetPens files it under brown; Goulet says it shades from deep red-brown to light orange with a tinge of yellow. ### How big is a bottle of Diamine Ancient Copper? The main bottle holds 80 ml (2.7 fl oz) of ink in glass and measures 6.8 cm (2.7 in) tall by 5.5 cm (2.2 in) across, per JetPens. Diamine also sells a 30 ml bottle, which Goulet lists as plastic, and cartridges. ### Is Ancient Copper waterproof? No. Goulet rates its water resistance low and says it isn't ideal for addressing envelopes, and JetPens lists it as not water resistant. ### How long does Diamine Ancient Copper take to dry? About 20 seconds in Goulet's smear test, a second or two more from a wet nib. Slick fountain pen paper slows it down. ### Does Diamine Ancient Copper shade? Yes, a lot. Goulet rates its shading high, and a JetPens customer describes it shading from yellow and tan to rust, orange and deep red-brown in a wet or flex nib. ### Is Ancient Copper safe for vintage pens? Diamine says its standard inks are water-based, non-toxic and acid-free, and suit any brand of fountain pen, especially vintage models. Goulet adds it cleans out easily, though it can leave a harmless crust on a nib left unused. ### Is Ancient Copper the same as Diamine Oxblood? No. Oxblood is a dark red with brown undertones; a JetPens reviewer finds Ancient Copper less red and less purple, more translucent, and warmer orange when thinned. ### Where is Diamine ink made? In the United Kingdom. JetPens says Diamine ink is produced in the UK, and Diamine is based in Liverpool, England. ## Sources - [Diamine: 80ml Fountain Pen Ink - Ancient Copper (SKU DIA096, barcode 0700987827583, £8.06 ex. VAT)](https://www.diamineinks.co.uk/products/diamine-80ml-fountain-pen-ink-ancient-copper) - [Diamine: 30ml Fountain Pen Ink - Ancient Copper (SKU DIA296)](https://www.diamineinks.co.uk/products/diamine-30ml-fountain-pen-ink-ancient-copper) - [JetPens: Diamine Ancient Copper Ink, 80 ml bottle (DIAMINE 7086; 6.8 x 5.5 cm, 189 g; dye-based; produced in the UK)](https://www.jetpens.com/Diamine-Ancient-Copper-Ink-80-ml-Bottle/pd/8771) - [Goulet Pens: Diamine Ancient Copper, 80 ml bottled ink (item D7086)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/diamine-ancient-copper-80ml-bottled-ink) - [Goulet Pens: Diamine Ancient Copper, 30 ml bottled ink (plastic bottle, item D3086)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/diamine-ancient-copper-30ml-bottled-ink) - [Goulet Pens: Diamine Ancient Copper, ink review (dry time, water resistance, shading, flow)](https://blog.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/diamine-ancient-copper-ink-review) - [Fountain Pen Network: List of inks by popularity (Fountain Pen Companion top 25, April 26, 2022)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/366055-list-of-inks-by-popularity) --- # Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo: Moonlit Blue Ink Explained > Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo is a dark, saturated blue fountain pen ink from Pilot of Japan, named for a moonlit night. It comes in a heavy 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) glass bottle. It's a wet dye ink that dries in 15 to 30 seconds in reviewers' tests, with a faint red sheen and low water resistance. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-iroshizuku-tsuki-yo/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![A 50 ml Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo bottle drawn in proportion: heavy clear glass, black cap, dark blue ink and a conical recess in the base, beside a dark blue swab card; inset: a nib reaching the last ink around the cone](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-iroshizuku-tsuki-yo-16x9.png) *The 50 ml Tsuki-yo bottle, drawn in proportion, with a swab of the ink.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-iroshizuku-tsuki-yo-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Water-based dye ink in a glass bottle | – | $$$: $20–75 per item | - Made in (Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle): Japan. Pilot's Japanese catalog lists the bottle with JAN 4902505367298, which carries Japan's 49 GS1 prefix (it shows where the code was registered), and retailers describe Pilot as making its Iroshizuku inks in Japan (see our Kon-peki guide). We didn't find a country of origin stated on a Pilot page. Source: https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100002567 ## Key takeaways - The standard bottle holds 50 ml (1.7 fl oz); Pilot's Japanese catalog lists it at 271 g. - Dry time is 15 seconds in Goulet's test and 30 seconds in Mountain of Ink's. - A Fountain Pen Companion top-25 list ranks Tsuki-yo 12th of all inks, owned by 518 users. - Pilot's Japanese list price is ¥2,200 (about US$14) per 50 ml bottle, including tax. - Goulet and Mountain of Ink both rate its water resistance low. ## What is Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo? **It's a dark, saturated blue fountain pen ink in Pilot's Iroshizuku line; the name means moonlit night.** Mountain of Ink calls it a dark professional blue, and Goulet calls it one of the best colors in the line. Pilot's Japanese site says Iroshizuku has been on sale since 2007 and that each color is named from a planner's own experience. Tsuki-yo (月夜) was named for the jet-black sea, lit by the moon, seen from an open-air bath on a trip. We couldn't confirm on a Pilot page whether it was one of the line's first colors. It's one of the best-loved Iroshizuku inks. A Fountain Pen Companion top-25 list, shared on Fountain Pen Network in April 2022, ranks it 12th of all inks, owned by 518 users. ## Tsuki-yo specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation, Japan | | Code | INK-50-TY (50 ml); Pilot USA item 69205 | | Barcodes | JAN 4902505367298 (Japan); UPC 072838692054 (US) | | Bottle | 50 ml (1.7 fl oz), glass; 15 ml mini also sold | | Weight | 271 g (9.6 oz), per Pilot Japan | | Listed size | 82 × 86 × 36 mm, per Pilot Japan | | Ink type | Water-based dye (Pilot Japan) | | Japan list price | ¥2,200 (about US$14) per 50 ml, including tax | | Water resistance | Low (Goulet; Mountain of Ink) | | Dry time | 15 s (Goulet); 30 s (Mountain of Ink) | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75 per bottle) | Pilot's listed size doesn't match the shape of the round bottle, which JetPens lists at 8.0 cm (3.1 in) tall in another color. So our cover draws it in proportion, like our [Kon-peki](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki/) drawing of the same bottle. ![Tsuki-yo 50 ml and 15 ml bottles to scale, with fills per bottle: about 125 and 37 for a 0.4 ml Pilot CON-40, 62 and 18 for a 0.8 ml LAMY Z28, 28 and 8 for a 1.76 ml TWSBI ECO; water-based dye, low water resistance, 15–30 s dry time, tiny red sheen](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-iroshizuku-tsuki-yo-fills.svg) *How many converter fills each bottle holds (bottle ÷ capacity), with Tsuki-yo's sourced properties.* ## How does Tsuki-yo write? **Wet and dark, with little shading and only a faint red sheen.** Goulet rates its flow high and its saturation high, and says darker inks like this one don't shade much. Mountain of Ink found medium shading and no feathering or bleeding on Rhodia, Tomoe River and Leuchtturm. On Staples 24 lb copy paper it feathered and bled a little. The sheen is subtle. Goulet says a dark red sheen appears with the right paper and nib; Mountain of Ink saw only a small pop of red in large swabs on Tomoe River. ## How fast does it dry, and is it waterproof? **It dries in 15 to 30 seconds depending on the test, and it isn't water resistant.** Goulet measured 15 seconds; Mountain of Ink measured 30 seconds on fountain pen paper. Both rate water resistance low. Goulet adds that the ink is dark enough to survive mild water, but don't count on it for envelopes or signed documents. ## How does it compare with Kon-peki? **Tsuki-yo is the darker, more businesslike blue; Kon-peki is a bright cerulean.** Both are Iroshizuku dye inks in the same 50 ml bottle at the same Japanese list price. | | Tsuki-yo | Kon-peki | |---|---|---| | Color | Dark, saturated blue | Bright deep cerulean | | Dry time | 15–30 s | About 20–25 s (Goulet) | | Sheen | Faint red | Very little | | Water resistance | Low | Low | ## Which pens is it safe for? **Any fountain pen that takes bottled ink.** Goulet rates it easy to clean, like every Pilot ink, though its saturation may need an extra rinse. Pilot's Japanese site says to fit a converter and dip the nib up to the section to fill. A CON-40 in a [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) holds 0.4 ml, so a 50 ml bottle is about 125 fills; a piston pen like the [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/) takes about 28. The heavy bottle has a conical recess in its base so a nib can reach the last of the ink. Goulet also sells Tsuki-yo in cartridges, which fit Pilot pens. ## Where is Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo made? **In Japan, by retailer listings, and its barcode is registered in Japan.** Pilot's Japanese catalog gives the JAN 4902505367298 but no country of manufacture. Pilot lists the 50 ml bottle at ¥2,200 (about US$14) including tax, or ¥2,000 (about US$12.70) before tax. In the US it sits in the $$$ band. Pilot's November 2014 press release launched 15 ml Iroshizuku mini bottles in Japan, sold as sets of three for ¥2,100 (about US$13.30) before tax. One of its three ready-made sets paired Tsuki-yo with Take-sumi and Kon-peki. ## Frequently asked questions ### What color is Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo? A dark, saturated blue. Mountain of Ink calls it a dark professional blue, and Pilot's Japanese site says the name comes from the jet-black sea lit by the moon, seen from an open-air bath on a trip. ### What does Tsuki-yo mean? Moonlit night (月夜). Goulet translates it that way, and US retailers often sell it as Moonlight. ### How big is a bottle of Tsuki-yo? The standard bottle holds 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) and weighs 271 g, per Pilot's Japanese catalog. Pilot added a 15 ml mini in Japan in 2014, sold in sets of three, and Goulet sells Tsuki-yo cartridges. ### Is Tsuki-yo waterproof? No. Goulet and Mountain of Ink both rate its water resistance low, though Goulet says the dark color survives mild water better than lighter inks. ### How long does Tsuki-yo take to dry? 15 seconds in Goulet's smear test and 30 seconds in Mountain of Ink's. The gap comes from different pens, papers and methods, so allow the longer figure on slick paper. ### Does Tsuki-yo sheen? Only a little. Goulet says a subtle dark red sheen can be coaxed out with the right paper and nib; Mountain of Ink saw it only in large swabs on Tomoe River. ### Is Tsuki-yo the same as Kon-peki? No. Both are Iroshizuku blues in the same bottle, but Kon-peki is a bright cerulean and Tsuki-yo a much darker, more saturated blue. ### Where is Iroshizuku ink made? In Japan, by retailer listings, and its barcode is registered in Japan. Pilot's pages we read don't state a country of manufacture. ## Sources - [INK-50-TY｜色彩雫（いろしずく）｜PILOTウェブカタログ (Pilot Japan catalog: Tsuki-yo, JAN 4902505367298, 50 ml, 271 g, water-based dye)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100002567) - [日本の美しい情景と季節の移ろいを映す色。万年筆カラーインキ「色彩雫（いろしずく）」。 (Pilot Japan story: on sale since 2007, how Tsuki-yo was named)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/media/story/005.html) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo, 50 ml bottled ink (item 69205, UPC 072838692054)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/pilot-iroshizuku-tsuki-yo-50ml-bottled-ink) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo, ink review (dry time, water resistance, sheen)](https://gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/pilot-iroshizuky-tsuki-yo) - [Mountain of Ink: Ink Review #1064, Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo](https://mountainofink.com/blog/pilot-iroshizuku-tsuki-yo) - [Fountain Pen Network: List of inks by popularity (Fountain Pen Companion top 25, April 26, 2022)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/366055-list-of-inks-by-popularity) - [万年筆用インキ『色彩雫mini』新発売 (Pilot Japan press release, November 20, 2014: 15 ml mini, sets of three, Tsuki-yo × Take-sumi × Kon-peki set)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2014/11/20/iroshizuku_mini_3.html) - [Serai: パイロット『色彩雫』 sold since 2007, 24 colors](https://serai.jp/kajin/1114437) --- # Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori Ink: Teal, Sheen & Bottle > Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori, or copper pheasant, is a dark teal fountain pen ink from Sailor of Japan. It comes in a square 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) glass bottle 58 mm tall. It's a dye ink with a red sheen on good paper, dries in 5 to 10 seconds on Rhodia (Goulet) and has low water resistance. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sailor-shikiori-yama-dori/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![A 20 ml Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori bottle drawn to scale, 58 mm (2.3 in) tall and 34 mm (1.3 in) wide: square clear glass, gold-colored faceted cap, dark teal ink, beside a teal swab card; inset: the pooled swab edge with red sheen](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/sailor-shikiori-yama-dori-16x9.png) *The 20 ml Yama-dori bottle, drawn to scale, with a swab and its red sheen.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/sailor-shikiori-yama-dori-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori fountain pen ink, 20 ml bottle | Sailor (by The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Kure, Hiroshima, Japan) | Japan | Japan | Water-based dye ink in a glass bottle | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori fountain pen ink, 20 ml bottle): Japan. Hiroshima Prefecture's profile of Sailor says its site in Kure, Hiroshima makes fountain pens, inks and ballpoints, and the bottle's JAN 4901680184676 carries Japan's 49 GS1 prefix (it shows where the code was registered). Sailor's product page doesn't print a country of origin. Source: https://www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/onlyonenoonezigyou/sailor.html ## Key takeaways - Sailor's Japanese site lists the 20 ml bottle at W34 × D34 × H58 mm (1.3 × 1.3 × 2.3 in) and 94 g. - Sailor's Japanese list price is ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) per bottle, including tax. - Goulet's smear test puts dry time at 5 to 10 seconds on Rhodia; Mountain of Ink measured about 45 seconds for the older Jentle bottle. - A Fountain Pen Companion top-25 list ranks Yama-dori 19th of all inks, owned by 465 users. - It was sold as Sailor Jentle Yama-dori in a 50 ml bottle before moving to the Shikiori line. ## What is Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori? **It's a dark blue-green teal fountain pen ink from Sailor's Shikiori ("four seasons") line, named for the copper pheasant.** Sailor's Shikiori site pictures a beautiful copper pheasant landing on the far bank of a mountain stream. Shikiori is Sailor's series of seasonal inks and pens. Its site lists 36 ink colors, Yama-dori among the 16 in the Izayoi-no-Yume set, as JetPens names it. Yama-dori used to be sold as Sailor Jentle Yama-dori in a 50 ml bottle; Goulet says the move to Shikiori didn't change the ink. A Fountain Pen Companion top-25 list, shared on Fountain Pen Network in April 2022, ranks it 19th of all inks, owned by 465 users. ## Yama-dori specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., Japan | | Code | 13-1008-207 (20 ml bottle) | | Barcode | JAN 4901680184676 | | Bottle | 20 ml (0.7 fl oz), square glass, gold-colored faceted cap | | Bottle size | W34 × D34 × H58 mm (1.3 × 1.3 × 2.3 in), per Sailor Japan | | Weight | 94.0 g (3.3 oz), per Sailor Japan; 92 g per JetPens | | Ink type | Water-based dye (Sailor Japan) | | Japan list price | ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) including tax | | Water resistance | Low (Goulet) | | Dry time | 5–10 s on Rhodia (Goulet) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 per bottle) | JetPens measures the bottle at 5.7 cm (2.2 in) tall, a millimeter under Sailor's figure. Our cover draws it at Sailor's size. ![Yama-dori 20 ml bottle to scale, with fills per bottle: about 50 for a 0.4 ml Pilot CON-40, 25 for a 0.8 ml LAMY Z28, 11 for a 1.76 ml TWSBI ECO; water-based dye, low water resistance, 5–10 s dry time on Rhodia, bottle 34 × 34 × 58 mm and 94 g](https://stationerytimes.com/images/sailor-shikiori-yama-dori-fills.svg) *How many converter fills one 20 ml bottle holds (bottle ÷ capacity), with Yama-dori's sourced properties.* ## How does Yama-dori write? **Wet and saturated, with good shading and a red sheen where the ink pools.** Goulet rates its saturation high and its shading medium to high, and says a LAMY medium nib even showed a hint of sheen. Mountain of Ink calls it a medium teal with a burgundy sheen. Gentleman Stationer saw a reddish sheen once the ink dried, viewed at an angle. Mountain of Ink saw feathering and bleeding only on Baron Fig paper. On paper made for fountain pens, like [Tomoe River](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tomoe-river-paper/), it behaved. ## How fast does it dry, and is it waterproof? **It dries fast on Rhodia, 5 to 10 seconds in Goulet's test, and it isn't water resistant.** Goulet says it dries more slowly on slick Tomoe River, so take care with broad nibs there. Mountain of Ink measured about 45 seconds with the earlier Jentle version, so expect a range. Goulet's drip test left only a smudged, faint blue line. ## How does it compare with other popular teals and greens? **Yama-dori is bluer and darker than most popular green inks.** Mountain of Ink says it has a bit more blue than Iroshizuku Syo-ro and Ku-jaku. | | Yama-dori | Herbin Emerald of Chivor | |---|---|---| | Color | Dark blue-green teal | Blue-green with gold shimmer | | Sheen | Red | Red | | Bottle | 20 ml glass | 50 ml glass | | Shimmer | No (JetPens) | Gold particles | If you want a teal with shimmer, see [J. Herbin Emerald of Chivor](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/herbin-emerald-of-chivor/). ## Which pens is it safe for? **Retailers call it safe for all fountain pens, but Sailor itself only guarantees it in Sailor pens.** Goulet and JetPens describe the Shikiori inks as formulated to be safe for all fountain pens. Sailor's Japanese page asks buyers to use it in Sailor pens and says it can't cover problems in other makers' pens. It also notes the bottle has no reservoir and that a loose inner cap should be pushed back into the lid to prevent leaks. At 0.8 ml per [LAMY Z28](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-z28-converter/) fill, one 20 ml bottle is about 25 fills. Goulet says each bottle includes small stickers to label your converter. ## Where is Sailor Shikiori ink made? **In Japan.** Hiroshima Prefecture's profile of Sailor says its site in Kure, Hiroshima makes fountain pens and inks, and the bottle's barcode is registered in Japan. Sailor's Japanese site lists the 20 ml bottle at ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) including tax, or ¥1,200 (about US$7.60) before tax. In the US it sits in the $$ band. ## Frequently asked questions ### What color is Sailor Yama-dori? A dark blue-green teal. Goulet calls it a dark bluish teal, Mountain of Ink a medium teal with a burgundy sheen, and JetPens files it under turquoise. ### What does Yama-dori mean? Copper pheasant (山鳥), a Japanese mountain bird. Sailor's Shikiori site pictures a beautiful copper pheasant landing on the far bank of a mountain stream. ### How much ink is in a Shikiori bottle? 20 ml (0.7 fl oz). Sailor's Japanese site lists the square glass bottle at 34 × 34 × 58 mm and 94 g; the older Jentle bottle held 50 ml. ### Does Yama-dori sheen? Yes, on the right paper. Goulet says some sheen shows on specific papers with enough ink, and Mountain of Ink and Gentleman Stationer describe a red or burgundy sheen. ### Is Yama-dori waterproof? No. Goulet rates water resistance low, saying a drip leaves only a smudged, faint blue line, and Mountain of Ink says it isn't water resistant. ### How long does Yama-dori take to dry? 5 to 10 seconds on Rhodia in Goulet's smear test, slower on Tomoe River. Mountain of Ink measured about 45 seconds with the older Jentle ink, so pen and paper matter. ### Can I use Sailor ink in other brands' pens? Retailers call Shikiori safe for all fountain pens, but Sailor's Japanese site asks you to use it in Sailor pens and won't cover problems in other makers' pens. ### Where is Sailor Shikiori ink made? In Japan: Hiroshima Prefecture says Sailor's Kure, Hiroshima site makes its inks, and the barcode is registered in Japan. The product page itself doesn't print a country. ## Sources - [SHIKIORI ―四季織― 万年筆用ボトルインク (Sailor Japan: 13-1008-207 Yama-dori, JAN 4901680184676, 20 ml, W34×D34×H58 mm, 94.0 g, ¥1,320)](https://sailor.co.jp/product/13-1008/) - [Ink color lineup | SHIKIORI ―四季織― Official Website (Sailor Japan: Yama-dori description, 36 colors)](https://shikiori.sailor.co.jp/ink-color-lineup/) - [広島県: オンリーワン・ナンバーワン企業 セーラー万年筆 (Hiroshima Prefecture: Sailor's Kure site makes fountain pens and inks)](https://www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/onlyonenoonezigyou/sailor.html) - [JetPens: Sailor Shikiori Yamadori Ink (Copper Pheasant), Izayoi-no-Yume, 20 ml bottle (5.7 x 3.4 cm, 92 g)](https://www.jetpens.com/Sailor-Shikiori-Yamadori-Ink-Copper-Pheasant-Izayoi-no-Yume-20-ml-Bottle/pd/22558) - [Goulet Pens: Sailor Shikiori Yamadori, 20 ml bottled ink (SL-13-1008-207, converter stickers)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/sailor-shikiori-yamadori-20ml-bottled-ink) - [Goulet Pens: Sailor Shikiori Yamadori, ink review (dry time, water resistance, sheen, Jentle to Shikiori)](https://blog.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/sailor-shikiori-yamadori-ink-review) - [Mountain of Ink: Ink Review #76, Sailor Jentle Yama-dori (50 ml bottle, 45 s dry time)](https://mountainofink.com/blog/sailor-jentle-yama-dori) - [Gentleman Stationer: Ink Review, Sailor Yama-Dori (August 20, 2014)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2014/8/20/ink-review-sailor-yama-dori) - [Fountain Pen Network: List of inks by popularity (Fountain Pen Companion top 25, April 26, 2022)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/366055-list-of-inks-by-popularity) --- # Hobonichi 5-Year Techo: A6 Five-Year Diary 2027–2031 > The Hobonichi 5-Year Techo is a five-year diary: each date gets a spread, with blocks for 2027 to 2031 on the left page and free grid on the right. Hobonichi lists the A6 book at 153 × 113 × 25 mm, about 330 g and 752 pages of Tomoe River paper, for ¥4,620 (about US$29). - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-5-year-techo/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo A6 to scale: a brown book 153 mm tall, 113 mm wide and 25 mm thick with gold 2027 and 2031 on the cover, and the book open flat on one date spread of cream paper, five year blocks on the left page and free 3.7 mm grid on the right](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/hobonichi-5-year-techo-16x9.png) *The A6 5-Year Techo closed and open on one date spread (1 mm = 1.2 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-5-year-techo-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, A6, 2027–2031 (Japanese, January start) | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | PVC cover; Tomoe River paper, thread-sewn | 2017 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, A6, 2027–2031 (Japanese, January start)): Japan. Per Hunter Paper Co.'s listing (Made in Japan) and The Journal Shop's (Country of Origin: Japan). Hobonichi's own product page doesn't state the country of manufacture. Source: https://hunterpaperco.com/products/hobonichi-5-year-techo-japanese-book-2026-2031-a6-size ## Key takeaways - Hobonichi lists the A6 5-Year Techo at 153 × 113 × 25 mm (6.0 × 4.4 × 1.0 in) and about 330 g. - The book has 752 pages: one spread per date, with five year blocks covering January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2031. - Each day's block on a 3.7 mm grid has 178 squares in the A6 and 352 in the A5, per Hobonichi. - Hobonichi lists ¥4,620 (about US$29) for the A6 and ¥6,600 (about US$42) for the A5; US shops sell the A6 in our $$$ band ($20–75). - Hunter Paper Co. and The Journal Shop list it as made in Japan; the pages are printed in Japanese. ## What is the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo? **It's Hobonichi's five-year diary: one spread per calendar date, with five blocks on the left page, one for each year from 2027 to 2031.** You write a few lines a day, and from the second year on you see what you wrote on the same date a year earlier. Hobonichi first announced the 5-Year Techo on August 27, 2017, as a 2018–2022 book, with sales planned for December 2017. The current book runs January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2031. ## Hobonichi 5-Year Techo specs | Spec | A6 (this guide) | A5 ("big" 5-Year Techo) | |---|---|---| | Size | 153 × 113 × 25 mm (6.0 × 4.4 × 1.0 in) | 214 × 156 × 25 mm (8.4 × 6.1 × 1.0 in) | | Weight | About 330 g (11.6 oz) | About 670 g (1.5 lb) | | Pages | 752 | 752 | | Dates | January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2031 | Same | | Grid | 3.7 mm | 3.7 mm | | Space per day, per year | 178 squares | 352 squares | | Paper | Tomoe River | Tomoe River | | Cover | Brown PVC, gold foil, dark brown ribbon | Same style | | Binding | Thread-sewn, opens flat at 180° | Same | | List price | ¥4,620 (about US$29) | ¥6,600 (about US$42) | Specs are from Hobonichi's Japanese store pages. JetPens counts the A6 as 376 sheets, which matches 752 pages. Holidays aren't marked. ![Left, the left-hand A6 page of a Hobonichi 5-Year Techo date spread to scale, split into five year blocks from 2027 to 2031 on a 3.7 mm grid; right, the A6 cover at 113 × 153 mm and 330 g against the A5 at 156 × 214 mm and 670 g](https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-5-year-techo-page.svg) *The left page of each date holds five years; the facing page is free grid. The A5 is the same book on larger pages.* ## How does a 5-Year Techo spread work? **Each date gets a two-page spread: the left page has the date and five stacked blocks labelled 2027 to 2031, and the right page is free grid space.** In 2027 you fill the top block; in 2028 you write in the second block and read the first. Hobonichi says each day gets 178 grid squares in the A6, enough for a sentence or two. The free right-hand page takes longer notes, sketches or tickets, and a quote from Hobonichi's archive runs along the foot of the spread. Hobonichi's guide adds five yearly calendars at the front and extra pages at the back, including a one-page-per-year review, Gifts, Addresses, My Lists and Personal Notes. ## How big and heavy is the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo? **The A6 book is pocket-sized but thick: 153 × 113 mm and 25 mm deep, about 330 g.** It's 10 mm thicker than the A6 [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/), because it packs five years into 752 pages. The A5 version doubles the writing area to 352 squares a day but weighs about 670 g. It's a desk book, like the A5 [Hobonichi Cousin](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-cousin/). ## What is the paper and binding like? **The pages are cream Tomoe River paper with the grid printed in light charcoal grey, and the book is thread-sewn so it opens flat at 180 degrees.** That's how Hobonichi's Japanese page describes it, along with a brown PVC cover with gold foil and a dark brown ribbon bookmark. Tomoe River is thin, so expect some show-through with dark or wet inks. Hobonichi includes a test-writing sheet so you can check your pens before writing in the book. ## How does it compare to other five-year diaries? **It's the only one of the three with dated years and Tomoe River paper; the others are undated and English.** | | Hobonichi 5-Year Techo A6 | [Q&A a Day 5-Year Journal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/qa-a-day-5-year-journal/) | [Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 153 × 113 mm | About 161 × 110 mm | 210 × 145 mm (A5) | | Pages | 752 (a spread per date) | 368 (a question per date) | 365 (one page per date) | | Years | Printed: 2027–2031 | Fill in | "20__", fill in | | Paper | Tomoe River | Not listed in our guide | 80 g/m² | | Language | Japanese | English | English | | Price band | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | If you'd rather write a full page each day for one year, see the [Stalogy 365 Days Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stalogy-365-days-notebook/). ## Which cover and edition should you choose? **Pick the A6 if you carry it, the A5 if it lives on a desk; both come in a January start only.** The book has its own brown cover, so a separate cover is optional. Retailers say standard A6 Techo covers don't fit the 25 mm book. Hobonichi sells covers made for the 5-Year Techo, such as an A6 leather cover, and gift sets that bundle a cover with the book. ## Where is the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo made? **Hunter Paper Co. and The Journal Shop list it as made in Japan.** Hobonichi is a Tokyo company; we didn't find the country of manufacture on its own pages. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo work? Each calendar date gets a spread: the left page has five blocks, one for each year from 2027 to 2031, and the right page is free grid space. You write in the first block in 2027, then return to the same page in 2028 and see what you wrote a year before. ### What size is the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo? The A6 book measures 153 × 113 × 25 mm (about 6.0 × 4.4 × 1.0 in) and weighs about 330 g. The A5 version, sold as the 'big' 5-Year Techo, is 214 × 156 × 25 mm and about 670 g. ### How many pages does the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo have? 752 pages, as Hobonichi lists it; JetPens lists the same book as 376 sheets. The A5 version also has 752 pages. ### Is the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo in English? No. Hobonichi's English store sells the 2027–2031 book as a Japanese edition, and retailers note that its pages are in Japanese. Dates and years are in numerals, so it works for English writers. ### Do Hobonichi Original A6 covers fit the 5-Year Techo? Retailers say no: the 25 mm thick book needs a cover made for the 5-Year Techo. Hobonichi sells dedicated 5-Year Techo covers, such as an A6 leather cover. ### How much does the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo cost? Hobonichi lists the A6 at ¥4,620 (about US$29) and the A5 at ¥6,600 (about US$42). US retailers sell the A6 for more, in our $$$ band of $20–75. ### When does the 2027 Hobonichi 5-Year Techo start? It covers January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2031, and comes in a January start only. ### Where is the Hobonichi 5-Year Techo made? Hunter Paper Co. and The Journal Shop list it as made in Japan. Hobonichi is a Tokyo company. ## Sources - [Hobonichi: 5-Year Techo Japanese Book (2027–2031), A6 (size, weight, pages, price)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_cover/fb27_s_jan/) - [ほぼ日手帳 2027: ほぼ日５年手帳（2027-2031）A6（縦153 × 横113 × 厚さ25 mm、約330 g、752ページ、トモエリバー、糸かがり製本、PVC表紙、4,620円 税込; read in full)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_cover/fb27_s_jan/) - [ほぼ日手帳 2027: おおきいほぼ日５年手帳（2027-2031）A5（サイズ 214 × 156 × 25 mm、約670 g、6,600円）](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/sp/detail_cover/fb27_m_jan/) - [ほぼ日手帳 2027: ほぼ日５年手帳 特設ページ](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/5year/) - [Hobonichi: 5-Year Techo, Techo Type Guide 2027 (178 squares a day)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/all_about/5year/) - [ほぼ日手帳 2026: ほぼ日５年手帳 手帳タイプ別ガイド（見開きの構成、178マス／352マス、巻頭カレンダー、巻末のおまけページ）](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2026/all_about/5year/) - [ほぼ日刊イトイ新聞: ほぼ日5年手帳、登場。(August 27, 2017; brown soft PVC cover, cream Tomoe River paper, dictionary-style sewn binding)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/magazine/2018/yokoku/2017-08-27.html) - [ほぼ日刊イトイ新聞: ほぼ日5年手帳について](https://www.1101.com/store/5year/about/) - [Hobonichi: 5-Year Techo Leather Cover (Red), A6 (fits the 5-Year Techo)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_cover/fb22_s_red/) - [JetPens: Hobonichi 5-Year Techo, A6, 2027–2031 (376 sheets, PVC cover, thread and glue binding)](https://www.jetpens.com/Hobonichi-5-Year-Techo-A6-2027-2031/pd/53901) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Hobonichi 5-Year Techo Japanese Book (2027–2031), A6 (752 pages, Tomoe River S, made in Japan; read in full)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/hobonichi-5-year-techo-japanese-book-2026-2031-a6-size) - [The Journal Shop: Hobonichi 5-Year Techo Japanese Book 2027–2031, A6 (Country of Origin: Japan, covers for the Original not compatible; read in full)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-us/products/hobonichi-5-year-techo-japanese-book-2027-2031-a6-size) - [Boston General Store: Hobonichi 5-Year Techo Book, A6, 2027–2031](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/hobonichi-5-year-techo-book-a6-2027-2031) --- # KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook A5: Soft Rings & Dot Lines > The KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook is a Japanese ring notebook whose rings are soft olefin resin, so they squash instead of digging into your hand. The A5 dot-ruled book (ス-SV338BT) has 80 micro-perforated sheets of 210 × 148 mm, ruled at 6 mm with 29 lines and dots along each line. KOKUYO lists it at ¥680 (about US$4.30). - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-soft-ring-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook A5 to scale: a light green notebook 210 mm tall on a 148 mm sheet with fat, soft rings down the left edge, and the notebook open flat on white sheets ruled at 6 mm with dots along the lines and a perforation beside the rings](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kokuyo-soft-ring-notebook-16x9.png) *The A5 Soft Ring closed and open, with one soft ring magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-soft-ring-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook, dot-ruled, A5, 80 sheets (ス-SV338BT) | KOKUYO (by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Not stated | Translucent PP front cover, board back cover, woodfree paper, olefin-resin rings | 2015-03-11 | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook, dot-ruled, A5, 80 sheets (ス-SV338BT)): Not stated. KOKUYO's product pages, ASKUL's spec sheet and the US listings we read don't state where the notebook is made. KOKUYO is based in Osaka, Japan. ## Key takeaways - KOKUYO launched the Soft Ring Notebook on March 11, 2015, in semi-B5 and A5, after what it calls three years of development. - The A5 dot-ruled book has 80 sheets of 210 × 148 mm (8.3 × 5.8 in), B ruling at 6 mm with 29 lines. - The rings are olefin resin and D-shaped; KOKUYO says they give when your hand presses them and keep the page edges aligned. - KOKUYO lists the A5 80-sheet book at ¥680 (about US$4.30) in six colors; US shops sell it in our $$ band ($5–20). - Sheets are micro-perforated to tear out cleanly, and the front cover is translucent colored polypropylene over a board back. ## What is the KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook? **It's a ring notebook from Japanese maker KOKUYO whose rings are soft resin, not metal wire.** KOKUYO says the rings squash when your hand rests on them, so you can write to the inner edge of the page. KOKUYO launched it on March 11, 2015, in semi-B5 and A5. Its launch release quotes its own survey: 47% of ring-notebook users said the metal rings got in the way of their hand, and 37% said the rings were bulky. ## KOKUYO Soft Ring A5 specs | Spec | Soft Ring Notebook, dot-ruled, A5, 80 sheets | |---|---| | Model | ス-SV338BT (SU-SV338BT) plus a color code | | Sheet size | 210 × 148 mm (8.3 × 5.8 in) | | Sheets | 80 (160 pages), micro-perforated | | Ruling | B ruling, 6 mm, 29 lines, with dots on each line | | Paper | Woodfree (上質紙) | | Cover | Translucent colored PP front, board back | | Rings | Olefin resin, D-shaped | | Colors | Dark gray, light blue, light green, light pink, purple, orange | | List price | ¥680 (about US$4.30) | | Made in | Not stated | Sheet size, ruling and price are from KOKUYO's Japanese pages; cover, paper and ring material from ASKUL's spec sheet. KOKUYO doesn't publish the outer size or the ring pitch. ![To-scale drawing of one KOKUYO Soft Ring A5 sheet, 210 × 148 mm, with 29 lines at 6 mm, dots along each line, ring holes down the left edge and a perforation line, beside a list of its specs](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-soft-ring-notebook-sheet.svg) *One A5 sheet: 29 dot-ruled lines at 6 mm, with the perforation beside the ring holes.* ## How do the soft rings work? **The rings are olefin resin, a soft plastic, so they flex when your hand lands on them.** KOKUYO describes them as squishy ("puni-puni") and says this makes the notebook kinder to left-handed writers, who rest on the rings on every left-hand page. The rings are D-shaped, not round. KOKUYO says that keeps the page edges aligned and the ring band narrow, so the books stack and travel without snagging; the pages also fold back 360°. ## What does dot-ruled mean? **Each ruled line carries small dots at even intervals, which KOKUYO adds to help you line up headings, indents and tables.** The A5 book uses 6 mm B ruling, 29 lines a page. KOKUYO also sells the Soft Ring with a 5 mm grid, plain pages, 7 mm lines (the Natural covers) and 5 mm dot grid (the Clear covers). ## What sizes and sheet counts are there? **The colorful dot-ruled line runs from A7 memos to B5, in 40-, 50- and 80-sheet versions.** KOKUYO lists the A5 80-sheet book at ¥680 (about US$4.30) and the A5 50-sheet book at ¥390 (about US$2.50). US shops such as JetPens and KOKUYO's Amazon listings mostly carry the A5 and B5 80-sheet books, imported, in our $$ band ($5–20). ## How does it compare to other ring notebooks? **It's the soft-ring choice; the others use metal wire.** | | KOKUYO Soft Ring A5 | [Maruman Mnemosyne N195A](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/maruman-mnemosyne-a5-notebook/) | [Oxford 1-Subject](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/oxford-1-subject-spiral-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Binding | Soft resin D-rings | Metal twin ring | Metal spiral | | Sheet size | 210 × 148 mm | A5 (cover 210 × 161 mm) | 7.5 × 10.5 in after tearing out | | Sheets | 80, perforated | 80, perforated | 70, perforated | | Ruling | 6 mm with dots | 7 mm | College or wide | | Price band | $$ | $$ | $ | For KOKUYO's best-known bound notebook, see the [KOKUYO Campus](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-campus-notebook/). ## Which Soft Ring should you choose? **For daily notes, the A5 80-sheet dot-ruled book in this guide is the all-rounder; pick B5 for class notes and A6 or A7 for a pocket.** The colorful covers only differ in color. If you want a quieter look, the Natural line has black, navy or beige covers with 7 mm lines, and the Clear line has a transparent cover with a 5 mm dot grid. KOKUYO's Business line adds grid, 6 mm, plain and edge-title pages for work. ## Where is the KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook made? **KOKUYO doesn't say on the pages we read, so we list it as not stated.** ASKUL's spec sheet and the US listings we checked don't give a country either; KOKUYO is based in Osaka, Japan. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is special about the KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook? Its rings are soft olefin resin instead of metal wire. KOKUYO says they squash when your hand rests on them, so you can write to the edge of the page without the rings getting in the way. ### Is the KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook good for left-handed writers? KOKUYO markets it as left-hand friendly, because the hand that drags across the rings on a left-hand page meets soft resin, not wire. We haven't tested this ourselves yet. ### What size is the KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook A5? KOKUYO lists the A5 sheet at 210 × 148 mm (8.3 × 5.8 in). It doesn't publish the cover size; the rings add width on the left. ### How many sheets are in a Soft Ring Notebook? The A5 dot-ruled book in this guide has 80 sheets (160 pages). KOKUYO also makes 40- and 50-sheet versions, and A7 to semi-B5 sizes. ### What is dot-ruled paper in a KOKUYO notebook? It's ordinary ruled lines with small dots spaced evenly along each line, which KOKUYO adds to help you align headings, tables and diagrams. The A5 Soft Ring uses 6 mm B ruling with 29 lines. ### Can you tear pages out of the Soft Ring Notebook? Yes. ASKUL's listing calls it a cut-off type with micro-perforations, so single pages tear out cleanly near the rings. ### What colors does the A5 Soft Ring come in? KOKUYO lists dark gray, light blue, light green, light pink, purple and orange for the A5 80-sheet dot-ruled book. ### Where is the KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook made? KOKUYO doesn't state it on the pages we read, and neither do the retailers we checked. KOKUYO is a Japanese company based in Osaka. ## Sources - [コクヨ: ソフトリングノート ベーシック（特長、罫線の種類、バリエーションと価格; read in full)](https://www.kokuyo-st.co.jp/stationery/softring-note/basic/) - [コクヨ: ス-SV338BT-LG 商品情報詳細（A5、中紙 210 × 148 mm、ドット入りB罫 6 mm、29行、80枚、JAN 4901480326337）](https://www.kokuyo-st.co.jp/search/1_detail.php?seihin_sikibetu=1&ss1=17&ss2=17A1&sid=100120913&pgmax=60) - [コクヨ ニュース: 「ソフトリング®ノート（ドット入り罫線）」を発売 (February 25, 2015; read in full)](https://www.kokuyo.co.jp/newsroom/news/industry/20150225.html) - [コクヨ ニュース: ソフトリング®ノート（カラフル）の表紙色をリフレッシュ (2021; three years of development)](https://www.kokuyo.co.jp/newsroom/news/category/20210831st.html) - [コクヨ ニュース: ソフトリングノート10周年 記念商品を発売 (June 3, 2025)](https://www.kokuyo.co.jp/newsroom/news/category/20250603st.html) - [ASKUL: コクヨ ソフトリングノート（ドット入り罫線）（カットオフ）A5 80枚 ス-SV338BT-DM (cover, paper, ring material, perforation; read in full)](https://www.askul.co.jp/p/PP70025/) - [JetPens: KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebooks](https://www.jetpens.com/KOKUYO-Soft-Ring-Notebooks/ct/6441) - [Amazon.com: KOKUYO A5 Soft Ring Notebook, Dot 6 mm Ruled, 80 Sheets, Light Blue (SU-SV338BT-LB)](https://amazon.com/Kokuyo-Shaped-Notebook-Section-Square/dp/B01MTDD7Z1) - [Amazon.com: KOKUYO A5 Soft Ring Notebook, Dot 6 mm Ruled, 80 Sheets, Dark Gray (SU-SV338BT-DM)](https://amazon.com/KOKUYO-Notebook-Business-Notebooks-SV338BT-DM/dp/B09DPW96W1) --- # Tsubame Fools Notebook A5: Paper, Ruling & Sheet Counts > The Tsubame Fools University Notebook A5 (H30S) is a thread-bound Japanese notebook from Tokyo's Tsubame Note. It measures 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in) and holds 30 sheets (60 pages) of Tsubame's acid-free Fools paper, about 81.4 gsm, ruled at 7 mm with 24 lines, under a grey card cover with a black cloth spine. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tsubame-fools-notebook-a5/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Tsubame Fools University Notebook A5 to scale: a grey card cover 210 mm tall and 148 mm wide with a printed border, a white label frame and a black cloth spine, and the notebook open flat on white pages ruled at 7 mm with thread stitches in the fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tsubame-fools-notebook-a5-16x9.png) *The A5 Tsubame notebook closed and open, with the sewn fold magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tsubame-fools-notebook-a5-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tsubame Fools University Notebook A5, 7 mm ruled, 30 sheets (H30S) | Tsubame (by Tsubame Note Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Card cover with cloth spine tape; thread-bound Fools paper (about 81.4 gsm) | – | $: under $5 per notebook | - Made in (Tsubame Fools University Notebook A5, 7 mm ruled, 30 sheets (H30S)): Japan. Per Pulp Addiction's listing for the 30-sheet A5 ruled notebook (Made in Japan) and Hunter Paper Co.'s listing for the 40-sheet A5 (Made in Japan). Tsubame Note is based in Asakusabashi, Tokyo. Source: https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/tsubame-fools-university-notebook-a5-ruled ## Key takeaways - Tsubame lists the A5 H30S at 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in) with 30 sheets, 7 mm A ruling and 24 lines a page. - JetPens lists the Fools paper at 81.4 gsm and calls it acid-free and fountain-pen friendly. - The same A5 notebook comes in 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100 sheets; Tsubame lists the 30-sheet book at ¥230 (about US$1.50) before tax. - Tsubame says the cover design has not changed since 1947, and that its Fools paper carries a watermark and no fluorescent dyes. - Pulp Addiction and Hunter Paper Co. list it as made in Japan; JetPens sells it for under $5, our $ band. ## What is the Tsubame Fools Notebook? **It's the classic notebook from Tsubame Note, a Tokyo maker, built around its own acid-free Fools paper.** The A5 University Notebook H30S is the slim 30-sheet version, ruled at 7 mm. The grey card cover has a printed border, a label frame and a black cloth spine. Tsubame says the cover design has stayed the same since 1947 (Showa 22). The H in H30S comes from the founder's given name, Hatsusaburo, and the number is the sheet count. ## Tsubame Fools Notebook A5 specs | Spec | A5 University Notebook H30S | |---|---| | Maker | Tsubame Note Co., Ltd., Asakusabashi, Tokyo | | Size | A5: 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in) | | Sheets | 30 (60 pages) | | Ruling | A ruling, 7 mm, 24 lines | | Paper | Tsubame acid-free Fools paper, 81.4 gsm (JetPens) | | Binding | Thread-bound, cloth spine tape | | Cover | Grey card with printed border | | Codes | H30S, product number H2001; JAN 4968796112115 | | List price | ¥230 (about US$1.50) before tax | | Made in | Japan | Size, ruling, sheets, price and JAN are from Tsubame's Japanese product pages. Paper weight and cover colour are from JetPens; one JetPens listing gives the spacing as 7.5 mm. ## How many sheets and sizes are there? **The A5 University Notebook comes in six thicknesses: 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100 sheets, all with the same 7 mm A ruling.** Before tax, Tsubame lists them from ¥230 (about US$1.50) for the H30S up to ¥790 (about US$5) for the 100-sheet H100S; the table in the figure gives each price. The maker notes the H100S is about 5 mm shorter, 148 × 205 mm, and that only the 50- to 100-sheet books have a printed spine label. US shops mostly stock the 30-sheet A5; JetPens also sells a B5. ![To-scale drawing of a 148 mm wide A5 Tsubame page with 24 lines at 7 mm, beside bars for the six A5 University Notebook sheet counts, H30S to H100S, with their codes and list prices](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tsubame-fools-notebook-a5-ruling.svg) *The 7 mm, 24-line page, and the six A5 sheet counts Tsubame makes.* ## Is the Tsubame notebook good for fountain pens? **It has a long reputation as a fountain-pen paper, and JetPens sells it as fountain-pen friendly.** Tsubame says the paper resists feathering, uses no fluorescent dyes and carries a Fools watermark you can see against the light. At 81.4 gsm it's a little lighter than the LIFE Noble Note's 85 g/m². We haven't tested it ourselves, so treat show-through and dry time as open questions until we do. For a wider choice, see our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## How does it compare to other Japanese A5 notebooks? **It's the thinnest and cheapest of these A5 books, and the only one with a cloth spine.** | | Tsubame H30S | [LIFE Noble Note A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/life-noble-note-a5/) | [Midori MD Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 148 × 210 mm | 148 × 210 mm | 148 × 210 mm | | Pages | 60 | 200 | 176 | | Paper | 81.4 gsm, white | About 85 g/m², cream | 80–90 g/m² (retailers), cream | | Ruling | 7 mm | Plain, 8 mm, 5 mm grid | Plain, 7 mm, 5 mm grid | | Binding | Thread, cloth spine | Thread, cloth spine | Sewn, exposed spine | | Price band | $ | $$ | $$ | For a French staple-bound alternative at a similar thickness, see the [Clairefontaine 1951 notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/clairefontaine-1951-staplebound-notebook/). ## Which Tsubame notebook should you choose? **Pick the 30-sheet H30S to try the paper cheaply, or a thicker book for a long project.** The sheet count is the only difference within the A5 University line. If you prefer warm-toned paper, JetPens sells a separate Fools Cream line, such as the A5 C2015 with 32 sheets ruled at 7 mm. ## Where is the Tsubame notebook made? **Retailers list it as made in Japan.** Pulp Addiction says so for the 30-sheet A5 and Hunter Paper Co. for the 40-sheet A5; Tsubame Note is based in Asakusabashi, Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is Fools paper in a Tsubame notebook? It's Tsubame's own acid-free writing paper, which the maker calls Tsubame neutral Fools paper. JetPens lists it at 81.4 gsm and describes it as fountain-pen friendly. ### How many pages are in a Tsubame A5 notebook? The A5 H30S has 30 sheets, or 60 pages. Tsubame also makes the same A5 notebook in 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100 sheets. ### What is the line spacing in a Tsubame notebook? Tsubame lists the A5 University Notebook with A ruling at 7 mm and 24 lines a page. One JetPens listing gives 7.5 mm; we use the maker's figure. ### Is the Tsubame notebook good for fountain pens? It's widely sold as fountain-pen friendly, and JetPens describes the paper that way. We haven't tested it ourselves yet. ### How much does a Tsubame A5 notebook cost? Tsubame lists the 30-sheet H30S at ¥230 (about US$1.50) before tax. JetPens sells it for under $5, which is our $ band. ### What is the difference between the Tsubame University Notebook and the Fools Cream Notebook? The University Notebook has white Fools paper under a grey card cover; JetPens sells a separate Fools Cream line, such as the A5 C2015 with 32 sheets at 7 mm, with cream paper. ### Does the Tsubame notebook lie flat? It is thread-bound through the fold, which lets it open wide. We haven't measured how flat it lies. ### Where are Tsubame notebooks made? In Japan, per Pulp Addiction and Hunter Paper Co. Tsubame Note is a Tokyo company based in Asakusabashi. ## Sources - [ツバメノート: 製品紹介 (A5 University Notebook lineup H30S–H100S, sizes, rulings, list prices, read in full)](https://www.tsubamenote.co.jp/product.html) - [ツバメノート: H30S H2001（30枚、A罫 7 mm × 24行、フールス紙、糸綴じ、JAN 4968796112115）](https://www.tsubamenote.co.jp/info/h2001info.html) - [ツバメノート: H40S H2002（40枚、A罫 7 mm × 24行、フールス紙、糸綴じ、JAN 4968796122114）](https://www.tsubamenote.co.jp/info/h2002info.html) - [ツバメノート: H80S H2005（80枚、A罫 7 mm × 24行、フールス紙、糸綴じ）](https://www.tsubamenote.co.jp/info/h2005info.html) - [ツバメノート株式会社: home page (cover design unchanged since 1947, Fools paper watermark, thread binding, address)](https://www.tsubamenote.co.jp/) - [JetPens: Tsubame Fools University Notebook, A5, Lined (H2001, 30 sheets, 81.4 gsm, grey card cover)](https://www.jetpens.com/Tsubame-Fools-University-Notebook-A5-Lined/pd/12562) - [JetPens: Tsubame Notebooks (grey cover with decorative border and black spine)](https://www.jetpens.com/Tsubame-Notebooks/ct/2141) - [JetPens: Tsubame Fools Cream Notebook, A5, Lined (C2015)](https://www.jetpens.com/Tsubame-Fools-Cream-Notebook-A5-Lined/pd/39800) - [Pulp Addiction: Tsubame Fools University Notebook, A5, Ruled (30 sheets, 81.4 gsm, thread-bound, made in Japan)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/tsubame-fools-university-notebook-a5-ruled) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Tsubame A5 Notebook (7 mm, Fools paper, made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/tsubame-a5-notebook) - [Yoseka Stationery: Tsubame Fools University Notebook, H30S, Lined, A5](https://yosekastationery.com/products/tsubame-fools-university-notebook-h30s-a5) --- # Kanmido Coco-Fusen Card: Film Sticky Notes in a Card > The Kanmido Coco-Fusen Card is a credit-card-size case, 84 × 53.5 mm and about 1.5 mm thin, that dispenses see-through film sticky notes one at a time. The M version holds 105 notes of 32 × 11 mm in five colors; the S holds 210 narrower ones. Kanmido launched it in April 2012 and has sold over 2 million. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kanmido-coco-fusen-card/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Kanmido Coco-Fusen Card drawn to scale, an 84 mm white card case with a yellow note sliding out, beside a page with five 32 × 11 mm film notes stuck along its edge in yellow, pink, blue, mint and orange](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kanmido-coco-fusen-card-16x9.png) *A credit-card-size case of 105 film notes; the clear ends let the text show through.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kanmido-coco-fusen-card-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Kanmido Coco-Fusen Card M, COLOR Standard (CFC-1003) | Kanmido (by Kanmido Co., Ltd. (Meguro, Tokyo)) | Japan | Not stated | PET film notes; PP case; acrylic adhesive; paper (per Kanmido) | 2012-04 | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Kanmido Coco-Fusen Card M, COLOR Standard (CFC-1003)): Not stated. Kanmido's product page (read in full) and the retailer listings we found for the Card don't state a country. Retailers list two other Coco-Fusen products, the Mini and the Clip, as made in Japan. ## Key takeaways - Kanmido gives the case as 84 × 53.5 mm (3.3 × 2.1 in) and about 1.5 mm thin, sized for the card slots in planners, pass cases and phone covers. - Card M holds 105 notes of 32 × 11 mm (21 in each of 5 colors); Card S holds 210 notes of 32 × 5.5 mm. - Japanese list prices are ¥627 (about US$4) for M and ¥715 (about US$4.50) for S, including tax; a 210-note M refill is ¥462 (about US$2.90). - Kanmido says the card first went on sale in April 2012 and passed 2 million sold by March 2024. - The current design launched on March 22, 2024, replacing the earlier CF-5001 Card M. ## What is the Kanmido Coco-Fusen Card? **It's a thin, card-size case of see-through film sticky notes, made to live in the card slot of a planner, pass case or phone cover.** Coco-Fusen (ココフセン) is Kanmido's line of film notes; ふせん (fusen) is the Japanese word for sticky notes and page markers. Kanmido, a sticky-note maker based in Meguro, Tokyo, first sold the card in April 2012 and says it passed 2 million sold by March 2024. In the US it's sold by JetPens and by Hobonichi alongside its Techo planners. ## Coco-Fusen Card specs | Spec | Card M | Card S | |---|---|---| | Case | 84 × 53.5 mm (3.3 × 2.1 in), about 1.5 mm thin | Same | | Note size | 32 × 11 mm (1.3 × 0.43 in) | 32 × 5.5 mm (1.3 × 0.22 in) | | Notes in the case | 105 (21 × 5 colors) | 210 (42 × 5 colors) | | Refill pack | 210 notes | 420 notes | | Japan list price | ¥627 (about US$4) | ¥715 (about US$4.50) | | Example model | CFC-1003 (COLOR Standard M) | CFC-2001 (COLOR Sunlight S) | Prices include tax; before tax they're ¥570 (about US$3.60) and ¥650 (about US$4.10). The COLOR Standard M refill (CFC-9103) is ¥462 (about US$2.90) including tax. Kanmido lists the materials as PET, PP, acrylic adhesive and paper. ## How big is it? **It's practically a credit card: 84 × 53.5 mm against a standard card's 85.6 × 54 mm.** At about 1.5 mm thin, it slides into the same slots. ![To-scale Coco-Fusen Card, 84 by 53.5 mm, drawn over the dashed outline of an 85.6 by 54 mm credit card, beside the M note at 32 by 11 mm and the S note at 32 by 5.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kanmido-coco-fusen-card-sizes.svg) *The case almost exactly matches a credit card; M and S notes beside it at the same scale.* An M note is about the height of one line of text plus margin, so it marks a line rather than a page. The S note is half as tall, for single words or tight rows in a planner. ## How do the notes come out? **One at a time, like tissues: Kanmido calls it a pop-up case.** You pull a note from the slot on the front and the next one follows. That's the practical difference from a loose pad of flags: one hand can pull a note while the other holds the book open. ## Why film instead of paper notes? **Film is see-through and tougher than paper.** You can stick a note over a line of text and still read it, and it doesn't tear or curl when the book closes on it. Kanmido treats the film so you can write on it, but warns that water-based and gel pens may dry slowly or not take. The same clear-end idea drives [Post-it Flags 680](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/post-it-flags-680/), which are larger at 1 × 1.7 in; for a note big enough for a sentence, a paper pad such as [Post-it Notes 654](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/post-it-notes-654/) works better. ## How do you refill it? **Slip new bundles of 21 into the case.** Kanmido's refill packs hold 210 M notes (two bundles per color) or 420 S notes (four bundles per color), and both sizes share one case, so you can mix them. Only Card refills fit. JetPens points out that the Coco-Fusen Basic notes, at 1.2 × 4.2 cm, are too large for the card and belong in the Basic holders. ## What changed in 2024? **Kanmido relaunched the card on March 22, 2024 with new colors, a smooth matte case and plainer designs.** It stopped making the earlier COLOR M (CF-5001) at the end of March 2024 and named the COLOR Standard M (CFC-1003) as its successor. The case and note sizes stayed the same, so older and newer refills are interchangeable in size. ## Which should you choose, M or S? **Choose M for marking passages and lines, and S for color-coding a planner.** | You want to | Pick | |---|---| | Mark passages in books and reports | Card M | | Color-code days, tasks or words in a planner | Card S | | Write a letter or two on the flag | Card M | | Carry the most notes per case | Card S | Kanmido warns that the adhesive can lift the surface of some papers, so it advises against precious, old or borrowed books. For a planner kit, a [Hobonichi Pencil Board](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-pencil-board/) makes a firm writing surface to go with it. ## Where is the Coco-Fusen Card made? **We didn't find a country stated for the Card.** Kanmido's product page doesn't say, and retailers list only the Coco-Fusen Mini and Clip as made in Japan, so check the package. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Coco-Fusen Card? Kanmido gives the case as 84 × 53.5 mm and about 1.5 mm thin, almost exactly the size of a credit card (85.6 × 54 mm). It fits card pockets in planners, notebook covers and pass cases. ### How many sticky notes are in a Coco-Fusen Card? The M size holds 105 notes, 21 in each of five colors. The S size holds 210 narrower notes, 42 in each of five colors. ### What size are Coco-Fusen notes? Kanmido lists the M notes at 32 × 11 mm and the S notes at 32 × 5.5 mm. JetPens notes that the larger Coco-Fusen Basic refills, 1.2 × 4.2 cm, don't fit the card. ### Can you refill a Coco-Fusen Card? Yes. Kanmido sells refill packs of 210 M notes or 420 S notes, in bundles of 21 that you slip into the case. Both sizes use the same case, so you can mix them. ### Can you write on Coco-Fusen film notes? Yes. Kanmido treats the film surface so it takes writing, but warns that water-based pens and gel pens may dry slowly or not write, depending on the ink. A ballpoint or pencil is the safe choice. ### Will Coco-Fusen notes damage books? Kanmido says the adhesive peels cleanly and rarely leaves residue, but warns it can lift the surface or print of some papers. It advises against using them on precious, old or borrowed books. ### Where is the Coco-Fusen Card made? We didn't find a country stated for the Card. Kanmido is a Tokyo company, and retailers list its Coco-Fusen Mini and Clip as made in Japan. ## Sources - [Kanmido: ココフセンカード (case 84 × 53.5 mm; M 32 × 11 mm × 105, S 32 × 5.5 mm × 210; CFC-1003 ¥627, JAN 4522163038486; refills; materials; writing and peeling notes; page read in full)](https://www.kanmido.co.jp/products/cocofusencard/) - [Kanmido: カードサイズのケースに入ったふせん『ココフセンカード』が全面リニューアル発売 (March 15, 2024: relaunch March 22, 2024; first sold April 2012; 2 million sold; about 1.5 mm thin; page read in full)](https://www.kanmido.co.jp/information/20240315_cfc2024/) - [Kanmido: 『ココフセンカード』リニューアル発売に伴う従来品の製造終了のお知らせ (CF-5001 ends; successor CFC-1003)](https://www.kanmido.co.jp/information/202403122_cfcoldfin/) - [Kanmido: 【旧デザイン】ココフセンカード (earlier CF-5001 design)](https://www.kanmido.co.jp/products/cocofusencard_old/) - [JetPens: Kanmido Coco Fusen Sticky Notes, Card (category)](https://www.jetpens.com/Kanmido-Coco-Fusen-Sticky-Notes-Card/ct/6585) - [JetPens: Kanmido Coco Fusen Sticky Notes Card, Medium, Dried Flowers (CFC-1002, 105 notes)](https://www.jetpens.com/Kanmido-Coco-Fusen-Sticky-Notes-Card-Medium-Dried-Flowers/pd/43530) - [JetPens: Kanmido Coco Fusen Sticky Notes Basic Refill, M (1.2 × 4.2 cm; not for the card)](https://www.jetpens.com/Kanmido-Coco-Fusen-Sticky-Notes-Basic-Refill-M-Blue-Green/pd/42421) - [Hobonichi: Coco-Fusen Card (Techo 2024 accessories)](https://1101.com/store/techo/en/2024/sp/detail_toolstoys/s_cocofusencard) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Kanmido Coco Fusen Mini sticky notes (made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/kanmido-coco-fusen-mini-sticky-notes) --- # Kodomo no Kao Pochitto6: Six Tiny Stamps in One Stick > The Kodomo no Kao Pochitto6 is a self-inking planner stamp that holds six tiny stamps, each about 5.5 mm square, in one 77 × 15 × 14 mm stick. You press the button above the design you want. Kodomo no Kao says the pigment oil-based ink gives about 1,000 prints per design, and lists it as made in China. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kodomo-no-kao-pochitto6-push-button-stamp/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Kodomo no Kao Pochitto6 drawn to scale: a light grey stick 77 mm long with six numbered push buttons, beside a planner strip stamped with six 5.5 mm icons in black, red, green and pink](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kodomo-no-kao-pochitto6-push-button-stamp-16x9.png) *Six stamps, one stick: press the numbered button above the design you want.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kodomo-no-kao-pochitto6-push-button-stamp-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Kodomo no Kao Pochitto6 push-button stamp (Schedule, 1850-002) | Kodomo no Kao (by Kodomo no Kao Co., Ltd.) | Japan | China | ABS plastic holder; PE stamp surface; pigment oil-based ink | 2021-11 | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Kodomo no Kao Pochitto6 push-button stamp (Schedule, 1850-002)): China. Kodomo no Kao's Japanese product pages for the Pochitto6 (1800 series) state 中国製, made in China. The Journal Shop's listing gives Japan instead; we use the maker's statement. We didn't find the country restated on the 1850-series renewal page. Source: https://www.kodomonokao.com/pochitto6/ ## Key takeaways - Kodomo no Kao gives the body as W15 × D77 × H14 mm (0.6 × 3 × 0.6 in), with six designs of about 5.5 mm (0.2 in) square. - Each design is self-inking with pigment oil-based ink good for about 1,000 prints, per the maker; Hobonichi says there are no refills. - The Japanese list price is ¥990 (about US$6.30) including tax; Hobonichi's editions run from ¥1,045 (about US$6.60) to ¥1,320 (about US$8.40). - Kodomo no Kao lists seven ink colors across the designs: black, red, green, pink, brown, purple and orange. - Kodomo no Kao's Japanese pages list it as made in China. ## What is the Kodomo no Kao Pochitto6? **It's a stick of six tiny self-inking stamps: you hold it over the page and press the button above the design you want.** "Pochitto" is the Japanese sound of a button being pressed, and the 6 is the number of stamps. Kodomo no Kao is a Japanese rubber-stamp maker, and it calls the Pochitto6 one of its most popular products. Hobonichi has sold Pochitto6 editions with its Techo planners since at least the 2023 lineup, which is how many US planner users first meet it. ## Pochitto6 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Body (W × D × H) | 15 × 77 × 14 mm (0.6 × 3 × 0.6 in) | | Designs per stick | 6, each about 5.5 mm (0.2 in) square | | Ink | Pigment oil-based, self-inking | | Prints | About 1,000 per design | | Weight | About 15 g (Hobonichi) | | Materials | ABS holder, PE stamp surface (Hobonichi) | | Package | 65 × 120 × 18 mm | | Japan list price | ¥990 (about US$6.30) including tax | | Made in | China (Kodomo no Kao) | All figures are from Kodomo no Kao's Japanese pages unless marked. One retailer gives each design as 10 × 10 mm, but the maker and Hobonichi both say about 5.5 mm. ![To-scale top and underside of the Pochitto6: a stick 77 mm long and 15 mm wide with six numbered buttons on top and six stamp faces about 5.5 mm square underneath](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kodomo-no-kao-pochitto6-push-button-stamp-sizes.svg) *Top and underside at 6 px = 1 mm: six buttons, six 5.5 mm stamps.* ## How big is a Pochitto6 print? **About 5.5 mm, roughly the height of two lines of small handwriting.** That makes it a marker rather than a decoration: a sun on a date, a check by a task, a face for the day's mood. A 5.5 mm icon fits inside a day cell of most monthly calendars; on the 3.7 mm grid of a [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) it covers about one and a half squares. For larger layouts, such as a time tracker, a [Midori Paintable Stamp Half Size](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-paintable-stamp-half-size/) prints up to about 61 × 30.5 mm. ## How does the push-button mechanism work? **Each design sits under its own button, like a key on a keyboard; pressing one stamps only that design.** Kodomo no Kao compares it to a keyboard and says a light press gives a clean print. Because the face is small and the stick sits flat on the page, lining it up is easy. That's the main reason planner users choose it over a full-size rubber stamp and a separate pad. ## Which designs are there? **Kodomo no Kao's current 1850 series has six sticks, each a theme of six icons.** The renewal also changed the body from cream beige to light grey and the package from blue to pink. | Theme (Japanese name) | Item no. | JAN | |---|---|---| | Weather log (天気ログ) | 1850-001 | 4990212056017 | | Schedule (予定を管理) | 1850-002 | 4990212056024 | | Today's mood (今日はどんな気持ち？) | 1850-003 | 4990212056031 | | Work (お仕事に便利) | 1850-004 | 4990212056048 | | Various marks (色々なマーク) | 1850-005 | 4990212056055 | | Flapjack octopus and friends (メンダコと仲間たち) | 1850-006 | 4990212056062 | The earlier 1800 series ran to 15 themes, including health, fruit, stationery and fan activities (推す予定), and some are now discontinued. Hobonichi sells its own editions, such as Animal Parade and Yummy Days at ¥1,045 (about US$6.60) and a Moomin edition at ¥1,320 (about US$8.40), all prices including tax. ## Is the ink waterproof? **It's a pigment oil-based ink, and Kodomo no Kao says water-based pens won't make it bleed.** Hobonichi adds that the ink doesn't smudge, so you can layer colors over it. That makes it safe to color in with a highlighter and to write beside with a gel pen. Kodomo no Kao gives about 1,000 prints per design, and Hobonichi says there are no refills: when a design runs dry, you replace the stick. ## What are the downsides? **The designs are fixed and too small for anything but marking.** If you want text, a date or a big decorative stamp, you need a different tool, such as the [Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp/). Each stick also comes in a fixed mix of ink colors, so you can't choose a color per icon. And because it's disposable, a favorite design costs a new stick after about 1,000 prints. ## Where is the Pochitto6 made? **Kodomo no Kao's Japanese product pages say made in China.** The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin, so check the package; we go with the maker's statement. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big are Pochitto6 stamps? Kodomo no Kao gives the illustrations as about 5.5 mm square, a little over 1/5 in. The whole stick is 77 mm long, 15 mm wide and 14 mm tall. ### Does the Pochitto6 need an ink pad? No. All six stamps are self-inking, so you place the stick over the spot and press the button above the design. ### How many times can you stamp with a Pochitto6? Kodomo no Kao says about 1,000 prints per design. Hobonichi says the stamp is disposable and has no refills. ### Can you color over Pochitto6 stamps with highlighters? Yes. Kodomo no Kao says the oil-based ink won't bleed when you color over it with water-based pens, and Hobonichi says the ink doesn't smudge, so colors can be layered. ### What ink colors do Pochitto6 stamps come in? Kodomo no Kao lists black, red, green, pink, brown, purple and orange across the designs. Each stick mixes several colors, one per icon. ### Where can you buy the Pochitto6 in the US? Hobonichi sells its own editions to the US through its online store, and shops such as The Journal Shop and Yoseka Stationery carry the regular designs. ### Where is the Pochitto6 made? Kodomo no Kao's Japanese product pages say made in China. One retailer lists Japan, but we go with the maker; Kodomo no Kao itself is a Japanese stamp company. ## Sources - [Kodomo no Kao: ボタン式の浸透印 Pochitto6 (ポチッとシックス) (W15 × D77 × H14 mm, 5.5 mm illustrations, pigment oil-based ink, 1,000 prints, ¥990, 1800-001 to 012, made in China; page read in full)](https://www.kodomonokao.com/pochitto6/) - [Kodomo no Kao: 【Pochitto6】ボタンのスタンプに新柄登場 (June 24, 2022: 15 designs, seven ink colors, 1,000 prints per design, made in China; page read in full)](https://www.kodomonokao.com/pochitto6new/) - [Kodomo no Kao: 手帳に使いやすいポチッとシックス リニューアル (1850 series, body cream beige to light grey, JAN codes; page read in full)](https://www.kodomonokao.com/npochitto6/) - [Hobonichi: Kodomo no Kao x Hobonichi Pochitto6 Push-Button Stamp (77 × 15 × 14 mm, about 15 g, ABS and PE, ¥1,045, no refills; page read in full)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_pochitto6_knk/) - [Hobonichi: Kodomo no Kao x Hobonichi Pochitto6 Push-Button Stamp (Moomin)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2026/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_pochitto6_moomin/) - [Hobonichi: Kodomo no Kao Pochitto6 Push-Button Stamp (Techo 2023 accessories)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2023/sp/detail_toolstoys/s_pochitto6/) - [The Journal Shop: Kodomo No Kao Pochitto6 Push Button Self-Inking Stamp (size, package, weight, country of origin)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/kodomo-no-kao-pochitto6-push-button-self-inking-stamp) - [Yoseka Stationery: Kodomo No Kao Pochitto6 Push-button Stamp](https://yosekastationery.com/collections/vendors/products/kodomo-no-kao-pochitto6-push-button-stamp) --- # KOKUYO Dot Liner: Dotted Tape Glue, Sizes & Refills > The KOKUYO Dot Liner is a refillable tape glue that lays adhesive as rows of tiny dots, so the strip cuts cleanly when you lift it. KOKUYO's standard Ta-DM400-08N holds 8.4 mm × 16 m of tape, refills are Ta-D400-08N, and KOKUYO says the series passed 200 million units shipped in June 2025. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-dot-liner/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![KOKUYO Dot Liner drawn to scale, a 94 mm rounded applicator with a clear window over its tape reels, beside an 8.4 mm strip of dotted glue on paper, with an inset of the dot pattern](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kokuyo-dot-liner-16x9.png) *The Dot Liner lays its 8.4 mm strip as dots of glue, so the tape breaks off cleanly.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-dot-liner-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | KOKUYO Dot Liner standard tape glue, firm adhesive (Ta-DM400-08N), refill Ta-D400-08N | KOKUYO (by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Thailand | Recycled ABS case (70% recycled content); dot-pattern adhesive on a carrier tape | 2005-06 | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (KOKUYO Dot Liner standard tape glue, firm adhesive (Ta-DM400-08N), refill Ta-D400-08N): Thailand. KOKUYO Store lists Thailand for an 8.4 mm × 16 m refill pack, and Simple Paper lists Thailand for its Dot Liner glue tape. We didn't find the origin stated for the Ta-DM400-08N body itself. Source: https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/dotliner-tape-glue-refill-tape-strongly-stick-pack-of-3-8.4mm-x-16m-red/TA-D403-08X3.html ## Key takeaways - The standard Dot Liner (Ta-DM400-08N) holds 8.4 mm × 16 m (0.33 in × 52 ft) of tape and lists at ¥510 (about US$3.20) before tax in Japan; refills are ¥390 (about US$2.50). - KOKUYO launched the Dot Liner in June 2005 as Japan's first tape glue with a dot pattern of adhesive. - Shipments passed 100 million in Japan by November 2017 and 200 million for the series in June 2025, per KOKUYO. - A Japanese retail spec gives the body as 94 mm (3.7 in) long, with a case of 70% recycled ABS. - KOKUYO Store and Simple Paper list Dot Liner tape as made in Thailand. ## What is the KOKUYO Dot Liner? **It's a refillable tape glue: a hand-held applicator that rolls a dry strip of adhesive onto paper, laid as rows of tiny dots.** KOKUYO calls it テープのり (tape glue); in the US the same tool is usually called a tape runner. KOKUYO began selling the Dot Liner in June 2005, after a development project that started in 2002, and its history page calls it Japan's first tape glue with a dot pattern. It became one of KOKUYO's best-known products: the company says it shipped 100 million in Japan by November 2017 and 200 million across the series by June 2025. ## Why does the glue come in dots? **Because a dotted strip breaks off cleanly at the end of a stroke.** A solid film of glue tends to string or drag a tail when you lift the runner; dots leave gaps for it to tear along. The dots also mean less glue for the same width, which keeps the strip thin under paper. We haven't measured how much thinner, and KOKUYO doesn't publish an adhesive weight. ## KOKUYO Dot Liner specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Model | Ta-DM400-08N (standard, firm adhesive) | | Tape | 8.4 mm × 16 m (0.33 in × 52 ft) | | Refill | Ta-D400-08N, JAN 4901480151830 | | Body length | 94 mm (3.7 in), Japanese retail spec | | Case | Recycled ABS, 70% recycled content | | Japan list price | ¥510 (about US$3.20) before tax; refill ¥390 (about US$2.50) | | First released | June 2005 | | Made in | Thailand (KOKUYO Store and Simple Paper, for the tape) | The tape size, models and price come from KOKUYO's Japanese site, and the body length from ASKUL's listing. KOKUYO's recycled-content figures are given on its limited-design Dot Liner page for the same series. ## How much does one refill cover? **About 32 greeting cards glued round every edge, by our arithmetic.** An A2 card is 108 × 140 mm (4.25 × 5.5 in), so a strip along all four edges uses about 496 mm, and 16 m ÷ 496 mm is about 32. ![To-scale A2 card, 108 by 140 mm, with an 8.4 mm strip of glue round every edge, beside the 94 mm Dot Liner body and a length of 8.4 mm dotted tape; one 16 m refill covers about 32 such cards](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-dot-liner-coverage.svg) *One 8.4 mm × 16 m refill edges about 32 A2 cards.* Most journal pages need far less: two 5 cm strips hold a ticket, so a refill would fix about 160 of them. ## Which Dot Liner adhesive should you choose? **Firm for everyday paper, instant strong when you need more hold, and removable for things you'll move.** KOKUYO sells the three types across its Dot Liner bodies: | Adhesive (Japanese name) | Use, per KOKUYO | |---|---| | Firm (しっかり貼る) | Sealing envelopes, pasting receipts; Ta-DM400-08N | | Instant strong (強力に貼る) | Jobs that need more hold; Ta-DM403-08 | | Removable (貼ってはがせる) | Temporary fixing; peels off; Ta-DM401-08 | In the US, JetPens sells the standard body in permanent and removable versions; its removable one is the TA-DM401-08, listed as acid-free and refillable. KOKUYO's lineup in 2025 ran to 18 items and 134 versions, including compact, wide and 50 m long versions. The standard firm type also comes with a transparent body, in an 8 m version, and with a heart-shaped glue pattern. ## How does it compare with the Tombow MONO Adhesive? **They're the same size of tape on paper; the difference is the glue pattern and the refill length.** The [Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-adhesive-permanent/) lays a continuous 8.4 mm film, 12 m per refill, while the standard Dot Liner lays 8.4 mm of dots, 16 m per refill. | | KOKUYO Dot Liner (Ta-DM400-08N) | Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent (62106) | |---|---|---| | Tape | 8.4 mm × 16 m | 8.4 mm × 12 m (1/3 × 472 in) | | Glue pattern | Dots | Continuous film | | Refill | Ta-D400-08N | 62107 | | Made in | Thailand (retailers) | Thailand (retailers) | For wet glue that goes on visibly and dries clear, the [Elmer's Disappearing Purple glue stick](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/elmers-disappearing-purple-glue-stick/) is the common school-desk choice. ## Where is the KOKUYO Dot Liner made? **KOKUYO Store and Simple Paper list Dot Liner tape as made in Thailand.** We didn't find the country stated for the Ta-DM400-08N body itself, so check the package. KOKUYO is a Japanese company based in Osaka, also the maker of the [Campus notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-campus-notebook/). ## Frequently asked questions ### How much tape is in a KOKUYO Dot Liner? The standard Ta-DM400-08N holds a tape 8.4 mm wide and 16 m long, about 0.33 in by 52 ft. Its Ta-D400-08N refill holds the same amount. ### What refill does the Dot Liner use? The standard firm-adhesive Dot Liner takes the Ta-D400-08N refill, 8.4 mm × 16 m. KOKUYO's Japanese product database lists its JAN as 4901480151830. ### Why is it called Dot Liner? The glue sits on the tape as rows of tiny dots instead of a solid film. KOKUYO says it was Japan's first tape glue with a dot pattern, launched in June 2005. ### Is the Dot Liner permanent or removable? Both exist. KOKUYO sells three adhesive types: firm (しっかり貼る, Ta-DM400-08N), instant strong (強力に貼る, Ta-DM403-08) and removable (貼ってはがせる, Ta-DM401-08). JetPens sells the standard Dot Liner in permanent and removable versions. ### What is the Dot Liner good for? KOKUYO's Q&A says the firm type suits sealing envelopes and pasting receipts. Journalers use it for tickets, photos and paper layers because, like any tape glue, it doesn't wet or wrinkle the paper. ### How many Dot Liners has KOKUYO sold? KOKUYO says the series passed 200 million units shipped in June 2025, with 18 items and 134 versions sold in more than 15 countries. ### Where is the KOKUYO Dot Liner made? KOKUYO Store and Simple Paper list Dot Liner tape as made in Thailand. KOKUYO itself is a Japanese company based in Osaka. ## Sources - [KOKUYO: ドットライナースタンダード (Ta-DM400-08N, 8.4 mm × 16 m, ¥510, refill ¥390; three adhesive types; page read in full)](https://www.kokuyo-st.co.jp/stationery/dotliner/standard/) - [KOKUYO: タ-D400-08N 商品情報詳細 (refill, 8.4 mm × 16 m, for Ta-DM400-08N, JAN 4901480151830)](https://www.kokuyo-st.co.jp/search/1_detail.php?seihin_sikibetu=1&ss1=05&ss2=05A0&sid=100123484) - [KOKUYO: ユーザーサポート｜ドットライナー (refills and how to change them)](https://kokuyo-st.co.jp/stationery/dotliner/us/index.html) - [KOKUYO: Q＆A｜ドットライナー (which adhesive type for which job)](https://kokuyo-st.co.jp/stationery/dotliner/us/faq/index.html) - [KOKUYO: 限定デザイン ドットライナー (R-ABS case with 70% recycled content, R-PS refill case)](https://www.kokuyo-st.co.jp/stationery/feature/ldg/stationery/ld-dl-nordic.html) - [KOKUYO history: ドットライナー (launched June 2005, Japan's first dot-pattern tape glue)](https://www.kokuyo.com/about/history/chronicle/yowa/dotliner/) - [KOKUYO news: テープのり「ドットライナー」国内累計出荷1億個を突破 (December 18, 2017)](https://www.kokuyo.com/news/release/20171218_02/) - [KOKUYO news: 「ドットライナー」シリーズの累計出荷数が2億個を突破 (July 9, 2025)](https://www.kokuyo.co.jp/newsroom/news/category/20250709st.html) - [ASKUL: コクヨ ドットライナー タ-DM400-08N (overall length 94 mm, R-ABS 70%)](https://www.askul.co.jp/p/NH73377/) - [JetPens: Kokuyo Dotliner Tape Runner, Standard Type, Permanent Adhesive](https://www.jetpens.com/Kokuyo-Dotliner-Tape-Runner-Standard-Type-Permanent-Adhesive/pd/34258) - [JetPens: Kokuyo Dotliner Tape Runner, Standard Type, Removable Adhesive (TA-DM401-08, 8.4 mm × 16 m, acid-free)](https://www.jetpens.com/Kokuyo-Dotliner-Tape-Runner-Standard-Type-Removable-Adhesive/pd/34259) - [KOKUYO Store: Dotliner Tape Glue Refill, Strongly Stick, Pack of 3, 8.4 mm × 16 m (made in Thailand)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/dotliner-tape-glue-refill-tape-strongly-stick-pack-of-3-8.4mm-x-16m-red/TA-D403-08X3.html) - [Simple Paper: KOKUYO Dotliner Glue Tape, Strong Adhesive (made in Thailand)](https://simplepaper.co/products/kokuyo-dotliner-glue-tape-strong-adhesive) --- # Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Real Brush: Colors & Blending > The Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Real Brush is a brush pen with a tip of real polyester bristles and water-based dye ink that blends with water, like watercolor. Kuretake sells single pens (RB-6000AT) and sets up to 120 colors. A UK retailer lists it at 155 mm capped, and Kuretake lists Japan as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kuretake-zig-clean-color-real-brush/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Real Brush pen in Cobalt Blue drawn to scale, 155 mm long and 12.6 mm wide: white barrel with a blue cap and end plug, and an inset of the polyester bristle brush tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kuretake-zig-clean-color-real-brush-16x9.png) *A ZIG Clean Color Real Brush in Cobalt Blue, 155 mm capped (drawn at 1 mm = 5 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kuretake-zig-clean-color-real-brush-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Real Brush pen (RB-6000AT, single colors and sets) | Kuretake (by Kuretake Co., Ltd. (Japan)) | Japan | Japan | Plastic body; polyester bristle brush tip | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Real Brush pen (RB-6000AT, single colors and sets)): Japan. Kuretake's Japanese order site lists 原産国 (country of origin) 日本 (Japan) for the Pale Color II 6-color set (RB-6000AT/6VH) and the 30-color set B (RB-6000AT/30VB). We didn't find a statement for single pens; a US retailer listing for the 90-color set also says made in Japan. Source: https://order.kuretake.co.jp/products/detail/54248 ## Key takeaways - Each tip is made of individual polyester bristles, not a molded felt nib, so it paints more like a real brush. - Kuretake lists single pens (RB-6000AT) at ¥240 (about US$1.50) before tax in Japan, and has released a 120-color set. - JetPens lists a 10.2 mm grip and a 12.6 mm maximum diameter; a UK retailer gives 15.5 cm (6.1 in) capped. - Kuretake lists water-based dye ink (水性染料インキ) and a 30-color set at ¥7,200 (about US$46) before tax in Japan. - Kuretake's Japanese order site gives Japan as the country of origin for its Real Brush sets. ## What is the ZIG Clean Color Real Brush? **It's a brush pen from Kuretake of Japan with a tip made of real bristles and water-based dye ink you can blend like watercolor.** Kuretake sells it under its ZIG brand as single pens (model RB-6000AT plus a color number) and in sets from 6 to 120 colors. In the US it's sold at JetPens, Walmart and art-supply stores. Walmart's listing for single pens shows 4.1 stars from 310 ratings. ## How is the bristle tip different from a felt brush tip? **Each tip is made of individual polyester bristles, according to Doodlewash's review, rather than one molded felt or fiber nib.** That gives a very fine point for thin lines and a soft, spreading stroke when you press down. Doodlewash notes the tips clean themselves when you brush leftover color off on scrap paper. By contrast, the [Tombow Dual Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-dual-brush-pen/) has a flexible nylon brush tip, and many lettering pens use a molded felt tip. ## ZIG Clean Color Real Brush specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Kuretake Co., Ltd., Japan | | Type | Brush pen, capped, no clip | | Tip | Polyester bristle brush | | Ink | Water-based dye (Kuretake) | | Length | 15.5 cm (6.1 in) capped (UK retailer) | | Diameter | 10.2 mm grip; 12.6 mm maximum (JetPens) | | Model code | RB-6000AT-number, e.g. RB-6000AT-050 Yellow | | Japanese list price | ¥240 (about US$1.50) per pen before tax | | Made in | Japan (Kuretake, sets) | Kuretake's Japanese order site gives the ink, list prices, JAN codes (single pen No. 001: 4901427205602) and origin. Kuretake doesn't publish a pen length in the pages we found, so we use a retailer's figure. ![To-scale side profile of a capped ZIG Clean Color Real Brush pen at 1 mm = 4 px: 155 mm long, 10.2 mm grip and 12.6 mm maximum diameter at the cap](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kuretake-zig-clean-color-real-brush-dimensions.svg) *The cap is the widest part; the barrel has no clip, so the pen can roll.* ## How do you blend ZIG Clean Color Real Brush colors? **Brush the ink out with water, touch one tip to another, or use a blender pen.** Kuretake describes the pens as watercolor-style; Doodlewash recommends adding water with a separate brush, or touching one pen's tip to another to make a gradient. The trade-off of dye ink is lightfastness: Parka Blogs warns the inks are not lightfast, so scan or photograph work you want to keep. ## Are ZIG Clean Color Real Brush pens safe and odorless? **JetPens lists them as odorless, xylene-free and AP-certified non-toxic.** Doodlewash adds that the pens have safety caps meeting ISO standards. The AP seal comes from the Art and Creative Materials Institute's certification program for art materials. As with any water-based marker, cap the pen between uses so the bristles don't dry out. ## Which set should you buy? **Start with a 12-color set; collectors can build to 180 colors.** Kuretake released a 120-color set and published a guide to collecting 180 colors without duplicates by combining sets. Kuretake also sells small themed sets, such as two 6-color pale-color sets. JetPens also sells single pens open stock, so you can replace the colors you use most. ## How does the Real Brush compare with other brush pens? **It's the most painterly; firmer pens are easier for lettering.** | Pen | Tip | Ink | Best for | |---|---|---|---| | ZIG Clean Color Real Brush | Polyester bristles | Water-based dye | Watercolor effects, illustration | | [Tombow Dual Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-dual-brush-pen/) | Nylon brush + 0.8 mm fine tip | Water-based dye | Blending, two tips in one | | [Tombow Fudenosuke](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-fudenosuke/) | Hard or soft felt | Water-based pigment | Small brush lettering | | [Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Brush](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen/) | Felt brush | Pigmented India ink | Lightfast, waterproof line work | | [Pentel Pocket Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-pocket-brush-pen/) | Nylon bristles | Pigment, cartridges | Inking and bold lettering | ## Where is the ZIG Clean Color Real Brush made? **Kuretake's Japanese order site lists Japan as the country of origin for its Real Brush sets.** Kuretake is a Japanese maker of brush pens and calligraphy ink. A US retailer listing for the 90-color set also says made in Japan. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are ZIG Clean Color Real Brush pens watercolor markers? They're brush pens with water-based dye ink that you can blend with water, a water brush or a blender pen, so they can be used like watercolor. Kuretake describes them as watercolor-style brush pens. ### What is the tip made of? Individual polyester bristles, according to Doodlewash's review, which gives a fine point and broad strokes from the same pen. Most brush markers use a molded felt or fiber tip instead. ### How many colors are there? Kuretake has released a 120-color set and says you can collect 180 colors without duplicates by combining its sets. US and UK retailers often quote 80 or 90 colors, depending on the set. ### Are ZIG Clean Color Real Brush pens lightfast? No. Parka Blogs warns the dye inks are not lightfast, so they suit sketchbooks, cards and lettering better than art meant to hang in sunlight. ### Are they safe and odorless? JetPens lists them as odorless, xylene-free and AP-certified non-toxic. ### How big is a ZIG Clean Color Real Brush pen? A UK retailer lists 15.5 cm (6.1 in) capped, and JetPens lists a 10.2 mm grip and a 12.6 mm maximum diameter. It has no clip. ### Where are ZIG Clean Color Real Brush pens made? Kuretake's Japanese order site lists Japan as the country of origin for its Real Brush sets. Kuretake is a Japanese maker of brush pens and calligraphy ink. ## Sources - [Kuretake order site: ZIGクリーンカラーリアルブラッシュ ペールカラーⅡ･6V (RB-6000AT/6VH; ink, origin Japan)](https://order.kuretake.co.jp/products/detail/54248) - [Kuretake order site: ZIG クリーンカラーリアルブラッシュ 30色セットB (RB-6000AT/30VB; list price, JAN, origin Japan)](https://order.kuretake.co.jp/products/detail/53726) - [Kuretake BtoB order site: ZIG クリーンカラーリアルブラッシュ (single-pen codes, JAN, ¥240 list price)](https://order.kuretake.co.jp/products/list?category_id=193) - [Kuretake Japan: ZIGクリーンカラーリアルブラッシュ 120色セットを発売しました](https://www.kuretake.co.jp/product/brush_pen_articles/create_brush_pen/12096/) - [Kuretake Japan: ZIG クリーンカラーリアルブラッシュ180色の揃え方 (collecting 180 colors)](https://www.kuretake.co.jp/product/brush_pen_articles/create_brush_pen/14928/) - [Kuretake Japan: ZIG クリーンカラーリアルブラッシュ ペールカラー2種を発売](https://www.kuretake.co.jp/product/brush_pen_articles/create_brush_pen/14496/) - [JetPens: Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Pen, Yellow 050 (diameters, ink, safety)](https://www.jetpens.com/Kuretake-ZIG-Clean-Color-Real-Brush-Pen-Yellow-050/pd/17121) - [JetPens: Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Pen, 12 Color Set](https://www.jetpens.com/Kuretake-ZIG-Clean-Color-Real-Brush-Pen-12-Color-Set/pd/8777) - [Walmart: Kuretake Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pen, Evergreen (ratings)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1215989128) - [Hobbymaker: Kuretake ZIG Clean Colour 90 pen set (15.5 cm capped)](https://www.hobbymaker.com/en-gb/product/kuretake-zig-clean-colour-90-pen-set/gfpq12/) - [Doodlewash: ZIG Clean Color Real Brush pens review (90-color set)](https://doodlewash.com/zig-clean-color-real-brush-pens-kuretake-review/) - [Parka Blogs: Review of Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Brush Pen (lightfastness)](https://www.parkablogs.com/index.php/content/review-kuretake-zig-clean-color-brush-pen-0) - [The Journal Shop: Kuretake Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pen](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/kuretake-zig-clean-color-real-brush) --- # Pilot Juice Up: Synergy Tip, Sizes & LP3RF Refills > The Pilot Juice Up is a retractable, refillable gel pen that Pilot launched in Japan on August 10, 2016. Its Synergy Tip blends a needle point with a cone tip, and it holds water-based pigment gel ink. Pilot lists the 0.4 mm at 142.8 mm long, 10.5 mm wide and 11.6 g; US buyers get it as an import. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-juice-up/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a Pilot Juice Up 04 0.4 mm retractable gel pen drawn to scale, 142.8 mm long and 10.5 mm wide: black body and black grip, metal front ferrule, and an inset of the thin Synergy Tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-juice-up-16x9.png) *The Juice Up 04 in black, 142.8 mm long (drawn at 1 mm = 5 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-juice-up-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Juice Up retractable gel pen (Japan LJP-20S3 / LJP-20S4 / LJP-20S5; 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan)) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel and grip, metal Synergy Tip | 2016-08-10 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot Juice Up retractable gel pen (Japan LJP-20S3 / LJP-20S4 / LJP-20S5; 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm)): Japan. Per importer Simple Paper's listing (Origin: Japan). Pilot's Japanese web catalog doesn't state the country of manufacture in the pages we found. Source: https://simplepaper.co/products/pilot-juice-up-gel-pen-0-4-mm-pastel ## Key takeaways - Pilot Japan lists the Juice Up 04 (LJP-20S4) at 142.8 mm (5.6 in) long, 10.5 mm across and 11.6 g. - The black 0.4 mm writes a 0.2 mm line, per Pilot; the pastel colors are listed at 0.3 mm. - Pilot's list price in Japan is ¥275 (about US$1.70) for the pen and ¥132 (about US$0.80) for an LP3RF12S4 refill. - Pilot launched the Juice Up on August 10, 2016, in 0.3 and 0.4 mm, with the new Synergy Tip and a new pigment ink. - Retailers that import it, such as Simple Paper, list Japan as the country of origin. ## What is the Pilot Juice Up? **The Juice Up is Pilot's fine-point, retractable gel pen built around the Synergy Tip.** Pilot launched it in Japan on August 10, 2016, in 0.3 and 0.4 mm and 22 colors, at ¥200 (about US$1.30) before tax, with what it called a new pigment ink. Pilot's launch release describes a slim body with a metal front ferrule for a low center of gravity, and a grip colored to match the ink; standard colors have a black body. Pilot doesn't sell it under its US brand, so US buyers get it through importers such as JetPens. The Gentleman Stationer reviewed it again in April 2026, alongside Pilot's newer Juice+. ## What is the Synergy Tip? **The Synergy Tip combines the strengths of Pilot's pipe (needle) tip and cone tip: a thin pipe for fine writing that resists bending.** Pilot's launch release says the back of the pipe is thicker, widening the ink path so ink reaches the point smoothly. Pilot now uses the same tip on the Juice+, launched in December 2025. The Gentleman Stationer found the Juice pens much less prone to clogging and drying out than the [Pilot Hi-Tec-C](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-hi-tec-c/). ## Pilot Juice Up specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation, Japan | | Type | Retractable gel pen, water-based pigment gel ink | | Sizes | 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm (0.4 mm most common) | | Line width (0.4 mm) | 0.2 mm black; 0.3 mm pastel colors (Pilot) | | Length | 142.8 mm (5.6 in) | | Widest diameter | 10.5 mm | | Weight | 11.6 g | | Refill | LP3RF12S series, e.g. LP3RF12S4 (0.4 mm) | | Japanese list price | ¥275 (about US$1.70); refill ¥132 (about US$0.80) | All figures are from Pilot's Japanese web catalog for the black Juice Up 04 (LJP-20S4-B) and the LP3RF12S4 refill. ## Which Juice Up size should you choose? **Choose 0.4 mm for planners and everyday notes, 0.3 mm for tiny writing, and 0.5 mm for a bolder line.** ![To-scale drawing of the three Pilot Juice Up ball sizes magnified 200 times: 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm; Pilot gives a 0.2 mm line for the black 0.4 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-juice-up-tip-sizes.svg) *The 0.5 mm ball is two-thirds wider than the 0.3 mm.* At launch, Pilot offered 10 standard colors in both sizes and 6 pastel and 6 metallic colors in 0.4 mm only. Pilot says the pastel and metallic inks write on black and dark paper, and called them the world's finest retractable pastel and metallic pens (its own survey). ## What colors and versions are there? **Pilot sells standard, pastel, metallic and Classic Glossy colors, plus sets and multi pens.** It added the Classic Glossy colors and the Juice Up 3 and Juice Up 4 multi pens in its November 30, 2021 releases, and sells a 10-color set (LJP200S4-10C). Limited editions come often: a 0.5 mm Sanrio set on June 28, 2025, and a travel-themed series in September 2026. ## What's the difference between Juice, Juice Up and Juice+? **All three are Pilot gel pens; the Juice Up and Juice+ share the Synergy Tip and the same refill, which Pilot says fits both.** The original Juice comes in larger sizes too: The Pen Addict reviewed a 1.0 mm Juice set in 2017. Pilot introduced the Juice+ in its November 18, 2025 press release as a fine gel pen for students, in 0.4 mm with the Synergy Tip. Because it takes the same LP3RF12S refills, ink colors carry over between the two. ## What refills does the Juice Up use? **It takes Pilot's LP3RF12S refills, which also fit the Juice+.** Pilot lists the 0.4 mm blue (LP3RF12S4-L) at ¥132 (about US$0.80) in Japan, in water-based pigment gel ink. JetPens sells LP3RF refills in the US. ## How does the Juice Up compare with other fine gel pens? **It's the colorful, refillable fine-liner; the Hi-Tec-C is finer and the G2 is easier to find.** | Pen | Ink | Sizes | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Pilot Juice Up | Pigment gel | 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 mm | Synergy Tip; many colors | | [Pilot Hi-Tec-C](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-hi-tec-c/) | Gel | 0.25 to 0.5 mm (Pilot Japan now catalogs 0.3 to 0.5 mm) | Capped; needle tip; no refill from Pilot Japan | | [uni-ball Signo 207](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-signo-207/) | Pigment gel | 0.38 to 1.0 mm | Wide US availability | | [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) | Gel | 0.38 to 1.0 mm | US best-seller | Our [best gel pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/) picks one pen for each job. ## Where is the Pilot Juice Up made? **Importer Simple Paper lists Japan as the country of origin.** Pilot, which makes it, is based in Tokyo; its Japanese catalog pages we checked don't state where the pen is made. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a Synergy Tip? It's the point Pilot developed for the Juice Up. It combines the fine reach of a needle-point pipe with the strength of a cone tip, so a very small ball stays durable. ### What sizes does the Pilot Juice Up come in? Pilot launched it in 0.3 and 0.4 mm in 2016, and has since sold 0.5 mm versions such as a 2025 Sanrio limited edition. The 0.4 mm is the size most colors and sets come in. ### What refill does the Juice Up use? The LP3RF12S series, for example LP3RF12S4 in 0.4 mm. Pilot says it fits both the Juice Up and the newer Juice+, and lists it at ¥132 (about US$0.80) in Japan. ### Is the Juice Up waterproof? It uses water-based pigment gel ink, which retailers describe as resistant to water and fading. Pilot doesn't publish a test standard in the sources we found, and we haven't tested it. ### How does the Juice Up compare with the Hi-Tec-C? Both are fine-point Pilot gel pens. The Gentleman Stationer wrote in April 2026 that the Juice pens are much less prone to clogging and drying out than the Hi-Tec-C. ### Can you buy the Pilot Juice Up in the US? Yes, as an import. Pilot doesn't sell it under its US range, but JetPens and other importers carry the pens and LP3RF refills. ### How big is the Pilot Juice Up? Pilot lists the 0.4 mm Juice Up 04 at 142.8 mm (5.6 in) long and 10.5 mm across at the widest, weighing 11.6 g. ### Where is the Pilot Juice Up made? Importer Simple Paper lists Japan as its origin. Pilot's Japanese catalog pages we found don't state it. ## Sources - [Pilot Japan web catalog: LJP-20S4-B ジュースアップ 04 (size, weight, line width, price)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000942) - [Pilot Japan press release: ゲルインキボールペン『ジュース アップ』発売 (August 9, 2016)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2016/08/09/post_22.html) - [Pilot Japan: ジュースアップ 新開発激細ボールペンの秘密 (Synergy Tip story)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/promotion/library/023/index.php) - [Pilot Japan web catalog: LJP-20S4-POR ジュースアップ 04 パステルカラー (0.3 mm line)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000963) - [Pilot Japan web catalog: LP3RF12S4-L ジュースアップ、ジュースプラス専用替芯 0.4 (refill)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100002729) - [Pilot Japan press release: 『ジュースアップ３』『ジュースアップ４』発売 (November 30, 2021)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2021/11/30/a.html) - [Pilot Japan press release: 『ジュースアップ クラシックグロッシーカラー』発売 (November 30, 2021)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2021/11/30/content_2.html) - [Pilot Japan press release: 『ジュースアップ サンリオキャラクターズ』限定発売 (June 10, 2025; 0.5 mm)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2025/06/10/post_143.html) - [Pilot Japan press release: 『Juice+（ジュース プラス）』発売 (November 18, 2025)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2025/11/18/content_18.html) - [JetPens: Pilot LP3RF Juice Up Gel Pen Refill, 0.4 mm, Black](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-LP3RF-Juice-Up-Gel-Pen-Refill-0.4-mm-Black/pd/18192) - [JetPens: Pilot gel pens (Juice Up listings)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Gel-Pens/ct/2567) - [Simple Paper: Pilot Juice Up Gel Pen, 0.4 mm, Pastel (origin Japan, Synergy Tip)](https://simplepaper.co/products/pilot-juice-up-gel-pen-0-4-mm-pastel) - [The Pen Addict: Pilot Juice Gel Pen 1.0 mm, 8-Color Bundle Review (March 2, 2017)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2017/3/2/pilot-juice-gel-pen-10-mm-8-color-bundle-review) - [The Gentleman Stationer: the Juice Up, the Juice Plus and Pilot's Synergy Tip (April 18, 2026)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2026/4/18/pen-review-the-juice-up-the-juice-plus-and-pilots-synergy-tip) --- # Zebra bLen: Low-Vibration Pen, Gel vs Emulsion Ink > The Zebra bLen is a retractable pen designed with the studio nendo to cut the wobble you feel while writing, using a metal weight inside the grip. Zebra Japan lists it at 143.6 mm long, 11.8 mm wide and 12.3 g. In Japan it holds emulsion ballpoint ink; Zebra's US packs are 0.7 mm gel pens. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-blen/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a black Zebra bLen 0.7 mm retractable pen drawn to scale, 143.6 mm long and 11.8 mm wide, with an inset cutaway of the metal weight inside the grip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/zebra-blen-16x9.png) *The bLen 0.7, 143.6 mm long (drawn at 1 mm = 5 px); the inset shows the weight in the grip.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/zebra-blen-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Zebra bLen retractable pen (US: 0.7 mm gel; Japan: BAS88 0.5 mm and BA88 0.7 mm emulsion ballpoint) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Not stated | Plastic body with a metal weight inside the grip | 2018-12-12 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Zebra bLen retractable pen (US: 0.7 mm gel; Japan: BAS88 0.5 mm and BA88 0.7 mm emulsion ballpoint)): Not stated. Neither Zebra's Japanese product page nor the US retailer listings we found state a country of manufacture for the bLen. Check the packaging. ## Key takeaways - Zebra's Japanese site lists the bLen 0.5 and 0.7 at 143.6 mm (5.7 in) long, 11.8 mm across and 12.3 g. - Zebra Japan launched the bLen on December 12, 2018; Zebra says it sold 5 million in its first year and the series passed 50 million by November 2023. - US packs from Zebra Pen are 0.7 mm gel pens, sold in 2-packs and a 6-color pack (item 49501), and listed as non-refillable. - The Japanese bLen takes NC-0.5 or NC-0.7 emulsion refills and lists at ¥165 (about US$1.00). - Zebra has added multi-pen versions in Japan: the bLen 3C (2020) and the five-function bLen 4+S (2024). ## What is the Zebra bLen? **The bLen is a retractable pen that Zebra designed to stop the small shake of the point as you write.** Zebra Japan launched it on December 12, 2018, after developing it with the Tokyo design office nendo, which also chose its body colors. Zebra says the series had passed 50 million pens shipped by November 2023. Zebra's launch release says the name is a coined word from bure-nai (ブレない), "doesn't wobble". In the US, Zebra Pen sells it in grocery, office and big-box stores; Walmart's listing for a 0.7 mm 2-pack shows 4.4 stars from 38 reviews. ## How does the bLen reduce vibration? **Zebra's bLen System does three things: a part holds the refill's tip when you click, a metal weight inside the grip lowers the center of gravity, and the internal parts fit with no gaps.** Zebra's launch release adds a dedicated refill with a thicker tube that flexes less. US listings describe the weight as brass. Zebra says a vibration-frequency study with the Nagoya Institute of Technology found the bLen damped vibration best in every band it measured. These are Zebra's claims. The Pen Addict's 2022 review of the US gel version found it silent, with no rattle, but pointed out that other gel pens are quiet too. ## Zebra bLen specs | Spec | Japan (BA88 / BAS88) | US (Zebra Pen) | |---|---|---| | Ink | Emulsion (oil and water) ballpoint | Gel | | Point sizes | 0.5 and 0.7 mm | 0.7 mm Medium | | Length | 143.6 mm (5.7 in) | Not published | | Widest diameter | 11.8 mm | Not published | | Weight | 12.3 g | Not published | | Refill | NC-0.5 or NC-0.7 | Listed as non-refillable | | Packs | Single pens in many body colors | 2-packs (black or white barrel), 6-color pack 49501 | | Japanese list price | ¥165 (about US$1.00) | Price band $ | | Japanese code (0.5 mm black) | BAS88-LP, JAN 4901681577118 | 2-pack UPC listed as 0004588841412 (Kroger) | Japanese figures come from Zebra's product page and refill list. US details come from Walmart, Quill and a Canadian office-supply listing. We assume the US gel pen shares the Japanese body, but Zebra doesn't say so. ![To-scale outlines at 1 mm = 3.6 px: Zebra bLen 0.7 at 143.6 mm long and 11.8 mm wide, Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.5 at 141 mm and 11.1 mm, uni-ball One at 139 mm and 10.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/zebra-blen-size-comparison.svg) *The bLen is a little longer and thicker than two popular gel pens.* ## Is the US bLen different from the Japanese one? **Yes: the US bLen is a gel pen, while the Japanese original is an emulsion-ink ballpoint.** The Pen Addict's August 2022 ballpoint review notes the pen was only available in Japan at launch; the gel version reached US stores later. Choose the gel version if you like dark, smooth gel lines; The Pen Addict found it smudge-proof within 3 seconds in its test. Import the Japanese ballpoint if you want quick-drying emulsion ink and replaceable NC refills. ## Which bLen versions are there? **Japan sells the single pen in 0.5 and 0.7 mm plus several multi pens.** Zebra released the three-color bLen 3C on March 16, 2020, and the bLen 4+S, with four ink colors and a mechanical pencil, on February 29, 2024. There's also the oil-based bLen U. Zebra added new standard body colors in July 2021. US stores mostly carry black or white barrels and an assorted gel pack. ## How does the bLen compare with other everyday pens? **It's the pick for a steady, rattle-free pen; other pens win on refills and point sizes.** | Pen | Ink | Point sizes | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Zebra bLen | Gel (US), emulsion (Japan) | 0.7 mm (US); 0.5, 0.7 mm (Japan) | Metal weight in the grip | | [Zebra Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/) | Pigment gel | 0.3 to 1.0 mm | Spring-loaded binder clip | | [uni-ball One](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-one/) | Pigment gel | 0.38 to 0.7 mm | Darker color claim | | [uni-ball Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/) | Hybrid ballpoint | 0.5 to 1.0 mm | Quick-drying low-viscosity ink | | [Pilot Acroball](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/) | Low-viscosity oil ballpoint | 0.5 to 1.0 mm | Refillable with BRFV-10 | For more gel options, see our [best gel pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/). ## Where is the Zebra bLen made? **Neither Zebra nor the US retailers we checked say where the bLen is made.** Zebra Co., Ltd. is based in Tokyo, and Zebra Pen Corporation sells its pens in the US. Check the packaging for the country of origin. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does bLen mean? Zebra Japan says the name is a coined word from bure-nai (ブレない), "doesn't wobble". Zebra built the bLen to damp that vibration, with a metal weight in the grip and a design that holds the refill steady. ### Is the Zebra bLen a gel pen or a ballpoint? It depends on where you buy it. The Japanese bLen is a ballpoint with Zebra's emulsion ink; the bLen packs Zebra Pen sells in the US are 0.7 mm gel pens. ### How big is the Zebra bLen? Zebra's Japanese site lists the bLen 0.5 and 0.7 at 143.6 mm (5.7 in) long and 11.8 mm across at the widest, weighing 12.3 g. ### Is the Zebra bLen refillable? The Japanese ballpoint takes Zebra NC-0.5 or NC-0.7 emulsion refills. A Canadian office-supply listing describes the US 0.7 mm gel 2-pack as non-refillable. ### Who designed the Zebra bLen? Zebra developed it with nendo, the Tokyo design office led by Oki Sato, which also chose the body colors, according to Zebra Japan. ### Does the bLen really feel steadier? That's Zebra's claim. The Pen Addict found the US gel version quiet and rattle-free but noted other gel pens are quiet too; we haven't measured it. ### Is there a multi-color bLen? Yes, in Japan. Zebra released the three-color bLen 3C in 2020 and the bLen 4+S, with four ink colors and a mechanical pencil, in 2024. ## Sources - [Zebra Japan: ブレン 0.5 / 0.7 (bLen product page: size, weight, refill, price)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/blen/) - [Zebra Japan press release: 筆記振動を制御したストレスフリーな書き心地『ブレン』 (November 8, 2018)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/press/20181108/) - [Zebra Japan press release: 3色ボールペン『ブレン3C』 (February 6, 2020; on sale March 16, 2020; 5 million sold in year one)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/press/20200206/) - [Zebra Japan press release: 5機能ペン『ブレン4＋S』 (on sale February 29, 2024; 50 million series sales)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/press/20240213blen4s/) - [Zebra Japan: エマルジョンボールペン替芯 (emulsion refills, NC-0.5 and NC-0.7)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/kaeshin/kaeshin_emulsion/) - [Zebra Japan press release: ブレン new standard body colors (July 6, 2021)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/press/20210706/) - [Walmart: bLen Retractable Pen, 0.7 mm, White Barrel, Black Ink, 2 Per Pack (ratings, brass weight)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/102095505) - [King Soopers (Kroger): Zebra bLen Gel Medium Point Retractable Pens, Black](https://www.kingsoopers.com/p/zebra-blen-gel-medium-point-retractable-pens-black/0004588841412) - [Quill: Zebra bLen Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Assorted Ink, 6/Pack (49501)](https://Quill.com/zebra-blen-retractable-gel-pens-medium-point-07mm-assorted-ink-6-pack-49501/cbs/55457509.html) - [Fidelio: bLen Retractable Gel Pen (0.7 mm, non-refillable)](https://hms.fidelio.ca/en/Catalog/Details/836671) - [The Pen Addict: Zebra bLen 0.7mm Gel Pen Review (October 19, 2022)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2022/10/19/zebra-blen-07mm-gel-pen-review) - [The Pen Addict: Zebra bLen Ballpoint Pen Review (August 22, 2022)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2022/8/22/zebra-blen-ballpoint-pen-review) - [The Pen Addict: Zebra bLen 3C 3 Color Ballpoint Multi Pen Review (April 29, 2024)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2024/4/29/zebra-blen-3c-3-color-ballpoint-multi-pen-review) --- # Pilot S20: The Birch-Barrel Drafting Pencil > The Pilot S20 is a 0.5 mm (and 0.3 mm) drafting-style mechanical pencil with a barrel of resin-impregnated birch and metal fittings. Pilot lists it at 145.6 mm long, 10.6 mm at the widest and 18 g. It costs ¥2,530 (about US$16) in Japan and is made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-s20/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Pilot S20 0.5 mm mechanical pencil in Dark Brown drawn to scale at 145.6 mm (5.7 in): metal cap and clip, dark brown birch barrel with a curved grip, metal cone; inset: birch grain meeting the metal ring](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-s20-16x9.png) *The S20 at Pilot's listed 145.6 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-s20-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot S20 drafting pencil (HPS-2SK, 0.5 mm, Dark Brown) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Resin-impregnated birch barrel, metal fittings | – | $$$: $20–75 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot S20 drafting pencil (HPS-2SK, 0.5 mm, Dark Brown)): Japan. Maruzen Junkudo's listing for the Dark Brown 0.5 mm (P-HPS2SK-DBN5, the packaged version of HPS-2SK-DBN5) gives 原産国 日本 (country of origin: Japan), and an eBay listing for the same model says Japan. Pilot's catalogue page doesn't state it. The GTIN is the packaged version's JAN. Source: https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/4902505571190 ## Key takeaways - Pilot's Japanese catalogue lists the S20 at 145.6 mm (5.7 in) long, 10.6 mm at the widest and 18 g; JetPens gives a 9.0 mm grip. - The barrel is resin-impregnated birch (樹脂含浸カバ材), machined to shape, according to Pilot. - Pilot lists five colors in both 0.5 mm and 0.3 mm: Dark Brown, Deep Red, Black, Brown and Mahogany. - Pilot's Japanese list price is ¥2,530 (about US$16) including tax; in the US it sells in our $$$ band ($20–75). - Maruzen Junkudo lists Japan as the country of origin for the Dark Brown 0.5 mm. ## What is the Pilot S20? **The Pilot S20 is a drafting-style mechanical pencil with a wooden barrel, made by Pilot in Japan.** Pilot's Japanese catalogue describes the barrel as resin-impregnated birch, machined to shape, with metal fittings at both ends. It is one of the wooden mechanical pencils US shops keep in stock: JetPens carries it in several colors, and reviewers at The Pen Addict, Pencil Talk and Unsharpen all cover it. The Pen Addict couldn't find its launch date, and neither could we. ## Pilot S20 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation, Tokyo, Japan | | Model codes | HPS-2SK-DBN5 (Dark Brown 0.5 mm); 0.3 mm codes end in 3 (HPS-2SK-DBN3) | | Colors | Dark Brown, Deep Red, Black, Brown, Mahogany (both sizes) | | Lead sizes | 0.5 mm and 0.3 mm | | Length | 145.6 mm (5.7 in) per Pilot; 14.6 cm per JetPens | | Widest diameter | 10.6 mm per Pilot; 10.8 mm per JetPens | | Grip diameter | 9.0 mm (JetPens) | | Weight | 18 g (0.64 oz) | | Barrel | Resin-impregnated birch (樹脂含浸カバ材) | | Sleeve | Fixed, replaceable tip (Unsharpen) | | Eraser | Under the cap; refill HERFS-10 (Pilot) | | Japan list price | ¥2,530 (about US$16) incl. tax | | Made in | Japan (Maruzen Junkudo) | Where Pilot and JetPens differ on the widest diameter, we use Pilot's 10.6 mm. ![Pilot S20 drawn to scale at 145.6 mm long and 18 g, with callouts: knock cap, widest point 10.6 mm per Pilot, resin-impregnated birch barrel, 9.0 mm grip per JetPens, metal cone and fixed sleeve](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-s20-size.svg) *The barrel swells to 10.6 mm, then narrows into a 9.0 mm grip.* ## What is resin-impregnated birch? **It is birch wood soaked with resin, which Pilot uses so the barrel stays hard and stable.** Pilot's catalogue describes a soft, curved shape with a low center of gravity, and says the wood gains character the longer you use it. Raw wood can dent, swell or crack with handling and humidity; filling the pores with resin reduces that, and gives the even, smooth surface the S20 is known for. Some reviews call the wood maple. Pilot's own catalogue says birch (カバ材), so we use that. The Pen Addict describes a warm birch barrel with subtle curves and matte hardware. ## Which colors and lead sizes can you get? **Pilot's Japanese catalogue lists five colors in both sizes: Dark Brown, Deep Red, Black, Brown and Mahogany.** All share the same 145.6 mm, 18 g body and the same ¥2,530 (about US$16) list price. US shops stock fewer 0.3 mm colors; Unsharpen found mainly Dark Brown and Deep Red. Pick 0.3 mm for small handwriting and fine lines, and 0.5 mm for everyday writing. ## How does the S20 compare with other drafting pencils? **It is lighter than metal drafting pencils and costs more than plastic ones.** | | Pilot S20 | [rOtring 600](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-600/) | [Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro/) | |---|---|---|---| | Barrel | Resin-impregnated birch | Metal, hexagonal | Plastic, metal grip section | | Length | 145.6 mm | About 142 mm | About 145–147 mm | | Weight | 18 g | 22 g | 11 g | | Sleeve | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | | US price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | For a wood-and-metal pencil that twists its tip in, the [rOtring 800](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-800/) is the retractable alternative. If you want a wooden pencil that you sharpen, the [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/) is a different kind of tool. ## Who is the S20 for? **It suits people who write or draw for long stretches and want a light pencil with a warm, non-metal grip.** At 18 g it weighs less than most metal drafting pencils, and the wood doesn't get cold or slippery the way knurled metal can. Pencil Talk describes it as a drafting pencil that also works well as a general-purpose writing pencil. The fixed sleeve suits ruler work, because it lets you see the line next to the straightedge, but it can catch on a pocket, so carry it in a case. If you mainly want to stop lead breaking or keep a point even, a mechanism pencil such as the [uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) does more for less money. The S20 is about the feel of the barrel. ## How do you refill and maintain it? **Press the knock cap to advance the lead, and refill through the top, as with most drafting pencils.** Take off the cap to reach the eraser and load new 0.5 mm (or 0.3 mm) leads. Pilot lists a replacement eraser (HERFS-10) and a spare S20/S10 tip in its Japanese catalogue. Keep the barrel out of long, direct sunlight. Resin-impregnated wood is more stable than raw wood, but its color can still change with years of use, which many owners like. ## How much does the Pilot S20 cost? **In Japan, Pilot's list price is ¥2,530 (about US$16) including tax.** US prices are higher: JetPens lists it in our $$$ band ($20–75), which covers most US listings we checked. ## Where is the Pilot S20 made? **Maruzen Junkudo lists Japan as the country of origin.** That listing covers the Dark Brown 0.5 mm (JAN 4902505571190), and an eBay listing for the same model agrees. Pilot is based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### What wood is the Pilot S20 made of? Pilot's Japanese catalogue says resin-impregnated birch (樹脂含浸カバ材). The resin makes the wood harder and more stable than raw wood; some forum reviews call it maple, but Pilot says birch. ### How long is the Pilot S20? Pilot lists 145.6 mm (5.7 in), and JetPens gives 14.6 cm. That is a little longer than a rOtring 600 at about 142 mm. ### How much does the Pilot S20 weigh? Pilot and JetPens both list 18 g (0.64 oz) for the 0.5 mm pencil, which is light for a drafting-style pencil with metal fittings. ### Does the Pilot S20 come in 0.3 mm? Yes. Pilot's Japanese catalogue lists the 0.3 mm (codes ending in 3, such as HPS-2SK-DBN3) in the same five colors as the 0.5 mm. US shops stock fewer 0.3 mm colors. ### Is the Pilot S20 lead sleeve retractable? No. Unsharpen describes it as a fixed-pipe pencil, so the sleeve stays out; the tip piece can be replaced, and Pilot sells S20/S10 spare tips. ### Is the Pilot S20 worth it? It costs more than plastic drafting pencils, and you pay mostly for the wood barrel and its feel. Reviewers at The Pen Addict and Pencil Talk praise its balance and finish. ### Where is the Pilot S20 made? Maruzen Junkudo lists Japan as the country of origin for the Dark Brown 0.5 mm, and an eBay listing says the same. Pilot is based in Tokyo. ## Sources - [Pilot web catalogue (Japanese): S20 0.5 mm HPS-2SK-DR5 (price, size, weight, resin-impregnated birch, eraser HERFS-10, lineup; page read in full)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100001953) - [Pilot web catalogue (Japanese): S20 0.3 mm HPS-2SK-DBN3 (five colors, same size and price; page read in full)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100001950) - [Pilot web catalogue (Japanese): S20/S10 spare tip, 0.3 mm](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100006212) - [Maruzen Junkudo (Japanese): Pilot S20 0.5 mm Dark Brown P-HPS2SK-DBN5 (JAN, 146 mm, country of origin Japan; page read in full)](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/4902505571190) - [JetPens: Pilot S20 Drafting Pencil, 0.5 mm, Dark Brown (length, diameters, weight)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-S20-Drafting-Pencil-0.5-mm-Dark-Brown/pd/2934) - [JetPens: Pilot S20 Drafting Pencils (all colors)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-S20-Drafting-Pencils/ct/619) - [GetNavi (Japanese): Pilot S20 wooden mechanical pencil (146 mm, 10.6 mm)](https://getnavi.jp/variety/434039/) - [The Pen Addict: Pilot S20 Drafting Pencil Review](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2022/1/3/pilot-s20-drafting-pencil-review) - [Unsharpen: Pilot S20 drafting pencil (fixed pipe, replaceable tip, 0.3 mm colors)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/pilot-s20-drafting-pencil/) - [Pencil Talk: Pilot S20 review](https://www.penciltalk.org/?p=170) - [Fountain Pen Network: review of Pilot S20 and rOtring 800 mechanical pencils](https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/279784-review-of-pilot-s20-rotring-800-mechanical-pencils/) - [eBay: Pilot S20 DBN Dark Brown HPS2SKDBN5 (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ebay.ca/itm/297461069230) --- # Tombow 8900: Japan's Olive Green Pencil Since 1945 > The Tombow 8900 is a hexagonal, olive green wood pencil that Tombow first sold in November 1945 and still makes in six grades, 2H to 2B. It's sold in yellow boxes of 12 with no eraser. Tombow's Japanese list price is ¥660 (about US$4.20) a dozen, and US retailers list it as made in Vietnam. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-8900/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Tombow 8900 pencil drawn in proportion: olive green hexagonal barrel with gold lettering, plain cut end and a sharpened point; inset: gold 8900 HB lettering on the green facets](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tombow-8900-16x9.png) *The 8900, drawn in proportion; Tombow doesn't publish its length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-8900-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tombow 8900 graphite pencil (8900-HB, box of 12) | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Vietnam | Wood case, graphite core | 1945-11 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Tombow 8900 graphite pencil (8900-HB, box of 12)): Vietnam. St. Louis Art Supply (H and B singles), the Minneapolis Institute of Art store (HB) and the Dallas Museum of Art shop (2B) list Vietnam. One eBay listing for a 12-pack says Japan. Tombow's own pages we could reach don't state the country, so we follow the majority of US listings. Source: https://shop.stlartsupply.com/products/tombow-8900-pencil-b-single ## Key takeaways - Tombow launched the 8900 in November 1945 as a premium pencil for retouching photographs, according to its company history. - Tombow's Japanese site lists six grades, 2H, H, F, HB, B and 2B, at ¥660 (about US$4.20) including tax for 12. - The yellow dozen box and olive green barrel date from 1948, three years after launch, Tombow says. - ASKUL lists the HB dozen box at 180 × 48 × 17 mm (7.1 × 1.9 × 0.7 in); the EAN is 4901991001044. - Most US retailers list it as made in Vietnam, and a box of 12 works out to our $ band (under $5 a pencil). ## What is the Tombow 8900? **The Tombow 8900 is Tombow's everyday wood pencil: hexagonal, olive green, with no eraser, sold in yellow boxes of 12.** Tombow's Japanese site calls it Japan's longest-selling pencil (日本で一番のロングセラー鉛筆), and Tombow USA calls it one of the most famous pencils in Japan and Tombow's oldest product still on sale. In the US it's easy to find: Tombow USA sells it directly, and art supply and museum shops stock it by the box and as singles. ## When did the 8900 come out? **Tombow's company history dates it to November 1945, when it was sold as a high-grade pencil for retouching photographs.** In a 2019 press release, Tombow says it settled on the olive green barrel and the yellow dozen box in 1948, three years later, and that's the design still sold today. ## Tombow 8900 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan | | Item codes | 8900-2H, -H, -F, -HB, -B, -2B | | Grades | 6: 2H, H, F, HB, B, 2B (Tombow Japan) | | Barrel | Hexagonal, olive green, gold lettering | | Eraser | None | | Pack | Box of 12 | | Box size (HB) | 180 × 48 × 17 mm (ASKUL) | | EAN (HB, 12) | 4901991001044 | | Japan list price | ¥660 (about US$4.20) incl. tax for 12 | | Made in | Vietnam (most US retailer listings) | Tombow doesn't publish the pencil's own length or diameter in the sources we found, so we leave them out rather than guess. The 180 mm box gives an upper limit. ![Tombow 8900 yellow dozen box drawn to scale at 180 by 48 mm, and its 48 by 17 mm end holding 12 olive green hexagonal pencils in two rows of six; grades 2H, H, F, HB, B and 2B](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-8900-box.svg) *The HB dozen box at ASKUL's listed size.* ## Which grade should you choose? **HB is the all-rounder; go to B or 2B for darker, softer writing, and H or 2H for light lines.** F sits between HB and H, so it stays sharp a little longer than HB. Tombow USA mainly stocks HB, B and 2B. The full six-grade range is easiest to find from Japanese and European sellers. ## How does the 8900 compare with other pencils? **It's a plain, cheap everyday pencil, closer to a [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) than to an art pencil.** | | Tombow 8900 | [Staedtler Noris](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-noris/) | [Tombow MONO 100](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-100/) | |---|---|---|---| | Use | Everyday writing | Everyday writing | Drawing, premium writing | | Grades | 6 (2H–2B) | 5 (2H–2B, no F) | 17 (6B–9H) | | Eraser | No | No | No | | Made in | Vietnam (retailers) | Germany | Japan | If you want a drawing pencil with more grades, the [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/) runs from 12B to 10H. For a triangular writing pencil with a dotted grip zone, see the [Faber-Castell Grip 2001](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-grip-2001/). ## How do you sharpen and care for it? **Any standard pencil sharpener works, because the 8900 is a regular hexagonal wood pencil.** A hand sharpener such as the [KUM long point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kum-long-point-sharpener/) gives a longer point that stays sharp between turns; an electric or crank sharpener is faster for a whole box. It has no eraser, so keep a separate one nearby. Softer grades, especially 2B, wear down faster and need sharpening more often than HB or H. ## Is the 8900 good for drawing? **It works for sketching and lettering, but its six grades are a narrow range for shading.** Tombow USA's blog calls it a basic HB pencil and uses it for light sketching before inking lettering. For full tonal drawing, step up to an art pencil line with more grades. For handwriting, note-taking and school work, the six grades cover nearly everything. ## Why is it so popular in Japan? **It has stayed in production, in nearly the same look, for more than 75 years.** Tombow says the yellow box and olive green barrel have barely changed since 1948, the design won a Good Design Long Life Design Award in 2011, and in 2019 it marked 70 years of that design with a limited set that came with a pencil-case tin. ## How much does it cost? **In Japan, Tombow's list price is ¥660 (about US$4.20) including tax for 12, or about ¥55 (about US$0.30) a pencil.** In the US, Tombow USA sells it by the box of 12, and divided by 12 each pencil falls well inside our $ band (under $5). ## Where is the Tombow 8900 made? **Most US listings say Vietnam.** St. Louis Art Supply, the Minneapolis Institute of Art store and the Dallas Museum of Art shop all list Vietnam, while one eBay seller lists Japan. Tombow, the brand, is based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### What grades does the Tombow 8900 come in? Tombow's Japanese site lists six: 2H, H, F, HB, B and 2B. Tombow USA's listings mainly carry HB, B and 2B. ### When did the Tombow 8900 come out? Tombow's company history dates it to November 1945, when it was sold as a high-grade pencil for retouching photographs. The olive green barrel and yellow dozen box followed in 1948. ### Does the Tombow 8900 have an eraser? No. It's a plain wood pencil with no eraser or ferrule, so pair it with a separate eraser. ### How much is a box of Tombow 8900 pencils? Tombow's Japanese list price is ¥660 (about US$4.20) including tax for 12. In the US, a box of 12 works out to well under $5 a pencil, our $ band. ### What does 8900 mean? It's the product number Tombow gave the pencil in 1945, and the pencil is still sold under it. The sources we found don't explain how the number was chosen. ### Tombow 8900 or MONO 100: which should I buy? The 8900 is Tombow's everyday pencil in six grades. The MONO 100 is its premium drawing pencil in 17 grades, from 6B to 9H, at a much higher price. ### Where is the Tombow 8900 made? Most US retailers we found, including St. Louis Art Supply and two museum shops, list Vietnam. Tombow is based in Tokyo, Japan. ## Sources - [Tombow (Japanese): 8900 pencil (six grades 2H–2B, list price for 12, hexagonal, 2011 Long Life Design Award; page read in full)](https://www.tombow.com/products/pencil_8900/) - [Tombow (Japanese): company history (8900 launched November 1945 for photo retouching; page read in full)](https://www.tombow.com/corporate/about/history/) - [Tombow press release (Japanese): 70 years of the 8900 in its yellow dozen box (1948 design)](https://tombow.com/press/190111/) - [ASKUL (Japanese): Tombow 8900-HB, 1 dozen (box size, JAN)](https://www.askul.co.jp/p/332379/) - [Yodobashi (Japanese): Tombow 8900-HB, 1 dozen](https://www.yodobashi.com/product/000000359101002265/) - [Tombow USA: 8900 pencils, 2B (box of 12)](https://www.tombowusa.com/products/8900-drawing-pencils-2b) - [Tombow USA: National Handwriting Day (8900 HB box of 12 price)](https://www.tombowusa.com/national-handwriting-day.html) - [Tombow USA blog: Everything you need to know about Tombow pencils](https://blog.tombowusa.com/2020/07/30/everything-you-need-to-know-about-tombow-pencils/) - [Tombow Europe: 8900 pencil HB, set of 12](https://www.tomboweurope.com/en/products/product/8900-HB) - [St. Louis Art Supply: Tombow 8900 pencil, B (made in Vietnam)](https://shop.stlartsupply.com/products/tombow-8900-pencil-b-single) - [Minneapolis Institute of Art store: 8900 drawing pencils HB (made in Vietnam)](https://shop.artsmia.org/products/8900-drawing-pencils-hb) - [Tingstad: Tombow pencil 8900 HB (EAN 4901991001044)](https://www.tingstad.com/se-en/office-supplies/pens-accessories/pencils/pencil-8900-hb-8900hb) --- # uni Nano Dia Lead: Grades, Counts and Strength > uni Nano Dia is Mitsubishi Pencil's premium mechanical pencil lead, blended with nano-sized diamond particles that the maker says make it harder to break and smoother. The 0.5 mm black lead (uni0.5-202ND) comes in 40 leads of 60 mm and ten grades from 4H to 4B, at ¥220 (about US$1.40) a case in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-nano-dia-lead/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![uni Nano Dia 0.5 mm lead refill: a clear case with a black cap and three loose 60 mm (2.4 in) leads drawn to scale; inset: graphite with nano-diamond particles mixed in](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/uni-nano-dia-lead-16x9.png) *Leads drawn to scale at 60 mm; the case is drawn by eye.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-nano-dia-lead-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | uni Nano Dia mechanical pencil lead (uni0.5-202ND HB, 0.5 mm, 40 leads) | uni (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Not stated | Graphite blended with nano-diamond particles | 2008 | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (uni Nano Dia mechanical pencil lead (uni0.5-202ND HB, 0.5 mm, 40 leads)): Not stated. Mitsubishi Pencil's pages we could reach and the Amazon US listings don't state where the standard black Nano Dia is made. Tacto Studio lists the related Nano Dia for Textbooks lead as made in Japan, but that is a different product, so we don't carry it over. ## Key takeaways - Amazon US lists the 0.5 mm black Nano Dia at 40 leads per case, each 60 mm (2.4 in) long. - Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site lists ten 0.5 mm grades, from 4H to 4B, at ¥220 (about US$1.40) a case, including tax. - Mitsubishi Pencil says Nano Dia has been a long seller since its 2008 launch. - Nano Dia Color, an erasable colored lead, came in 0.7 mm in November 2014 and in seven 0.5 mm colors in 2016, at 20 leads a case. - A case sells in our $ band (under $5) in the US. ## What is uni Nano Dia lead? **It's Mitsubishi Pencil's premium refill lead for mechanical pencils, with nano-sized diamond particles blended in.** Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site says the diamond makes the lead harder to break under heavy pressure and lets it write smoothly and clearly. Mitsubishi Pencil calls Nano Dia a long seller since its 2008 launch. In the US, it's one of the two premium leads Unsharpen's lead guide recommends, alongside [Pentel Ain Stein](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-ain-stein-lead/), and Amazon sells it by the case and in 10-case packs. ## uni Nano Dia specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd., Tokyo (brand: uni) | | Product code | uni0.5-202ND (0.5 mm); order code U05202NDHB for HB | | JAN (0.5 mm HB) | 4902778030486 | | Leads per case | 40 (0.5 mm, black) | | Lead length | 60 mm (2.4 in) | | Grades (0.5 mm) | 10: 4H, 3H, 2H, H, F, HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B | | Other sizes | 0.3 mm (2H, H, HB, B, 2B), 0.4 mm (H, HB, B, 2B), 0.7 mm (H, HB, B); counts not confirmed | | Japan list price | ¥220 (about US$1.40) incl. tax per case | | Launched | 2008 (series) | The 40-lead count and 60 mm length come from Amazon US listings; grades and price come from Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site. Mitsubishi Pencil's page lists every item as Eco Mark certified. We couldn't confirm lead counts for sizes other than 0.5 mm, and the page doesn't state counts at all. ![One uni Nano Dia 0.5 mm lead drawn to scale at 60 mm long and 0.5 mm thick, and the ten 0.5 mm grades from 4H to 4B as swatches darkening toward 4B](https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-nano-dia-lead-grades.svg) *Ten grades in 0.5 mm, all in 60 mm leads (swatch tones illustrative).* ## Which grade should you buy? **Start with HB, and switch to B or 2B if you want darker lines with less pressure.** Softer grades write darker but wear faster and smudge more; H grades stay sharp and light. Nano Dia's ten 0.5 mm grades go further than most US multi-packs, from 4H for very light construction lines to 4B for sketching. ## Is Nano Dia really stronger? **Mitsubishi Pencil says so, but we found no independent breakage figure.** The maker's claim is that the diamond particles resist breaking when you press hard, which matters most in thin leads such as 0.3 mm. Looria's summary of about 20 reviews lists break resistance and the range up to 4B as positives. We haven't measured it ourselves. ## What other Nano Dia leads are there? **Mitsubishi Pencil sells colored and textbook versions under the same name.** | Version | What it is | Facts | |---|---|---| | Nano Dia (uni0.5-202ND) | Black graphite lead | 40 leads, 60 mm, 4H–4B | | Nano Dia Color | Erasable colored lead | 0.7 mm red and blue from November 2014; seven 0.5 mm colors from 2016; 20 leads | | Nano Dia for Textbooks | Lead for glossy, coated paper | 0.5 mm, 40 leads, 60 mm (Tacto Studio) | Mitsubishi Pencil says the color leads erase cleanly with an ordinary eraser. It also built a pencil around them, the uni Color, launched December 28, 2017. ## Is Nano Dia worth the extra cost? **For most people, yes, if lead breaks or faint lines bother you; the difference in price is small.** At ¥220 (about US$1.40) a case in Japan, a premium lead costs only a little more than an everyday one, and a case of 40 lasts a long time. If you rarely break lead and write lightly, a basic lead works fine. The upgrade matters most for heavy-handed writers, for 0.3 mm pencils, and for people who want darker lines from a harder grade. ## How should you store and load it? **Keep the case closed and load a few leads at a time.** Loading too many leads into a pencil's reservoir can jam the clutch, so two or three is plenty for most pencils. Always match the lead diameter to the pencil: a 0.5 mm lead in a 0.7 mm pencil slips, and a 0.7 mm lead won't fit a 0.5 mm one. ## Which pencils does it fit? **Any mechanical pencil of the same diameter.** The 0.5 mm leads suit everyday pencils such as the [uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/), the [Pentel Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/) and the [rOtring 600](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-600/). ## Where is uni Nano Dia made? **The listings we found for the standard black lead don't say.** Tacto Studio lists the related textbook lead as made in Japan, but that is a different product. Mitsubishi Pencil, the maker of uni, is based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many leads are in a uni Nano Dia tube? The 0.5 mm black lead comes 40 to a case, per Amazon US listings. Nano Dia Color cases hold 20 leads. ### Is there really diamond in Nano Dia lead? Mitsubishi Pencil says it blends nano-sized diamond particles into the lead so it resists breaking under pressure and writes smoothly and clearly. We haven't analyzed the lead ourselves. ### What grades does uni Nano Dia come in? Mitsubishi Pencil lists ten grades in 0.5 mm: 4H, 3H, 2H, H, F, HB, B, 2B, 3B and 4B. US shops mostly stock HB, B and 2B. ### How long are uni Nano Dia leads? Amazon lists the 0.5 mm leads at 60 mm (2.4 in), the standard length, so they fit any 0.5 mm mechanical pencil. ### Nano Dia or Pentel Ain Stein: which is better? Both are premium leads sold on strength and smoothness, and Unsharpen names them as the two to upgrade to. We haven't run a side-by-side test yet. ### Can you erase uni Nano Dia Color lead? Yes, Mitsubishi Pencil says the Nano Dia Color leads erase cleanly with a regular eraser, which is their point compared with colored pencils. ### Where is uni Nano Dia lead made? The listings we found for the standard black lead don't say. Mitsubishi Pencil is based in Tokyo, Japan. ## Sources - [Mitsubishi Pencil (Japanese): uni Nano Dia (sizes, grades, order codes, JAN, list price, nano-diamond blend; page read in full)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/mechanical_pencils/leads/kaeshin/nano_dia/uni03_202nd.html) - [Mitsubishi Pencil (Japanese): uni Nano Dia Color](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/mechanical_pencils/leads/kaeshin/nano_dia_color/uni05_202ndc.html) - [Mitsubishi Pencil press release (Japanese): uni Nano Dia Color 0.5 mm, seven colors, 20 leads (October 24, 2016)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20161024-36790.html) - [Mitsubishi Pencil press release (Japanese): Kuru Toga 0.7 mm and uni Nano Dia Color (September 12, 2014)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20140912-36916.html) - [Mitsubishi Pencil press release (Japanese): uni Nano Dia Color 0.7 mm, five new colors (December 11, 2017)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20171211-36733.html) - [Mitsubishi Pencil press room (Japanese): uni Nano Dia for Textbooks lead](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/pressroom/20141021-36909.html) - [Amazon: Uni Nano Dia mechanical pencil lead, 0.5 mm, H (U05202NDH)](https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Pencil-Lead-0-5mm-U05202NDH/dp/B002U0MT84) - [Amazon: Uni Nano Dia mechanical pencil lead, 0.5 mm, 2H](https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Pencil-Lead-0-5mm-U05202ND3B/dp/B0035J3U82) - [Amazon: Uni Nano Dia 0.5 mm B, 40 leads × 10 tubes](https://www.amazon.com/Blended-Hi-quality-Mechanical-Pencil-Totally/dp/B00OBLL43Q) - [Tacto Studio: Nano Dia mechanical pencil lead for textbooks (0.5 mm, 60 mm, 40 leads, made in Japan)](https://tacto-studio.com/products/nano-dia-mechanical-pencil-lead-for-textbooks) - [Unsharpen: Best mechanical pencil lead (Ain Stein and uni Nano Dia)](https://unsharpen.com/best-mechanical-pencil-lead/) - [Looria: uni Nano Dia leads (review summary)](https://looria.com/review/uni-nano-dia-leads) --- # Leuchtturm1917 Weekly Planner & Notebook 2027: A5 > The Leuchtturm1917 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook is a dated weekly diary for January to December 2027. The Medium (A5) hardcover is 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in) with 144 pages of 80 g/m² ivory paper. Each spread pairs the week with a lined or dotted notes page, and it has two ribbons, an elastic and a pocket. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-weekly-planner-2027/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Leuchtturm1917 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook to scale: a black A5 hardcover 210 mm tall and 145 mm wide with elastic and two ribbons, and the planner open on seven day rows facing a lined notes page](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/leuchtturm1917-weekly-planner-2027-16x9.png) *The 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook in Black, closed and open on a week (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-weekly-planner-2027-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Leuchtturm1917 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook, Medium (A5), hardcover (lined or dotted notes page) | Leuchtturm1917 (by LEUCHTTURM1917 GmbH (Geesthacht, Germany)) | Germany | Not stated | Hard or soft cover, 80 g/m² ivory paper | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Leuchtturm1917 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook, Medium (A5), hardcover (lined or dotted notes page)): Not stated. Neither Leuchtturm1917's German product page, which names only the maker, LEUCHTTURM1917 GmbH in Geesthacht, nor the US and Australian retailer listings we read state where the 2027 planners are made, so check the label on your copy. ## Key takeaways - The Medium (A5) measures 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in); Goulet Pens lists it 14.5 mm thick. - It has 144 pages of 80 g/m² ivory paper and runs from January to December 2027. - Leuchtturm1917's German site lists a 3-year overview, a planning overview from July 2026 to December 2028, moon phases, international holidays and a project plan. - Leuchtturm1917's German shop lists the English-language Medium at €27.50 (about US$31); US shops sell it in our $$$ band ($20–75). - Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand; no source we found states where the 2027 planners are made. ## What is the Leuchtturm1917 Weekly Planner & Notebook? **It is Leuchtturm1917's dated weekly diary: the week on the left page and a notes page on the right, in the same hardcover as the [Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/).** The 2027 edition covers January to December 2027. It is the weekly planner in our [best 2027 journals](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/) roundup. This guide covers the Medium (A5) size, the one most US pen shops stock. ## Leuchtturm1917 2027 Weekly Planner specs | Spec | 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook, Medium (A5) | |---|---| | Size | 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in) | | Item number | 400212 (black, lined, English, hardcover) | | Thickness | 14.5 mm (0.6 in), per Goulet Pens | | Pages | 144 | | Paper | 80 g/m², ivory | | Dates | January – December 2027; planning overview July 2026 – December 2028 | | Notes page | Lined or dotted | | Binding | Thread-bound, opens flat (Pulp Addiction) | | Extras | 2 ribbons, elastic, gusseted pocket, labeling stickers, detachable note sheets | | Languages | German (with school holidays), English, French (Leuchtturm1917 DE) | | Covers | Hardcover or softcover; colors include Black, Port Red, Forest Green, Sage, Lilac and Sunflower | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75) | Size, pages, paper and extras are from Leuchtturm1917's German product page, which lists the black, lined, English-language hardcover as item 400212 at €27.50 (about US$31); Goulet Pens sells the same item as LT-400212. ## What does a week look like? **Each spread gives one week: the days on the left page and a lined or dotted page for notes on the right.** The notes page takes a to-do list, meeting notes or a weekly review. ![To-scale drawing of one Leuchtturm1917 2027 weekly spread, two 145 × 210 mm ivory pages: seven day rows from Monday January 4 to Sunday January 10 on the left and a lined notes page on the right, with a band of twelve months from January to December 2027](https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-weekly-planner-2027-spread.svg) *One week per spread, January to December 2027 (simplified).* Leuchtturm1917 lists a 3-year overview, a planning overview from July 2026 to December 2028 and a project plan. The calendar pages also mark moon phases and international holidays, in 58 countries per Goulet Pens; the German-language edition adds school holidays. ## How good is the paper? **The 80 g/m² paper, ivory per Goulet Pens, is heavier than the 70 g/m² in Moleskine's planners, and it is the same weight as Leuchtturm1917's standard notebooks.** Fine gel pens and ballpoints are the safe choice; wet fountain-pen inks may show through. Leuchtturm1917 lists detachable note sheets, so you can tear out a list without damaging the binding. ## How does it compare to other weekly planners? **It is the widest of the popular A5-height weeklies, with heavier paper than the Moleskine.** | | Leuchtturm1917 Medium | [Moleskine Large](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-weekly-planner/) | [Hobonichi Weeks](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-weeks/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 145 × 210 mm | 130 × 210 mm | 95 × 186 mm | | Layout | Week + lined or dotted page | Week + ruled page | Week + grid page | | Pages | 144 | 144 | 240 | | Paper | 80 g/m² | 70 g/m² | Tomoe River S | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | ## Which version should you choose? **Pick the Weekly Planner & Notebook if you want a notes page every week.** Leuchtturm1917's 2027 Week Planner (Wochenplaner) instead spreads one week across both pages, with a column each for Saturday and Sunday and no notes page. For a July start, Leuchtturm1917's 18-month Weekly Planner & Notebook runs from July 2026 to December 2027. The A4+ Master size, with 100 g/m² paper, suits a desk; the Medium fits most bags. ## Who is the Weekly Planner & Notebook for? **It suits people who plan by the week and also want room for notes, lists or a journal in the same book.** The notes page means you don't need to carry a second notebook for meetings or ideas. If you plan hour by hour, a daily book such as the Leuchtturm1917 Daily Planner gives each day its own page. If you only need dates for appointments, a slimmer monthly planner is lighter to carry. And if you'd rather keep a few lines a day for years, see the [Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day/). ## When should you buy the 2027 planner? **Now, if you want a January start: the 12-month planner covers January 1 to December 31, 2027.** Several color listings showed as out of stock in our October 2026 searches. Goulet Pens and Dromgoole's list the Medium hardcover in our $$$ band. ## Where is the Leuchtturm1917 planner made? **Neither Leuchtturm1917's German product page nor the retailer listings we read state where the 2027 planners are made.** The page names the maker, LEUCHTTURM1917 GmbH in Geesthacht, Germany, so check the label on your copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the dates in the Leuchtturm1917 2027 weekly planner? The 12-month planner runs from January to December 2027. Leuchtturm1917's German site also lists an 18-month version that runs from July 2026 to December 2027. ### What size is the Leuchtturm1917 Weekly Planner & Notebook? The Medium is A5-sized: 145 × 210 mm, or 5.75 × 8.25 in, per Leuchtturm1917. Goulet Pens lists it 14.5 mm thick. Leuchtturm1917 also makes Pocket, Paperback, Wallet, Composition and A4+ Master sizes. ### How many pages does the Leuchtturm1917 2027 weekly planner have? 144 pages of 80 g/m² paper, per Leuchtturm1917's German site; Goulet Pens describes the paper as ivory. Only the A4+ Master uses 100 g/m². ### What does the weekly layout look like? Each spread puts the week on the left page and a notes page on the right. You choose lined or dotted notes pages when you buy. ### Are the pages perforated? Some are. Leuchtturm1917 lists detachable sheets for notes ("heraustrennbare Blätter"), and Dromgoole's and Goulet Pens describe the same. ### What extras come with the planner? Leuchtturm1917 lists a gusseted pocket, labels for the cover and spine, a 3-year overview, a project plan, moon phases and international holidays; Goulet Pens adds two ribbons and holidays in 58 countries. ### Is Leuchtturm1917 or Moleskine better for a 2027 weekly planner? Both pair the week with a notes page. The Leuchtturm1917 is wider (145 vs 130 mm), uses 80 g/m² paper against Moleskine's 70 g/m², and has two ribbons instead of one. ### Where is the Leuchtturm1917 planner made? Neither Leuchtturm1917 nor the retailers we read state it for the 2027 planners. Leuchtturm1917 is a German company in Geesthacht; check the label on your copy. ## Sources - [LEUCHTTURM1917 (DE): Wochenkalender und Notizbuch 2027 (maker's German page: item 930069/400212, 144 Seiten, 80 g/m², sizes, extras, €27.50 for the English Medium)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.de/wochenkalender-und-notizbuch-2027.html) - [LEUCHTTURM1917 (DE): Wochenplaner 2027 (the Week Planner: one spread per week, no notes page)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.de/wochenplaner-2027.html) - [LEUCHTTURM1917 (DE): Wochenkalender & Notizbuch 2027, 18 Monate (July 2026 to December 2027)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.de/wochenkalender-notizbuch-2027-18-monate-liniert.html) - [Goulet Pens: Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook, Black, Lined (LT-400212; 144 pages, 80 g ivory, January–December 2027, 14.5 mm, extras)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/leuchtturm1917-medium-a5-2027-weekly-planner-notebook-black-lined) - [Goulet Pens: Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook, Port Red, Lined](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/leuchtturm1917-medium-a5-2027-weekly-planner-notebook-port-red-lined) - [Goulet Pens: Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook, Forest Green, Lined](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/leuchtturm1917-medium-a5-2027-weekly-planner-notebook-forest-green-lined) - [Dromgoole's: Leuchtturm1917 2027 A5 Medium Hardcover Weekly Planner, Dotted Notebook, Black (detachable note sheets, 144 pages)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/leuchtturm1917-2027-a5-medium-hardcover-weekly-planner-dotted-notebook-black) - [Dromgoole's: Leuchtturm1917 2027 A5 Medium Softcover Weekly Planner, Sage](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/leuchtturm1917-2027-a5-medium-softcover-weekly-planner-sage) - [Dromgoole's: Leuchtturm1917 2027 A5 Medium Hardcover Weekly Planner, Sunflower](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/leuchtturm1917-2027-a5-medium-hardcover-weekly-planner-sunflower) - [Pulp Addiction: Leuchtturm1917 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook (A5), Lilac (145 × 210 mm, thread-bound, opens flat, gusseted pocket)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/leuchtturm1917-2027-weekly-planner-notebook-a5-hardcover-lilac) - [Pulp Addiction: Leuchtturm1917 2027 Week Planner (A5), Sage](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/leuchtturm1917-2027-week-planner-hardcover-a5-sage) - [Pulp Addiction: Leuchtturm1917 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook (A4+), Black](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/leuchtturm1917-2027-weekly-planner-notebook-a4-hardcover-black) - [Digitec: Leuchtturm1917 18-month A5 weekly agenda (release date April 18, 2026)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/leuchtturm1917-leuchtturm-1w2s-med18mon-hc-schw-a5-1-week-2-pages-agenda-69552322) - [ASINsight: Best-selling Leuchtturm1917 planners on Amazon US (estimates, April 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/leuchtturm1917-planner) --- # Paperblanks Black Moroccan Midi: Size, Paper & Lines > The Paperblanks Black Moroccan Midi is a lined hardcover journal from the Old Leather Collection, with a gold-tooled cover inspired by Renaissance bookbindings. Paperblanks lists the 144-page Midi at 4¾ × 7 in (about 120 × 180 mm), with 120 gsm acid-free paper, a sewn binding, a ribbon, an elastic band and a memento pouch. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paperblanks-black-moroccan-midi-journal/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Paperblanks Black Moroccan Midi journal: a near-black hardcover about 180 mm tall with a gold-tooled frame, corner ornaments and a central lozenge, an elastic band and a ribbon, beside the journal open on lined pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/paperblanks-black-moroccan-midi-journal-16x9.png) *The Black Moroccan Midi, open on lined pages and closed (1 mm = 1.2 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/paperblanks-black-moroccan-midi-journal-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Paperblanks Black Moroccan (Old Leather Collection) Midi Lined Hardcover Journal, elastic band closure | Paperblanks (by Paperblanks (Hachette UK)) | Canada | Not stated | Hardcover of 100% recycled binder boards with printed cover paper (faux leather); 120 gsm acid-free paper; threaded stitching | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Paperblanks Black Moroccan (Old Leather Collection) Midi Lined Hardcover Journal, elastic band closure): Not stated. Paperblanks doesn't state where this journal is manufactured. Its product page says 'Region: Made in Canada with a European influence', but that line sits in the 'About this design' notes with the original art and era, so we read it as describing the cover design, not the factory. Pulp Addiction lists the journal as designed in Europe. Digitec lists China for a different Paperblanks hardcover (Medina Mystic), so check the label on your copy. ## Key takeaways - Paperblanks lists the 144-page Midi at 4¾ × 7 in (about 120 × 178 mm); a Canadian museum shop gives 18 × 12 × 2 cm, and some retailers round it to 130 × 180 mm. - The lined Midi has 144 pages of 120 gsm acid-free paper; Paperblanks' Midi spec sheets give 21 lines a page, 6.67 mm apart. - The elastic-band hardcover is ISBN 9781439735190; Hachette UK lists it at £17.99 (about US$24), on sale from January 1, 2016. - US booksellers sell it in our $$ band ($5–20 per notebook). - Paperblanks is a Vancouver, Canada, brand founded in 1992 and now owned by Hachette UK; no source we found states where this journal is made. ## What is the Paperblanks Black Moroccan Midi? **It is a lined hardcover journal in Paperblanks' Midi size, with the Black Moroccan cover from the brand's Old Leather Collection.** Paperblanks says the collection grew from designs inspired by Renaissance leather bindings, and that Black Moroccan pays homage to the gold tooling on Moroccan-leather books. Paperblanks makes hundreds of cover designs in several sizes. We chose this one because the Midi is the size US booksellers stock most widely in our searches, and Black Moroccan is one of the brand's longest-running designs: a wrap-closure edition was listed from 2007, the elastic-band hardcover from 2016. ## Black Moroccan Midi specs | Spec | Black Moroccan Midi Lined, elastic band | |---|---| | Size | 4¾ × 7 in (about 120 × 178 mm), per Paperblanks | | Thickness | About 2 cm (0.8 in), per the Canadian Museum of Nature shop; Paperblanks gives 18 mm for another 144-page Midi | | Pages | 144, lined | | Paper | 120 gsm, acid-free | | Ruling | 21 lines a page, 6.67 mm apart | | Binding | Thread-sewn ("Smyth sewn" on Paperblanks' Midi spec sheets) | | Cover | 100% recycled binder boards, printed cover paper | | Extras | Elastic band, satin ribbon marker, memento pouch | | ISBN | 9781439735190 | | Price band | $$ ($5–20) | Size, pages, paper, cover and extras are from Paperblanks' product page. The ruling comes from Paperblanks' spec sheet for another lined Midi hardcover, as republished by US booksellers. Retailers give the width anywhere from 120 to 134 mm; we use the maker's 4¾ in. ![Drawing of the Paperblanks Midi journal, about 130 × 180 mm as retailers list it, between an A6 outline (105 × 148 mm) and an A5 outline (148 × 210 mm), with a sample of the lined ruling at 6.67 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/paperblanks-black-moroccan-midi-journal-sizes.svg) *The Midi sits between A6 and A5; its lines are 6.67 mm apart.* ## How big is a Paperblanks Midi? **Paperblanks lists the 144-page Midi at 4¾ × 7 in (about 120 × 178 mm), a little smaller than A5 and a lot larger than a pocket notebook.** The Canadian Museum of Nature's shop gives 18 × 12 × 2 cm; some retailers, such as Pulp Addiction, round it to 130 × 180 mm. It is narrower and shorter than a [Moleskine Classic Large](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) (13 × 21 cm) and close to the [Baron Fig Confidant](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/baron-fig-confidant/) (137 × 196 mm). It fits most bags but not a jacket pocket. ## What other sizes does Paperblanks make? **Paperblanks sells the same designs in several sizes; the Midi is the middle one.** | Size | Approximate size | Notes | |---|---|---| | Mini | 3¾ × 5½ in (95 × 140 mm) | 176 pages, per Paperblanks | | Midi | 4¾ × 7 in (120 × 178 mm) | This guide; a 176-page Midi is 5 × 7 in | | Maxi | 135 × 210 mm | Dotted only, per Tidformera | | Ultra | 7 × 9 in (178 × 229 mm) | 144 or 176 pages | | Grande | 8¼ × 11¾ in (210 × 298 mm) | 128 pages; desk size | Not every design comes in every size, and Paperblanks also sells softcover Flexi Midi journals with 240 pages. ## How good is the paper? **At 120 gsm, the paper is heavier than the 70 to 80 g/m² paper in most hardcover notebooks, so it should resist show-through better.** Paperblanks describes it as acid-free paper from sustainable forests. The 6.67 mm line spacing is a little tighter than US college ruling. Paperblanks lists "threaded stitching and glue, as needed", and retailers call it Smyth sewn; a sewn book opens flatter than a glued one. ## Who is the Black Moroccan Midi for? **It suits people who want a journal that looks like an old book, for a diary, travel notes or a gift.** The cover is the main reason people choose Paperblanks over plainer notebooks. If you want a dot grid, numbered pages or an index for bullet journaling, a [Leuchtturm1917 Medium](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) is the more practical choice. For heavier ink, see our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## Which edition should you buy? **Check the ISBN: the elastic-band hardcover is 9781439735190, and the older wrap-closure edition is 9781551568393.** Blackwell's lists the wrap-closure book at 184 × 136 mm, a little larger. Hachette UK lists the elastic-band edition at £17.99 (about US$24), on sale from January 1, 2016. US booksellers list it in our $$ band. ## Where is the Paperblanks Midi made? **No source we found states where this journal is made.** Paperblanks was founded in Vancouver, Canada, in 1992, and was acquired by Hachette UK after its founder Victor Marks retired. Paperblanks' own page says "Made in Canada with a European influence", but under its notes on the cover art, so we don't read it as the factory. Pulp Addiction lists the journal as designed in Europe, and Digitec lists China for a different Paperblanks hardcover, so check the label on your copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a Paperblanks Midi journal? Paperblanks lists the 144-page Midi at 4¾ × 7 in, about 120 × 180 mm, a little smaller than A5; its 176-page Midi is 5 × 7 in. Some retailers round the width up to 130 mm, and wrap-closure editions run wider. ### How many pages does the Paperblanks Midi have? The lined hardcover Midi has 144 pages of 120 gsm paper. Paperblanks' softcover Flexi Midi journals have 240 pages instead. ### What is the line spacing in Paperblanks lined journals? Paperblanks' spec sheets for lined Midi journals give 21 lines a page, 6.67 mm apart. That is close to US college ruling (7.1 mm). ### Is the Black Moroccan cover real leather? No. Paperblanks lists the cover as recycled binder boards with decorative printed cover paper, and its German site calls this collection 'Klassiker aus Faux-Leder' (faux-leather classics). The design pays homage to gold tooling on Moroccan-leather bindings. ### What is the memento pouch in a Paperblanks journal? It is a paper pocket inside the back cover for keeping loose notes, tickets or cards. Retailers list it on the Black Moroccan Midi. ### Are Paperblanks journals good for fountain pens? The 120 gsm paper is heavier than most notebook paper, and Paperblanks appears in fountain-pen users' lists of favourite journals. We haven't tested this journal with fountain pens ourselves yet. ### What is the difference between the elastic band and wrap closure versions? They are different editions with different ISBNs. The elastic band hardcover is 9781439735190; the older wrap closure version is 9781551568393, which Blackwell's lists at 184 × 136 mm. ### Where are Paperblanks journals made? Paperblanks doesn't state it in the sources we found. The brand was founded in Vancouver, Canada, and retailers describe its journals as designed in Europe; check the label on your copy. ## Sources - [Paperblanks: Black Moroccan – Old Leather Collection – Journals (Midi lined, elastic band, item no. 9781439735190: sizes, 120 gsm, details)](https://www.paperblanks.com/en/product/journals/black-moroccan/pb3519-0) - [Paperblanks (German): Black Moroccan, Klassiker aus Faux-Leder (faux-leather classics; Fadenheftung, säurefreies Papier)](https://www.paperblanks.com/de/product/journals/black-moroccan/pb3519-0) - [San Marco Books: Paperblanks Black Edition Midi Lined Hardcover (publisher spec: 120 × 180 × 18 mm, 6.67 mm lines, 21 lines a page, Smyth sewn)](https://sanmarcobooksandmore.com/book/9781408763292) - [Paperblanks: Our story (founded in Vancouver in 1992; acquired by Hachette UK)](https://paperblanks.com/en/about/our-story/) - [Paperblanks: Black Moroccan Flexi journal (design inspired by Moroccan leather and gold tooling)](https://www.paperblanks.com/en/product/flexis/black-moroccan/fb4443-7) - [Hachette UK: Black Moroccan Midi Lined Hardcover Journal, elastic band closure (ISBN 9781439735190, £17.99, on sale January 1, 2016)](https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/paperblanks/black-moroccan-old-leather-collection-midi-lined-hardcover-journal-elastic-band-closure/9781439735190/) - [Canadian Museum of Nature boutique: Black Moroccan Midi Lined Journal (18 × 12 × 2 cm, elastic band, memento pouch, acid-free paper)](https://boutique.nbm-mnb.ca/products/black-moroccan-midi-lined-journal) - [Pulp Addiction: Paperblanks Black Moroccan Midi Lined Journal (designed in Europe, approx. 130 × 180 mm, Smyth sewn)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/paperblanks-old-leather-classics-black-moroccan-midi-lined-journal) - [Blackwell's: Black Moroccan Midi Lined Hardcover Journal, wrap closure (ISBN 9781551568393, 184 × 136 mm, 144 pages)](https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781551568393) - [Bookloft: Black Moroccan Midi Lined Hardcover Journal, wrap closure (ISBN 9781551568393, publication date July 1, 2007)](https://bookloft.com/book/9781551568393) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Notebook review, Paperblanks New Romantics Midi (130 × 180 × 20 mm, August 2022)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2022/08/notebook-review-paperblanks-new-romatics-midi/) - [Tidformera: Paperblanks Maxi journals (135 × 210 mm, dotted only)](https://tidformera.se/en/collections/paperblanks-maxi) - [Digitec: Paperblanks Medina Mystic lined hardcover (country of origin China)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/paperblanks-notebook-pb-medina-mystic-midi-lin-ultra-lined-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-20124102) - [Wikipedia: Hartley & Marks Publishers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartley_%26_Marks_Publishers) --- # Rhodia Goalbook: A5 Dot Grid Journal for Planning > The Rhodia Goalbook is an A5 hardcover dot grid journal made for bullet journaling. Rhodia's French site lists 240 pages: 224 numbered 5 mm dot grid pages, six index pages and two perpetual calendars, on 90 g/m² ivory or white Clairefontaine paper, with an Italian leatherette cover, pen loop, elastic, three ribbons and a gusseted back pocket. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-goalbook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Rhodia Goalbook to scale: a black A5 hardcover 218 mm tall and 151 mm wide with an orange elastic, an orange pen loop and three ribbons, beside the Goalbook open on numbered ivory dot grid pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/rhodia-goalbook-16x9.png) *The Goalbook in Black, open on dot grid pages and closed (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/rhodia-goalbook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Rhodia Goalbook, A5 hardcover, dot grid, 240 pages (ivory or white paper) | Rhodia (by Clairefontaine Rhodia (Exacompta Clairefontaine group); sold in the US by Exaclair) | France | Not stated | Italian leatherette (simili cuir italien) hardcover; 90 g/m² Clairefontaine vellum | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Rhodia Goalbook, A5 hardcover, dot grid, 240 pages (ivory or white paper)): Not stated. Cult Pens says the paper is made in Étival-Clairefontaine, France. Rhodia's 2024 French press kit says the brand has always produced in France, at Illzach near Mulhouse, and that its notebooks are assembled by hand, but neither Rhodia's product page nor any retailer we could read names the Goalbook's country. Galaxus has listed Morocco for a checked A5 Goalbook (117764C), a different ruling; its page now blocks automated reading, so check the label on your copy. Source: https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/img/DossierDePresse-90-anniversaire.pdf ## Key takeaways - Rhodia's French site lists 240 unperforated pages: 224 numbered dot grid pages, 6 index pages and 2 perpetual calendars. - The paper is 90 g/m² Clairefontaine vellum with a 5 mm dot grid, in ivory or, for a few cover colors, white. - Goulet Pens listed the hardcover at 218.4 × 150.7 mm (8.6 × 5.93 in); the pages are A5, 148 × 210 mm, and LDLC lists 440 g. - Exaclair's 2024 US catalog lists the hardcover at US$33.50, in our $$$ band ($20–75 per notebook). - Rhodia is a French brand; Cult Pens says the paper is made in France, but no source we found states where the Goalbook itself is assembled. ## What is the Rhodia Goalbook? **The Goalbook is Rhodia's A5 hardcover journal built for bullet journaling: numbered dot grid pages with contents and calendar pages already printed.** It uses the same 90 g/m² Clairefontaine paper as the [Rhodia Webnotebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-webnotebook-a5/). Reviews of it date back to 2018. Rhodia's French site lists the hardcover in 16 cover colors, and Rhodia's UK supplier, ExaClair Limited, added 11 new colors across the Goalbook and softcover ranges. In Europe it is sold as part of the Rhodiarama line. ## Rhodia Goalbook specs | Spec | Goalbook, A5 hardcover, dot grid | |---|---| | Cover size | 150.7 × 218.4 mm (5.93 × 8.6 in) | | Page size | A5, 148 × 210 mm | | Pages | 240, unperforated (120 sheets): 224 numbered dot grid pages | | Paper | 90 g/m² Clairefontaine vellum, ivory or white | | Ruling | 5 mm dot grid | | Planning pages | 6 index pages, 2 perpetual (undated) calendars: annual and monthly | | Extras | Orange elastic, pen loop, 3 ribbons (1 orange, 2 assorted), gusseted back pocket, orange endpapers | | Cover | Italian leatherette | | Spine | Glued, lays flat (Exaclair) | | Weight | 440 g (LDLC) | | Reference | 118772C (Black, ivory paper); 118570C (Silver, white paper) | | US list price | US$33.50 (Exaclair 2024 catalog) | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75) | Pages, paper, cover and extras are from Rhodia's French site; the cover size is from Goulet Pens' listing, since withdrawn, and Rhodia publishes none. The softcover Goalbook has two ribbons and no pen loop, so check which one a listing shows. ![To-scale drawing of the top of a Rhodia Goalbook A5 page inside its black 150.7 × 218.4 mm cover: ivory paper with a 5 mm dot grid and a 25 mm scale bar, with the page size, page count and 90 g/m² paper listed beside it](https://stationerytimes.com/images/rhodia-goalbook-page.svg) *The 5 mm dot grid at 1.2 px per mm, top of a page.* ## What makes it different from a plain dot grid notebook? **The Goalbook prints the setup pages that bullet journalers usually draw by hand.** Contents pages let you index entries by page number, and the undated year and month pages work from any start date. Because the calendars are undated, you can start in any month and carry the book across a year boundary. The pen loop keeps a pen with the book. ## How do you set up a Goalbook for bullet journaling? **Start with the printed pages: log each collection in the contents pages, fill in the annual calendar, then use the monthly pages as your future log.** The numbered dot grid pages that follow hold your monthly, weekly and daily spreads. Because the year and month pages are undated, write the year in yourself. Of the 224 numbered pages, a weekly spread for every week of a year takes 104, leaving 120 for monthly logs and collections. ## Hardcover or softcover? **This guide covers the hardcover; Rhodia also sells a softcover Goalbook with the same A5 dot grid paper.** The softcover is lighter and flexes in a bag, while the hardcover gives a firmer surface for writing on your lap. Exaclair's 2024 catalog gives the softcover two ribbons and the hardcover three ribbons plus the pen loop, at US$29.95 and US$33.50 list. ## Is the paper good for fountain pens? **Clairefontaine's 90 g/m² paper is known for being smooth and resisting bleed, and several reviewers call it fountain-pen friendly.** Not every reviewer agrees: The Pen Addict says it can feather with wet inks or flex nibs, and saw more ghosting on cream paper than on white. The white-paper editions also suit color-coding better than ivory. ## How does it compare to other bullet journals? **The Goalbook has the most pages of the three popular A5 bullet journals here; the other two have heavier paper.** | | Rhodia Goalbook | [Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2/) | [Scribbles That Matter Pro](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/scribbles-that-matter-pro-a5-dotted-journal/) | |---|---|---|---| | Pages | 240 | 206 | About 150 | | Paper | 90 g/m² | 120 g/m² | 160 gsm | | Dot grid | 5 mm | 5 mm | 5 mm | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | Heavier paper shows less through the page; more pages last longer. If you don't need the planning pages, the Webnotebook is a plainer book on the same paper. ## Which color and paper should you choose? **The pages are the same in every cover color, so the real choice is ivory or white paper.** Ivory is the classic Rhodia look; white shows colored inks and highlighters closer to their true color. Rhodia's French site lists 16 cover colors, from Black and Silver to Turquoise, Sapphire and Chocolate. Exaclair's 2024 US catalog offers white paper only in Silver, Black and Orange; The Pen Addict says white paper arrived in 2020. ## Where is the Rhodia Goalbook made? **No product page we found states where the Goalbook is assembled; Cult Pens says its paper is made in Étival-Clairefontaine, France.** Rhodia's 2024 French press kit says the brand has always produced in France, at Illzach near Mulhouse, but Galaxus has listed Morocco for a checked Goalbook, so check the label on your copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the Rhodia Goalbook? An A5 hardcover dot grid journal set up for bullet journaling: numbered pages, contents pages and undated year and month calendars, plus a pen loop, an elastic and ribbons. In Europe it is sold under the Rhodiarama name. ### How many pages does the Rhodia Goalbook have? 240 pages, or 120 sheets, according to Rhodia's French site: 224 numbered dot grid pages, 6 index pages and 2 perpetual calendars. The pages are not perforated. ### What paper does the Goalbook use? 90 g/m² Clairefontaine vellum with a 5 mm dot grid. It comes in ivory and, since 2020 according to The Pen Addict, white; Exaclair's 2024 US catalog lists white paper only in Silver, Black and Orange. ### Is the Rhodia Goalbook good for fountain pens? Reviewers generally find Clairefontaine paper smooth and fountain-pen friendly, though The Pen Addict says it can feather with wet inks or flex nibs. We haven't tested it ourselves yet. ### What size is the Rhodia Goalbook? Goulet Pens listed the hardcover at 218.4 × 150.7 mm (8.6 × 5.93 in). The pages inside are A5, 148 × 210 mm; Rhodia itself publishes no cover size. ### Does the Goalbook lie flat? Exaclair's 2024 catalog says the glued spine lays flat, and Pen Chalet agrees. All About Planners describes a sewn binding, so check the edition you buy. ### What is the difference between the Goalbook and the Webnotebook? Both use 90 g/m² Clairefontaine paper in a leatherette hardcover. The Goalbook adds numbered pages, contents and calendar pages, a pen loop and more ribbons, and has 240 pages to the Webnotebook's 192. ### Where is the Rhodia Goalbook made? Cult Pens says the paper is made in France, and Rhodia's press kit says the brand produces at Illzach, France. No product page names the Goalbook's own country; Galaxus has listed Morocco for one checked Goalbook. ## Sources - [Rhodia (France): Goalbook couverture rembordée rigide (Goalbook, hardcover: 240 pages, 224 numbered, 6 index pages, 2 perpetual calendars, 90 g/m² vellum, 3 ribbons, 16 colors)](https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/fr/rhodiarama/82-515-goalbook-couverture-rembordee-rigide.html) - [Rhodia (France): Dossier de presse, 90 ans de Rhodia (press kit for the 90th anniversary: production at Illzach, France)](https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/img/DossierDePresse-90-anniversaire.pdf) - [Exaclair 2024 catalog (Rhodia's US distributor): Dot Grid Goalbook (references, glued spine, US list price)](https://www.rhodiapads.com/pdf/Exaclair2024.pdf) - [LDLC: Rhodia Rhodiarama Goalbook, A5, 120 sheets (148 × 210 mm, 440 g)](https://www.ldlc.com/en/product/PB00276609.html) - [Goulet Pens: Rhodia Goalbook Dot Grid A5 Hardcover, Black, ivory paper (listing since withdrawn)](https://gouletpens.com/products/rhodia-a5-hardcover-goalbook-black-dot-grid-ivory) - [Goulet Pens: Rhodia A5 Hardcover Goalbook, Purple, dot grid (218.4 × 150.7 mm, 2.8 mm cover; listing since withdrawn)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/rhodia-a5-hardcover-goalbook-purple-dot-grid) - [Goulet Pens: Rhodia Goalbook Dot Grid A5 Hardcover, Turquoise](https://gouletpens.com/products/rhodia-a5-hardcover-goalbook-turquoise-dot-grid) - [JetPens: Rhodia Goalbook A5 Dot Grid](https://www.jetpens.com/Rhodia-Goalbook-A5-Dot-Grid-Raspberry/pd/21927) - [Dromgoole's: Rhodia Goalbook A5 hardcover, Silver, white paper, dotted](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/rhodia-goal-book-a5-hardcover-silver-with-white-paper-dotted) - [Pen Chalet: Rhodia Goalbook notebook (Italian leatherette, lays flat)](https://www.penchalet.com/pen_accessories/memo_books_notebooks/rhodia_goalbook_notebook.html) - [Cult Pens: Rhodia Rhodiarama Hardcover Goalbook A5, Beige (paper made in Étival-Clairefontaine, 3 page markers, pen loop)](https://cultpens.com/en-us/products/rhodia-rhodiarama-hardcover-goalbook-a5-beige) - [Tingstad: Rhodia Goalbook Soft A5, Anise (softcover, A5 dotted)](https://www.tingstad.com/se-en/offices/ink-toner/black-toner/goalbook-soft-anise-a5-notebook-117746c) - [Galaxus: Rhodia Rhodiarama Goalbook A5, checked, hardcover (country of origin Morocco)](https://galaxus.it/en/s12/product/rhodia-rhodiarama-goalbook-softcover-a5-checked-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-17839460) - [Gift Focus: ExaClair expands range of Rhodia Goalbooks and Softcover notebooks (11 new UK colours)](https://www.giftfocus.com/news/19449/exaclair-expands-range-of-rhodia-goalbooks-and-softcover-notebooks) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Notebook review, Rhodia Goalbook (May 2018)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2018/05/notebook-review-rhodia-goalbook/) - [The Pen Addict: The Rhodia Goalbook, a review (August 2018)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2018/8/3/the-rhodia-goalbook-a-review) - [The Pen Addict: Rhodia GoalBook, a quick review (August 2022; white paper)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2022/8/24/rhodia-goalbook-a-quick-review) - [All About Planners: Rhodia Goalbook for bullet journaling review](https://allaboutplanners.com.au/rhodia-goalbook-for-bullet-journaling-review-pros-cons-video-walkthrough) --- # Blackwing One-Step Long Point Sharpener Explained > The Blackwing One-Step Long Point is a small handheld pencil sharpener that cuts a long, curved point in a single hole. Blackwing says it has a machined aluminum body, a German steel blade and a canister for three sharpenings; Cass Art lists it at 3 × 5 × 3 cm, and Milligram says it is made in China. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Blackwing One-Step Long Point sharpener, an upright matte black aluminium cylinder about 30 mm (1.2 in) across, beside a Blackwing 602 pencil sharpened to a long point; inset: the long concave wood taper and exposed graphite](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener-16x9.png) *About 30 mm across, drawn to scale with a 7.5 mm Blackwing.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Blackwing One-Step Long Point Sharpener | Blackwing (by California Cedar Products Company (Cal Cedar), Stockton, California) | United States | China | Machined aluminum body, German steel blade | 2020-01 | $$$: $20–75 per item | - Made in (Blackwing One-Step Long Point Sharpener): China. Blackwing's own pages don't name the factory country. Milligram says it is designed in the USA and made in China, and the MoMA Design Store's listing gives China as its origin. "German steel" describes the blade's material, not where the sharpener is made. Source: https://milligram.com/products/one-step-pencil-sharpener ## Key takeaways - One hole does the whole job, unlike two-step long-point sharpeners such as the KUM AS2. - Cass Art lists it at 3 × 5 × 3 cm (about 1.2 × 2 × 1.2 in); Blackwing doesn't publish dimensions or a weight. - Blackwing says the canister holds 3 fresh sharpenings, and sells replacement blades in sets of 3. - Reviews from June 2020 were mixed: The Pen Addict's first unit sharpened badly, and Blackwing's replacement worked as expected. - Blackwing launched it in January 2020 at US$20 (now US$25, our $$$ band); Milligram lists it as designed in the USA and made in China. ## What is the Blackwing One-Step Long Point sharpener? **It's a small handheld sharpener that cuts a long, curved pencil point in one hole.** Blackwing says the body is machined aluminum and the sharpening unit has a German steel blade, and it sells the sharpener in black, grey and white. It went on sale in late January 2020 at US$20, the price The Pen Addict and The Well-Appointed Desk both quote in June 2020; Blackwing now lists it at US$25. The Well-Appointed Desk describes a matte black body with an off-centre hole, and GetNavi's Japanese review describes a hexagonal machined-aluminum body joined to a knurled cylinder. ## Blackwing One-Step specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | Blackwing (California Cedar Products Company) | | Steps | One hole: wood and graphite together | | Point | Long, curved (concave) | | Body | Machined aluminum; black, grey or white | | Blade | German steel, screwed on; replacements sold in sets of 3 | | Size | 3 × 5 × 3 cm (about 1.2 × 2 × 1.2 in), per Cass Art | | Weight | Not published | | Canister | 3 fresh sharpenings (Blackwing) | | UPC (black) | 820933120305 | | Made in | China (per retailers) | Blackwing publishes no dimensions, so the size comes from Cass Art. Milligram gives 3.1 × 3.1 × 6.8 cm and the Philadelphia Museum of Art store 2.75 × 1.18 in, possibly measured with the box. Blackwing's official Japanese store sells it for ¥5,280 (about US$33); GetNavi reported a 2020 Japanese launch price of ¥3,400 (about US$22) before tax. ![Blackwing One-Step Long Point sharpener to scale: front view about 30 mm (1.2 in) wide and 50 mm (2 in) tall, as Cass Art lists it, with the blade unit above the canister and a 7.5 mm pencil entering, and a top view of the off-centre hole](https://stationerytimes.com/images/blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener-size.svg) *The One-Step at about 30 × 50 mm, front and top views to scale.* ## How is it different from a two-step sharpener? **A two-step sharpener cuts the wood and the graphite in separate holes; the One-Step does both at once.** The [KUM Automatic Long Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kum-long-point-sharpener/), which Blackwing also sells in its own two-step version, stops the first cut with a brake before you finish the graphite in hole 2. | | Blackwing One-Step | KUM Long Point (AS2) | |---|---|---| | Holes | 1 | 2 (wood, then graphite) | | Body | Machined aluminum | Plastic with flip-top container | | Point | Long, concave | Long, straight cone | | Made in | China (per retailers) | Germany (per retailers) | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75) | $$ ($5–20) | One step is quicker, and there's no second hole to snap the lead in. The trade-off is less control over how much wood and graphite you expose. ## What kind of point does it make? **A long point whose wood curves inward, a concave shape that leaves more graphite exposed.** The Well-Appointed Desk said it was the only sharpener it knew, besides the Möbius+Ruppert Pollux, that makes this shape. Blackwing says the curved point resists breakage. That suits soft pencils such as the [Blackwing Matte](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-matte/). ## Is the Blackwing One-Step any good? **Reviewers liked the point, but early units varied.** The Pen Addict's first sharpener, reviewed on June 15, 2020, sharpened poorly; Blackwing sent a replacement, which the reviewer said worked as well as expected. Readers' comments under The Well-Appointed Desk review are split too, from "the worst pencil sharpener I've ever owned" to "it works pretty well". Blackwing's FAQ says broken leads usually mean a dull blade, and suggests checking the blade screw's tightness on a new sharpener. ## How do you empty it? **Unscrew the top, lift out the blade unit, and empty the canister below.** The Well-Appointed Desk found this simple, and the removable blade unit also makes it easier to clear a jam. Blackwing says the canister holds three fresh sharpenings, so empty it often. To change the blade, Blackwing says to unscrew it from the sharpening unit, keeping the nut and screw, then fit the new blade and tighten. Its replacement blades come three to a set. ## Which pencils fit? **It's made for Blackwing pencils, which are about 7.5 mm across, like the [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/); Milligram says it suits pencils under 8 mm in diameter.** Blackwing publishes no official list, so jumbo and triangular pencils are unlikely to fit. The Well-Appointed Desk sharpened a Hi-Uni, a Tombow Mono 100, a Mars Lumograph 8B and a Caran d'Ache Supracolor in it. ## Where is the Blackwing One-Step made? **Milligram and the MoMA Design Store list it as made in China; Blackwing's own pages don't name a country.** Milligram adds that it was designed in the USA. "German steel" in listings describes the blade, not where the sharpener is made. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between the Blackwing One-Step and Two-Step sharpeners? The Two-Step (the Blackwing Long Point made with KUM) has two holes: one cuts the wood, the other the graphite. The One-Step cuts both in a single hole, in an aluminium body. ### How do you empty the Blackwing One-Step sharpener? Unscrew the top and lift out the blade unit, then empty the canister underneath, as The Well-Appointed Desk describes. Blackwing says it holds three fresh sharpenings. ### What kind of point does the One-Step make? A long, curved, concave point. The Well-Appointed Desk compared it to the point from the Möbius+Ruppert Pollux, a brass long-point sharpener. ### Does the Blackwing One-Step work with other pencils? Yes, if they are slim enough: Milligram says it suits Blackwing pencils and pencils under 8 mm in diameter. The Well-Appointed Desk sharpened uni, Tombow, Staedtler and Caran d'Ache pencils in it, though it notes the sharpener is meant for graphite. ### Why does my Blackwing One-Step sharpen badly? Defective units have been reported. The Pen Addict's first sharpener performed poorly and Blackwing replaced it; the replacement worked as expected. Blackwing's FAQ blames broken points mostly on dull blades and suggests replacing the blade or adjusting the screw tightness. ### How big is the Blackwing One-Step sharpener? Cass Art lists 3 × 5 × 3 cm (about 1.2 × 2 × 1.2 in). Other shops give 3.1 × 3.1 × 6.8 cm or 2.75 × 1.18 in, and Blackwing publishes no official size or weight. ### Where is the Blackwing One-Step sharpener made? Milligram and the MoMA Design Store list China; Blackwing doesn't say. The blade is German steel. ## Sources - [Blackwing: One-Step Long Point Sharpener (machined aluminum, German steel blade, canister holds three sharpenings; black, grey, white)](https://blackwing602.com/products/blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener) - [Blackwing: One-Step Sharpener replacement blades, set of 3](https://blackwing602.com/products/blackwing-one-step-sharpener-replacement-blades-set-of-3) - [Blackwing: Sharpener FAQ (turn clockwise; broken leads and blade screw tightness)](https://blackwing602.com/pages/blackwing-sharpener-faq) - [Blackwing blog: Say hello to our new look (February 3, 2020; links the new sharpener)](https://blackwing602.com/blogs/blackwing-blog/say-hello-to-our-new-look) - [Blackwing Japan: ワンステップ ロングポイント シャープナー ブラック (One-Step Long Point Sharpener, black; ¥5,280; German steel blade)](https://blackwing602.jp/products/blackwing-%E3%83%AF%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%83%E3%83%97-%E3%83%AD%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0%E3%83%9D%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88-%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%97%E3%83%8A%E3%83%BC-1) - [GetNavi: 芯の尖り具合から見た目までシャープなシャープナー登場！「ブラックウィング」の鉛筆削り (Blackwing's sharp-looking sharpener arrives; review, August 24, 2020, ¥3,400 before tax)](https://getnavi.jp/stationery/523851) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Sharpener review, Blackwing One-Step Long Point (June 2020)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2020/06/sharpener-review-blackwing-one-step-long-point) - [The Pen Addict: Blackwing One-Step Long Point sharpener review (June 15, 2020)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2020/6/15/blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener-review) - [Milligram: One-Step pencil sharpener (designed in the USA, made in China; 3.1 × 3.1 × 6.8 cm; pencils under 8 mm)](https://milligram.com/products/one-step-pencil-sharpener) - [MoMA Design Store: One-Step Long Point pencil sharpener (origin China)](https://store.moma.org/products/one-step-long-point-pencil-sharpener) - [Cass Art: Blackwing One-Step Sharpener (product size 3 × 5 × 3 cm)](https://cassart.co.uk/Blackwing-One-Step-Sharpener) - [Philadelphia Museum of Art store: Blackwing One-Step Long Point sharpener (2.75 × 1.18 in)](https://store.philamuseum.org/blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener) - [Larry Post: Blackwing One-Step Long Point sharpener (canister holds three sharpenings)](https://www.larrypost.com.au/blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener.html) - [Akar Design: Blackwing One-Step Long Point pencil sharpener (US$25)](https://www.akardesign.com/collections/writing-supplies/products/blackwing-one-step-long-point-pencil-sharpenr) --- # Pentel Ain Stein Lead: Sizes, Grades and Strength > Pentel Ain Stein is a premium mechanical pencil lead that Pentel says uses a porous ceramic cell structure for strength. It comes in 60 mm leads from 0.2 to 0.9 mm; the 0.5 mm C275 tube holds 40 leads. In Japan, Pentel replaced it with the Pentel Ain brand in January 2023. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-ain-stein-lead/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Pentel Ain Stein 0.5 mm lead refill: a clear tube with a dark blue swivel cap and three loose 60 mm (2.4 in) leads drawn to scale; inset: a lead's cross-section with graphite held in ceramic cells](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-ain-stein-lead-16x9.png) *Leads drawn to scale at 60 mm; the tube is drawn by eye.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-ain-stein-lead-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Ain Stein mechanical pencil lead refill (C275, 0.5 mm, 40 leads) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Not stated | Graphite in a ceramic cell structure | – | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (Pentel Ain Stein mechanical pencil lead refill (C275, 0.5 mm, 40 leads)): Not stated. None of the listings we read (Monk, Doublet, Cult Pens, Markers n Pens, Amazon) state where Ain Stein leads are made. Pentel's Japanese site no longer lists Ain Stein, and Pentel of America's 2022 and 2023 product catalogs, which give an origin for each product, don't include it. Pentel is a Japanese company, but that doesn't tell us the factory. ## Key takeaways - The 0.5 mm refill (C275) holds 40 leads; the 0.3 mm C273 holds 15, the 0.7 mm C277 40 and the 0.9 mm C279 36. - Retailers list Ain Stein leads at 60 mm (2.4 in) long, in plastic swivel-top tubes. - Retailers describe a ceramic frame that holds the graphite from inside; Monk says it is 30% stronger than the competitive average, Cult Pens about 10% stronger than Pentel's earlier leads. - Pentel launched the Pentel Ain brand in Japan on January 30, 2023, its first lead brand renewal in 13 years, at ¥220 (about US$1.40) a tube. - A tube sells in our $ band (under $5) in the US. ## What is Pentel Ain Stein lead? **It's Pentel's premium refill lead for mechanical pencils, built for strength.** Retailers describe a ceramic cell structure, a frame that holds the graphite together from the inside while keeping it dark and smooth. Monk and Doublet add that the tube contains at least 92% recycled material. Its closest premium rival is [uni Nano Dia](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-nano-dia-lead/). Pentel no longer lists Ain Stein on its Japanese site, where the newer Pentel Ain has taken its place, and Pentel of America's 2023 product guide lists only its Hi-Polymer leads. ## Pentel Ain Stein sizes and lead counts **Every size uses 60 mm (2.4 in) leads; how many fit in a tube depends on the diameter.** | Size | Code | Leads per tube | Grades listed | |---|---|---|---| | 0.2 mm | Not found | 20 | B and others | | 0.3 mm | C273 | 15 | H, HB, B, 2B | | 0.5 mm | C275 | 40 | 2H to 4B | | 0.7 mm | C277 | 40 | H, HB, B, 2B | | 0.9 mm | C279 | 36 | HB, B, 2B | Counts and grades come from retailer listings (Monk, Doublet, Amazon, Markers n Pens, eBay); the 0.2 mm count is from a German Kaufland listing we couldn't reopen. Availability by grade varies by country, so check the exact listing before you order an unusual grade. ![Pentel Ain Stein lead cross-sections to scale: 0.2 mm (20 leads), 0.3 mm C273 (15), 0.5 mm C275 (40), 0.7 mm C277 (40) and 0.9 mm C279 (36), all 60 mm long](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-ain-stein-lead-sizes.svg) *Thicker leads, fewer per tube (lead counts per retailers).* ## Which size should you buy? **Buy the size printed on your pencil; lead only fits the diameter it was made for.** Most everyday pencils, including the [Pentel Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/) and [uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/), take 0.5 mm. Use 0.3 mm for small handwriting and fine technical lines, and 0.7 or 0.9 mm if you press hard or sketch. The 0.2 mm tube is for 0.2 mm pencils such as the [Pentel Orenz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-orenz/). ## Which grade should you choose? **Start with HB for writing, and go to B or 2B if you want darker, smoother lines.** Softer grades are darker but wear faster and smudge more; harder H grades stay sharp and light, which suits drafting. ## Is Ain Stein really stronger? **Retailers say it is, but there's no independent figure.** Monk, a Canadian retailer, quotes 30% stronger than the competitive average, and Cult Pens says about 10% stronger than Pentel's original refill leads. Strength is the point of the ceramic frame. In a fine size like 0.3 mm, fewer breaks matter more than in 0.7 mm, which is already sturdy. ## What happened to Ain Stein in Japan? **In January 2023, Pentel replaced it in Japan with a new lead brand, Pentel Ain.** Impress Watch reported that Pentel called it its first lead brand renewal in 13 years, on sale from January 30, 2023, at ¥220 (about US$1.40) a tube. Pentel's Japanese site says Ain uses a new process with a special oil, so graphite and resin carbide break down smoothly as you write. It comes in seven sizes from 0.2 to 1.3 mm, with 2B, B and HB in every size, and tube counts of 20 (0.2 mm), 25 (0.3 mm), 30 (0.4 mm) and 40 (0.5 mm). US and European shops still sell Ain Stein, and The Online Pen Company calls Ain the new version of the discontinued Ain Stein. ## How does it compare with other Pentel lead? **Ain Stein is the premium line; Super Hi-Polymer is Pentel's everyday lead.** | | Ain Stein | Super Hi-Polymer | Pentel Ain | |---|---|---|---| | Position | Premium, ceramic cell frame | Everyday | Ain Stein's successor in Japan | | 0.5 mm tube | 40 leads (C275) | 12 or 30 leads (C505, C25) in the US | 40 leads | | Launched | About 2010 | Not checked | January 30, 2023 (Japan) | The "about 2010" date comes from Impress Watch's note that Ain was Pentel's first new lead brand in 13 years. A good drafting pencil to pair it with is the [Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro/). ## Where is Pentel Ain Stein made? **None of the listings we found say where it is made.** Pentel's Japanese site no longer lists Ain Stein, and Pentel of America's recent catalogs, which give an origin for each product, don't include it. Pentel's maker, renamed ASTRUM Corporation on April 1, 2026, is based in Tokyo, but that doesn't tell us the factory, so we list it as not stated. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many leads are in a Pentel Ain Stein tube? It depends on the size: 40 leads in 0.5 mm (C275) and 0.7 mm (C277), 36 in 0.9 mm (C279), 15 in 0.3 mm (C273) and 20 in 0.2 mm, per retailer listings. ### How long are Pentel Ain Stein leads? Retailers list them at 60 mm (2.4 in), the usual length for mechanical pencil lead, so they fit standard pencils of the matching diameter. ### Is Pentel Ain Stein discontinued? In Japan, Pentel replaced it with a new lead brand, Pentel Ain, from January 30, 2023. Ain Stein tubes are still sold by many US and European retailers, which call Ain its successor. ### Is Ain Stein stronger than regular lead? Retailers say so: Monk, a Canadian retailer, quotes 30% stronger than the competitive average, and Cult Pens about 10% stronger than Pentel's original leads. We haven't tested it, and no independent figure was available. ### What grades does Ain Stein come in? HB, B and 2B are the most widely stocked. Listings for 0.5 mm also show 2H, H, 3B and 4B, while 0.7 mm is listed in H, HB, B and 2B. ### What is the difference between Pentel Ain Stein and Super Hi-Polymer? Super Hi-Polymer is Pentel's everyday lead, often sold in multi-tube packs. Ain Stein is the premium line with the ceramic cell structure. ### Where is Pentel Ain Stein lead made? The listings we found don't say, and Pentel's current Japanese and US materials don't cover Ain Stein. Pentel's maker, ASTRUM Corporation, is based in Tokyo, Japan. ## Sources - [Pentel Ain | ぺんてる (Pentel Japan: Ain lead, special-oil process, 0.2 to 1.3 mm, 20 to 40 leads per tube)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/lead_pentel_ain/) - [企業情報 | アストラム株式会社 (ASTRUM company profile, Japanese: renamed from Pentel Co., Ltd. on April 1, 2026; Pentel stays the brand)](https://www.astrum-st.com/company/) - [Monk Office: Pentel Ain Stein leads HB 0.5 mm, 40 leads (C275HB; 30% stronger claim, recycled content)](https://commercial.monk.ca/office-products/drafting-supplies/pencil-leads/penc275hb-ain-stein-leads-hb-05mm-40pk) - [Doublet Smart Supplies: Pentel C275 Ain Stein 0.5 mm B, tube of 40](https://smartsupplies.doublet.com.au/product/pentel-c275-ain-stein-mechanical-pencil-lead-refill-05mm-b-red-tube-40/7110807) - [Doublet Smart Supplies: Pentel C275 Ain Stein 0.5 mm HB, dark blue tube of 40](https://smartsupplies.doublet.com.au/product/pentel-c275-ain-stein-mechanical-pencil-lead-refill-05mm-hb-dark-blue-tube-40/7110809) - [Doublet Smart Supplies: Pentel C273 Ain Stein 0.3 mm, tube of 15 (92% recycled material)](https://smartsupplies.doublet.com.au/product/pentel-c273-ain-stein-mechanical-pencil-lead-refill-03mm-hb-grey-tube-15/7110803) - [Doublet Smart Supplies: Pentel C279 Ain Stein 0.9 mm 2B, 60 mm, tube of 36](https://smartsupplies.doublet.com.au/product/pentel-c279-ain-stein-mechanical-pencil-lead-refill-09mm-2b-black-tube-36/7110818) - [Amazon: Pentel 0.9 mm B Ain Stein refill lead (36 leads per tube)](https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Stein-Refill-Tubes-Leads/dp/B00CN3M7OE) - [Markers n Pens: Pentel Ain Stein refill leads 0.7 mm (40 leads; 2B, B, HB, H)](https://markersnpens.com/products/pentel-ain-stein-refill-leads-0-7-mm) - [Kaufland.de: Pentel Ain Stein refill leads (German listings, including 0.2 mm B, 20 leads, 60 mm, and 0.9 mm HB)](https://www.kaufland.de/product/313697718/) - [Cult Pens: Pentel Ain Stein lead (ceramic frame, about 10% stronger than Pentel's original leads, swivel-top tubes)](https://cultpens.com/collections/pentel-ain-stein-lead) - [eBay: Pentel Ain Stein leads 0.3 to 0.9 mm (grades by size)](https://www.ebay.com/itm/323424862823) - [ぺんてる、シャープペン替芯新ブランド「Pentel Ain」 (Impress Watch, Japanese: on sale January 30, 2023, ¥220, first renewal in 13 years, seven sizes)](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1469039.html) - [The Online Pen Company: Pentel Ain lead refill (new version of the discontinued Ain Stein)](https://www.theonlinepencompany.com/us/pentel-ain-lead-refill) - [Pentel of America: 2023 to 2024 Product Guide (US lead refills; no Ain Stein)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/2/) --- # Tombow MONO Graph: The Shaker Pencil With an Eraser > The Tombow MONO Graph is a Japanese shaker mechanical pencil: shake it tip down and the lead advances, or press the clip to click it out. It has a twist-out MONO eraser at the top, a 4 mm fixed sleeve, and the 0.5 mm DPA-132 is listed at 147 mm long. It won a 2014 Good Design Award. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-graph/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black Tombow MONO Graph 0.5 mm shaker mechanical pencil drawn to scale at 147 mm (5.8 in), with the blue, white and black MONO stripe, long clip, ribbed grip and 4 mm sleeve; inset: the white MONO eraser twisting out of the cap](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tombow-mono-graph-16x9.png) *The DPA-132 at its listed 147 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-mono-graph-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tombow MONO Graph shaker mechanical pencil (DPA-132, 0.5 mm) | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Acrylic resin barrel, brass tip, polycarbonate clip, olefin styrene elastomer eraser (Clear Colours version, per The Journal Shop) | 2014 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Tombow MONO Graph shaker mechanical pencil (DPA-132, 0.5 mm)): Japan. The Journal Shop gives Japan as the country of origin for the MONO Graph, its All Black Edition and the MONO Graph Fine, and says made in Japan for the MONO Graph One. Tombow's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-us/products/tombow-mono-graph-mechanical-pencil ## Key takeaways - The 0.5 mm MONO Graph (DPA-132) is listed at 147 mm (5.8 in) long with a 10 mm body; Amazon lists the silver DPA-132G at 0.64 oz (about 18 g). - Shake it with the tip pointed down to advance the lead; the clip works as a knock button and locks the shake mechanism. - The twist-out MONO eraser has about 18 mm (0.7 in) of usable length (Weee) and is refilled with ER-MG erasers, 3 for ¥132 (about US$0.80) in Japan. - Tombow Japan lists the 0.5 mm (DPA-132) and 0.3 mm (DPA-131) pencils at ¥440 (about US$2.80) each with tax. - The Journal Shop lists MONO Graph pencils as made in Japan; Tombow's own pages don't name a country. ## What is the Tombow MONO Graph? **It's a Japanese mechanical pencil whose lead advances when you shake it, with a full-size MONO eraser in the top.** Tombow calls the shake feature Frenock, and English-language shops sell the pencil as the MONO Graph Shaker. The blue, white and black stripe near the clip is the MONO stripe, the same flag Tombow prints on its MONO erasers; the [MONO 100](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-100/) pencil is the line's top graphite pencil. Tombow's Japanese page lists a 2014 Good Design Award and a 2016 Red Dot award, and Yoseka Stationery dates the launch to 2014. ## Tombow MONO Graph specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) | | Model | DPA-132 (0.5 mm; Japan suffixes A standard, B black, D blue, E lime; DPA-132G silver in the US); DPA-131A (0.3 mm) | | Lead sizes | 0.5 mm and 0.3 mm | | Lead advance | Shake tip down (Frenock), or press the clip down | | Shake lock | Yes: push the clip up (Fure-lock) | | Lead sleeve | 4 mm, fixed (The Journal Shop) | | Eraser | Twist-out MONO eraser, about 18 mm (0.7 in) usable (Weee); non-PVC, phthalate-free (Tombow) | | Eraser refill | ER-MG, 3 per pack, ¥132 (about US$0.80) | | Price in Japan | ¥440 (about US$2.80) with tax | | Length | 147 mm (5.8 in) | | Body | 10 mm across | | Weight | 0.64 oz (about 18 g), silver DPA-132G on Amazon | | Made in | Japan (per The Journal Shop) | Codes, prices and the mechanism come from Tombow's Japanese product page, which gives no length or weight. Length and body width come from Yoseka Stationery; Goldwings lists 147 × 16 mm, which likely includes the clip, and the weight is Amazon's figure for the silver US version. ## How does the shake mechanism work? **Point the tip down and give the pencil a short, firm shake; each shake feeds a little lead.** A sliding weight inside does the clicking for you, so you don't have to move your fingers off the grip. If you prefer clicking, press the clip down and it works as a side knock. To stop lead creeping out in a pencil case, push the clip up: Tombow calls this the Fure-lock. Tombow adds that if the shake doesn't feed lead, you should first click some out with the clip. ![Tombow MONO Graph DPA-132 drawn to scale at 147 mm (5.8 in), with callouts for the twist-out MONO eraser, the clip used to knock and lock, the shake-to-advance barrel, the MONO stripe and the 4 mm fixed sleeve](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-mono-graph-parts.svg) *Every control on the MONO Graph, drawn to scale.* ## How good is the MONO Graph eraser? **It's a real MONO eraser in a twist-up holder, so it erases far more than the usual small cap eraser.** Weee lists about 18 mm (0.7 in) of usable length; Tombow recommends twisting out only 3–4 mm at a time so it doesn't snap. When it runs out, buy ER-MG refills, 3 for ¥132 (about US$0.80) in Japan: pull the old stub out, push in the new one and twist the unit counterclockwise. To add lead, pull the whole eraser unit out and drop lead in from the back. For precise erasing between lines, the [Tombow MONO Zero](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-zero-eraser/) is a separate 2.3 mm pen-style eraser. ## Which MONO Graph should you buy? **Buy the standard shaker for everyday notes; pick a variant only if you need its one feature.** | Model | What's different | |---|---| | MONO Graph (DPA-132) | Shaker, twist-out MONO eraser, 4 mm sleeve | | MONO Graph Zero | 2.3 mm precision eraser instead | | MONO Graph One | Side knock button and MONO One eraser; no shaker | | MONO Graph Fine | Slim tapered tip, 3.6 mm lockable eraser | | MONO Graph Tune | All matte black, metal tip, 5.3 × 26 mm black eraser (ER-MGT refill), ¥715 (about US$4.50) | Variant details come from Tombow Japan (Fine, Tune), The Journal Shop and Yoseka Stationery. ## How does it compare to other popular pencils? **The MONO Graph's selling points are the shaker and the big eraser; its rivals focus on the lead.** The [uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) rotates the lead to keep the point even, and the [Zebra DelGuard](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-delguard/) uses springs to stop it breaking. If you mainly draft along a ruler, the lighter [Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro/) has the same 4 mm fixed sleeve but no shaker and only a small eraser. ## Where is the Tombow MONO Graph made? **The Journal Shop lists the MONO Graph, its All Black Edition and the MONO Graph Fine as made in Japan.** Tombow Pencil is based in Tokyo, and its Japanese product page doesn't name a factory or country. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the Tombow MONO Graph shaker work? Hold it with the tip pointing down and give it a short shake; a weight inside advances the lead a little each time. You can also click the lead out by pressing the clip. ### How do you lock the shake mechanism on the MONO Graph? Push the clip up. Tombow calls this the Fure-lock (フレロック): it fixes the shake mechanism so lead doesn't creep out in a pencil case. Pushing the clip down clicks lead out instead. ### What eraser refill does the MONO Graph use? The standard MONO Graph uses Tombow ER-MG eraser refills, 3 to a pack, listed at ¥132 (about US$0.80) in Japan. The all-black MONO Graph Tune uses a black refill, ER-MGT. ### What lead sizes does the MONO Graph come in? Tombow Japan sells the standard shaker in 0.5 mm (DPA-132 and other DPA codes by color) and 0.3 mm (DPA-131 and others). ### Does the Tombow MONO Graph have a retractable tip? No. Tombow calls the tip a fixed, drafting-style pipe that gives a clear view of the line; The Journal Shop gives it as 4 mm. Like any fixed sleeve, it can bend if the pencil is dropped on its point. ### What is the difference between the MONO Graph and the MONO Graph Zero? The MONO Graph Zero swaps the standard eraser for a 2.3 mm precision eraser, like the MONO Zero. The MONO Graph One uses a side knock button instead of a shaker. ### Where is the Tombow MONO Graph made? The Journal Shop lists it as made in Japan. Tombow Pencil is a Tokyo company, and its Japanese product page doesn't state a country. ## Sources - [モノグラフ (Tombow Japan product page, "MONO Graph": Frenock shake and Fure-lock clip lock, clip knock, fixed drafting tip, 0.5 and 0.3 mm codes, ¥440 with tax, ER-MG refills, 2014 Good Design Award, 2016 Red Dot)](https://www.tombow.com/products/mono_graph/) - [モノグラフ チューン (Tombow Japan product page, "MONO Graph Tune": all black, 5.3 × 26 mm black eraser, ER-MGT refill)](https://www.tombow.com/products/monograph_tune/) - [モノグラフファイン (Tombow Japan product page, "MONO Graph Fine": 3.6 mm eraser)](https://www.tombow.com/products/monograph_fine/) - [The Journal Shop: Tombow MONO Graph mechanical pencil (4 mm fixed pipe, materials, country of origin Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-us/products/tombow-mono-graph-mechanical-pencil) - [The Journal Shop: Tombow MONO Graph 0.5 mm All Black Edition (made in Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-us/products/tombow-mono-graph-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm-black-edition) - [The Journal Shop: Tombow MONO Graph Fine 0.5 mm (made in Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-us/products/tombow-mono-graph-fine-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm) - [The Journal Shop: Tombow MONO Graph One 0.5 mm (side knock, MONO One eraser, made in Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/tombow-mono-graph-one-mechanical-pencil-0-5-mm) - [Amazon: Tombow Monograph 0.5 mm, Silver (DPA-132G), 18.14 g](https://www.amazon.com/Tombow-Mechanical-Pencil-Monograph-DPA-132G/dp/B00TTZZ9QM) - [Yoseka Stationery: Tombow MONO Graph Neutral Colors 0.5 mm (147 mm, 10 mm body, launched 2014)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/tombow-mono-graph-mechanical-pencil-neutral-colors-0-5mm) - [Weee: Tombow MONO Graph Shaker 0.5 mm (clip lock, eraser about 1.8 cm usable)](https://www.sayweee.com/en/product/Tombow-Mono-Graph-Shaker-Mechanical-Pencil-0-5mm/84557) - [Goldwings: Tombow DPA-132 Standard (147 × 16 mm)](https://goldwings.com.ph/products/standard/) - [Yoseka Stationery: Tombow MONO Graph Zero 0.5 mm (2.3 mm eraser)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/tombow-mono-graph-zero-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm) - [Wikipedia: Tombow (MONO Graph, MONO Graph Zero, MONO Graph One)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tombow) --- # Pelikan M200: Piston Filler, Steel Nib & M205 > The Pelikan Classic M200 is a small German piston-filling fountain pen with a gold-plated stainless steel nib in EF, F, M or B. Pelikan's German site lists it at 12.5 cm (4.9 in) capped and 13.5 g. It fills from bottled ink, holding about 1.2 to 1.5 ml, and the M205 is its silver-trim twin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pelikan-m200/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a black Pelikan Classic M200 fountain pen with gold-plated trim and the cap posted, drawn to scale: 149 mm (5.9 in) long, with the gold clip and cap band, the dark ink window and an inset of the gold-plated steel nib, EF to B](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pelikan-m200-16x9.png) *The M200 in Black, posted, to scale at Dromgoole's 149 mm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pelikan-m200-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pelikan Classic M200 Fountain Pen (Black, gold-plated trim) | Pelikan (by Pelikan (Germany)) | Germany | Germany | Resin body and cap, 24-carat gold-plated clip and rings, gold-plated stainless steel nib | 1985 | $$$$: over $75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pelikan Classic M200 Fountain Pen (Black, gold-plated trim)): Germany. Pelikan's German product page for the Classic 200 Schwarz says "Gefertigt und montiert in Deutschland" (made and assembled in Germany) and "Qualität, made in Germany". Source: https://www.pelikan-passion.com/de/writing/elegance/classic/classic-200-schwarz.html ## Key takeaways - Pelikan's German site lists the M200 at 12.5 cm (4.9 in) capped and 13.5 g; Dromgoole's lists 149 mm (5.9 in) posted. - Pelikan's Perch puts its piston capacity at about 1.20 ml; Pulp Addiction describes a 1.5 ml piston. - The nib unit unscrews: LarryPOST sells 14k gold M400 nib units that upgrade an M200. - Pelikan's Perch dates the M200 to 1985; the M205 is the same size with silver-colored trim. - Pelikan's German site says the M200 is made and assembled in Germany. ## What is the Pelikan M200? **The M200 is the entry model of Pelikan's Classic line: a small resin piston filler with a gold-plated stainless steel nib, made in Germany.** It shares its size with the Souverän M400 above it, but costs less and has a steel nib. Pelikan's Perch, a collectors' database, says the M200 came out in 1985, the same size as the M400 reintroduced in 1982. Enthusiasts keep recommending it: in an April 2015 Fountain Pen Network thread on the best mid-priced pens, members list the M200 next to the [TWSBI Diamond 580](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-diamond-580/) and [LAMY 2000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-2000/). ## Pelikan M200 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pelikan, Germany | | Body and cap | Resin, screw-on cap, postable | | Trim | Clip and rings 24-carat gold-plated (M205: silver-colored) | | Filling | Differential piston, bottled ink only (cartridge twin: P200) | | Ink capacity | About 1.20 ml (Pelikan's Perch); 1.5 ml (Pulp Addiction) | | Ink window | Green, transparent (Pelikan) | | Nib | Gold-plated stainless steel: EF, F, M, B | | Length capped | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) (Pelikan); 126 mm (Dromgoole's) | | Length cap off | 121.9 mm (4.8 in) (Endless Pens) | | Length posted | 149 mm (5.9 in) (Dromgoole's) | | Cap | 57 mm (rothemel.de; Endless Pens 56.9 mm) | | Diameter | 12 mm barrel, 9 mm grip (Dromgoole's) | | Weight | 13.5 g (Pelikan); 14 g (Dromgoole's) | | Made in | Germany (Pelikan) | Pelikan's German product page gives the capped length, weight, nib sizes and trim. SBRE Brown measured 125.2 mm capped, 147.8 mm posted, an 11.8 mm barrel and 12 g. ![Pelikan Classic M200 to scale: 126 mm capped, 121 mm with the cap off, 149 mm posted; 14 g, piston about 1.2 ml, gold-plated steel nib](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pelikan-m200-lengths.svg) *Posting the 57 mm cap adds about 28 mm, which helps larger hands. Drawn from retailer figures; Pelikan lists 12.5 cm capped and 13.5 g.* ## How much ink does the M200 hold? **About 1.2 to 1.5 ml, depending on the source.** Pelikan's Perch rates it at about 1.20 ml, and the Australian retailer Pulp Addiction describes a 1.5 ml piston. Pelikan doesn't publish a capacity on its product page. That's three to four times a Pilot CON-40 converter's 0.4 ml, and close to the 1.35 ml of the larger LAMY 2000. An ink window near the grip shows how much is left; Pelikan calls it green and transparent, Endless Pens dark green, Pulp Addiction dark gray. ## Is the M200 nib gold or steel? **Steel: Pelikan calls it a gold-plated stainless steel nib, in EF, F, M and B.** The same four widths appear on its 2026 Cherry Blossom special edition. The nib and feed unscrew from the barrel as one unit. LarryPOST sells the M400's 14k gold nib unit and says it can upgrade an M200 from steel to gold; Pelikan's Perch adds that some vendors swap in a Souverän nib at the point of sale, since the two pens share their dimensions. Pelikan nibs follow European sizing, so an M200 Fine writes broader than a Japanese Fine such as the [Pilot Custom 74](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-74/)'s. ## What is the difference between the M200 and M205? **The trim and nib finish: the M200 has gold-plated trim and nib, the M205 silver-colored trim and a plain polished steel nib.** Pelikan's German site lists both at 12.5 cm capped and 13.5 g, and gives the M205 an anthracite ink window. Pelikan's Perch calls the M205 trim rhodium and says the model arrived in the early 2000s, first as clear demonstrators, then in black, red and white in 2009. Both lines get frequent special editions in marbled and demonstrator colors; the size and piston stay the same. ## How does the M200 compare to the TWSBI Diamond 580? **The M200 is shorter, half the weight and posts securely; the TWSBI holds more ink and costs less.** | | Pelikan M200 | [TWSBI Diamond 580](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-diamond-580/) | |---|---|---| | Capped | 125 mm | 142 mm | | Weight | 13.5 g | 28.0 g | | Capacity | About 1.2–1.5 ml | 1.98 ml | | Nib | Gold-plated steel, screw-out unit | Steel, screw-out unit | | Posts | Yes, 149 mm | Not securely | | Made in | Germany | Taiwan | | Price band | $$$$ | $$$ | TWSBI figures come from its guide. Pair either with a classic bottled ink like [Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pelikan-4001-royal-blue/). ## Where is the Pelikan M200 made? **In Germany: Pelikan's German product page says the M200 is "gefertigt und montiert in Deutschland", made and assembled in Germany.** Pelikan is a German company. ## How much does a Pelikan M200 cost? **The M200 is in our $$$$ price band, over $75 per pen.** That's from US listings we checked in October 2026, such as Endless Pens; special editions often cost more than the black model. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Pelikan M200 nib gold? No. Pelikan describes it as a gold-plated stainless steel nib, offered in EF, F, M and B. The gold nib starts with the M400 Souverän, whose 14k nib unit also fits the M200. ### How much ink does a Pelikan M200 hold? About 1.20 ml, according to Pelikan's Perch, while Pulp Addiction describes a 1.5 ml piston. It fills from bottled ink only. ### What is the difference between the Pelikan M200 and M205? The trim and nib finish. The M200 has gold-plated trim and nib; the M205 has silver-colored trim and a plain polished steel nib. Pelikan lists both at 12.5 cm capped and 13.5 g. ### How big is the Pelikan M200? Pelikan lists 12.5 cm (4.9 in) capped and 13.5 g. Dromgoole's gives 149 mm (5.9 in) posted, a 12 mm barrel and a 9 mm grip, so it's a small, light pen. ### Can you change the nib on a Pelikan M200? Yes. The nib and feed unscrew as one unit, and LarryPOST sells M400 nib units that it says can upgrade an M200 from steel to gold. ### Does the Pelikan M200 take cartridges? No. The M200 is a piston filler that takes bottled ink. Pelikan sells a cartridge twin, the P200, which comes with an Edelstein Sapphire cartridge. ### Where is the Pelikan M200 made? In Germany. Pelikan's German product page says the M200 is made and assembled in Germany. ## Sources - [Pelikan Passion (DE): Classic 200 Schwarz (Pelikan's German product page: length, weight, nib, made and assembled in Germany)](https://www.pelikan-passion.com/de/writing/elegance/classic/classic-200-schwarz.html) - [Pelikan Passion (DE): Classic 205 Schwarz-Silber (Pelikan's German page for the M205: silver trim, polished steel nib)](https://www.pelikan-passion.com/de/writing/elegance/classic/classic-205-schwarz-silber.html) - [Pelikan Passion (DE): Classic 200 Cherry Blossom (2026 special edition, gold-plated steel nib EF–B)](https://www.pelikan-passion.com/de/writing/elegance/classic/classic-200-cherry-blossom.html) - [Dromgoole's: Pelikan Classic M200, Orange Delight (lengths, diameters, weight, screw cap)](https://dromgooles.com/products/pelikan-classic-m200-fountain-pen-orange-delight-special-edition) - [Endless Pens: Pelikan Classic M200, Black (measured lengths and diameters, dark green ink window)](https://endlesspens.com/products/pelikan-classic-m200-black-fountain-pen) - [Pulp Addiction: Pelikan M200 Classic Black (1.5 ml piston, dark gray ink window)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/pelikan-m200-fountain-pen-classic-black) - [The Pelikan's Perch: M200 database (1985 release, 1997 trim restyle, 1.20 ml)](https://thepelikansperch.com/database/fountain-pens/m2xx/m200/) - [The Pelikan's Perch: M2xx database (M205 rhodium trim)](https://thepelikansperch.com/database/fountain-pens/m2xx/) - [The Pelikan's Perch: M200 Pastel Blue review (about 1.20 ml, Souverän nib swaps)](https://thepelikansperch.com/2023/07/30/pelikan-m200-pastel-blue-review/) - [Pelikan collectibles (rothemel.de): M200 Cognac (57 mm cap)](https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Models/Classic-Series/M200-Basis/M200/M200-Cognac/index.html) - [LarryPOST: Pelikan Souverän M400 replacement nib unit (can upgrade an M200)](https://www.larrypost.com.au/products/pelikan-souveran-m400-replacement-nib-unit-14ct-gold-two-toned) - [SBRE Brown: Pelikan M200 Tradition Green Marble review (measurements)](https://www.sbrebrown.com/2016/05/pelikan-m200-tradition-green-marble-fountain-pen-review/) - [Fountain Pen Network: Best pens under $200 (forum thread, April 2015)](https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/288755-best-pens-under-200) --- # Pilot Prera: Compact Size, CON-40 & Demonstrators > The Pilot Prera is a compact Japanese fountain pen with a steel nib in Fine or Medium and a snap cap. Pilot lists 120.4 mm (4.7 in) and 15.4 g; Unsharpen gives 134 mm posted. It takes Pilot cartridges or the included CON-40 converter and comes as a clear demonstrator or, since late 2025, in four solid colors. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-prera/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a clear Pilot Prera fountain pen with Light Blue end pieces and the cap posted, drawn to scale: 134 mm (5.3 in) long, with the CON-40 converter and blue ink showing through the barrel and an inset of the steel nib, F or M](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-prera-16x9.png) *The Prera in Clear Light Blue, posted, to scale at Unsharpen's 134 mm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-prera-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Prera Fountain Pen (Clear, Light Blue) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap (Pilot); steel nib (Pilot calls the nib material a special alloy) | – | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot Prera Fountain Pen (Clear, Light Blue)): Japan. Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin. Pilot's Japanese catalog pages for the Prera (read in full on October 20, 2026) don't state a country. The Hunter Paper Co. listing cited earlier no longer shows the pen. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-prera-fountain-pen/ ## Key takeaways - Unsharpen lists the Prera at 120 mm (4.7 in) capped, 107 mm uncapped and 134 mm (5.3 in) posted, at 14 g. - Pilot's Japanese catalog lists it at 120.4 mm, 13.4 mm at its widest and 15.4 g, for ¥4,180 (about US$26). - Pilot Japan sells it with a CON-40 converter (about 0.4 ml by Unsharpen's figure); US retailers say a converter is included. - US retailers sell it with a steel nib in Fine or Medium. - Four solid colors (Porcelain White, Honey Yellow, Empress Teal, Cinnamon Brown) reached US shops around October 2025. ## What is the Pilot Prera? **The Prera is Pilot's compact cartridge-converter fountain pen: a short plastic pen with a snap cap and a steel nib, sold for years in the US only as a clear demonstrator.** It sits above the [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) and [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/) in Pilot's line. The Gentleman Stationer's October 2025 review says that until then the US got only clear bodies, and that four solid colors (Porcelain White, Honey Yellow, Empress Teal and Cinnamon Brown) arrived that fall. In Japan, Pilot announced four new body colors on March 7, 2025 (Red Brown, Off White, Warm Yellow and Dark Turquoise, on sale that month with a CON-40 in the box), about seven months before solid colors reached US shops. GummySearch's roundup of Reddit reviews names the Prera among the Pilot pens people praise most, with the Metropolitan and Kakuno. ## Pilot Prera specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation, Japan | | Body and cap | Plastic; clear demonstrator or solid color | | Cap | Snap-on, postable | | Model (Japan) | P-FPR-1 (e.g. P-FPR-1-RBN-F, Red Brown, Fine; JAN 4902505686146) | | Nib | Stainless steel, Fine or Medium (Pilot Japan: "special alloy") | | Filling | Pilot cartridge or converter; CON-40 included in Japan | | Converter capacity | About 0.4 ml (Unsharpen, CON-40) | | Length capped | 120.4 mm (4.7 in), per Pilot; Unsharpen: 120 mm; Goulet: 121 mm | | Length uncapped | 107 mm (4.2 in) | | Length posted | 134 mm (5.3 in) | | Diameter | 13.4 mm at the widest point (Pilot); 12.1 mm body, 10.6 mm grip (Unsharpen) | | Weight | 15.4 g (Pilot); 15.0 g (Goulet); 14 g (Unsharpen) | | Made in | Japan (per retailers) | Pilot's Japanese catalog gives 120.4 mm, 13.4 mm at the widest point (probably across the clip) and 15.4 g; we use Pilot's weight. Uncapped and posted lengths and the body and grip diameters are from Unsharpen, which lists 14 g; Goulet Pens gives 121 mm capped, 135 mm posted and 15.0 g (7 g body, 8 g cap). Pilot doesn't say whether its weight includes the converter. ![Pilot Prera to scale: 120 mm capped, 107 mm with the cap off, 134 mm posted; 15.4 g per Pilot, cartridge or CON-40 converter, F or M nib](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-prera-lengths.svg) *At 107 mm uncapped, the Prera is short; posting adds 27 mm.* ## Is the Prera too small? **It is short, so most people post it: 107 mm uncapped grows to 134 mm (5.3 in) with the cap on the end.** The Gentleman Stationer's 2025 review found it comfortable for longer sessions when posted. The Well-Appointed Desk's 2018 review called it light and a good everyday-carry size. At 120 mm capped, it's shorter than most fountain pens we cover, so it takes up little room in a pouch. ## What nib and converter does the Prera use? **A steel nib in Fine or Medium, and Pilot's CON-40 converter or Pilot cartridges.** Pilot Japan puts a CON-40 in the box; in the US, Goulet Pens says a converter is included and The Gentleman Stationer says it's a squeeze converter. Unsharpen notes earlier Preras shipped with the CON-50. Japanese nibs run fine. The Gentleman Stationer calls the Medium closer to a "fine medium", and says more nib options, including a stub or italic, are planned. The CON-40 holds about 0.4 ml, per Unsharpen, so it suits short refills and frequent ink changes. ## How does the Prera compare to the Metropolitan and Kakuno? **The Prera is the shortest of the three capped and nearly as light as the Kakuno; the Metropolitan is the heaviest.** | | Pilot Prera | [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) | [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/) | |---|---|---|---| | Capped | 120 mm | 138 mm | 130.9 mm | | Posted | 134 mm | 153 mm | 159.7 mm | | Weight | 15.4 g (Pilot) | 26.0 g | 11.0 g | | Body | Plastic, clear or solid | Brass | Resin, hexagonal | | Steel nibs | F, M | F, M, 1.0 stub | EF, F, M | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | Metropolitan and Kakuno figures come from their guides. All three take the same Pilot cartridges and converters. ## Which Prera should you choose? **Choose a clear demonstrator to watch the ink level, or one of the solid colors if you'd rather not see the converter.** Choose Fine for small writing and planners, Medium for a slightly wetter line. Japan also gets a Prera that isn't sold in US shops: the Prera Iroai (色彩逢い), in six tinted clear bodies that Pilot says let you see the ink color, which Pilot's Japanese catalog lists with F, M and CM (calligraphy) nibs at the same ¥4,180 (about US$26). If you want a gold nib from the same maker, see the [Pilot Custom 74](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-74/). For a much cheaper clear pen with ink-matched colors, Korea's [Monami Olika](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/monami-olika/) comes in F and EF and runs on cartridges. ## Where is the Pilot Prera made? **In Japan, according to Unsharpen's spec sheet.** Pilot's Japanese catalog pages don't state the origin. ## How much does a Pilot Prera cost? **The Prera is in our $$$ price band, $20–75 per pen.** That's from US listings we checked in October 2026, such as Goulet Pens; it costs more than the Metropolitan but stays in the same band. In Japan, Pilot's web catalog lists it at ¥4,180 (about US$26) including tax, or ¥3,800 (about US$24) before tax. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Pilot Prera? Pilot's Japanese catalog lists 120.4 mm (4.7 in) and 15.4 g. Unsharpen lists 120 mm capped, 107 mm uncapped and 134 mm (5.3 in) posted, with a 12.1 mm body. It's a short pen that most people write with posted. ### What nib does the Pilot Prera have? A stainless steel nib in Fine or Medium in the US, per Goulet Pens. Japanese sizing runs fine, and one 2025 review calls the Medium closer to a fine-medium. ### What converter does the Pilot Prera use? Pilot's Japanese catalog says the Prera comes with a CON-40. In the US, Goulet Pens says a converter is included, and The Gentleman Stationer's 2025 review says the new US Preras ship with a squeeze converter. Unsharpen notes earlier Preras came with a CON-50. ### Does the Pilot Prera take standard international cartridges? No. It takes Pilot's own cartridges or a Pilot converter, like the Pilot Metropolitan. ### Is the Pilot Prera better than the Metropolitan? It's lighter and shorter, at about 15 g and 120 mm capped against the Metropolitan's 26 g and 138 mm, and it comes in clear demonstrator versions; it also costs more. ### What colors does the Pilot Prera come in? Clear demonstrators with colored end pieces, such as Light Blue, Red and Black, plus four solid colors that reached the US around October 2025: Porcelain White, Honey Yellow, Empress Teal and Cinnamon Brown. ### Where is the Pilot Prera made? In Japan, according to Unsharpen's spec sheet. Pilot's Japanese catalog doesn't state the country. ## Sources - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「プレラ」P-FPR-1-RBN-F (Pilot Japan catalog: 120.4 mm, 13.4 mm, 15.4 g, CON-40 included, ¥4,180, JAN)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100004707) - [万年筆『プレラ』新色 発売 (Pilot Japan press release, March 7, 2025: Red Brown, Off White, Warm Yellow, Dark Turquoise; F and M; CON-40)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2025/03/07/post_140.html) - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「プレラ 色彩逢い（いろあい）」P-FPR-1-TB-F (Pilot Japan catalog: Prera Iroai, clear colors, F, M and CM nibs)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100004795) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Prera, Porcelain White (F and M nibs, 121 mm, 15.0 g, converter included)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/pilot-prera-fountain-pen-porcelain-white) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Prera, Empress Teal (snap cap)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/pilot-prera-fountain-pen-empress-teal) - [Unsharpen: Pilot Prera review (dimensions, weight, origin, CON-50 history)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-prera-fountain-pen/) - [Unsharpen: Pilot CON-40 converter (0.4 ml)](https://unsharpen.com/refill/pilot-con-40-fountain-pen-converter/) - [Goldspot: Pilot Prera Clear, Light Blue](https://goldspot.com/products/pilot-prera-clear-fountain-pen-in-light-blue) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Pen review, the 2026 Pilot Prera revamp (October 22, 2025)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2025/10/22/pen-review-the-2026-pilot-prera-revamp) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Thursday drops, new Pilot Preras (October 9, 2025)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2025/10/9/thursday-drops-pilot-custom-74-lavender-fog-pilot-preras-colorvent-calendars-and-more) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Fountain pen review, Pilot Prera (March 2018)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2018/03/fountain-pen-review-pilot-prera/) - [Endless Pens: Pilot Prera (lengths)](https://endlesspens.com/products/pilot-fountain-pen-prera) - [GummySearch: Fountain pen reviews from Reddit (Prera mentions)](https://gummysearch.com/tools/best-products/fountain-pen/) --- # TWSBI Diamond 580: Piston Capacity, Nibs & 580AL > The TWSBI Diamond 580 is a clear, faceted piston-filling fountain pen from Taiwan's TWSBI. Goulet Pens lists it at 142 mm (5.6 in) capped and 28.0 g, with a maximum ink capacity of 1.98 ml from bottled ink. Its steel nib unit unscrews for swapping, and the 580AL and 580ALR add aluminium parts. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-diamond-580/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a clear TWSBI Diamond 580 fountain pen with the cap off, drawn to scale: 130 mm (5.1 in) long, with blue ink in the faceted barrel, the piston rod and seal behind it, and an inset of the piston seal, up to 1.98 ml](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/twsbi-diamond-580-16x9.png) *The Diamond 580 in Clear, cap off, to scale at Goulet Pens' 130 mm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/twsbi-diamond-580-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | TWSBI Diamond 580 Fountain Pen (Clear) | TWSBI (by TaShin Precision (Taiwan)) | Taiwan | Taiwan | Resin body, cap and grip; steel nib | – | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (TWSBI Diamond 580 Fountain Pen (Clear)): Taiwan. LarryPOST lists "Origin: Taiwan". TWSBI's own site says the brand was started by TaShin Precision, a Taiwanese maker with 50-plus years as an OEM manufacturer, but its product pages don't print a country of manufacture. JetPens says TWSBI's nibs themselves are made in Germany. TWSBI's Taiwanese site, twsbi.com.tw, didn't load for us on October 20, 2026. Source: https://www.larrypost.com.au/products/twsbi-diamond-580rbt-fountain-pen-red-blue-transparent ## Key takeaways - TWSBI says the 580 holds about 30% more ink than the 530; Goulet Pens lists a maximum of 1.98 ml, LarryPOST up to 1.9 ml and JetPens 1.5 ml with a basic fill. - It is 142 mm (5.6 in) capped and 130 mm (5.1 in) with the cap off, with a 13.3 mm body and a 10.0 mm grip, per Goulet. - Goulet weighs it at 28.0 g (14 g body, 14 g cap); it lists the aluminium 580AL at 31.0 g and the 580ALR at 27.0 g. - TWSBI sells steel nib units in EF, F, M, B and 1.1 mm stub that also fit the older Diamond 540 and 530; its own store lists the Clear 580 at US$55.99. - LarryPOST lists Taiwan as the origin; TWSBI is the own brand of Taiwan's TaShin Precision, and JetPens says the nibs are made in Germany. ## What is the TWSBI Diamond 580? **The Diamond 580 is TWSBI's faceted, clear piston-filling fountain pen: the barrel itself is the ink tank, filled by twisting the knob at the end.** TWSBI's own site says the brand was started by TaShin Precision, a Taiwanese company with more than 50 years as an OEM manufacturer of plastic and metal parts, which also makes the [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/). TWSBI says the 580 followed the Diamond 530 and 540, with an improved grip and end barrel, smoother cap threads and about 30% more ink than the 530. It's one of the pens enthusiasts name most for a second fountain pen: a Fountain Pen Network thread on the best mid-priced pens lists the TWSBI 580 next to the [LAMY 2000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-2000/) and Pelikan M200. ## TWSBI Diamond 580 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | TaShin Precision (TWSBI), Taiwan | | Body and cap | Clear faceted plastic, screw-on cap | | Filling | Built-in piston, bottled ink only | | Ink capacity | About 30% more than the 530 (TWSBI); 1.98 ml max (Goulet); about 2 ml (Goldspot); 1.5 ml basic fill (JetPens, 580ALR) | | Nib | Steel, size 6 (Unsharpen): EF, F, M, B, 1.1 mm stub (TWSBI) | | Length capped | 142 mm (5.6 in) | | Length cap off | 130 mm (5.1 in), with a 19 mm visible nib | | Cap | 60 mm (2.4 in) long | | Diameter | 13.3 mm body, 14.4 mm cap (18.6 mm with clip), 10.0 mm grip | | Weight | 28.0 g (14 g body, 14 g cap) | | In the box | Wrench and silicone grease | | Made in | Taiwan (LarryPOST) | All lengths, diameters and weights are from Goulet Pens' listing. JetPens lists the 580ALR at 143 mm capped and 130 mm uncapped. TWSBI's store listed the Clear 580 at US$55.99 on October 20, 2026, with item codes M7443110 (EF) to M7443150 (1.1 mm stub). ![TWSBI Diamond 580 to scale: 142 mm capped, 130 mm body with the cap off, 60 mm cap; 28.0 g, piston up to 1.98 ml](https://stationerytimes.com/images/twsbi-diamond-580-lengths.svg) *The cap is 60 mm long and doesn't post securely, so most people write with it off.* ## How much ink does the Diamond 580 hold? **Up to 1.98 ml by Goulet Pens' measurement, about five times the 0.4 ml of a Pilot CON-40 converter.** TWSBI itself only says it holds about 30% more than the 530. Retailers round it differently: LarryPOST says up to 1.9 ml, Goldspot about 2 ml, and JetPens lists 1.5 ml with a basic fill and up to about 1.95 ml with extra steps. That's a little more than the 1.76 ml Goulet measures for the TWSBI ECO. A big tank suits long writing sessions and inks you want to see sloshing through the clear barrel; a bottle like [Noodler's Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/noodlers-black-ink/) fills it many times over. ## Can you post the cap? **Not securely.** Goulet's listing marks it as not postable, and JetPens says posting is possible but makes the pen very long and top-heavy, and that twisting a posted cap can turn the piston knob. ## What's the difference between the 580, 580AL and 580ALR? **The 580 is all plastic; TWSBI says the AL has an aluminium grip, connector and piston rod, and the ALR adds a matte finish with subtle details on the grip and cap.** | Model | What changes | Weight | |---|---|---| | Diamond 580 | Plastic grip and internal parts | 28.0 g (Goulet) | | Diamond 580AL | Aluminium grip, connector and piston rod (TWSBI) | 31.0 g (Goulet listing) | | Diamond 580ALR | AL parts with a matte finish and circular engravings on the grip and cap | 27.0 g (Goulet); 27 g (JetPens) | Goulet's blog counts four aluminium parts, says they add durability, and puts the 580AL at 32 g, 1 g more than its own listing. Most current releases are ALR-based, per LarryPOST. On October 20, 2026 TWSBI listed the 580AL and 580ALR at US$72.99. ## Can you swap the nib? **Yes: the nib and feed unscrew from the grip as one unit.** TWSBI sells Diamond 580 nib sets in EF, F, M, B and 1.1 mm stub at US$22.99 each, and says they also fit the older Diamond 540 and 530. TWSBI nibs use Western sizing, per JetPens, so a 580 Fine writes broader than a Japanese Fine like the [Pilot Custom 74](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-74/)'s. ## How does the 580 compare to the TWSBI ECO? **The 580 is a little heavier and holds a bit more, and its nib unit swaps without tools; the ECO is lighter and costs less.** | | TWSBI Diamond 580 | [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/) | |---|---|---| | Capacity | 1.98 ml | 1.76 ml | | Capped | 142 mm | 138.8 mm | | Weight | 28.0 g | 21 g | | Nib swap | Screw-out nib unit | Uses a TWSBI Mini unit | | Posts | Not securely | Yes, 167.5 mm | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | ECO figures come from its guide. ## Where is the TWSBI Diamond 580 made? **In Taiwan, according to LarryPOST.** TWSBI's site says the brand belongs to Taiwanese maker TaShin Precision but doesn't print a country of manufacture on the product page, and its Taiwanese site didn't load for us. JetPens says TWSBI's nibs themselves are made in Germany. ## How much does a TWSBI Diamond 580 cost? **The plain 580 is in our $$$ price band, $20–75 per pen: on October 20, 2026, TWSBI listed it at US$55.99, and the 580AL and 580ALR at US$72.99.** Check current prices when you buy, and budget for a bottle of ink, since it can't take cartridges. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much ink does the TWSBI Diamond 580 hold? Goulet Pens lists a maximum of 1.98 ml and Goldspot says about 2 ml. JetPens lists 1.5 ml with a basic fill and up to about 1.95 ml with extra steps, so expect roughly 1.5 to 2 ml. ### Can you post the cap on a TWSBI 580? Not well. Goulet says the cap doesn't post securely, and JetPens says posting makes the pen long and top-heavy, and twisting a posted cap can turn the piston. ### What is the difference between the TWSBI 580, 580AL and 580ALR? The 580 is all plastic. TWSBI says the 580AL has an aluminium grip, connector and piston rod, and the 580ALR adds a matte finish with subtle details on the grip and cap. ### Does the TWSBI Diamond 580 take cartridges? No. It is a piston filler designed for bottled ink only, so there is no cartridge or converter. ### What nib sizes does the TWSBI 580 come in? Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Bold and a 1.1 mm stub, per TWSBI's store. TWSBI says its replacement nib sets also fit the older Diamond 540 and 530. ### What comes in the TWSBI 580 box? Goulet says the pen comes with a wrench and silicone grease for long-term maintenance of the piston, not for use on day one. ### Where is the TWSBI Diamond 580 made? In Taiwan, according to LarryPOST; TWSBI is the brand of Taiwanese maker TaShin Precision. JetPens says TWSBI's nibs are made in Germany. ## Sources - [TWSBI: Diamond 580 Clear Fountain Pen (official store; about 30% more ink than the 530, nib sizes, item codes, US$55.99)](https://www.twsbi.com/products/twsbi-diamond-580-clear-fountain-pen) - [TWSBI: Diamond 580 Nib Set (EF to Stub 1.1; fits the 540 and 530)](https://www.twsbi.com/products/twsbi-diamond-580-nib-set) - [TWSBI: Diamond 580AL Silver (aluminium grip, connector and piston rod)](https://www.twsbi.com/products/twsbi-diamond-580al-fountain-pen) - [TWSBI: Diamond 580ALR Prussian Blue (matte finish, details on grip and cap)](https://www.twsbi.com/products/twsbi-diamond-580alr-prussian-blue-fountain-pen) - [TWSBI: About us (TaShin Precision, 50-plus years as an OEM manufacturer)](https://www.twsbi.com/pages/about-us) - [Goulet Pens: TWSBI Diamond 580, Clear (dimensions, 28.0 g, 1.98 ml, wrench and grease)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/twsbi-diamond-580-fountain-pen-clear) - [Goulet Pens: TWSBI Diamond 580AL, Silver (31.0 g)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/twsbi-diamond-580al-fountain-pen-silver) - [Goulet Pens: TWSBI Diamond 580ALR, Nickel Gray (27.0 g)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/twsbi-diamond-580alr-fountain-pen-nickel-gray) - [Goulet Pens: TWSBI 580, 580AL and 580ALR, what's the difference?](https://www.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/twsbi-580al-vs-twsbi-580) - [JetPens: TWSBI Diamond 580ALR Prussian Blue (27 g, 1.5 ml, posting, German-made nibs)](https://www.jetpens.com/go/miyia382) - [LarryPOST: TWSBI Diamond 580RBT (origin Taiwan, up to 1.9 ml)](https://www.larrypost.com.au/products/twsbi-diamond-580rbt-fountain-pen-red-blue-transparent) - [Goldspot: TWSBI Diamond 580, Iris (about 2 ml)](https://goldspot.com/products/twsbi-diamond-580-fountain-pen-in-iris) - [The Gentleman Stationer: TWSBI Diamond 580 Clear (530 and 540 lineage)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/the-curated-shop/twsbi-580-clear-fountain-pen) - [Unsharpen: TWSBI Diamond 580 review (nib sizes)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/twsbi-diamond-580/) - [Unsharpen: Pilot CON-40 converter (0.4 ml)](https://unsharpen.com/refill/pilot-con-40-fountain-pen-converter/) - [Fountain Pen Network: Best pens under $200 (forum thread)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/288755-best-pens-under-200) --- # Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen: Brush Tips & India Ink > The Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Brush is a felt brush-tip pen filled with pigmented India ink that Faber-Castell calls waterproof, acid-free and highly lightfast. It gives a 1 to 5 mm line and comes in 59 colors. JetPens lists it at 13.8 cm (5.4 in) capped, and Officeworks lists the black 199 as made in Germany. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Brush in 199 black, drawn to scale at 138 mm (5.4 in) long: a dark gray barrel with silver printing, a dark gray cap with its clip, and a black end plug and cap top, with a close-up of the brush tip and a 1 to 5 mm stroke](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen-16x9.png) *The PITT Artist Pen Brush in 199 black, drawn to scale from JetPens' 13.8 cm capped length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Brush (B), 199 black | Faber-Castell (by Faber-Castell AG, Stein, Germany) | Germany | Germany | Plastic barrel and cap, felt brush tip, pigmented India ink | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Brush (B), 199 black): Germany. Officeworks lists Germany as the country of manufacture for the black PITT Artist Pen Brush, item 167499. Faber-Castell's German and US product pages don't state a country, and we didn't find origin for other colors, so check the pen. Source: https://officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen-black-199-fa54167499 ## Key takeaways - Faber-Castell gives the standard Brush a 1 to 5 mm line, the Soft Brush 0.5 to 5 mm and the Big Brush 1 to 8 mm. - JetPens lists the Brush at 13.8 cm (5.4 in) capped, 13.5 cm uncapped and 18.1 cm posted. - The ink is pigmented India ink that Faber-Castell's German site calls waterproof, permanent, acid-free and pH neutral, with high lightfastness (the Big Brush: highest). - Faber-Castell's German site lists the Brush in 59 color variants; black 199 is item 167499, EAN 4005401674993. - Officeworks lists the black Brush (167499) as made in Germany, where Faber-Castell is based. ## What is the Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Brush? **It's a felt brush-tip pen filled with pigmented India ink, made for drawing, illustration and lettering.** Faber-Castell, based in Stein, Germany, sells PITT Artist Pens with several tips; the Brush, marked B, is the most popular. Faber-Castell's German site describes the ink as waterproof, permanent, odorless, acid-free and pH neutral, with high lightfastness, and says it doesn't strike through paper. That makes the pen a choice for artwork that will be painted over, framed or kept. ## PITT Artist Pen Brush specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Faber-Castell AG (Stein, Germany) | | Tip | Felt brush, non-replaceable (JetPens) | | Line width | 1 to 5 mm (Faber-Castell) | | Ink | Pigmented India ink; waterproof, acid-free, pH neutral | | Lightfastness | High (Faber-Castell Germany); Big Brush: highest | | Length | 13.8 cm (5.4 in) capped; 13.5 cm uncapped; 18.1 cm (7.1 in) posted | | Tip length | 0.7 cm (0.3 in) | | Black item numbers | 167499 (EAN 4005401674993); US 800012 (UPC 092633304693) | | Colors | 59 (Faber-Castell Germany) | | Made in | Germany (Officeworks, black 167499) | The sizes are from JetPens' listing for Cold Grey III; Faber-Castell doesn't publish them in the sources we found. Retailers disagree on a single tip size (Officeworks says 1.5 mm, Swiss Post 2.5 mm), so we use Faber-Castell's 1 to 5 mm range. ## Brush, Soft Brush or Big Brush: which should you choose? **Choose the Brush for general drawing and lettering, the Soft Brush for more flex and thinner hairlines, and the Big Brush for large areas.** Faber-Castell's US site listed the Soft Brush at 0.5 to 5 mm (that page has since been removed) and gives the Big Brush 1 to 8 mm, with 4 times the ink of a standard PITT pen. ![Three black strokes drawn to scale: PITT Soft Brush from 0.5 to 5 mm, Brush from 1 to 5 mm and Big Brush from 1 to 8 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen-line-widths.svg) *The three PITT brush tips, from their thinnest to their widest line, at 1 mm = 14 px.* The PITT range also includes fineliner tips, from XXS (0.05 mm) to M (0.7 mm) per Jenni Bick, and a 1.5 mm bullet, in the same ink. Many artists outline with those and fill with the Brush. ## Is PITT ink waterproof and lightfast? **Yes: Faber-Castell calls the pigmented India ink waterproof and permanent, with high lightfastness.** Its German site reserves "highest lightfastness" for the Big Brush, which the US site puts at 100+ years; JetPens rates the Brush in its top lightfastness tier. India ink is a pigment ink, so once dry it doesn't reactivate with water, unlike the dye ink in a [Tombow Dual Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-dual-brush-pen/). We haven't run our own wash test yet. For a bristle-tip brush pen with blendable dye ink, see the [Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Real Brush](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kuretake-zig-clean-color-real-brush/). ## How many colors are there? **Faber-Castell's German site lists 59 color variants of the Brush.** Faber-Castell also sells brush sets by theme, such as Shades of Grey, Basic, Landscape and Terra, and wallets of 6 colors. Each color has a number: black is 199, Cold Grey III is 232. ## How does it compare to other pigment brush pens? **It's the lightfast, many-color felt brush; the Pocket Brush is a refillable bristle brush and the Fudenosuke a small lettering brush.** | | PITT Artist Pen Brush | [Pentel Pocket Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-pocket-brush-pen/) | [Tombow Fudenosuke](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-fudenosuke/) | |---|---|---|---| | Tip | Felt brush | Nylon bristles | Felt brush, hard or soft | | Line | 1–5 mm | Not stated | Not stated | | Ink | Pigmented India ink | Pigment, cartridges | Water-based pigment | | Colors | 59 (Faber-Castell) | Black, gray, sepia, sanguine | Black, plus colored sets | | Made in | Germany (black) | Japan | Japan (hard tip) | For even fine lines in the same kind of ink, the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) is the usual partner. ## Where is the PITT Artist Pen made? **Officeworks lists the black Brush, item 167499, as made in Germany.** Faber-Castell is based in Stein, near Nuremberg; we didn't find origin for other colors. ## How much does it cost? **A single Brush pen falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5).** Sets usually work out to a similar price per pen; the Big Brush costs more. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are PITT Artist Pens waterproof? Yes, once dry. Faber-Castell describes the pigmented India ink as waterproof and permanent, so you can paint watercolor over it. We haven't timed the drying ourselves yet. ### What do the letters on PITT Artist Pens mean? They're tip sizes. B is the standard Brush (1 to 5 mm per Faber-Castell), SB the Soft Brush (0.5 to 5 mm), and Jenni Bick lists the fineliner tips from XXS (0.05 mm) and XS (0.1 mm) to M (0.7 mm), plus a 1.5 mm bullet. ### Are PITT Artist Pens lightfast? Faber-Castell's German site gives the Brush high lightfastness and the Big Brush its highest, which Faber-Castell's US site puts at 100+ years. That's why artists use them for work that will be framed or displayed. ### What's the difference between the PITT Brush, Soft Brush and Big Brush? Faber-Castell gives the Brush a 1 to 5 mm line and listed the Soft Brush at 0.5 to 5 mm, with a more flexible tip. The Big Brush is a larger pen with 4 times the ink of a standard PITT Artist Pen and draws 1 to 8 mm. ### How many colors do PITT Artist Pen Brushes come in? Faber-Castell's German site lists 59 color variants of the Brush, and Faber-Castell sells themed sets such as Shades of Grey. Check the current range in your country before buying a single color. ### How long is a PITT Artist Pen? JetPens lists the Brush at 13.8 cm (5.4 in) capped, 13.5 cm (5.3 in) uncapped and 18.1 cm (7.1 in) with the cap posted, with a 0.7 cm tip. ### Where are PITT Artist Pens made? Officeworks lists the black Brush, item 167499, as made in Germany. Faber-Castell is based in Stein, near Nuremberg. ### PITT Artist Pen or Sakura Pigma Micron? Both use pigment ink. Pick the PITT Brush for brush strokes and a wide color range, and the Micron for fine, even outlines from 003 to 12. ## Sources - [Faber-Castell (Germany): Pitt Artist Pen Brush Tuschestift, schwarz (India ink pen, black: item 167499, 59 colors, pigmented ink, high lightfastness, waterproof, acid-free, pH neutral)](https://www.faber-castell.de/produkte/PittArtistPenBrushTuschestiftschwarz/167499) - [Faber-Castell (Germany): Pitt Artist Pen Big Brush Tuschestift, schwarz (Big Brush, black: highest lightfastness, thick brush tip)](https://www.faber-castell.de/produkte/PittArtistPenBigBrushTuschestiftschwarz/167699) - [Faber-Castell (US): Pitt Artist Pen, Brush, 199 Black, item 800012 (1 to 5 mm line)](https://www.fabercastell.com/products/pitt-artist-pen-brush-199-black-800012) - [Faber-Castell (US): Pitt Artist Pen, Soft Brush, 199 Black, item 800124 (0.5 to 5 mm line; page since removed)](https://www.fabercastell.com/products/pitt-artist-pen-soft-brush-199-black-800124) - [Faber-Castell (US): Pitt Artist Pen Big Brush 199 Black, box of 4, item 167699 (1 to 8 mm, 4 times the ink, maximum lightfastness 100+ years)](https://fabercastell.com/collections/art-graphic/products/pitt-artist-pen-big-brush-199-black-167699) - [Faber-Castell: Pitt Artist Pen Big Brush India ink pen (pigmented India ink, highest lightfastness, waterproof, acid-free, pH neutral)](https://www.faber-castell.com/products/IndiainkPittArtistPenBigBrushblack/167699) - [Faber-Castell (EU): Pitt Artist Pen Brush India ink pen, wallet of 6](https://www.faber-castell.eu/products/PittArtistPenBrushIndiainkpenwalletof6Colouring/267196) - [JetPens: Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Brush, Cold Grey III 232 (13.8 cm capped, 13.5 cm uncapped, 18.1 cm posted, 1–5 mm)](https://www.jetpens.com/Faber-Castell-PITT-Artist-Pen-Brush-Cold-Grey-III-232/pd/17011) - [Officeworks: Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen black 199, 167499 (country of manufacture Germany)](https://officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen-black-199-fa54167499) - [Swiss Post shop: Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Brush 167499 black](https://shop.post.ch/en/stationery/writing-utensils/calligraphy-brush-pens/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen-brush-2-5mm-167499-schwarz/p/807439) - [T.N. Lawrence: Faber-Castell PITT Artist's Brush Pen set of 6, Terra](https://www.tnlawrence.com/faber-castell-pitt-artists-brush-pen-set-of-6-terra) - [LarryPOST: Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen 6 brushes, Landscape](https://www.larrypost.com.au/products/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen-6-brushes-landscape) - [Jenni Bick: Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen wallet, black, 6 assorted nibs (XXS 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm bullet)](https://www.jennibick.com/products/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen-wallet-black-6-assorted-nibs) --- # Pentel Pocket Brush Pen: Bristles, Ink & Refills > The Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen (GFKP3) is a refillable brush pen with real nylon bristles and waterproof, lightfast pigment ink in cartridges; black takes FP10 refills. Pentel Japan lists the Japanese version at 136 mm long, and Pentel of America gives Japan as the origin. Artists use it for inking comics, sketching and bold lettering. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-pocket-brush-pen/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped black Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen, drawn to scale at 140 mm (5.5 in) long: a black barrel and long black cap with a silver band and silver clip, with a close-up of the black nylon bristle brush tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-pocket-brush-pen-16x9.png) *The black Pocket Brush Pen, drawn to scale from LarryPOST's 14 cm length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-pocket-brush-pen-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen (GFKP3), black | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel, nylon bristle brush, pigment ink cartridges | – | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen (GFKP3), black): Japan. Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide and 2022 catalog give the origin of the Pocket Brush Pen (GFKP3) and its FP10 refills as Japan. Officeworks also lists Japan for the GFKP3BPA. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/81/ ## Key takeaways - The tip is a brush of synthetic nylon bristles, not a felt or fiber point, so it draws from a hairline to a broad stroke. - Black uses Pentel FP10 cartridges, per both Pentel of America and Pentel Japan; the US pen comes with 2 refills, and Japan sells FP10-A cartridges in 4s for ¥385 (about US$2.40). - Pentel Japan lists its version (XGFKP-A) at 136 mm (5.4 in) long; LarryPOST gives 14 cm (5.5 in) for the GFKP3. - Amazon mirror listings show the black pen with about 3,170 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, ranked around No. 105 to No. 123 in Drawing Pens. - Pentel of America's product guide gives Japan as the origin, and Officeworks lists the GFKP3BPA as made in Japan. ## What is the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen? **It's a refillable brush pen with a tip of synthetic nylon bristles and waterproof pigment ink in cartridges.** Pentel sells it in the US as the Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen, model GFKP3; the black pen with 2 refills is GFKP3BPA. In Japan it is ぺんてる筆〈携帯用〉 (Pentel Fude, pocket type), model XGFKP-A. Because the tip is a real bristle brush rather than a felt point, it behaves like a fine ink brush: a light touch gives a hairline, more pressure a broad stroke, and a nearly dry brush leaves textured strokes. That's why comic inkers and sketchers use it. ## Pentel Pocket Brush Pen specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pentel (ASTRUM Corporation, Tokyo) | | Model | GFKP3 (black with 2 refills: GFKP3BPA) | | Tip | Synthetic nylon bristle brush | | Ink | Pigment; water- and fade-resistant once dry (Pentel of America) | | Refill | FP10 cartridge (black, gray, sepia in the US; FP10-A black in Japan) | | In the pack | Pen with 2 refills (some retailer packs 4) | | Japan model | XGFKP-A (JAN 4902506111197), medium (中字) brush | | Length | 136 mm (5.4 in) per Pentel Japan; 14 cm (5.5 in) per LarryPOST | | Body | Plastic | | Made in | Japan (Pentel of America product guide) | | Japan list price | ¥1,045 (about US$6.60) including tax, ¥950 (about US$6.00) before tax | Pentel's Japanese site lists the XGFKP-A at 136 mm, with a medium brush, black water-based pigment ink and a short barrel that fits a suit breast pocket; it doesn't give a weight or the country of manufacture in what we found. LarryPOST gives 14 cm for the GFKP3, and our drawings use that figure. Swiss listings give larger numbers that look like package sizes, so we don't use them. ## How does a bristle brush differ from a felt brush tip? **A bristle brush splays and springs back, so it draws a wider range of lines and dry-brush texture, but it's harder to control than a felt tip.** Felt brush pens such as the [Tombow Fudenosuke](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-fudenosuke/) keep their shape under pressure, which suits even lettering. The bristles also hold a bead of ink at the tip, so slow, loaded strokes come out very black. Fast strokes can skip and leave texture, which inkers use on purpose. ## What refills does it take? **Pentel FP10 ink cartridges.** Pentel of America lists FP10 refills in black, gray and sepia in 2- and 6-packs, and Pentel Japan sells the black FP10-A in packs of 4 for ¥385 (about US$2.40). The US pen ships with 2 cartridges; LarryPOST sells gray and sepia versions with 4. The cartridge snaps into the barrel like a fountain-pen cartridge. Because the brush stays on the pen, a worn brush means a new pen: Pentel Japan suggests buying a new one after about 2–3 cartridges, depending on use. ## Is the ink waterproof? **Pentel of America calls it permanent pigment ink that's water- and fade-resistant once dry.** Focus Nordic, Digitec and Bic Camera Japan describe it the same way, which makes the pen a good choice for line art you'll color with watercolor or markers. Give heavy strokes time to dry before erasing pencil lines or painting over them. We haven't timed this ourselves yet. ## What colors are there? **Black is the main ink; Pentel of America also sells gray and sepia, and Staples lists sanguine.** Pentel's Japanese page lists the XGFKP-A in black only, so the colors may not be sold in Japan. Pentel has sold limited-edition barrel wraps with black ink, such as Staples' Indigo Wrap. ## How does it compare to other brush pens? **It's the refillable, bristle-tip choice; the felt-tip pens are easier to control.** | | Pentel Pocket Brush Pen | [Tombow Fudenosuke](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-fudenosuke/) | [Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen/) | |---|---|---|---| | Tip | Nylon bristles | Felt brush, hard or soft | Felt brush, 1–5 mm | | Ink | Pigment, cartridges | Water-based pigment | Pigmented India ink | | Refillable | Yes (FP10 for black) | No | No | | Length | 14 cm | 13.4 cm uncapped | 13.8 cm capped | ![Four brush pens drawn to scale: Pentel Pocket Brush Pen 140 mm capped, Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Brush 138 mm capped, Tombow Fudenosuke soft tip 134 mm uncapped and Tombow Dual Brush Pen 190 mm capped](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-pocket-brush-pen-lengths.svg) *The Pocket Brush Pen is about the size of other small brush pens, and much shorter than a Tombow Dual Brush Pen.* For bold color lettering instead of black line art, see the [Tombow Dual Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-dual-brush-pen/). ## Is it popular? **Yes, among artists: Amazon mirror listings show the black pen with about 3,170 ratings averaging 4.7 stars.** Snapshots rank it around No. 105 to No. 123 in Drawing Pens. ## Where is the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen made? **In Japan: Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide and 2022 catalog give Japan as the origin of the pen and its FP10 refills.** Officeworks also lists the GFKP3BPA as made in Japan. ## How much does it cost? **It falls in our $$ band ($5–20 per pen).** Pentel Japan's list price for the XGFKP-A is ¥1,045 (about US$6.60) including tax. Refill cartridges are sold separately and cost much less than a new pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### What refills does the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen use? Pentel FP10 ink cartridges, per Pentel of America and Pentel Japan. The US pen ships with 2 refills, and Pentel of America sells FP10 refills in 2- and 6-packs in black, gray and sepia. ### Is the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen ink waterproof? Pentel of America calls it permanent pigment ink that is water- and fade-resistant once dry, and Focus Nordic and Digitec say waterproof and lightfast. That lets you paint watercolor over your inked lines after they dry; we haven't tested it ourselves yet. ### Does the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen have real bristles? Yes, synthetic ones. The tip is a brush of nylon bristles that comes to a fine point, unlike felt-tip brush pens such as the Tombow Fudenosuke or Dual Brush Pen. ### Is the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen good for beginners? It's harder to control than a felt brush tip because the bristles splay with pressure. Many beginners start with a firmer pen such as the Fudenosuke hard tip, then move to the Pocket Brush for inking and sketching. ### How long is the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen? Pentel's Japanese site lists its version (XGFKP-A) at 136 mm (5.4 in), short enough for a suit breast pocket. LarryPOST gives 14 cm (5.5 in) for the GFKP3. ### What colors does the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen come in? Black is the main color. Pentel of America also sells gray and sepia, Staples lists sanguine, and there are limited-edition barrel wraps with black ink. ### Where is the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen made? In Japan, according to Pentel of America's product guide; Officeworks agrees for the GFKP3BPA. ## Sources - [ぺんてる筆〈携帯用〉 (Pentel Japan product page: XGFKP-A, 136 mm, medium brush, water-based pigment ink, ¥1,045; FP10-A cartridges, 4 for ¥385)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/brush/pentelfude_pocket_brush/) - [替芯・カートリッジ交換方法 (Pentel Japan support: cartridge replacement for the XGFKP-A; replace the pen after 2–3 cartridges)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/support/brush/exchange_brush/) - [Pentel of America: Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pigment Ink Pen with 2 Ink Refills (black, gray, sepia; UPCs)](https://www.pentel.com/products/pentel-pentel-arts-pocket-brush-pigment-ink-pen-with-2-ink-refills) - [Pentel of America: 2023–2024 product guide, inking products (GFKP3, FP10 refill, origin Japan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/81/) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: Pocket Brush Pen colors and FP10 refills (origin Japan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/186) - [Officeworks: Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen with 2 refills, GFKP3BPA (made in Japan, pigment ink, nylon nib)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/pentel-arts-pocket-brush-pen-with-2-refills-pegfkp3bpa) - [Bic Camera: Pentel pocket brush pen XGFKP-A (pigment ink, waterproof and lightfast, short barrel for a pen case)](https://www.biccamera.com/bc/item/1608896/) - [Focus Nordic: Pentel GFKPA-A Pocket Brush black (refill FP10; pigmented, lightfast, waterproof ink)](https://www.focusnordic.com/products/frames-albums/create-decorate/envelopes-stickers-pens/pentel-gfkpa-a-pocket-brush-marker-black) - [LarryPOST: Pentel Pocket Brush Pen GFKP3 with 4 cartridges, grey ink (14 cm long)](https://www.larrypost.com.au/apps/aeo/ai/md/default/products/pentel-pocket-brush-pen-gfkp3-includes-4-cartridges-grey-ink.md) - [Digitec: Pentel Pocket Brush (waterproof and lightfast once dry)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/pentel-pocket-brush-1x-pencils-9673560) - [Staples: Pentel Arts Refillable Pocket Brush Pen, gray](https://www.staples.com/pentel-arts-refillable-pocket-brush-pen-gray-ptagfkp3bpn/product_24610896) - [Staples: Pentel Arts Refillable Pocket Brush Pen, sanguine](https://www.staples.com/pentel-arts-refillable-pocket-brush-pen-sanguine-ptagfkp3bpsg/product_24610897) - [Staples: Pentel Arts Refillable Pocket Brush Pen, brown, 3-pack](https://www.staples.com/pentel-arts-refillable-pocket-brush-pen-brown-3-pack-ptagfkp3bpsp/product_24610893) - [Staples: Pentel Arts Limited Edition Refillable Pocket Brush Pen, Indigo Wrap](https://www.staples.com/pentel-arts-limited-edition-refillable-pocket-brush-pen-indigo-wrap-3-pack-ptagfkp3f3bpa/product_24610880) - [Desertcart (Amazon listing mirror): Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen with refills (about 3,170 ratings, No. 105 to No. 123 in Drawing Pens)](https://www.desertcart.pl/products/1317648) --- # Tombow Fudenosuke: Hard vs Soft Tip Brush Pens > The Tombow Fudenosuke is a small, non-refillable brush pen from Tombow of Japan, sold in the US as a 2-pack (62038) with one hard tip and one soft tip. Both hold water-based pigment ink. The firm hard tip suits small lettering; the soft tip makes bigger strokes. JetPens lists a soft-tip pen at 134 mm (5.3 in) uncapped. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-fudenosuke/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![The Tombow Fudenosuke 2-pack drawn in proportion, both pens uncapped: a hard-tip pen with a navy body and a short firm black brush tip, and a soft-tip pen with a black body and a longer, flexed black brush tip, with a close-up comparing the two tips](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tombow-fudenosuke-16x9.png) *The 2-pack: the navy hard tip for small letters and the black soft tip for bigger strokes.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-fudenosuke-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen (hard and soft tip) | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Tombow USA) | Japan | Japan | Elastomer brush tip, water-based pigment ink (Tombow); recycled plastic barrel (LarryPOST) | 2001 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen (hard and soft tip)): Japan. LarryPOST (Australia) lists the navy-body black hard tip as made in Japan. Tombow's Japanese, US and European pages don't state a country, and we found no origin for the soft tip (WS-BS 150), so check the pack. Source: https://www.larrypost.com.au/apps/aeo/ai/md/default/products/tombow-fudenosuke-brush-pen-hard-tip-black.md ## Key takeaways - The US 2-pack, Tombow item 62038, holds one hard-tip and one soft-tip pen, both with black water-based pigment ink. - Tombow Japan launched the black Fudenosuke in 2001, took it to the US and Europe from 2015, and added 9 colors in October 2018. - Tombow's 2018 press release gives the hard-tip pen as 10 mm across, 142 mm (5.6 in) long and 8 g; JetPens lists a soft tip at 13.4 cm uncapped. - Tombow Japan lists the black hard (GCD-111) and soft (GCD-112) pens at ¥165 (about US$1) each with tax. - Amazon search data cited by amazonseo.ai puts the 62038 2-pack first for "brush pens", with a 12.40% click share. ## What is the Tombow Fudenosuke? **It's a small, non-refillable brush pen from Tombow of Japan, made for brush lettering and Japanese-style writing.** Most US buyers get it as the 2-pack, Tombow item 62038, which pairs a hard-tip pen with a soft-tip pen. Tombow USA describes the ink in both as water-based pigment ink in black, and odorless. Tombow Japan first sold the black pen at home in 2001 as a 筆文字サインペン (brush-lettering sign pen) and began selling it in Europe and the US in 2015. Unlike Tombow's bigger [Dual Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-dual-brush-pen/), the Fudenosuke has one tip only, a small brush that's easier to control at letter sizes you'd use in a journal or on a card. ## Tombow Fudenosuke specs | Spec | Hard tip | Soft tip | |---|---|---| | Model | WS-BH 150 | WS-BS 150 | | Japanese model | GCD-111 | GCD-112 | | Body color (black ink) | Navy | Black | | Tip | Small, firm elastomer brush | Small, flexible elastomer brush | | Best for | Small writing | Larger writing | | Ink | Water-based pigment, black | Water-based pigment, black | | Length | 142 mm (5.6 in), 10 mm across (Tombow Japan) | 13.4 cm (5.3 in) uncapped, 16.4 cm (6.5 in) posted (JetPens) | | Weight | 8 g (Tombow Japan) | Not stated | | Price in Japan | ¥165 (about US$1) including tax | ¥165 (about US$1) including tax | | Price in Europe | €3.30 (about US$3.70), Tombow Europe | Not checked | | Refillable | No | No | | Made in | Japan (LarryPOST) | Not stated | Tombow Japan's 2018 press release for the hard-tip pens gives 10 mm across, 142 mm long and 8 g, "about the same as a ballpoint", with a clip. The soft-tip length comes from JetPens' listing for a colored soft-tip pen. Neither Tombow nor the retailers give a line width in millimeters. Tombow's Japanese site explains what the tips are made of: not hair or felt, but elastomer, a rubbery plastic. Tombow says the hard elastomer tip writes at ordinary ballpoint pressure, about 250 g, and rarely splays or crushes if you press harder; the soft tip (しなやか仕立て) bends more. Japanese packs also include a guide sheet (お助けプレート) for keeping lines straight. ![To-scale drawing of a Tombow Fudenosuke soft-tip pen: 134 mm (5.3 in) uncapped and 164 mm (6.5 in) with the cap posted, from JetPens](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-fudenosuke-lengths.svg) *Uncapped and posted lengths at 1 mm = 3.4 px, from JetPens' listing.* ## Hard tip or soft tip: which should you choose? **Start with the hard tip if you're new to brush lettering or write small; pick the soft tip once you want more contrast in bigger letters.** Tombow Europe says the soft tip is especially suited to larger writing and the hard tip to small writing. A firm tip changes width less for the same pressure change, so shaky hands show less. A softer tip bends further, giving thinner upstrokes and fatter downstrokes, which is the look most lettering styles aim for. ## Is the Fudenosuke ink waterproof? **Tombow USA calls the black ink water-based pigment ink, and Tombow's Japanese site says it is water- and light-resistant.** Tombow Japan adds that once dry it won't run, so it is safe for mail and documents, and that it doesn't bleed when you color over it with water-based dye markers. It also lists inkjet paper as compatible. That makes the Fudenosuke a good outline pen under watercolor or under water-based markers such as the Dual Brush Pen. We haven't run our own wash test yet. ## Can you refill it? **No: Tombow USA lists the Fudenosuke as non-refillable.** When it runs dry, you replace the pen. If you want a brush pen you refill with cartridges, the [Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-pocket-brush-pen/) takes Pentel's FP10 black refills. ## Does it come in colors? **Yes: besides black, Tombow sells colored hard-tip Fudenosuke pens.** Its 2018 press release lists 10 colors: black, gray, brown, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, green and yellow, all in pigment ink. Tombow Japan sells them as the WS-BH10C set at ¥1,650 (about US$10) with tax, and Tombow USA as the Fudenosuke Colors 10-pack (SKU 56429). The release says the colors came at the request of overseas hand-lettering fans and went on sale in Japan on October 5, 2018, in the US in early October and in Europe in mid-October. There's also a twin-tip Fudenosuke in black and gray (WS-TBS in Europe, SKU 82040 in the US). Tombow Japan also sells the 慶弔ツインS (GCD-121), a soft-tip twin pen with black and pale ink (薄墨) for Japanese celebration and condolence envelopes, at ¥275 (about US$1.70) with tax; we didn't find it in US shops. ## How does it compare to other lettering pens? **It's the small, firm brush; the Dual Brush Pen is the big colorful one and the Pentel Sign Pen is a fiber point with little flex.** | | Tombow Fudenosuke | [Tombow Dual Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-dual-brush-pen/) | [Pentel Sign Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sign-pen/) | |---|---|---|---| | Tip | Small brush, hard or soft | Large nylon brush + 0.8 mm fine tip | Fiber point | | Ink | Water-based pigment | Water-based dye | Water-based | | Colors | Black, plus colored sets | 108 | Black and colors | | Best for | Small brush lettering | Big letters, blending | Signing, small text | For fine outlines and dots next to brush letters, a [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) is a common partner, or the 0.3 mm [STAEDTLER triplus fineliner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-triplus-fineliner/) for color. For art with a brush and lightfast ink, see the [Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen/). ## Is the Fudenosuke popular? **Yes: it's one of the best-selling brush pens on Amazon US.** Amazon search data cited by amazonseo.ai puts the 62038 2-pack first by click share, 12.40%, for the search "brush pens." Tombow's 2018 press release also notes that the kanji 筆之助 logo on the barrel had become familiar to fans in Europe and the US, so Tombow kept it on export pens. ## Where is the Tombow Fudenosuke made? **A retailer gives Japan for the hard-tip pen.** LarryPOST in Australia lists the navy-body black hard tip as made in Japan. Tombow's Japanese, US and European pages don't state a country, and we found no stated origin for the soft tip or on Tombow USA's 2-pack page. ## How much does it cost? **In the usual 2-pack, it falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5 per pen).** Colored 10-packs also work out to under $5 a pen at Tombow USA. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between the Fudenosuke hard tip and soft tip? The hard tip is firmer, so it gives more control for small letters and is easier for beginners; Tombow Europe calls it especially suited to small writing. The soft tip bends more, making bigger contrast between thin and thick strokes, and Tombow Europe recommends it for larger writing. ### Is the Tombow Fudenosuke good for beginners? Yes, it's a common first pen for brush lettering. Tombow designed the hard elastomer tip so people new to brush pens can write at ordinary ballpoint pressure, about 250 g, without the tip splaying. ### Is Fudenosuke ink waterproof? Tombow Japan says the water-based pigment ink is water- and light-resistant once dry, safe for mail and documents, and won't bleed when you color over it with water-based dye markers. We haven't run our own wash test yet. ### Can you refill a Tombow Fudenosuke? No. Tombow USA lists the 2-pack as non-refillable, so you replace the pen when the ink runs out. For a refillable brush pen, look at the Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen. ### How long is a Tombow Fudenosuke? Tombow's 2018 press release gives the hard-tip pen as 142 mm (5.6 in) long and 10 mm across, about the size of a ballpoint. JetPens lists a soft-tip pen at 13.4 cm (5.3 in) uncapped and 16.4 cm (6.5 in) posted. ### Where is the Tombow Fudenosuke made? LarryPOST lists the black hard-tip pen as made in Japan. Tombow's own pages don't say, and we found no stated origin for the soft tip or the US 2-pack. ### Fudenosuke or Tombow Dual Brush Pen? Pick the Fudenosuke for small, crisp lettering in black, and the Dual Brush Pen for big, colorful, blendable letters. The Dual Brush Pen has a much larger nylon brush and a second fine tip. ### Does the Fudenosuke come in colors? Yes. Tombow's 10-color hard-tip set (WS-BH10C in Japan, item 56429 in the US) has black, gray, brown, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, green and yellow, all in pigment ink. There's also a twin-tip pen in black and gray. ## Sources - [筆之助 (Tombow Japan product page, "Fudenosuke": GCD-111 hard tip and GCD-112 soft tip, elastomer tip, water- and light-resistant pigment ink, ¥165 (about US$1) with tax)](https://www.tombow.com/products/fudenosuke/) - [全10色「筆之助しっかり仕立て」日米欧で同時発売 (Tombow Japan press release, October 1, 2018, "10-color Fudenosuke hard tip launched in Japan, the US and Europe": 2001 launch, 2015 export, 10 mm × 142 mm, 8 g, hard elastomer tip)](https://www.tombow.com/press/181001/) - [筆之助 しっかり仕立て カラー (Tombow Japan product page, "Fudenosuke hard tip, colors": WS-BH10C 10-color set, ¥1,650 with tax)](https://www.tombow.com/products/fudenosuke_color/) - [筆之助 慶弔ツインS (Tombow Japan product page: GCD-121, black and pale-ink twin, soft tips)](https://www.tombow.com/products/fudenosuke_keicho_twin/) - [Tombow USA: Fudenosuke Brush Pen 2-Pack, SKU 62038 (one soft and one hard tip, water-based pigment ink, odorless, non-refillable)](https://www.tombowusa.com/products/fudenosuke-brush-pen-2-pack) - [Tombow USA: Fudenosuke Colors Brush Pen Set, 10-Pack (SKU 56429)](https://www.tombowusa.com/products/fudenosuke-colors-set-10-pack) - [Tombow USA: Fudenosuke Twin Tip Brush Pen, black and gray (SKU 82040)](https://www.tombowusa.com/products/fudenosuke-brush-pen-twin-tip-black-grey) - [Tombow Europe: Fudenosuke Brush Pen hard tip, WS-BH (for small writing, €3.30)](https://www.tomboweurope.com/en/products/product/WS-BH) - [Tombow Europe: Fudenosuke Brush Pen soft tip, WS-BS (soft tip for larger writing)](https://www.tomboweurope.com/en/products/product/WS-BS) - [Tombow Europe: Fudenosuke twin soft tip, WS-TBS (black and gray)](https://tomboweurope.com/en/products/product/WS-TBS) - [JetPens: Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen, Soft, Light Green (13.4 cm uncapped, 16.4 cm posted)](https://www.jetpens.com/Tombow-Fudenosuke-Brush-Pen-Soft-Light-Green/pd/34606) - [LarryPOST: Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen (Navy Body), hard tip, black (recycled plastic, waterproof pigment ink, made in Japan)](https://www.larrypost.com.au/apps/aeo/ai/md/default/products/tombow-fudenosuke-brush-pen-hard-tip-black.md) - [amazonseo.ai: Amazon best sellers for brush pens (Tombow 62038 first by click share, 12.40%)](https://www.amazonseo.ai/fr/amazon-best-sellers/brush-pens) --- # Cross Classic Century: The Slim Twist Ballpoint > The Cross Classic Century is a slim twist-action ballpoint from A.T. Cross, introduced as a ballpoint in 1953. The Lustrous Chrome model (3502) is 133 mm (5.25 in) long, about 8 mm across and 16 to 17 g, in chrome-plated brass. It takes Cross ballpoint refills such as the black medium 8513. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/cross-classic-century/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome ballpoint with the point out, drawn to scale at 133 mm (5.25 in) long and about 8 mm across: slim tapered chrome body, conical top and front, chrome clip, with a close-up of the center band where it twists](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/cross-classic-century-16x9.png) *The Lustrous Chrome Classic Century, drawn to scale from its listed 133 mm length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/cross-classic-century-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome ballpoint pen (3502) | Cross (by A.T. Cross Company (Providence, Rhode Island)) | United States | China | Chrome-plated brass body, Cross ballpoint refill | 1953 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome ballpoint pen (3502)): China. Galaxus lists China as the country of origin for the chrome Classic Century (item 8750495) and for its black and blue lacquer versions. It is the only retailer in our research that states it, and Cross's US product page doesn't name a country; check the package. Indian retailers' "USA" is the brand origin, not the factory. Source: https://www.galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/cross-century-classic-silver-1-x-pens-8750495 ## Key takeaways - Galaxus lists the Lustrous Chrome Classic Century at 13.30 cm (5.25 in) and 17 g; Online Mantra gives 133 mm, 8 mm across and 16 g. - A twist of the lower half extends and retracts the point; there is no click button. - It ships with the black medium Cross refill 8513; the blue medium is 8511, which also fits the Century II, Townsend and ATX. - Cross dates the Century ballpoint to 1953, seven years after the 1946 Century pencil that marked the company's 100th year. - Cross sells the 3502 for US$59 on its US store, where it shows 4.9 stars from 219 reviews, and backs it with the Lifetime Mechanical Warranty it set up in 1949. ## What is the Cross Classic Century? **The Classic Century is A.T. Cross's slim, all-metal twist ballpoint, the pen most people picture when they hear "a Cross pen".** Cross dates the Century ballpoint to 1953, and the shape, tapered at both ends, has stayed close to that design. The Lustrous Chrome model, item 3502, is the plain chrome version. The same body comes in lacquers, brushed chrome and gold tones. ## Why is the Classic Century so popular? **It's a long-running gift pen that Cross still calls "classic Cross": its own US store shows 4.9 stars from 219 reviews for the 3502.** Its appeal is the slim metal body, the quiet twist instead of a click, and refills that keep it going for years. Cross also sells matching pencils and sets, such as the 350105 pen and 0.7 mm pencil set, so it is easy to buy as a pair. Owners often have it engraved, which the plain chrome barrel suits. ## Cross Classic Century specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | A.T. Cross Company (Providence, Rhode Island) | | Type | Twist-action ballpoint | | Length | 133 mm (5.25 in), per Galaxus and Online Mantra | | Diameter | About 8 mm at the widest, per Online Mantra | | Weight | 16–17 g (Online Mantra 16 g, Galaxus 17 g) | | Body | Chrome-plated brass | | Refill | Cross ballpoint, black medium 8513 included | | Item number | 3502 (UPC 073228035024) | | Made in | China (Galaxus) | Cross's US product page describes a "slim bodied girth" but loads its spec fields by script, so the figures above come from retailers. Online Mantra also lists the stock line width as 0.7 mm. Cross sells the pen for US$59 on its US store, in a premium gift box. ![To-scale side and end views of three metal ballpoints: Cross Classic Century 133 mm long and 8 mm across, Parker Jotter 128 mm and 9.6 mm, Zebra F-701 133 mm and 9.75 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/cross-classic-century-slimness.svg) *The Classic Century is as long as the F-701 but about 18 percent slimmer.* ## How does the twist mechanism work? **You turn the lower half against the upper half to extend the point, and turn it back to retract it.** Retailers describe it as twist action; there is no button, so it can't be clicked open by accident in a pocket. To refill it, you pull the two halves apart at the center band and swap the refill. ## What refill does the Cross Classic Century use? **It takes standard Cross ballpoint refills: the black medium 8513 ships in the pen, and the blue medium is 8511.** Online Mantra lists the 8511 as fitting the Classic Century, Century II, Townsend, ATX, Bailey and other Cross ballpoints. The compatibility list names only Cross pens, so buy refills sold for Cross ballpoints rather than the Parker-style Quinkflow refill used by the [Parker Jotter](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/parker-jotter/). ## How does it compare to other metal ballpoints? **It's the slimmest of the classic metal ballpoints and the only common one that twists.** | | Cross Classic Century | Parker Jotter | [Zebra F-701](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-701/) | |---|---|---|---| | Length | 133 mm | 128 mm | 133 mm | | Diameter | 8 mm | 9.6 mm | 9.75 mm | | Mechanism | Twist | Click | Click | | Made in | China | France | Indonesia | If you want a thicker grip for long writing, the Jotter or F-701 suits better. If you want something to slip into a planner loop or a jacket pocket, the Classic Century's 8 mm body is the advantage. ## Is the Classic Century the same as the Century II? **No: the Century II is a larger version of the same design.** Cross's heritage timeline says it launched in 1996 with the same conical top but a wider diameter and a more substantial medium weight. The two take the same Cross ballpoint refills. ## Where is the Cross Classic Century made? **Galaxus lists China as the country of origin for the chrome Classic Century and its lacquer versions.** Cross itself is an American company, founded in 1846 and based in Providence, Rhode Island. ## How much does a Cross Classic Century cost? **The Lustrous Chrome model sits in our $$$ band ($20–75 per pen).** Lacquer and gold-tone finishes cost more, and Cross says the pen carries its Lifetime Mechanical Warranty, which dates to 1949. Our [best pens of all time](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-of-all-time/) guide covers other long-running classics. ## Frequently asked questions ### What refill does the Cross Classic Century use? A Cross ballpoint refill: the pen ships with the black medium 8513, and the blue medium is 8511. Online Mantra lists the 8511 as fitting the Classic Century, Century II, Townsend, ATX and other Cross ballpoints. ### How do you open a Cross Classic Century? Twist it. Turning the lower half against the upper half extends the point, and turning it back retracts it. To change the refill, pull the two halves apart at the center band. ### How big is the Cross Classic Century? Retailers list the Lustrous Chrome model at 133 mm (5.25 in) long and about 8 mm across, at 16 to 17 g. That makes it as long as a typical ballpoint but noticeably slimmer. ### What is the difference between the Classic Century and the Century II? The Century II is the larger version. Cross says it launched in 1996 with the same conical top but a wider diameter and more weight than the Classic Century. Both take the same Cross ballpoint refills. ### Where is the Cross Classic Century made? Galaxus lists China as the country of origin. Cross is an American company, founded in 1846 and based in Providence, Rhode Island. ### Does the Cross Classic Century have a warranty? Yes. Cross's product page lists a Lifetime Mechanical Warranty, which Cross says it set up in 1949 to cover its writing instruments against mechanical failure regardless of age. ### When did Cross introduce the Century ballpoint? Cross dates the Century ballpoint to 1953, with an internal design patented by Ellery Boss. The Century pencil came first, in 1946, for the company's 100th anniversary. ## Sources - [Cross: Classic Century Lustrous Chrome ballpoint pen, item 3502 (US$59, UPC 073228035024, slim-bodied, Lifetime Mechanical Warranty, 4.9 stars from 219 reviews)](https://cross.com/products/3502) - [Cross: Heritage in every stroke (1946 Century pencil; 1949 Lifetime Mechanical Warranty; 1953 Century ballpoint; 1996 Century II)](https://cross.com/blogs/news/heritage-in-every-stroke) - [Galaxus: Cross Century Classic, chrome (13.30 cm, 17 g, country of origin China)](https://www.galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/cross-century-classic-silver-1-x-pens-8750495) - [Galaxus: Cross Classic Century black lacquer (13.30 cm, 16 g, China)](https://www.galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/cross-biros-classic-century-black-lacquer-chrome-plated-1x-pens-46622181) - [Online Mantra: Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome CT ballpoint 3502 (133 mm, 8 mm, 16 g, refill 8513)](https://www.onlinemantra.in/it-eu/products/cross-classic-century-lustrous-chrome-ct-ballpoint-pen-3502) - [Online Mantra: Cross ballpoint refill blue medium 8511 (compatibility list)](https://www.onlinemantra.in/es-eu/products/cross-ballpoint-pen-refill-blue-m-8511) - [Sigma Supply: Cross Classic Century twist action ballpoint, CRO3502](https://devecomm-sigmasupply.vaicloud.net/item/CRO3502-ES/Classic-Century-Twist-Action-Ballpoint-Pen-Retractable-Medium-1-mm-/) - [eBay: Cross Classic Century Lustrous Chrome ballpoint and 0.7 mm pencil set (350105)](https://www.ebay.com/p/710120692) - [Wikipedia: A. T. Cross Company (founded 1846, Providence)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._T._Cross_Company) - [Walmart: Cross Classic Century ballpoint](https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/800232226) --- # Fisher Space Pen Bullet: Size, PR4 Refill & Claims > The Fisher Space Pen Bullet (model 400) is a capped, chrome-plated brass ballpoint shaped like a bullet. Fisher lists it at 3.77 in (96 mm) closed, 5.35 in (136 mm) with the cap posted and 0.38 in (9.7 mm) across. It takes Fisher's pressurized PR4 refill and is made in the United States. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fisher-space-pen-bullet/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a closed chrome Fisher Space Pen Bullet 400, drawn to scale at 96 mm (3.77 in) long and 9.7 mm across: a domed chrome cap with engraved lettering and a domed chrome barrel, with a close-up cutaway of the pressurized PR4 refill](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/fisher-space-pen-bullet-16x9.png) *The Bullet closed, drawn to scale from Fisher's 3.77 in length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/fisher-space-pen-bullet-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Fisher Space Pen Bullet 400 (chrome) | Fisher Space Pen (by Fisher Space Pen Co.) | United States | United States | Chrome-plated brass cap and barrel, pressurized PR4 refill | 1948 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Fisher Space Pen Bullet 400 (chrome)): United States. Fisher's own Bullet pages carry a made in USA notice, and GP Knives lists the country of origin as the United States. Wikipedia says the pens are manufactured in Boulder City, Nevada, and NASA's Spinoff describes Fisher as a Boulder City, Nevada-based company. Fisher's site and GP Knives refused our automated requests on October 20, 2026, so those two come from earlier reads and search snippets. Source: https://www.gpknives.com/fisher-space-pen-chrome-bullet-space-pen-with-clip-400cl ## Key takeaways - Fisher lists the Bullet at 3.77 in (96 mm) closed and 5.35 in (136 mm) open with the cap posted, so posting adds about 40 mm. - GP Knives lists the chrome 400 at 0.75 oz (about 21 g) and 0.39 in across; the body is chrome-plated brass. - It takes the pressurized PR4 cartridge, which Fisher and retailers say writes upside down, underwater and from -30 °F to 250 °F (-34 °C to 121 °C). - Retailer copy says Paul C. Fisher conceived the Bullet in 1948; NASA says Space Pens are in the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection and entered the Space Technology Hall of Fame in 2021. - Fisher's product pages and US retailers list the United States as the country of origin; Wikipedia places the factory in Boulder City, Nevada. ## What is the Fisher Space Pen Bullet? **The Bullet is Fisher Space Pen's capped pocket ballpoint: a short, round-ended brass tube that grows to full length when you post the cap.** The plain chrome model is the 400; versions with a factory clip add "CL" to the code, such as the 400CL. Fountain Pen Hospital's copy says Paul C. Fisher conceived the Bullet in 1948, years before his pressurized cartridge. Today it carries that cartridge, the same refill family as the AG7 Astronaut pen. ## Fisher Space Pen Bullet specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Fisher Space Pen Co. (Boulder City, Nevada) | | Type | Capped ballpoint, pressurized refill | | Closed length | 3.77 in (96 mm), per Fisher | | Open, cap posted | 5.35 in (136 mm), per Fisher | | Diameter | 0.38 in (9.7 mm), per Fisher; GP Knives lists 0.39 in | | Weight | 0.75 oz (about 21 g), chrome, per GP Knives | | Body | Chrome-plated brass | | Refill | Fisher PR4 (black medium included) | | Made in | United States | Retailers disagree slightly on length: OpticsPlanet gives 3.75 in closed and 5.25 in open, and Lamnia 3.70 in and 5.375 in for a brass edition. We use Fisher's own figures. ![To-scale drawing of the Fisher Space Pen Bullet closed at 96 mm (3.77 in) and open with the cap posted at 136 mm (5.35 in), 9.7 mm across](https://stationerytimes.com/images/fisher-space-pen-bullet-lengths.svg) *Closed and posted, at 1 mm = 4 px. Posting the cap adds about 40 mm.* ## How does the Bullet's pressurized refill work? **The PR4 cartridge holds thick ink behind a sliding float, with compressed gas pushing on the float, so the ink doesn't rely on gravity to reach the ball.** Wikipedia describes the gas as nitrogen and the ink as thixotropic, a gel that thins as the ball turns. Wikipedia gives the pressure as nearly 45 psi (310 kPa), while some retailers have said about 35 psi. Fisher hasn't published a figure in the sources we could reach. NASA's Spinoff adds that Fisher solved early leaks by adding resin to make the ink thixotropic. ## Does the Fisher Bullet really write upside down? **That is Fisher's claim: the pressurized cartridge is sold as writing upside down, underwater, in zero gravity and from -30 °F to 250 °F (-34 °C to 121 °C).** Retailers repeat these figures, and Wikipedia gives −34 to 121 °C (about −29 to 250 °F). We haven't tested it. In practice the useful part is that it keeps writing on a wall, on a clipboard held overhead or on slightly damp paper. ## Is the Fisher Bullet a good pocket pen? **Yes, on size: at 96 mm closed it falls inside the 89 to 114 mm range usually called a pocket pen, and posts to a normal 136 mm writing length.** That's why it appears in our [best pocket pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pocket-pens/) as the everyday-carry pick. The plain 400 has no clip, so it rides loose in a pocket. If you want one, buy the 400CL or add Fisher's separate chrome clip for 400-series pens. ## How does the Bullet compare to other metal ballpoints? **It's the shortest and only capped pen of the common metal ballpoints, and the only one with a pressurized refill.** | | Fisher Bullet | [Zebra F-701](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-701/) | [Parker Jotter](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/parker-jotter/) | |---|---|---|---| | Closed length | 96 mm | 133 mm | 128 mm | | Mechanism | Cap, posts | Click | Click | | Refill | Fisher PR4 (pressurized) | Zebra F-Refill | Parker Quinkflow | | Made in | United States | Indonesia | France | The F-701 is cheaper and full length; the Jotter is a click pen with a standard Parker-style refill. Choose the Bullet if you want the smallest pen that still writes in awkward positions. ## Is the Bullet the pen that went to the Moon? **Not this exact model: the pen demonstrated on Apollo 7 in October 1968 was the AG7 Astronaut pen, which uses the same type of pressurized cartridge.** NASA's Spinoff site says Space Pens are also held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and that the Space Foundation recognized the technology in 2021. Our [best pens of all time](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-of-all-time/) guide covers the AG7's history. ## Where is the Fisher Space Pen made? **In the United States.** Fisher's Bullet pages carry a made in USA notice, and GP Knives lists the United States as the country of origin. Wikipedia says the pens are manufactured in Boulder City, Nevada, where NASA also places the company. ## How much does a Fisher Bullet cost? **The chrome Bullet sits in our $$$ band ($20–75 per pen); Fountain Pen Hospital lists it at US$34.** Special finishes and engraved editions cost more, and PR4 refills cost far less than a new pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Fisher Space Pen Bullet? Fisher lists it at 3.77 in (96 mm) closed and 5.35 in (136 mm) open with the cap posted on the back. Some retailers round these to 3.75 and 5.25 in. ### What refill does the Fisher Bullet use? The Fisher PR4, a pressurized ballpoint cartridge. GP Knives lists a black medium PR4 as the refill included with chrome Bullets, and Fisher sells it in other colors and point sizes. ### Does the Fisher Space Pen really write upside down? That's Fisher's claim for its pressurized cartridge, along with writing underwater, in zero gravity and from -30 °F to 250 °F. Retailers repeat it; we haven't tested it ourselves. ### Does the Fisher Bullet come with a clip? The plain 400 has no clip. Fisher sells a 400CL version with a clip already fitted, and GP Knives lists a separate chrome clip for 400-series Bullets. ### Is the Fisher Bullet the pen astronauts used? Not exactly. NASA says the Space Pen's TV debut was on Apollo 7 in October 1968, and Fisher's first space model is the AG7; the Bullet uses the same type of pressurized cartridge in a pocket body. ### Where is the Fisher Space Pen made? In the United States. Fisher's Bullet pages carry a made in USA notice, GP Knives lists the US as the country of origin, and Wikipedia says the pens are made in Boulder City, Nevada. ### How heavy is the Fisher Bullet? GP Knives lists the chrome model at 0.75 oz, about 21 g. A raw-brass edition is listed by Lamnia at 19 g. ## Sources - [Fisher Space Pen: 400USAF chrome Bullet Space Pen (Open 5.35 in, Closed 3.77 in, .38 in diameter, made in USA)](https://www.spacepen.com/400usaf-chrome-bullet-space-pen-usaf) - [NASA Spinoff: The real story behind the iconic Space Pen (August 27, 2021; Apollo 7, Museum of Modern Art, Space Technology Hall of Fame, Boulder City, Nevada)](https://spinoff.nasa.gov/space-pens) - [GP Knives: Fisher Chrome Bullet Space Pen with Clip 400CL (3.85 in, 0.39 in, 0.75 oz, brass, USA)](https://www.gpknives.com/fisher-space-pen-chrome-bullet-space-pen-with-clip-400cl) - [GP Knives: Fisher chrome clip for 400-series Bullet pens (CHCL)](https://www.gpknives.com/fisher-space-pen-chrome-clip-400-series-bullet-pens-chcl.html) - [OpticsPlanet: Fisher 400 raw brass Bullet pen (closed 3 3/4 in, open 5 1/4 in)](https://www.opticsplanet.com/fisher-space-pen-400-raw-brass-bullet-pen.html) - [Lamnia: Triple Aught Design FSP 400 Bullet (5.375 in open, 3.70 in closed, 19 g)](https://www.lamnia.com/hr/p/61032/edc/triple-aught-design-fsp-400-bullet-tad-edition-black-topo) - [Fountain Pen Hospital: Fisher chrome Bullet Space Pen (conceived in 1948; MoMA permanent collection; US$34)](https://fountainpenhospital.com/products/fisher-space-pen-chrome-bullet-space-pen) - [Wikipedia: Space Pen (made in Boulder City, Nevada; nitrogen at nearly 45 psi; −34 to 121 °C; AG7 patent filed May 19, 1965)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Pen) - [Goldspot: Fisher Space Pen collection](https://goldspot.com/collections/fisher-space-pen?page=4) --- # Parker Jotter: The Arrow-Clip Click Pen Since 1954 > The Parker Jotter is a refillable click ballpoint launched by Parker in January 1954, with more than 750 million sold. The stainless steel CT model is about 128 mm (5.0 in) long and 10 mm across, has the arrow clip, and takes Parker's Quinkflow refill. Retailers list France as its country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/parker-jotter/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a Parker Jotter stainless steel CT ballpoint with the point out, drawn to scale at 128 mm (5.0 in) long and 9.6 mm across: brushed steel cap and barrel, chrome push button, chrome joint ring and cone, with a close-up of the arrow clip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/parker-jotter-16x9.png) *The stainless steel Jotter, drawn to scale from Hobonichi's 128 mm length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/parker-jotter-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Parker Jotter Stainless Steel CT ballpoint pen | Parker (by Parker Pen Company (part of Newell Brands)) | United States | France | Stainless steel cap and barrel, chrome-plated trim, Quinkflow ballpoint refill | 1954-01 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Parker Jotter Stainless Steel CT ballpoint pen): France. Wikipedia's history says production moved from Newhaven, England, to Nantes, France, after Parker closed its English factory late in 2010, and that Jotters are now imprinted Made in France. PartsSource and Galaxus list France for item 1953170, and Sainsbury's and Bruneau for other stainless models. Parker's US, UK and French sites blocked our reader. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_Jotter ## Key takeaways - Hobonichi and a Japanese au PAY Market listing give the Jotter as 128 mm (5.0 in) long and 15 g, with a 9.6 to 10 mm barrel; the Jotter XL is 140 mm and 11 mm. - Parker says the Jotter launched in January 1954, and over 750 million have been sold, per widely repeated figures. - It takes the Parker Quinkflow ballpoint refill: medium black 1950369, medium blue 1950371, fine blue 1950368. - The stainless steel CT with blue ink is Parker item 1953170 (EAN 3501179531700); Jotters have been made in Nantes, France, since Parker closed its English factory in 2010. - An Amazon listing mirror shows the stainless Jotter with about 17,000 ratings at 4.5 stars and ranks in the top 70 Ballpoint Pens. ## What is the Parker Jotter? **The Jotter is Parker's refillable click ballpoint, launched in January 1954 and still its best-known pen.** Parker says it took nine years to develop (Newell Brands Japan says ten), and the widely repeated figure is more than 750 million sold since. The stainless steel CT ("chrome trim") version is the classic: a brushed steel body, Parker's arrow clip and a chrome push button that clicks the point in and out. ## Why is the Parker Jotter so popular? **It's one of the cheapest metal pens from a heritage brand, and it is easy to keep going for decades.** An Amazon listing mirror shows the stainless steel Jotter (ASIN B01DJBH2S4) with about 17,000 ratings at 4.5 stars, and snapshots ranked it between 5th and 68th in Ballpoint Pens. Reviewers in that listing mostly praise the weight, the look and the gift box. The one recurring complaint is a faint rattle from the spring when the pen is shaken. ## Parker Jotter specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Parker Pen Company (Newell Brands) | | Type | Retractable click ballpoint | | Length | 128 mm (5.0 in), per Hobonichi and au PAY Market; G. Edward lists 129 mm | | Diameter | 9.6 mm per Hobonichi, 9.7 mm per G. Edward, 10 mm per au PAY Market | | Weight | 15 g, per Hobonichi and au PAY Market | | Barcode | EAN 3501179531700 (1953170), per Swiss Post | | Body | Stainless steel, chrome trim | | Refill | Parker Quinkflow ballpoint | | Item number | 1953170 (stainless CT, blue ink) | | Made in | France (Nantes, since 2010) | Some US listings give weights of 60 to 70 g and lengths near 177 mm. Those match the gift box, not the pen, so we use Hobonichi's pen figures. ## What refill does the Parker Jotter take? **It takes the Parker Quinkflow ballpoint refill, the standard Parker-style refill that also fits the Sonnet and IM.** Quill lists medium black as 1950369, medium blue as 1950371 and fine blue as 1950368. Parker says its ballpoint refills are certified to ISO 12757-2. Because the format is shared by many brands, Parker-style refills from other makers also fit. If you'd rather have a smoother low-viscosity ink in a cheaper click pen, compare the [Pilot Acroball](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/). ## Jotter vs Jotter XL: what's the difference? **The Jotter XL is a larger Jotter: Hobonichi lists it 12 mm longer and 1.4 mm thicker, at 140 mm and 11 mm across.** unsharpen also gives 140 mm and almost 11 mm. Both keep the arrow clip and Quinkflow refill. ![To-scale drawing of the Parker Jotter, 128 mm long and 9.6 mm across, above the Jotter XL, 140 mm long and 11 mm across](https://stationerytimes.com/images/parker-jotter-vs-xl.svg) *Jotter and Jotter XL at 1 mm = 4 px, from Hobonichi's listings.* Pick the XL if the standard Jotter feels thin in your hand; pick the standard for a shirt pocket or a notebook loop. ## How does the Jotter compare to other metal ballpoints? **It's the lightest of the common metal click pens and the only one with a standard Parker-style refill.** | | Parker Jotter | [Zebra F-701](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-701/) | [Cross Classic Century](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/cross-classic-century/) | |---|---|---|---| | Length | 128 mm | 133 mm | 133 mm | | Weight | 15 g | 20–21 g | 16–17 g | | Mechanism | Click | Click | Twist | | Refill | Parker Quinkflow | Zebra F-Refill | Cross ballpoint | | Made in | France | Indonesia | China | The F-701 is cheaper and heavier with a knurled grip; the Classic Century is slimmer and twists open. ## What has changed since 1954? **The shape has stayed close to the original, but the materials and refill have changed.** The first Jotters had grooved nylon barrels, and Parker's textured tungsten carbide T-Ball refill followed in 1957. Sources disagree on when the arrow clip arrived; most say 1958. Our [best pens of all time](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-of-all-time/) guide places the Jotter among ten icons by sales and years in production. ## Where is the Parker Jotter made? **The Jotter is made in France, at Parker's Nantes plant.** Wikipedia's history says Parker moved production from Janesville, Wisconsin, to Newhaven, England, in 1999, then to Nantes after closing the English factory late in 2010, and that Jotters are now imprinted Made in France. Retailers agree: PartsSource and Galaxus give France for item 1953170, and Sainsbury's and Bruneau for other stainless models. The EAN on item 1953170 also starts with 350, a French GS1 prefix. ## How much does a Parker Jotter cost? **The stainless steel Jotter sits in our $$$ band ($20–75 per pen) at list price, and sales often drop it into $$ ($5–20).** Quinkflow refills cost a fraction of a new pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### What refill does the Parker Jotter use? The Parker Quinkflow ballpoint refill. Quill lists medium black as 1950369, medium blue as 1950371 and fine blue as 1950368; Bruneau says the same refill fits the Sonnet and IM. ### How long is a Parker Jotter? About 128 mm (5.0 in), per Hobonichi; G. Edward lists 129 mm. The Jotter XL is 12 mm longer at 140 mm. ### What is the difference between the Jotter and the Jotter XL? Size. Hobonichi lists the Jotter at 128 mm long and 9.6 mm across and the XL at 140 mm and 11 mm, and unsharpen also gives the XL as 140 mm. Both use the arrow clip and Quinkflow refill. ### When did the Parker Jotter come out? Parker says it launched the Jotter in January 1954, after nine years of development; Newell Brands Japan's copy says ten years. The first barrels were grooved nylon; the T-Ball refill followed in 1957. ### Where is the Parker Jotter made? In France: Parker moved Jotter production from Newhaven, England, to Nantes after closing its English factory in 2010, and retailers list France for item 1953170. Parker itself started in Janesville, Wisconsin. ### How many Parker Jotters have been sold? More than 750 million since 1954, according to figures repeated on Wikipedia and by retailers. Parker hasn't published an audited number in our sources. ### Is the Parker Jotter a good gift pen? It's one of the most common ones: it's metal, refillable and sold in a gift box. At about 15 g it's light for a metal pen, so it suits long writing more than a heavy executive pen. ## Sources - [Parker: Jotter ballpoint pen, stainless steel CT, item 1953170](https://www.parkerpen.com/collections/essential/jotter/jotter-ballpoint-pen/SAP_1953170.html) - [Parker: Jotter Originals (launched January 1954 after nine years of development)](https://www.parkerpen.com/parker-news-jotter-originals.html) - [au PAY Market (wowma): パーカー ジョッター ブルーCT ボールペン 1953347 (Parker Jotter Blue CT: writing length 128 mm, 10 mm barrel, 15 g, stainless body), Japanese](https://wowma.jp/item/403744418) - [Maruzen Junkudo: PARKER JOTTER SE 70th (Newell Brands Japan copy: launched 1954 after ten years of development), Japanese](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/3026982056122) - [Swiss Post shop: PARKER Kugelschreiber Jotter 1953170 Stainless steel (EAN 3501179531700)](https://shop.post.ch/en/stationery/writing-utensils/ballpoint-pens/parker-kugelschreiber-jotter-im-cc-m-1953170-stainless-steel/p/806216) - [Hobonichi: Parker Jotter CT (128 mm, 9.6 mm, 15 g; Matte models 140 mm, 11 mm, 18 g)](https://1101.com/store/techo/en/2024/pc/detail_toolstoys/s_jotterct) - [unsharpen: Parker Jotter XL (140 mm, almost 11 mm)](https://unsharpen.com/?p=6525) - [G. Edward: Parker Jotter ballpoint pen 775819 (129 mm, 9.7 mm)](https://gedward.aimsmarter.co.uk/product/Parker_Jotter_ballpoint_pen_775819) - [PartsSource: Parker 1953170 (country of origin France)](https://www.partssource.com/parts/parker/1953170) - [Galaxus: Parker Jotter stainless steel, 1953170 (France)](https://galaxus.be/en/s12/product/parker-pen-jotter-silver-1-x-pens-6165733) - [Sainsbury's: Parker Jotter stainless steel ball pen (country of origin France)](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/parker-jotter-stainless-steel-ball-pen) - [Quill: Parker Quinkflow ballpoint refill, medium black (1950369)](https://quill.com/parker-quinkflow-ballpoint-pen-refill-medium-tip-black-ink-1950369/cbs/176466.html) - [Quill: Parker Quinkflow ballpoint refill, medium blue (1950371)](https://www.quill.com/parker-ball-pen-refill/cbs/180192.html) - [Bruneau: Parker ballpoint refill (fits Sonnet, IM, Jotter)](https://www.bruneau.be/en/product/navulling-voor-balpen-parker/94561) - [Wikipedia: Parker Jotter (1954; over 750 million sold; made in Nantes, France, since 2010)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_Jotter) - [Phidon Pens: Everything you need to know about the Parker Jotter](https://blog.phidonpens.com/blog/2020/8/12/history-of-the-parker-jotter) - [Desertcart (Amazon listing mirror): Parker Jotter stainless steel, ASIN B01DJBH2S4](https://www.desertcart.uy/products/41264093) - [Walmart: Parker Jotter stainless steel ballpoint](https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/5898690212) --- # Galen Leather Zippered 10 Slot Pen Case: Size & Fit > The Galen Leather Zippered 10 Slots Pen Case is a zip-around leather case from Galen Leather, handmade in Istanbul, Turkey. Galen lists it at 160 × 125 × 30 mm (6.3 × 5 × 1.2 in), with ten elastic loops for pens up to 145 mm (5.6 in), vegetable-tanned cow leather, a velvet lining and a YKK zip. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/galen-leather-zippered-10-slot-pen-case/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Galen Leather Zippered 10 Slots Pen Case in brown leather drawn to scale, 160 mm wide: closed with hand stitching and a zip, and opened flat with ten pens held in elastic loops, five on each half](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/galen-leather-zippered-10-slot-pen-case-16x9.png) *The Galen 10 Slot case (160 × 125 × 30 mm) closed and open, drawn to scale from Galen Leather's listing.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/galen-leather-zippered-10-slot-pen-case-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Galen Leather Zippered 10 Slots Pen Case | Galen Leather (by Galen Leather Co. (Istanbul)) | Turkey | Turkey | Full-grain, 100% vegetable-tanned cow leather; velvet lining; YKK zip; waxed polyamide thread | – | $$$: $20–75 per case | - Made in (Galen Leather Zippered 10 Slots Pen Case): Turkey. Galen Leather's US listing says "100% handmade in Turkey", and its Turkish site's listing for the same case says "Türkiye’de elde üretilmiştir" (handmade in Türkiye). Galen describes itself as a family company based in Istanbul, founded in 2012. Goulet Pens' listing also says 100% handmade in Turkey. Source: https://www.galenleather.com/products/leather-zippered-10-slots-pen-case-black ## Key takeaways - Galen Leather lists the case at 160 × 125 × 30 mm (6.3 × 5 × 1.2 in); Goulet Pens' spec table gives 170 × 134.6 × 29 mm. - Its 10 elastic loops take pens up to 145 mm (5.6 in) long, per Galen's listing. - It's 100% vegetable-tanned cow leather with a velvet-lined inside, a YKK zip and hand stitching in waxed polyamide thread. - Galen's US store listed it at US$68 on October 20, 2026, in finishes including Black, Brown, Crazy Horse Forest Green and Undyed. - Galen says it's 100% handmade in Turkey; its Turkish site says "Türkiye’de elde üretilmiştir" (handmade in Türkiye). ## What is the Galen Leather Zippered 10 Slots Pen Case? **It's a zip-around leather case that opens like a book, with ten elastic loops that hold pens side by side.** Galen Leather, a family company in Istanbul founded in 2012, sells it through its US store, its Turkish store (as the "10’lu Deri Fermuarlı Kalem Çantası") and US pen shops such as Goulet Pens. Galen's US listing for the Black case dates from October 2017. The same design also comes in 3, 20 and other slot counts, and in a version with an A5 notebook holder that The Pen Addict reviewed in August 2024. ## Galen 10 slot pen case specs | Spec | Galen Zippered 10 Slots | |---|---| | Size (Galen) | 160 × 125 × 30 mm (6.3 × 5 × 1.2 in) | | Size (Goulet spec table) | 170 × 134.6 × 29 mm | | Pen loops | 10 elastic loops | | Longest pen | 145 mm (5.6 in) | | Leather | Full-grain, 100% vegetable-tanned cow leather | | Lining | Velvet | | Zip | YKK | | Stitching | By hand, waxed polyamide thread; beveled, waxed and burnished edges | | Made in | Turkey (Galen, US and Turkish sites) | Goulet's own description repeats Galen's 160 × 125 × 30 mm, while its spec table gives 170 × 134.6 × 29 mm; the two may be measured differently, and we use Galen's figure. Galen lists the Black case with GTIN 8682431661443. ![To-scale drawing of one half of the Galen Leather Zippered 10 Slots Pen Case, 160 by 125 mm, with a 145 mm maximum pen line and the capped LAMY safari (139.5 mm), TWSBI ECO (138.8 mm) and Pilot Metropolitan (138 mm) inside it, plus the closed case end-on, 30 mm deep](https://stationerytimes.com/images/galen-leather-zippered-10-slot-pen-case-pen-fit.svg) *On paper, three popular capped fountain pens come in under Galen's 145 mm limit.* ## Which pens fit? **Pens up to 145 mm long, according to Galen.** That covers many standard capped fountain pens, such as the [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) at 139.5 mm, the [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/) at 138.8 mm and the [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) at 138 mm. The Gadgeteer tested Galen's 10 slot case with an A5 notebook holder, a related model, and found Tombow Dual Brush Pens too long for its loops, even though it describes that case as taking pens up to 6.5 in (165 mm). We haven't tested the plain 10 slot case yet. ## What is it made of? **Full-grain, vegetable-tanned cow leather outside, velvet inside, and a YKK zip, stitched by hand with waxed polyamide thread.** Galen sells it in several leathers, including Black, Brown, Crazy Horse Forest Green and Undyed, and its Turkish store adds colours such as Mor (purple). The Gadgeteer describes the Crazy Horse leather of the A5 notebook version as a matte finish that picks up marks and scratches quite easily. Vegetable-tanned leather usually darkens and develops a patina with use. ## How does it compare with other pen cases? **It carries more pens than most cases its size, but no notebook.** | | Galen Zippered 10 Slots | [Sinclair Model R](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rickshaw-sinclair-model-r-pen-case/) | [DELFONICS Quitterie](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/delfonics-quitterie-pen-case/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 160 × 125 × 30 mm | 171 × 108 × 19 mm | 191 × 60 × 33 mm | | Pens | 10 loops, up to 145 mm | 3 slots, up to about 152 mm | Loose, one compartment | | Material | Vegetable-tanned leather | Cordura, plush lining | Waterproof PVC | | Price band | $20–75 | $20–75 | $5–20 | Sinclair and Quitterie figures come from their guides. Choose the Galen if you rotate a small collection of fountain pens. ## Which Galen zippered case should you choose? **Choose by how many pens you carry and whether you want a notebook with them.** Galen makes the same zippered design in several sizes, and the 10 slot sits in the middle. | Version | What it adds | |---|---| | Zippered 3 Slots | A smaller case for a daily few | | Zippered 10 Slots | This guide: ten pens up to 145 mm | | Zippered 10 Slots with A5 Notebook Holder | Room for an A5 notebook beside the pens (reviewed by The Pen Addict) | | Expansi-Pouch Wide 10 Slots | A deeper case, 160 × 125 × 55 mm, with a magnetic removable pen holder | | Zippered 20 Slots | Twice the loops, for a bigger collection | Check Galen's listing for each version's exact size; here we've verified only the 10 slot and the Expansi-Pouch. ## What are the downsides? **Longer pens don't fit, and the pens sit close together.** Anything over 145 mm, such as many posted pens or brush pens, needs a different case. It's also handmade, and Galen's lead-time page says orders typically take one to two weeks to ship. Galen's own US$68 listing sits in the $20–75 band. ## Where is it made? **In Turkey.** Galen Leather's US listing says the case is 100% handmade in Turkey, and its Turkish site says "Türkiye’de elde üretilmiştir" (handmade in Türkiye). Galen is a family company based in Istanbul. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Galen Leather 10 slot zippered pen case? Galen Leather lists it at 160 × 125 × 30 mm, or 6.3 × 5 × 1.2 in. Goulet Pens' spec table gives a slightly larger 170 × 134.6 × 29 mm. ### What's the longest pen that fits in the Galen 10 slot pen case? Galen says the loops take pens up to 145 mm (5.6 in). Capped pens such as the LAMY safari (139.5 mm), TWSBI ECO (138.8 mm) and Pilot Metropolitan (138 mm) come in under that. ### Do Tombow Dual Brush Pens fit in the Galen 10 slot case? Probably not. The Gadgeteer found them too long for the loops of the 10 slot case with an A5 notebook holder, which uses the same style of pen loops; we haven't tested the plain case. ### Is the Galen 10 slot pen case real leather? Yes. Galen lists it as full-grain, 100% vegetable-tanned cow leather with a velvet-lined inside, hand-stitched with waxed polyamide thread and with beveled, waxed and burnished edges. ### Does the Galen pen case scratch easily? The Gadgeteer's reviewer says the matte Crazy Horse leather of Galen's A5 notebook version picks up marks and scratches quite easily. Many buyers of vegetable-tanned leather expect it to wear in that way. ### How long does Galen Leather take to ship? Galen's lead-time page says its handmade items typically take one to two weeks before they ship, and its site banner gives a two-week turnaround. ### Where are Galen Leather pen cases made? In Turkey. Galen Leather says the case is 100% handmade there; the company is a family business based in Istanbul. ## Sources - [Galen Leather Türkiye: 10’lu Deri Fermuarlı Kalem Çantası - Mor (10-slot leather zippered pen case; handmade in Türkiye)](https://galenleather.com.tr/products/10-lu-deri-fermuarli-kalem-cantasi-mor) - [Galen Leather: Leather Zippered 10 Slots Pen Case, Black (size, 145 mm pens, materials, 100% handmade in Turkey, US$68)](https://www.galenleather.com/products/leather-zippered-10-slots-pen-case-black) - [Galen Leather: Leather Zippered 10 Slots Pen Case, Undyed Leather](https://www.galenleather.com/products/leather-zippered-10-slots-pen-case-undyed-leather) - [Galen Leather: Leather Zippered 10 Slots Pen Case, Crazy Horse Forest Green](https://www.galenleather.com/products/leather-zippered-10-slots-pen-case-crazy-horse-forest-green) - [Galen Leather: Expansi-Pouch Leather Wide 10 Slots Pen Case, Black (160 × 125 × 55 mm, magnetic removable pen holder)](https://www.galenleather.com/products/expansi-pouch-leather-wide-10-slots-pen-case-black) - [Galen Leather: About us (family company in Istanbul, founded 2012)](https://www.galenleather.com/pages/about-us) - [Galen Leather: Lead time (typically 1–2 weeks)](https://www.galenleather.com/pages/lead-time) - [Goulet Pens: Galen Leather Zippered 10 Slot Pen Case, Brown (spec table 170 × 134.6 × 29 mm, handmade in Turkey)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/galen-leather-zippered-10-slot-pen-case-brown) - [Goulet Pens: Galen Leather Zippered 10 Slot Pen Case, Crazy Horse Forest Green](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/galen-leather-zippered-10-slot-pen-case-crazy-horse-forest-green) - [The Gadgeteer: Galen Leather Co. zippered 10-slot pen case with A5 notebook holder review](https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=307093) - [The Pen Addict: Galen Leather Co. Zippered 10 Slot Pen Case with A5 Notebook Holder Review (August 14, 2024)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2024/8/14/galen-leather-co-zippered-10-slot-pen-case-with-a5-notebook-holder-review) --- # Rickshaw 3 Pen Long Coozy: Plush Pen Sleeve Sizes > The Rickshaw Bagworks 3 Pen Long Coozy is a soft sleeve with three plush-lined channels and no flap, zip or elastic. Rickshaw's size guide puts Long (L) pens at up to 6 in (152 mm) long and 18 mm thick; Goulet lists the case at 169.3 × 121.7 mm. Rickshaw makes it to order in San Francisco. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rickshaw-3-pen-coozy/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Rickshaw Bagworks 3 Pen Long Coozy in grey with black trim drawn to scale, 169 mm tall, holding three pens; three pens at the same scale under a 6 in limit line; and a second sleeve lying on its side, with an inset of the three plush channels](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/rickshaw-3-pen-coozy-16x9.png) *The 3 Pen Long Coozy (169.3 × 121.7 mm) and three pens, drawn to scale from Goulet and JetPens listings.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/rickshaw-3-pen-coozy-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Rickshaw Bagworks 3 Pen Long Coozy | Rickshaw Bagworks (by Rickshaw Bagworks (San Francisco)) | United States | United States | Digiprint polyester canvas outside; Royal Plush polyester inside; nylon binding | – | $$$: $20–75 per case | - Made in (Rickshaw Bagworks 3 Pen Long Coozy): United States. Rickshaw's FAQ says all its products are made from scratch and to order in its own sewing shop in San Francisco, and its product pages repeat it. Its Digiprint canvas is woven to its spec in North Carolina and printed in house. Goulet Pens also says the sleeves are made in San Francisco. Source: https://www.rickshawbags.com/faqs ## Key takeaways - Goulet Pens lists the 3 Pen Long Coozy at 169.3 × 121.7 × 4.0 mm (6.67 × 4.79 × 0.16 in) laid flat. - Rickshaw's Pen Sleeve Size Guide rates Long (L) sleeves for pens up to 6.0 × 0.7 in (152 × 18 mm), clip excluded, such as a LAMY Safari or TWSBI Eco. - It's Rickshaw's Digiprint polyester canvas outside and Royal Plush polyester inside; Rickshaw says the printed canvas is colorfast and machine washable. - Rickshaw's Coozy Case holds two 3-Pen Coozies plus one 2-Pen Coozy (8 pens), in sizes up to L, Rickshaw says. - Rickshaw says every product is made to order in its own sewing shop in San Francisco. ## What is the Rickshaw 3 Pen Long Coozy? **It's a soft, open-topped pen sleeve with three plush-lined channels, made by Rickshaw Bagworks in San Francisco.** There's no zip or flap: you slide a pen into each channel and the plush holds it. Coozies are among the most widely stocked fountain pen sleeves in US pen shops. Rickshaw sells them directly in many prints, and Goulet Pens and JetPens carry store exclusives such as JetPens' Boba Collection. ## 3 Pen Long Coozy specs | Spec | 3 Pen Long Coozy | |---|---| | Size (flat, empty) | 169.3 × 121.7 × 4.0 mm (6.67 × 4.79 × 0.16 in) | | Pens | 3, up to 6.0 in (152 mm) long | | Max pen diameter | 0.7 in (18 mm), clip excluded | | Outside | Digiprint polyester canvas, printed in house | | Inside | Royal Plush polyester | | Binding | Black nylon | | Closure | None: no flap, zip, elastic or velcro | | Care | Colorfast, machine washable | | Made in | San Francisco, USA, made to order | The case size comes from Goulet Pens; pen limits from Rickshaw's Pen Sleeve Size Guide (size L); materials and origin from Rickshaw's FAQ. ![To-scale outlines of the Rickshaw 3 Pen Long Coozy, 121.7 by 169.3 mm with three channels, beside a 6 in (152 mm) pen, and the shorter 3 Pen Coozy Sleeve Dromgoole's lists at 77 by 141 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/rickshaw-3-pen-coozy-sizes.svg) *The Long Coozy and a shorter 3-pen sleeve as Dromgoole's listed it (that listing has since been removed), at the same scale.* ## Which pens fit? **Pens up to 6.0 in (152 mm) long and 0.7 in (18 mm) across, clip excluded, according to Rickshaw's size guide for its Long (L) sleeves.** Rickshaw names the LAMY Safari and TWSBI Eco as examples; that covers the [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) at 139.5 mm and the [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) at 138 mm. For bigger pens Rickshaw lists fatter and longer sizes, such as LF2 (155 × 22 mm, Pilot Custom Urushi) and XL (165 × 18 mm). ## Does it keep pens secure without a closure? **Mostly, yes: the snug plush holds them, but it isn't sealed.** With no flap or elastic, a hard shake upside down can tip a pen out. That makes it best inside a bag, a backpack pocket or Rickshaw's zippered Coozy Case. Rickshaw says one Coozy Case holds two 3-Pen Coozies plus one 2-Pen Coozy, eight pens in all, in sizes up to L. ## How does it compare with other pen cases? **It's the slimmest of these and the only one without a closure.** | | 3 Pen Long Coozy | [Sinclair Model R](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rickshaw-sinclair-model-r-pen-case/) | [Galen Leather 10 Slot](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/galen-leather-zippered-10-slot-pen-case/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 169.3 × 121.7 × 4 mm (flat) | 171 × 108 × 19 mm | 160 × 125 × 30 mm | | Pens | 3 | 3, plus a notebook | 10 | | Closure | None | Zip-around | Zip-around | | Material | Polyester canvas, plush | Cordura, plush lining | Vegetable-tanned leather | The other figures come from their guides. Choose the Coozy to protect a few pens inside something else; choose the Sinclair if you also want a pocket notebook. ## Which colors and prints are there? **Dozens, and each shop stocks its own mix.** Goulet lists solid and two-tone versions such as Inky Blue-Green, Inky Turquoise, Black/Peacock and Synthscape. Rickshaw's own shop lists prints such as RAD Swirls Triptych, Botany Bear and Poppy Bear, and makes custom colors to order. JetPens has its own Boba Collection in Matcha, Taro and Strawberry. Prints and exclusives come and go, so if you want a particular one, buy it when you see it. The fabric and lining don't change the size listed for each model. ## Which length should you buy? **Check the size letter, because Rickshaw makes Coozies from XS to 5XL.** Its size guide rates S for 5.0 in (130 mm) pens, M for 5.5 in (140 mm), L for 6.0 in (152 mm) and XL for 6.5 in (165 mm). Rickshaw's own price for a 3-Pen Coozy, and most US listings for the Long Coozy we found, sit in the $20–75 band. ## Where is it made? **In San Francisco, by Rickshaw Bagworks.** Rickshaw says every product is made from scratch and to order in its own sewing shop there, with a usual lead time of 2–3 business days; its Digiprint canvas is woven to its spec in North Carolina. Goulet says so too. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Rickshaw 3 Pen Long Coozy? Goulet Pens lists it at 169.3 mm (6.67 in) tall, 121.7 mm (4.79 in) wide and 4.0 mm (0.16 in) deep, measured flat and empty. ### How long a pen fits in the Rickshaw 3 Pen Long Coozy? Rickshaw's size guide gives up to 6.0 in (152 mm) long and 0.7 in (18 mm) across, not counting the clip, for its Long (L) size; JetPens also says 6 in. Longer pens need the XL (6.5 in) or bigger sizes. ### Does the Rickshaw Coozy have a closure? No. It's an open sleeve: there's no flap, zip, elastic or velcro, and the snug plush channels hold the pens. Keep it in a bag or a Coozy Case rather than shaking it upside down. ### Can you wash a Rickshaw Coozy? Yes. Rickshaw says its printed Digiprint canvas is colorfast and machine washable and won't shrink or fade, and Goulet says all the materials are. ### What's the difference between the 3 Pen Coozy and the 3 Pen Long Coozy? Length. Rickshaw makes Coozies in sizes from XS to 5XL; Long (L) fits pens up to 6.0 in (152 mm), while Short (S) fits 5.0 in and Medium (M) 5.5 in pens, so check the size letter. ### What is the Rickshaw Coozy made of? Rickshaw's Digiprint polyester canvas outside and its Royal Plush polyester inside, with black nylon binding, per Rickshaw and Goulet. ### Where are Rickshaw Coozies made? In San Francisco. Rickshaw says every product is made to order in its own sewing shop there, usually within 2–3 business days. ## Sources - [Rickshaw Bagworks: Pen Sleeve Size Guide, updated October 1, 2024 (L: 6.0 × 0.7 in, 152 × 18 mm)](https://www.rickshawbags.com/pen-sleeve-size-guide) - [Rickshaw Bagworks: 3-Pen Coozy (made to order in San Francisco)](https://www.rickshawbags.com/pen-things/pen-sleeves-and-cases/3-pen-coozy-rad-swirls-triptych) - [Rickshaw Bagworks: Coozy Case (two 3-Pen Coozies plus one 2-Pen Coozy, up to size L)](https://www.rickshawbags.com/pen-things/pen-sleeves-and-cases/coozy-case-good-vibes) - [Rickshaw Bagworks: FAQs (made in San Francisco; Digiprint canvas, Royal Plush)](https://www.rickshawbags.com/faqs) - [Goulet Pens: Rickshaw Bagworks 3 Pen Long Coozy, Inky Blue-Green (size, materials, made in San Francisco)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/rickshaw-pen-sleeves/products/rickshaw-bagworks-3-pen-coozy-inky-blue-green) - [Goulet Pens: Rickshaw Bagworks 3 Pen Long Coozy, Inky Turquoise](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/rickshaw-bagworks-3-pen-coozy-inky-turquoise) - [Goulet Pens: Rickshaw Bagworks 3 Pen Long Coozy, Black/Peacock](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/rickshaw-pen-sleeves/products/rickshaw-bagworks-3-pen-coozy-black-peacock) - [JetPens: JetPens x Rickshaw 3 Pen Coozy Long, Boba Collection, Matcha (pens up to 6 in, about 17 mm slots)](https://www.jetpens.com/JetPens-x-Rickshaw-3-Pen-Coozy-Long-Boba-Collection-Matcha/pd/44811) - [Goldspot: The 7 Best Pen Cases (Rickshaw sleeves)](https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/best-pen-cases) --- # Rickshaw Sinclair Model R: Pen Slots, Pocket & Size > The Sinclair Model R is a zip-around pen case that Rickshaw Bagworks makes with Nock Co., an updated version of Nock's original Sinclair. Rickshaw gives it as 6.75 × 4.25 × 0.75 in (about 171 × 108 × 19 mm), with three plush-lined pen slots, a wide pocket for a pocket notebook and an outside slash pocket. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rickshaw-sinclair-model-r-pen-case/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Sinclair Model R pen case in Cordura Black drawn to scale, 171 mm long: closed with its zip, paracord pulls and outside slash pocket, and opened flat with three pens in plush-lined slots and a Field Notes notebook in the wide pocket](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/rickshaw-sinclair-model-r-pen-case-16x9.png) *The Sinclair Model R (6.75 × 4.25 × 0.75 in) closed and open, drawn to scale from retailer listings.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/rickshaw-sinclair-model-r-pen-case-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Rickshaw Bagworks x Nock Co. Sinclair Model R Pen Case (Cordura Black) | Rickshaw Bagworks (by Rickshaw Bagworks (San Francisco)) | United States | United States | 1000D Cordura nylon outer (Cordura Black); Royal Plush lining; foam-padded panels; No. 8 YKK zip | 2022-09 | $$$: $20–75 per case | - Made in (Rickshaw Bagworks x Nock Co. Sinclair Model R Pen Case (Cordura Black)): United States. Rickshaw's product page says every Sinclair Model R is made by hand, from scratch and to order in its own sewing shop in San Francisco; Gentleman Stationer also says Rickshaw makes its products in San Francisco. Source: https://www.rickshawbags.com/pen-things/pen-sleeves-and-cases/sinclair-model-r ## Key takeaways - Rickshaw lists the Model R at 6.75 × 4.25 × 0.75 in, about 171 × 108 × 19 mm: the same height and width as its Coozy Case, 0.75 in thinner. - Rickshaw sized it to take its size L Coozies, which its size guide rates for pens up to 6.0 in (152 mm) long and 18 mm thick. - The wide inner pocket holds a Field Notes-size notebook or smaller, according to The Well-Appointed Desk's September 2022 review. - Rickshaw moved from a No. 5 to a No. 8 YKK zip, added foam padding and Royal Plush lining, and offers a 3+3 pen-slot option. - Rickshaw says each case is made by hand, from scratch and to order, in its own San Francisco sewing shop. ## What is the Sinclair Model R? **It's a small zip-around pen case with three pen slots on one side and one wide pocket on the other, made by Rickshaw Bagworks with Nock Co.** Retailers call it an evolved version of Nock Co.'s original Sinclair, a long-running favorite with fountain pen users. Rickshaw calls it the first product of a Nock Co. x Rickshaw collaboration. Gentleman Stationer and The Well-Appointed Desk both reviewed it at launch in September 2022, and Rickshaw, JetPens and Goulet Pens sell it in many fabrics and prints. ## Sinclair Model R specs | Spec | Sinclair Model R | |---|---| | Size | 6.75 × 4.25 × 0.75 in (171 × 108 × 19 mm) | | Goulet's figure | 7.5 × 4.5 × 1.5 in | | Pen slots | 3 (3+3 on request); sized for Rickshaw's L Coozies, pens up to 6.0 in (152 mm) and 18 mm thick | | Other pockets | 1 wide inner pocket; 1 outside slash pocket | | Outer (Cordura Black) | 1000D Cordura | | Lining | Royal Plush, both sides; foam-padded panels | | Closure | No. 8 YKK zip-around, with paracord pulls | | Options | Velcro patch, webbing loops, belt loop, lanyard loop | | Made in | San Francisco, USA, made to order | Everything except Goulet's figure comes from Rickshaw's product page and size guide; Gentleman Stationer gives the same size and Fontoplumo about 17 × 11 × 1.9 cm. ![To-scale layout of the Sinclair Model R opened flat: two halves 108 mm (4.25 in) wide and 171 mm (6.75 in) tall, three 17 mm pen slots on one side and a 89 × 140 mm Field Notes notebook in the pocket on the other, and the closed case 19 mm (0.75 in) thick](https://stationerytimes.com/images/rickshaw-sinclair-model-r-pen-case-layout.svg) *The Model R opened flat, with a Field Notes memo book for scale.* ## What fits inside? **Three pens up to about 6 in long, plus a pocket notebook or cards in the wide pocket.** Rickshaw also sized it to hold one of its L-size 2-pen or 3-pen Coozies in the middle. The Well-Appointed Desk's reviewer fit a Leuchtturm1917 A7 notebook in the pocket and still had room for one more pen. On paper, a [Field Notes](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/field-notes-original-kraft/) memo book at 89 × 140 mm fits the 108 × 171 mm half, and so does a capped [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) at 139.5 mm. Gentleman Stationer says the outside pocket took a standard iPhone 12 Pro. ## How is it different from the original Nock Co. Sinclair? **The layout is the same, but the Model R adds a plush lining, foam padding, a larger zip, paracord pulls and an outside pocket.** Rickshaw says it moved from a No. 5 to a No. 8 YKK zip to make the case slightly fatter for extra capacity. Rickshaw describes the Model R as slightly taller, wider and fatter than the original, to fit its Coozies. The Well-Appointed Desk agrees: next to its older Nock Co. Sinclair, the earlier edition was about half an inch smaller, and Gentleman Stationer says the Model R is thicker. ## What is it made of? **The Cordura Black version is 1000D Cordura nylon outside with Rickshaw's Royal Plush lining.** Rickshaw also offers its own in-house printed fabrics, such as van Gogh Starry Night, Great Wave and Inktopus, plus waterproof sailcloth, so check the listing for the fabric. Gentleman Stationer warns that Cordura and nylon can micro-scratch the shiny finish of some polished pens. The plush slots are meant to guard against that. ## How does it compare with other pen cases? **The Sinclair is built to carry a few good pens and a notebook; the others are built for a bigger pencil-case load.** | | Sinclair Model R | [Galen Leather 10 Slot](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/galen-leather-zippered-10-slot-pen-case/) | [KOKUYO C2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-c2-pen-case/) (L) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 171 × 108 × 19 mm | 160 × 125 × 30 mm | 200 × 50 × 50 mm | | Pens | 3 slots | 10 elastic loops | Loose, opens into a tray | | Material | Cordura, plush lining | Vegetable-tanned leather | Polyester over a PP core | | Made in | USA | Turkey | Not stated (KOKUYO gives China for the S size) | Galen and C2 figures come from their guides. If you only carry pens, Rickshaw's [3 Pen Long Coozy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rickshaw-3-pen-coozy/) is the simpler option. ## What are the downsides? **It holds only three pens, and long pens won't fit.** The 6 in (152 mm) limit for size L, which Rickshaw and JetPens both give, rules out longer pens. Listed sizes also vary, from Rickshaw's 6.75 × 4.25 × 0.75 in to Goulet's 7.5 × 4.5 × 1.5 in. Rickshaw's own price and most US listings we found sit in the $20–75 band. ## Where is it made? **In San Francisco, by Rickshaw Bagworks.** Rickshaw says every Sinclair Model R is made by hand, from scratch and to order, in its own sewing shop there, usually within 2–3 business days. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Sinclair Model R pen case? Rickshaw lists it at 6.75 × 4.25 × 0.75 in, about 171 × 108 × 19 mm, as does Gentleman Stationer. Goulet Pens gives a larger 7.5 × 4.5 × 1.5 in, likely a packaged size. ### How many pens fit in the Sinclair Model R? Three as standard, one in each slot; Rickshaw also offers a 3+3 option. The case is sized for its size L Coozies (pens up to 6.0 in, 18 mm thick), and the wide pocket takes a pocket notebook. ### What's the difference between the Nock Co. Sinclair and the Sinclair Model R? The layout is the same: three pen slots opposite one wide pocket. Rickshaw added Royal Plush lining, foam padding, a No. 8 zip instead of a No. 5, paracord pulls and an outside slash pocket, and made it slightly taller, wider and fatter. ### Who makes the Sinclair Model R? Rickshaw Bagworks, the San Francisco bag maker, makes it in collaboration with Nock Co., which designed the original Sinclair. ### Does a Field Notes notebook fit in the Sinclair Model R? Yes, according to The Well-Appointed Desk, whose reviewer says the wide pocket holds a Field Notes-size notebook or smaller. They also fit a Leuchtturm1917 A7 notebook there with room for another pen. ### Will the Sinclair Model R scratch my pens? Gentleman Stationer notes that Cordura and nylon can micro-scratch the shiny finish of some polished pens. The slots themselves are plush-lined, which is meant to protect them. ### Where is the Sinclair Model R made? In San Francisco. Rickshaw says each case is made by hand, from scratch and to order, in its own sewing shop there. ## Sources - [Rickshaw Bagworks: Sinclair Model R (6.75 × 4.25 × 0.75 in, design notes, made to order in San Francisco)](https://www.rickshawbags.com/pen-things/pen-sleeves-and-cases/sinclair-model-r) - [Rickshaw Bagworks: Pen Sleeve Size Guide (size L: 6.0 × 0.7 in, 152 × 18 mm)](https://www.rickshawbags.com/pen-sleeve-size-guide) - [Gentleman Stationer: Rickshaw Sinclair Model R 3+1 Pen Case, Clouds (6.75 × 4.25 × 0.75 in, made in San Francisco)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/curated-desk-and-reading/rickshaw-sinclair-model-r-clouds) - [JetPens: Rickshaw Sinclair Model R Pen Case, Cordura Black (pens up to about 6 in and 17 mm, Cordura, plush lining)](https://www.jetpens.com/Rickshaw-Sinclair-Model-R-Pen-Case-Cordura-Black/pd/38574) - [JetPens: Rickshaw Sinclair Model R Pen Case, Kandinsky Blue](https://www.jetpens.com/Rickshaw-Sinclair-Model-R-Pen-Case-Kandinsky-Blue/pd/52680) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Product Review, Rickshaw x Nock Co. Sinclair Model R (September 2022)](https://wellappointeddesk.com/2022/09/product-review-rickshaw-x-nockco-sinclair-model-r) - [Gentleman Stationer: First Impressions, Nock Co. x Rickshaw Bagworks Sinclair Model R (September 7, 2022)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2022/9/7/first-impressions-nock-co-x-rickshaw-bagworks-sinclair-model-r-pen-case) - [Gentleman Stationer: Nock Co. Sinclair, the practical pen case (2016)](https://gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2016/5/25/nock-co-sinclaire-the-practical-pen-case) - [Fontoplumo: Rickshaw Sinclair Model R, Great Wave (about 17 × 11 × 1.9 cm)](https://fontoplumo.nl/products/rickshaw-sinclair-model-r-great-wave) - [Goulet Pens: Rickshaw Bagworks Sinclair Model R Case, Arcade Carpet (7.5 × 4.5 × 1.5 in)](https://gouletpens.com/products/rickshaw-bagworks-sinclair-model-r-case-arcade-carpet) --- # LAMY AL-star: Aluminium Body, Nibs & T10 Cartridges > The LAMY AL-star is the aluminium version of the LAMY safari fountain pen. Goulet Pens lists it at 167.4 mm (6.6 in) posted and 22.0 g, with a 12.8 mm body. It has a steel nib in EF, F, M, B or left-handed (LH), takes LAMY T10 cartridges or a Z28 converter, and LAMY lists Germany as its origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-al-star/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a graphite LAMY AL-star fountain pen with the cap posted, drawn to scale: 167.4 mm (6.6 in) long, with the aluminium cap and barrel, metal clip, ink window, translucent grip and an inset of the steel nib, EF to B and LH](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/lamy-al-star-16x9.png) *The AL-star in graphite, posted, to scale at Goulet Pens' 167.4 mm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/lamy-al-star-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | LAMY AL-star Fountain Pen (graphite) | LAMY (by C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg (part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.)) | Germany | Germany | Anodized aluminium body and cap, translucent plastic grip, steel nib, metal clip | 1997 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (LAMY AL-star Fountain Pen (graphite)): Germany. LAMY's own AL-star listings (India storefront) give Germany as the country of origin and name C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg, as the manufacturer; LAMY's German page names no country. One Swiss retailer, Galaxus, has listed China and Germany for one color (its page now blocks automated reading); we follow LAMY's own figure. Source: https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-al-star-fountain-pen/45788342714554 ## Key takeaways - LAMY's German site lists the AL-star at 13 × 13 × 140 mm and 24 g; Goulet Pens gives 167.4 mm (6.6 in) posted and 22.0 g (12 g body, 10 g cap). - Its body and cap are anodized aluminium, with a translucent plastic grip and a metal clip. - LAMY sells 5 polished steel nib options, EF, F, M, B and LH for left-handers, and lists the pen at €29.50 (about US$33) in Germany. - It takes LAMY T10 cartridges; Goulet lists 1.56 ml per cartridge and 1.08 ml in the Z28 converter. - LAMY's own listing gives Germany as the country of origin, with C. Josef Lamy GmbH in Heidelberg as the manufacturer. ## What is the LAMY AL-star? **The LAMY AL-star is the LAMY safari's design made in anodized aluminium instead of plastic.** Pen Hero dates it to 1997, and retailers credit the shared shape to Wolfgang Fabian, who designed the 1980 safari. It sells steadily in the US. Goulet Pens' own best-seller roundup names the AL-star among the pens competing for the top spot in its mid price tier, next to the safari, the Pilot Metropolitan and the TWSBI ECO. ## LAMY AL-star specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany | | Body and cap | Anodized aluminium | | Grip | Translucent plastic, molded finger flats | | Article / EAN | 1225279 / 4014519252795 (LAMY Germany's default listing, black) | | Nib | Polished steel, push-on: EF, F, M, B, LH | | Ink | LAMY T10 cartridge or Z28 converter | | Ink capacity (Goulet) | 1.56 ml cartridge, 1.08 ml converter | | Length capped | 140 mm (5.5 in) per LAMY; 139.4 mm per Goulet | | Length of body | About 130 mm (5.1 in) | | Length posted | 167.4 mm (6.6 in) | | Diameter | 12.8 mm body; 14.8 mm cap, 19.5 mm with clip | | Weight | 24 g (LAMY); 22.0 g (12 g body, 10 g cap) per Goulet | | German list price | €29.50 (about US$33) | | Made in | Germany (per LAMY) | LAMY's German shop gives the size, weight, nibs, price and article number; Goulet Pens gives the body and posted lengths, diameters, part weights and capacity, and Pen Boutique also gives 140 mm capped. LAMY's India listing gives the origin. ![LAMY AL-star to scale: about 139.5 mm capped, about 130 mm body, 167.4 mm posted, 22.0 g](https://stationerytimes.com/images/lamy-al-star-lengths.svg) *Posting the cap adds about 37 mm, so most hands write with it posted or not.* ## How is the AL-star different from the LAMY safari? **The difference is the material: aluminium instead of plastic, which makes the AL-star about 5 g heavier on Goulet Pens' scale.** The nib, grip shape, ink window and T10 cartridge are shared. | | LAMY AL-star | [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) | |---|---|---| | Body | Anodized aluminium | Plastic (ASA, per LAMY) | | Grip | Translucent plastic | Molded plastic | | Capped | About 139 to 140 mm | 139.5 mm | | Posted | 167.4 mm | 163.9 mm | | Weight | 22.0 g (Goulet) | 17.0 g | | Nibs | EF, F, M, B, LH | EF, F, M, B, LH | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | Safari figures come from its guide. LAMY's German site lists the AL-star at 24 g; LAMY says the pen comes with one blue T10 cartridge. The metal body feels cooler and denser in the hand, and the anodized finish has a slight sheen rather than the safari's matt plastic. ## What ink does the LAMY AL-star use? **It takes LAMY T10 cartridges, or bottled ink through a LAMY Z28 converter.** Standard international cartridges don't fit, so buy LAMY's own or a compatible T10 refill. Goulet Pens lists a maximum of 1.56 ml with a cartridge and 1.08 ml with the converter. Our [LAMY Z28 converter](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-z28-converter/) guide uses Unsharpen's lower 0.8 ml, so treat the converter figure as approximate. ## Which LAMY AL-star nib should you choose? **Choose EF or F for small handwriting and planners, and M or B for a wetter line on good paper.** LAMY uses German sizing, which runs wider than Japanese sizing, so an AL-star F writes closer to a Japanese M such as the [Pilot Custom 74](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-74/)'s. The LH nib is ground for left-handed writers. Because the nibs push on and off, you can swap one AL-star nib for another later. ## Is the LAMY AL-star a good first fountain pen? **Yes, for writers who want a metal body without a gold-nib price.** It writes exactly like a safari, so the decision is about weight and finish. If you want the lightest pen, the safari is 5 g lighter. For other starter options, see our [best fountain pens for beginners](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners/); the next step up in LAMY's range is the gold-nibbed [LAMY 2000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-2000/). ## Where is the LAMY AL-star made? **LAMY's own listing gives Germany as the country of origin, with C. Josef Lamy GmbH in Heidelberg as the manufacturer.** One Swiss retailer has listed China and Germany for one color, which we haven't seen confirmed elsewhere. ## How much does a LAMY AL-star cost? **The AL-star is in our $$$ price band, $20–75 per pen.** That is from the US listings we checked in October 2026, such as Goulet Pens; it usually costs a little more than the safari. LAMY's German shop lists it at €29.50 (about US$33). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between the LAMY AL-star and the LAMY safari? They share the same design, nib and cartridges, but the AL-star's body and cap are anodized aluminium while the safari's are plastic (matt ASA, per LAMY). That makes the AL-star heavier: Goulet Pens lists 22.0 g against 17.0 g for the safari. ### What cartridges does the LAMY AL-star use? LAMY T10 cartridges. Standard international cartridges don't fit; for bottled ink, use a LAMY Z28 converter, sold separately. ### How heavy is the LAMY AL-star? LAMY's German site lists 24 g. Goulet Pens weighed 22.0 g in total: 12 g for the body and 10 g for the cap. ### How long is the LAMY AL-star? LAMY's German site gives 140 mm (5.5 in) capped and Goulet Pens 139.4 mm; Goulet lists 167.4 mm (6.6 in) with the cap posted. ### What nib sizes does the LAMY AL-star come in? LAMY lists EF, F, M, B and LH (a left-hander's nib). They are steel push-on nibs that also fit the safari, so you can swap them yourself. ### Is the LAMY AL-star good for left-handed writers? LAMY sells it with an LH nib, ground for a left-handed angle. The T10 ink and the molded grip are the same as the right-handed version. ### Where is the LAMY AL-star made? In Germany. LAMY's own listing gives Germany as the country of origin and C. Josef Lamy GmbH in Heidelberg as the manufacturer. ### When did the LAMY AL-star come out? In 1997, according to Pen Hero. It is an aluminium follow-on to the 1980 LAMY safari designed by Wolfgang Fabian. ## Sources - [LAMY (Germany): LAMY AL-star Füllhalter (fountain pen: €29.50, polished steel nib EF–B and LH, anodized aluminium, 13 × 13 × 140 mm, 24 g, article 1225279, EAN 4014519252795)](https://www.lamy.com/de-de/p/lamy-al-star-fountain-pen/54395069759832) - [LAMY: LAMY AL-star fountain pen (country of origin, manufacturer, nib widths)](https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-al-star-fountain-pen/45788342714554) - [LAMY: LAMY AL-star fountain pen, white silver (nib widths)](https://lamy.com/en-de/p/lamy-al-star-fountain-pen/54395069759832) - [Goulet Pens: LAMY AL-star fountain pen, graphite (139.4 mm capped, 167.4 mm posted, 22.0 g, diameters, ink capacity)](https://www.gouletpens.com/lamy-al-star-fountain-pen-graphite) - [Goulet Pens: LAMY AL-star fountain pen, mint (cap diameters)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/lamy-al-star-fountain-pen-mint-special-edition) - [The Journal Shop: LAMY AL-star fountain pen (T10 cartridge, Z28 converter)](https://thejournalshop.com/products/lamy-al-star-fountain-pen) - [Pen Hero: LAMY AL-star (1997)](https://www.penhero.com/PenGallery/Lamy/LamyAlStar.htm) - [Pen Boutique blog, February 2018: LAMY AL-star (140 mm capped)](https://blog.penboutique.com/2018/02/) - [Galaxus: LAMY AL-star (lists China and Germany for one color)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/lamy-al-star-1x-pens-56371561) - [Goulet Pens: Best selling fountain pens at every price point](https://www.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/best-selling-fountain-pens-at-every-price-point) --- # Pilot Custom 74: 14k Gold Nib, CON-70 & Sizes > The Pilot Custom 74 is a resin fountain pen with a 14k gold size No. 5 nib, launched in 1992 for Pilot's 74th anniversary. Pilot lists 143 mm (5.6 in) and 17.4 g; Goulet Pens weighs it at 22.0 g with a converter. It fills from Pilot cartridges or the CON-70 push-button converter, and retailers list Japan as its origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-74/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a black Pilot Custom 74 fountain pen with gold trim and the cap posted, drawn to scale: 155 mm (6.1 in) long, with the gold clip, cap band and barrel ring, and an inset of the 14k gold size No. 5 nib](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-custom-74-16x9.png) *The Custom 74 in black with gold trim, posted, to scale at Goulet Pens' 155 mm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-custom-74-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen (black, gold trim) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap, gold-plated or rhodium-plated trim, 14k gold nib | 1992 | $$$$: over $75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen (black, gold trim)): Japan. Per retailer listings: Makkura gives Japan as the origin, and eBay item specifics from sellers in Japan list Japan as the country of origin. Pilot's Japanese web catalog and press release don't state it; the 2022 anniversary edition's cap ring is engraved JAPAN. Source: https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/fountain-pens-pens/349-pilot-custom-74-fountain-pen.html ## Key takeaways - Goulet Pens lists the Custom 74 at 143 mm (5.6 in) capped, 125 mm (4.9 in) body and 155 mm (6.1 in) posted. - Goulet weighs it at 22.0 g with a converter (14 g body, 8 g cap), with a 12 mm body and a 9.7 mm grip. - The nib is 14k gold in Pilot's size No. 5, the smallest in its Custom line; Pilot Japan offers 11 nib types, and US shops stock EF, F, M and B. - Goulet lists about 1.03 ml with a Pilot cartridge and 1.23 ml with the CON-70 converter. - Pilot's Japanese site dates it to 1992, its 74th year, and lists it at ¥38,500 (about US$244) as model FKKN-12SR. ## What is the Pilot Custom 74? **The Custom 74 is Pilot's entry-level gold-nib fountain pen: a resin cigar-shaped pen with a 14k gold nib and a push-button converter.** Pilot's Japanese press release says it went on sale in 1992 and was developed for Japanese writers who had grown used to pressing harder after years of ballpoints; Goulet Pens ties the name to Pilot's 74th anniversary. It is a common step up from the steel-nibbed [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/), and uses the same Pilot cartridges. Endless Pens' roundup of gold-nibbed pens and Fountain Pen Network threads name it with the [Platinum #3776 Century](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-3776-century/) as a top value pick. For a lighter steel-nib Pilot with a clear demonstrator body, see the [Pilot Prera](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-prera/). ## Pilot Custom 74 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation, Japan | | Model (Japan) | FKKN-12SR, plus a nib letter (e.g. FKKN-12SR-BF, black, F) | | Body and cap | Resin; screw-on cap | | Trim | Gold or rhodium, by color | | Nib | 14k gold, size No. 5 (14K 5号, per Pilot Japan); 11 nib types in Japan; EF, F, M, B common in US shops | | Ink | Pilot cartridge, or CON-70N or CON-40 converter (Pilot Japan) | | JAN (black, F) | 4902505572791 | | Ink capacity (Goulet) | 1.03 ml cartridge; 1.23 ml CON-70 | | Length capped | 143 mm (5.6 in); Pilot and Goulet agree | | Length of body | 125 mm (4.9 in) | | Cap length | 66 mm (2.6 in) | | Length posted | 155 mm (6.1 in) | | Diameter | 12 mm body; 14 mm cap, 19 mm with clip (Goulet); 14.7 mm at its widest (Pilot) | | Grip | 9.7 mm (Goulet); 10.7 mm (Endless Pens) | | Weight | 17.4 g (Pilot); 22.0 g with converter (Goulet: 14 g body, 8 g cap) | Sizes are Goulet Pens' figures unless noted. Pilot's Japanese catalog lists 17.4 g and The Pleasure of Writing 18 g, both well under Goulet's 22.0 g with a converter; Pilot doesn't say whether its figure includes the converter, so we give both. ![Pilot Custom 74 to scale: 143 mm capped, 125 mm body, 155 mm posted, 22.0 g with converter](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-custom-74-lengths.svg) *The 66 mm cap posts deeply, adding only 12 mm.* ## What is special about the Custom 74's nib? **It is a 14k gold nib in Pilot's size No. 5, which Pilot's Japanese catalog lists as 14K 5号, the smallest size in the Custom range.** On silver-trim colors, The Pleasure of Writing says the gold is rhodium plated to match. Pilot uses Japanese sizing, so an F writes finer than a European F, such as a [LAMY AL-star](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-al-star/)'s. Pilot Japan offers 11 nib types for the standard model, including the MS (music) nib, while US shops commonly stock EF, F, M and B; a Fountain Pen Network member notes the 74 lacks the special FA, PO, WA and SU nibs of Pilot's larger Custom pens. ## How does the CON-70 converter work? **You press the button on the end of the CON-70 several times to draw bottled ink in, instead of twisting a piston.** Goulet Pens lists about 1.23 ml with it, more than the 1.03 ml it lists for a Pilot cartridge. Pilot cartridges also fit, so you can carry spares. Unsharpen puts the CON-40 twist converter used in the Metropolitan at about 0.4 ml, so the CON-70 is one reason people step up to the 74. ## How does the Pilot Custom 74 compare to the Platinum #3776 Century? **The two are close in size, weight and price; the Custom 74 holds more ink, while the #3776 has a sealing cap and a larger nib.** | | Pilot Custom 74 | [Platinum #3776 Century](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-3776-century/) | |---|---|---| | Capped | 143 mm | 139.5 mm | | Posted | 155 mm | 155.6 mm | | Weight | 17.4 g (Pilot) | 20.5 g (Platinum) | | Nib | 14k gold, No. 5 | 14k gold | | Converter | CON-70, about 1.23 ml | Platinum converter, about 0.53 ml | | Sealing cap | No | Slip & Seal | | Price band | $$$$ | $$$$ | Lengths and weights are each maker's Japanese figures, from the two guides. Pen Boutique says the 3776 nib is closer in size to Pilot's No. 10 nib, so it looks larger than the 74's No. 5. ## Where is the Pilot Custom 74 made? **Retailers give Japan as the origin: Makkura lists Japan, and eBay listings from sellers in Japan give Japan as the country of origin.** Pilot's Japanese catalog and press release don't state a country, though the 2022 anniversary edition's cap ring is engraved "PILOT CUSTOM 74 30th ANNIVERSARY JAPAN". ## How much does a Pilot Custom 74 cost? **The Custom 74 is in our $$$$ price band, over $75 per pen.** That is from the US listings we checked in October 2026, such as Goulet Pens; the CON-70 converter is in the box, per US listings. In Japan, Pilot's web catalog lists the black F-nib FKKN-12SR-BF at ¥38,500 (about US$244) including tax, or ¥35,000 (about US$222) before tax. Pilot's price list shows that price from July 1, 2026, up from ¥27,500 (about US$174) before the revision. The catalog also lists a C (coarse) nib under its own code, FKKN-14SR-BC, at ¥44,000 (about US$278), which US shops don't commonly stock. A Japan-only 30th-anniversary edition with a laurel-engraved nib went on sale on December 1, 2022, at ¥30,800 (about US$195). For a pen with a retractable gold nib, see the [Pilot Vanishing Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-vanishing-point/). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Pilot Custom 74 nib gold? Yes. It is a 14k gold nib in Pilot's size No. 5. On silver-trim versions it is rhodium plated to match the trim, so it looks silver. ### What converter does the Pilot Custom 74 use? Pilot's Japanese catalog lists two that fit: the CON-70N push-button converter and the smaller CON-40 twist converter. US retailers say a CON-70 comes with the pen, and Goulet Pens lists about 1.23 ml with it. ### Does the Pilot Custom 74 take cartridges? Yes, Pilot's own proprietary cartridges, the same type used by the Pilot Metropolitan and Kakuno. Standard international cartridges don't fit. ### Why is it called the Custom 74? Goulet Pens ties the name to Pilot's 74th anniversary: the company was founded in 1918, and Pilot's Japanese press release for the 2022 anniversary model confirms the 1992 launch. ### How big is the Pilot Custom 74? Pilot's Japanese catalog lists 143 mm long, 14.7 mm at its widest and 17.4 g. Goulet Pens lists 143 mm (5.6 in) capped, 125 mm (4.9 in) for the body and 155 mm (6.1 in) posted, with a 12 mm body and a 14 mm cap. ### What nib sizes does the Pilot Custom 74 come in? Pilot's Japanese catalog says the standard model comes in 11 nib types, from F to the MS (music) nib. US shops such as Goulet Pens usually stock EF, F, M and B. A Fountain Pen Network member notes it lacks the special FA, PO, WA and SU nibs of larger Custom models. ### Where is the Pilot Custom 74 made? Retailers give Japan as the origin, including Makkura and sellers in Japan. Pilot's own pages don't state it in the sources we found. ### Should I post the Pilot Custom 74? Either works. The Gentleman Stationer calls it a mid-size pen that fits most hands posted or unposted; posting adds 12 mm, per Goulet's figures. ## Sources - [FKKN-12SR-BF｜カスタム74｜PILOTウェブカタログ (Pilot Japan catalog page: 14K No. 5 nib, 11 nib types, CON-40 and CON-70N, 143 mm, 14.7 mm, 17.4 g, JAN, ¥38,500)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000223) - [万年筆『「カスタム74」 30周年記念モデル』数量限定発売 (Pilot Japan press release, November 18, 2022: launched 1992, made for firmer Japanese handwriting)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2022/11/18/74_30.html) - [価格表 2026年7月1日付 (Pilot Japan price list, July 1, 2026, PDF)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/information/pricelist_202607.pdf) - [FKKN-14SR-BC｜カスタム74｜PILOTウェブカタログ (Pilot Japan catalog page: C coarse nib, ¥44,000)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000241) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Custom 74 fountain pen, Teal (lengths, diameters, weights, ink capacity)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/pilot-custom-74-fountain-pen-teal) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Custom 74 fountain pen, Smoke](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/pilot-custom-74-fountain-pens/products/pilot-custom-74-fountain-pen-smoke) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Custom pens explained (1992, 74th anniversary)](https://www.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/pilot-custom-pens-explained) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Review revisited, the Pilot Custom 74 (2023)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2023/6/3/review-revisited-the-pilot-custom-74-fountain-pen) - [Endless Pens: Pilot Custom 74 (diameters)](https://www.endlesspens.com/products/pilot-fountain-pen-custom-74) - [The Pleasure of Writing: Pilot Custom 74, Smoke (14k rhodium-plated nib, 18 g)](https://thepleasureofwriting.com/collections/pilot-1/products/pilot-custom-74-fountain-pen-smoke) - [Papeterie Makkura: Pilot Custom 74 (origin Japan)](https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/fountain-pens-pens/349-pilot-custom-74-fountain-pen.html) - [eBay: Pilot Namiki New Custom 74, item specifics (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ebay.de/itm/355831270846) - [Fountain Pen Network: The Pilot Custom 74/8xx family (nib options)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/134017-the-pilot-custom-74x8xx-family) - [Pen Boutique: The Big Three, comparing Pilot, Platinum and Sailor nibs](https://penboutique.com/blogs/blog/the-big-three-comparing-comparable-pilot-platinum-and-sailor-nibs) - [Endless Pens: Best gold-nibbed fountain pens (roundup)](https://endlesspens.com/blogs/endless-journal/best-gold-nibbed-fountain-pens-under-200) --- # Platinum #3776 Century: Slip & Seal Cap & Gold Nib > The Platinum #3776 Century is a Japanese fountain pen with a 14k gold nib and a Slip & Seal cap that Platinum designed to stop ink drying in the nib. Platinum's Japanese site lists it at 139.5 mm (5.5 in) long and 20.5 g. It takes Platinum's own cartridges or converter, and the band reads Made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-3776-century/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped Platinum #3776 Century fountain pen in translucent Chartres Blue with gold trim, drawn to scale: 139.7 mm (5.5 in) long, with the gold clip and cap band and an inset cutaway of the spring-loaded Slip & Seal inner cap](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/platinum-3776-century-16x9.png) *The #3776 Century in Chartres Blue, capped, to scale at Pen Chalet's 139.7 mm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/platinum-3776-century-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen (Chartres Blue, gold trim) | Platinum (by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap, gold-plated trim, 14k gold nib | 2011 | $$$$: over $75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen (Chartres Blue, gold trim)): Japan. Unsharpen's review says the band reads "Platinum #3776 Century Made in Japan". Platinum's own English pages don't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/platinum-3776-century-fountain-pen/ ## Key takeaways - Platinum's Japanese site lists 139.5 mm (5.5 in), 15.4 mm across and 20.5 g; Pen Chalet gives 139.7 mm capped and 155.6 mm (6.1 in) posted. - Platinum says Slip & Seal let the original Century sit unused for about 2 years; its January 29, 2026 Ver. 2.0 revision stretches that to about 3 years. - Its 14k gold nib comes in sizes from Ultra Extra Fine (UEF) to Coarse (C), and Japanese sizing writes finer than European. - It takes proprietary Platinum cartridges or a Platinum converter, which Unsharpen puts at about 0.53 ml. - The name is the height of Mount Fuji, 3,776 m; Platinum dates the original pen to 1978 and the Century to 2011. ## What is the Platinum #3776 Century? **The #3776 Century is Platinum's best-known gold-nib fountain pen: a resin cigar-shaped pen with a 14k gold nib and a sealing cap.** Platinum is a Tokyo pen maker, the same company behind the [Platinum Preppy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/). The name is the height of Mount Fuji, 3,776 m. Platinum's Japanese site dates the original pen to 1978 and says the Century, the current redesign with the Slip & Seal cap, followed in 2011. It is one of the most recommended first gold-nib pens. Endless Pens' roundup of gold-nibbed pens and Fountain Pen Network threads name it alongside the [Pilot Custom 74](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-74/) as a top value pick. ## Platinum #3776 Century specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Platinum Pen Co., Ltd., Tokyo | | Model (Japan) | PNB-15000 (gold trim); Chartres Blue is color No. 51 | | Body and cap | Resin, screw-on cap with Slip & Seal inner cap | | Nib | 14k gold; UEF, EF, F, SF, M, B, C among others | | Ink | Platinum cartridges or Platinum converter | | Converter capacity | About 0.53 ml (Unsharpen) | | Length capped | 139.5 mm (5.5 in), per Platinum; Pen Chalet: 139.7 mm | | Length of body | About 120 mm (4.7 in) | | Length posted | 155.6 mm (6.1 in); Goldspot: 154 mm | | Diameter | 15.4 mm at the widest point (Platinum); 12.7 mm body, 15.9 mm cap (Pen Chalet) | | Grip | 10.3 mm (Pen Addict) | | Weight | 20.5 g standard weight (Platinum); 20.41 g (Pen Chalet); 22.7 g (Goldspot) | | Made in | Japan (marked on the band) | Platinum's Japanese product page gives 139.5 mm, 15.4 mm and 20.5 g, which we use. Pen Chalet gives the posted length, the body and cap diameters and a slightly different capped length and weight; Goldspot gives the body length. Unsharpen measures the body at 13.4 mm at its widest and the cap band at 15.5 mm. ![Platinum #3776 Century to scale: 139.7 mm capped, about 120 mm body, 155.6 mm posted (Goldspot: 154 mm), 20.41 g](https://stationerytimes.com/images/platinum-3776-century-lengths.svg) *The body is short at about 120 mm; posting the cap adds about 36 mm.* ## What does the Slip & Seal cap do? **Slip & Seal is a spring-loaded inner cap that closes around the nib when you screw the cap on, so the ink doesn't dry out.** Platinum's slip-seal page says pens without such a seal can dry out after 3 to 6 months unused, and its January 2026 press release puts the Century's figure at about 2 years. Goulet Pens says up to 24 months, which matches; other listings give up to a year. Platinum's January 29, 2026 press release says the revised Ver. 2.0 seal improves performance by more than 50%, from about 2 years to about 3 years; the first Ver. 2.0 pen is a demonstrator (PNB-450 at ¥49,500 (about US$313), 2,000 pens) on sale from February 5, 2026. Pen Chalet's listing for it likewise says over 3 years. Either way, it is the reason the #3776 is a good pen to leave inked and pick up only now and then. ## Which #3776 Century nib should you choose? **Choose F or M for everyday writing; Japanese sizing writes finer, so a #3776 Medium is closer to a European Fine.** Reviewers describe the 14k nib as fairly firm with some feedback. - **UEF and EF:** very fine, for small writing and thin planner paper. - **SF (Soft Fine):** a Fine with a softer feel. - **B and C (Coarse):** broad lines for good paper and showing ink shading. Reviewers note a B writes about like a European M. Compare a LAMY-sized nib in our [LAMY AL-star](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-al-star/) guide. ## How does the #3776 Century compare to the Pilot Custom 74? **They are close in size and price; the #3776 has a thicker body and the sealing cap, the Custom 74 is longer and holds more ink.** | | Platinum #3776 Century | [Pilot Custom 74](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-74/) | |---|---|---| | Capped | 139.5 mm | 143 mm | | Posted | 155.6 mm | 155 mm | | Weight | 20.5 g (Platinum) | 17.4 g (Pilot) | | Nib | 14k gold | 14k gold, size #5 | | Ink | Platinum cartridge or converter | Pilot cartridge or CON-70 | | Sealing cap | Slip & Seal | No | | Price band | $$$$ | $$$$ | Lengths and weights are each maker's Japanese figures; Goulet Pens weighs the Custom 74 at 22.0 g with its converter. Pen Boutique says the #3776 nib is closest in size to Pilot's larger #10 nib, so it looks bigger than the Custom 74's #5. ## Where is the Platinum #3776 Century made? **In Japan: Unsharpen's review says the band reads "Platinum #3776 Century Made in Japan".** Platinum's own English pages don't state the origin in the sources we found. ## How much does a Platinum #3776 Century cost? **The #3776 Century is in our $$$$ price band, over $75 per pen.** That is from the US listings we checked in October 2026, such as Goulet Pens; prices vary by color and trim, and Unsharpen's buying guide notes that pens imported from Japan often cost less. Platinum's Japanese site lists the gold-trim PNB-15000 at ¥44,000 (about US$278) including tax, with a converter (Converter-800A) and a blue-black cartridge in the box. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is Slip & Seal on the Platinum 3776? It is a spring-loaded inner cap that seals around the nib when the pen is capped, so the ink doesn't dry out. Platinum's January 2026 press release says the original Century could be left about 2 years, and that the revised Ver. 2.0 seal stretches this to about 3 years with no maintenance. ### Is the Platinum 3776 Century nib gold? Yes, it is 14k gold. Reviewers describe it as fairly firm, with a little feedback on the page. ### What nib sizes does the Platinum 3776 Century come in? Unsharpen's buying guide lists Ultra Extra Fine (UEF), Extra Fine, Fine, Soft Fine, Medium, Broad and Coarse, among others. Japanese sizes write finer, so a #3776 Medium is closer to a European Fine. ### Does the Platinum 3776 take standard international cartridges? No. It takes Platinum's own cartridges or a Platinum converter for bottled ink. ### How big is the Platinum 3776 Century? Platinum's Japanese site lists 139.5 mm (5.5 in) long and 15.4 mm across. Pen Chalet lists 139.7 mm capped and 155.6 mm (6.1 in) posted, with a 12.7 mm body and a 15.9 mm cap. Goldspot gives about 120 mm for the body with the cap off. ### How much does the Platinum 3776 Century weigh? Platinum's Japanese site lists a standard weight of 20.5 g; Pen Chalet lists 20.41 g. Goldspot's comparison gives 22.7 g, so expect about 20 to 23 g. ### Why is it called #3776? 3,776 m is the height of Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain. Platinum dates the first pen of that name to 1978 and the Century redesign to 2011. ### Where is the Platinum 3776 Century made? In Japan. Unsharpen's review says the band is marked Made in Japan. ## Sources - [#3776 センチュリー (Platinum Japan product page, PNB-15000: 139.5 mm, 15.4 mm, 20.5 g, list price)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/fountain-pen/1464/) - [スリップシール (Platinum Japan Slip & Seal page: airtight screw cap, patent No. 5637515; unsealed pens dry out in 3 to 6 months)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/slipseal/) - [プラチナ万年筆「「乾かない万年筆」として発売から15年。性能を50%以上アップした「＃3776 センチュリーVer. 2.0」誕生」(Platinum press release, January 29, 2026: 1978 and 2011, about 2 to about 3 years, PNB-450 at ¥49,500 (about US$313), 2,000 pens)](https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202601273131) - [Pen Chalet: Platinum #3776 Century, Black Diamond (lengths, weight)](https://www.penchalet.com/fine_pens/fountain_pens/platinum_3776_century_fountain_pens/Black+Diamond/) - [Pen Chalet: Platinum #3776 Century, Bourgogne (diameters, weight)](https://www.penchalet.com/platinum_pens/fountain_pens/platinum_3776_century_fountain_pens/Bourgogne) - [Goulet Pens: Platinum #3776 Century, Chartres Blue/Gold (Slip & Seal, cartridges and converter)](https://gouletpens.com/products/platinum-3776-century-fountain-pen-chartres-blue-gold) - [Goulet Pens: Platinum #3776 Century quick look](https://www.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/platinum-3776-century-quick-look) - [Goldspot: Platinum 3776 Century vs. Pilot Custom 74 vs. Sailor 1911 (comparison figures)](https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/pilot-custom-74-vs-sailor-1911s-vs-platinum-3776-century-comparison) - [Goldspot: Platinum 3776 Century collection (specification table)](https://goldspot.com/collections/platinum-3776-century) - [Unsharpen: Platinum 3776 Century review (Made in Japan band, measurements)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/platinum-3776-century-fountain-pen/) - [Unsharpen: Platinum buying guide (nib sizes)](https://unsharpen.com/platinum-buying-guide-fountain-pen/) - [Unsharpen: Platinum fountain pen converter (about 0.53 ml)](https://unsharpen.com/refill/platinum-fountain-pen-converter/) - [Pen Addict: Platinum 3776 Century in Carnelian, a review (grip, weight)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2020/1/10/platinum-3776-century-in-carnelian-a-review) - [Endless Pens: Best gold-nibbed fountain pens (roundup)](https://endlesspens.com/blogs/endless-journal/best-gold-nibbed-fountain-pens-under-200) - [Fountain Pen Network: Best value (forum thread)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/315513-best-value) - [Pen Boutique: The Big Three, comparing Pilot, Platinum and Sailor nibs](https://penboutique.com/blogs/blog/the-big-three-comparing-comparable-pilot-platinum-and-sailor-nibs) - [Pen Chalet: Platinum #3776 Century Ver. 2.0 demonstrator (Slip & Seal claim)](https://www.penchalet.com/fine_pens/fountain_pens/platinum_3776_century_ver_20_demonstrator_fountain_pens.html) --- # J. Herbin Emerald of Chivor: Shimmer, Sheen & Care > J. Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor is a deep blue-green fountain pen ink with a red sheen and gold shimmer particles, made in France. It comes in a 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) glass bottle with a hand-dipped wax seal. It isn't water resistant, dries in about 10–30 seconds in reviewers' tests, and needs shaking before each fill. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/herbin-emerald-of-chivor/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![A 50 ml J. Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor bottle drawn in proportion: square clear glass, wax-dipped cap, a round 1670 seal and deep blue-green ink with gold flecks settled at the bottom, beside a swab card dotted with gold; inset: gold flecks and a red sheen where the ink pooled](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/herbin-emerald-of-chivor-16x9.png) *The wax-sealed 50 ml Emerald of Chivor bottle, drawn in proportion, with a swab of the ink.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/herbin-emerald-of-chivor-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | J. Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle | J. Herbin (by J. Herbin (Jacques Herbin), Exacompta Clairefontaine group, France) | France | France | Water-based ink with gold shimmer particles, in a glass bottle | 2015-08 | $$$: $20–75 per item | - Made in (J. Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle): France. Jacques Herbin's French product page says 'Fabrication française' (French-made) and that the cap waxing and the seal on the bottle are done by hand in the Jacques Herbin workshop. Retailers also list the 50 ml bottle as made in France. Herbin has belonged to the French Exacompta Clairefontaine group since 1990 (Exaclair catalogue). Source: https://www.jacquesherbin.com/produit/encre-pailletee-dor-1670-emeraude-de-chivor/ ## Key takeaways - The glass bottle holds 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) and has an 18.3 mm (0.72 in) opening, per Goulet. - Goulet released it in August 2015 as the fourth ink in Herbin's 1670 Anniversary series. - A Fountain Pen Companion top-25 list ranks it 2nd of all inks, owned by 873 users. - Reviewers measured dry times of about 10–20 seconds (Goulet) and 30 seconds (Mountain of Ink). - Herbin's French site says 'Fabrication française' and that each cap is wax-dipped and sealed by hand in its workshop; Herbin is part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group. ## What is Emerald of Chivor? **It's a deep blue-green fountain pen ink with gold shimmer and a red sheen, from J. Herbin's 1670 Anniversary series.** Goulet says it was released in August 2015 as the fourth ink in the series. It's one of the most owned inks among enthusiasts: a top-25 list from Fountain Pen Companion, shared on Fountain Pen Network, ranks it 2nd, owned by 873 users, just behind [Diamine Oxblood](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/diamine-oxblood/). ## Emerald of Chivor specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | J. Herbin (Jacques Herbin), France | | Item code | 15035JT (Herbin), EAN 3188555150351 | | Use | Fountain pens, rollerballs, glass and dip pens (Herbin) | | Series | 1670 Anniversary, released August 2015 (Goulet) | | Bottle | 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) glass, wax-dipped cap | | Bottle opening | 18.3 mm (0.72 in), per Goulet | | Ink type | Shimmer ink: gold particles, red sheen | | Water resistance | Low (Goulet); medium (Mountain of Ink) | | Dry time | About 10–20 s (Goulet); 30 s (Mountain of Ink) | | Shading / sheen | Low / medium red sheen (Mountain of Ink) | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75 per bottle) | One retailer lists the bottle at about 6 × 6 × 8.8 cm (2.4 × 2.4 × 3.5 in) and 0.2 kg, which may include packaging, so our cover draws it in proportion. ![Emerald of Chivor 50 ml bottle to scale, with fills per bottle: about 125 for a 0.4 ml Pilot CON-40, 62 for a 0.8 ml LAMY Z28, 28 for a 1.76 ml TWSBI ECO; gold shimmer particles, low water resistance, 10-30 s dry time, 18.3 mm bottle opening](https://stationerytimes.com/images/herbin-emerald-of-chivor-fills.svg) *How many converter fills one 50 ml bottle holds (bottle ÷ capacity), with Emerald of Chivor's sourced properties.* ## How does Emerald of Chivor look on paper? **Blue-green in thin lines, with red sheen where it pools and gold sparkle in the light.** Pen Addict says the sparkle shows best in sunlight, and that the ink works with fine nibs for everyday writing. Mountain of Ink rates the shading low and the red sheen medium. Sheen generally shows most on smooth, less absorbent paper such as [Tomoe River](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tomoe-river-paper/), where the ink pools. ## How fast does it dry, and is it water resistant? **It dries in about 10 to 30 seconds and isn't water resistant.** Goulet's smear test puts it at about 10 to 20 seconds; Mountain of Ink measured 30. Goulet rates water resistance low, with some words and lines staying faintly visible. Mountain of Ink rates it medium: much of the ink washed away, but the writing stayed legible. ## Which pens is it safe for? **Pens that are easy to take apart and clean, with a wet nib.** Goulet warns that the gold particles may restrict ink flow in some pens, so shake the bottle well before filling and roll the pen in your hand often. The Gentleman Stationer found it didn't clog his pen, but Mountain of Ink had a Pilot Vanishing Point spit ink while using it. We'd keep it out of vintage or hard-to-clean pens, and use a demonstrator like the [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/) to watch the particles. ## How do you clean it out? **Flush with water, then flush again until no gold remains in the feed.** Reviewers describe it as relatively easy to clean for a shimmer ink, but we'd expect particles to lodge in the feed if a pen sits inked and dries out. Don't leave it in a pen for months. Clean the pen before switching back to an everyday ink. ## What's special about the bottle? **Each cap is hand-dipped in sealing wax, and a 1670 seal is stamped on the front.** Retailers say Herbin seals the caps by hand, fitting for a firm that started out making sealing wax. The 18.3 mm (0.72 in) opening takes most nibs. Because the gold settles to the bottom, gently swirl or shake the bottle before every fill. ## Where is Emerald of Chivor made? **In France: Herbin's French product page says "Fabrication française", and that the wax on the cap and the seal on the bottle are applied by hand in the Jacques Herbin workshop.** J. Herbin dates its house to 1670 in the heart of Paris; that's the brand's own heritage claim, and the 1670 inks commemorate it. Herbin joined the Exacompta Clairefontaine group in 1990 and has sat under its Clairefontaine Rhodia business since 2021, per Exaclair's catalogue. ## Frequently asked questions ### What color is Emerald of Chivor? A deep blue-green, or teal, with gold shimmer particles and a strong red sheen where the ink pools. Retailers describe it as green-blue with gold flecks and a red sheen. ### Is Emerald of Chivor a shimmer ink? Yes. It carries gold particles that settle to the bottom of the bottle, so Pen Addict says to shake it well before filling. Goulet adds that the particles can restrict flow in some pens. ### How big is a bottle of Emerald of Chivor? The glass bottle holds 50 ml (1.7 fl oz), and Goulet gives an 18.3 mm (0.72 in) opening. One retailer lists it at about 6 × 6 × 8.8 cm and 0.2 kg, which may include packaging. ### Is Emerald of Chivor waterproof? No. Goulet lists it as not water resistant and rates it low, with some words staying faintly visible; Mountain of Ink rates it medium, with the writing still legible. ### How long does Emerald of Chivor take to dry? About 10 to 20 seconds in Goulet's smear test and 30 seconds in Mountain of Ink's. Its heavy sheen means pooled areas on coated paper take longer. ### Will Emerald of Chivor clog my pen? It can in some pens, Goulet warns, because of the gold particles. Use a wet, easy-to-clean pen, roll it in your hand often, and don't leave it inked for months. ### Why is the bottle sealed with wax? It's part of the 1670 Anniversary series' look: retailers say each cap is hand-dipped in sealing wax, and a 1670 seal is stamped on the bottle, fitting for a house that started out making sealing wax in Paris. ### Where is J. Herbin ink made? In France, according to retailers. J. Herbin dates its house to 1670 in Paris and has been part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group since 1990. ## Sources - [Jacques Herbin (French): Encre pailletée d'or 1670, Emeraude de Chivor (15035JT; fabrication française, hand-waxed cap and seal; for fountain, roller, glass and dip pens)](https://www.jacquesherbin.com/produit/encre-pailletee-dor-1670-emeraude-de-chivor/) - [Goulet Pens: Jacques Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor 50 ml bottled ink (opening 18.3 mm, released August 2015, flow warning)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/jacques-herbin-1670-emerald-chivor-50ml-bottled-ink) - [Goulet Pens: Jacques Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor, ink review (dry time, water resistance)](https://www.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/jacques-herbin-1670-emerald-of-chivor-ink-review) - [Mountain of Ink: Ink Review No. 144, J. Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor](https://mountainofink.com/blog/jherbin-1670-emerald-of-chivor) - [Pen Addict: J. Herbin Emerald of Chivor ink review (September 18, 2015)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2015/9/18/j-herbin-emerald-of-chivor-ink-review) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Ink review, J. Herbin Emerald of Chivor](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2015/12/2/ink-review-j-herbin-emerald-of-chivor) - [SB Libris: Jacques Herbin 1670 Émeraude de Chivor 50 ml (made in France, wax-dipped cap)](https://www.sblibris.com.au/products/jacques-herbin-prestige-1670-collection-fountain-pen-ink-emeraude-de-chivor-emerald-50ml) - [Write Gear: J. Herbin Émeraude de Chivor ink bottle (about 6 × 6 × 8.8 cm, 0.2 kg)](https://writegear.co.za/product/j-herbin-emeraude-de-chivor-ink-bottle-1670-collection-emerald-chivor/) - [Papeterie Makkura: Herbin 1670 Chivor Emerald ink 50 ml (EAN 3188555150351)](https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/bottled-ink/1017-1670-chivor-emerald-ink-50ml-herbin-3188555150351.html) - [Exaclair: Fine Arts catalogue 2025, Herbin (history, Exacompta Clairefontaine group)](https://exaclair.com/pdf/Exaclair_2025_Fine_Arts_Herbin.pdf) - [Fountain Pen Network: List of inks by popularity (Fountain Pen Companion top 25)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/366055-list-of-inks-by-popularity) --- # Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue: 62.5 ml Bottle & Dry Time > Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue is a washable royal blue fountain pen ink made in Germany, sold in a 62.5 ml (2.1 fl oz) glass bottle and a 30 ml bottle. Pelikan says it can be erased with an ink eradicator. It isn't water resistant, dried in 40 seconds in one reviewer's test, and runs on the dry side. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pelikan-4001-royal-blue/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![A 62.5 ml Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue bottle drawn in proportion: squat clear glass, black ribbed cap, white Pelikan 4001 label and royal blue ink, beside a blue ink swab card; inset: part of a written line erased with an ink eradicator](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pelikan-4001-royal-blue-16x9.png) *The 62.5 ml Royal Blue bottle, drawn in proportion, with a swab of the ink.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pelikan-4001-royal-blue-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue fountain pen ink, 62.5 ml bottle | Pelikan (by Pelikan (Germany)) | Germany | Germany | Water-based dye ink in a glass bottle | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue fountain pen ink, 62.5 ml bottle): Germany. Pelikan's English product page (mam.pelikan.com) for the 62.5 ml Royal Blue bottle lists the ink as made in Germany. That page refused connections when we rechecked on October 20, 2026, and Pelikan's German ink pages don't state the country; Pelikan's German maker, Hamelin GmbH, is based in Hanover. Source: https://mam.pelikan.com/mam/en/pelikan/products/340299 ## Key takeaways - The standard glass bottle holds 62.5 ml (2.1 fl oz); a 30 ml (1 fl oz) bottle is also sold. - Mountain of Ink measured a 40-second dry time and rates the ink very dry in flow. - Goulet lists it as not water resistant and gives a 22.6 mm (0.89 in) bottle opening. - Pelikan's German site says the 4001 name first appears in a document from 1897; today's Royal Blue is a dye ink, unlike the iron gall Blue-Black. - Pelikan's own product page says the ink is made in Germany. ## What is Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue? **It's Pelikan's standard washable royal blue fountain pen ink, part of the 4001 line and made in Germany.** Pelikan designs it for its own piston fillers and says it suits many other pens, including cartridge pens with a converter. Pelikan's German site says the 4001 name first appears in a document from 1897 and calls the line "Das Original". The Gentleman Stationer says Royal Blue has its own group of devotees. ## Royal Blue specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pelikan, Germany | | Code | 329136 (62.5 ml, Goulet P329136); 301010 (30 ml, Pelikan) | | Bottles | 62.5 ml (2.1 fl oz) glass; 30 ml (1 fl oz) | | Bottle opening | 22.6 mm (0.89 in), per Goulet | | Ink type | Dye-based (retailers), washable (Pelikan) | | Eradicable | Yes: "löschbar und auswaschbar" (Pelikan's German site) | | Water resistance | Not water resistant (Goulet); medium (Mountain of Ink) | | Dry time | 40 s (Mountain of Ink) | | Shading / sheen | Medium / low pink sheen (Mountain of Ink) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 per 62.5 ml bottle) | Pelikan's German site says the 4001 bottle's shape lets you tip it on its side to draw up the last drops. Pelikan also sold the 62.5 ml size in a special-edition historical bottle with an old-style label (item 340299 on Pelikan's English page); we didn't find bottle dimensions, so our cover draws the standard bottle in proportion. ![Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue 62.5 ml and 30 ml bottles to scale, with fills per bottle: about 156 and 75 for a 0.4 ml Pilot CON-40, 78 and 37 for a 0.8 ml LAMY Z28, 35 and 17 for a 1.76 ml TWSBI ECO; not water resistant, 40 s dry time, eradicable, 22.6 mm bottle opening](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pelikan-4001-royal-blue-fills.svg) *Fills per bottle (bottle ÷ capacity), with Royal Blue's sourced properties.* ## How does Royal Blue write? **It's a dry-flowing royal blue with medium shading and a hint of pink sheen.** Mountain of Ink calls it very dry, but says it works really well in wet Pelikan nibs. On 20 lb copy paper, Mountain of Ink saw some feathering and a few dots of bleed-through with the larger nibs. Its dry flow makes it a good partner for a pen that writes too wet. ## How fast does it dry, and is it water resistant? **It dried in 40 seconds in Mountain of Ink's test and isn't water resistant.** Goulet's listing marks it neither fast drying nor water resistant. Mountain of Ink still rates the water resistance medium, so a soaked page may stay faintly readable. For writing that has to survive water, a bulletproof ink such as [Noodler's Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/noodlers-black-ink/) is the safer pick. ## Can you erase it? **Yes: Pelikan's German site calls Königsblau "löschbar und auswaschbar", erasable with an ink eradicator and washable.** Eradicator pens work on washable blue inks like this one, so a mistake can be made to disappear rather than crossed out. The flip side is the same as with water: this ink is made to wash away, not to stay put. ## Which pens is it safe for? **Nearly any fountain pen.** The Gentleman Stationer calls it a safe choice for most pens, and retailers describe it as a dye ink. The original 4001 of the 1890s was an iron gall ink, but The Pelikan's Perch notes the modern formula is different; Pelikan's German site names only today's 4001 Blue-Black as iron gall. A 62.5 ml bottle is about 78 fills of a [LAMY Z28 converter](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-z28-converter/), about 35 fills of a [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/), which holds about 1.76 ml, or about 50 fills of a [Pelikan M200](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pelikan-m200/) at about 1.2 ml. The 22.6 mm opening takes most nibs. ## How do you clean it out of a pen? **Flush with plain water until it runs clear.** As a washable dye ink, Royal Blue rinses out easily, so it's a good everyday ink for pens you clean often. ## How does it compare with Waterman Serenity Blue? **Royal Blue is slightly darker, drier and slower to dry; [Waterman Serenity Blue](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/waterman-serenity-blue/) is brighter.** | Ink | Bottle | Dry time (Mountain of Ink) | Flow | |---|---|---|---| | Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue | 62.5 ml | 40 s | Very dry | | Waterman Serenity Blue | 50 ml | 20 s | Average | ## Where is Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue made? **In Germany, according to Pelikan's English product page.** Pelikan traces its ink business to 1838 in Hanover, where its German company, Hamelin GmbH, still has its address; Günther Wagner bought the business in 1871 and registered the Pelikan trademark in 1879. Pelikan's German site says the 4001 name first appears in a document from 1897, and The Pelikan's Perch shows a 4001 price list from about that year. We didn't find a release date for today's Royal Blue formula. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is a bottle of Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue? The standard glass bottle holds 62.5 ml (2.1 fl oz), which Goulet sells as a 2 oz bottle. Pelikan's German site also lists a 30 ml (1 fl oz) bottle, item number 301010. ### Is Pelikan Royal Blue waterproof? No. Goulet lists it as not water resistant and Pelikan calls it washable; Mountain of Ink rates the water resistance medium, so some writing may stay faintly legible. ### Can Pelikan Royal Blue be erased? Yes. Pelikan's German site calls Königsblau (Royal Blue) "löschbar und auswaschbar": erasable with an ink eradicator and washable. ### How long does Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue take to dry? About 40 seconds in Mountain of Ink's test. Goulet doesn't list it as fast drying either, so give it time on coated paper. ### Is Pelikan 4001 a wet or dry ink? Dry. Mountain of Ink calls it very dry but says it works really well in wet Pelikan nibs, which is why it's a good match for pens that gush. ### Is 4001 Royal Blue an iron gall ink? No. The original 4001 of the 1890s was an iron gall ink, but the modern 4001 has a different composition. Pelikan's German site says only today's 4001 Blue-Black is iron gall, and far more permanent than Royal Blue. ### Is Pelikan Royal Blue darker than Waterman Serenity Blue? Slightly. The Gentleman Stationer finds Royal Blue a touch darker than Serenity Blue and prefers Waterman's brighter tone, while calling both safe for nearly any pen. ### Where is Pelikan 4001 ink made? In Germany, according to Pelikan's English product page. Pelikan traces its ink business to 1838 in Hanover, where its German company is still based. ## Sources - [Pelikan (DE): Pelikan Tinte 4001 (Pelikan's German product page: Königsblau löschbar und auswaschbar, 30 ml item 301010)](https://www.pelikan.com/de/produkte/schreiben/verbrauchsmaterial-zubehoer/193-tinten/275-pelikan-tinte-4001.html) - [Pelikan Passion (DE): Tinte 4001 (Pelikan's German ink page: first mentioned 1897, 30 and 62.5 ml bottles, Blue-Black is iron gall)](https://www.pelikan-passion.com/de/tinten/4001.html) - [Pelikan: Ink 4001 Royal Blue, historical ink bottle 62.5 ml (made in Germany, washable, eradicable)](https://mam.pelikan.com/mam/en/pelikan/products/340299) - [Goulet Pens: Pelikan Royal Blue 4001, 2 oz bottled ink (P329136, opening 22.6 mm, not water resistant)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/all/products/pelikan-royal-blue-4001-2oz-bottled-ink) - [Mountain of Ink: Ink Review No. 2457, Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue](https://mountainofink.com/blog/pelikan-royal-blue) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Back to basics, blue ink for everyday writing](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2019/11/25/back-to-basics-blue-ink-for-everday-writing) - [Pen Chalet: Blue ink comparison (Pelikan 4001 Blue)](https://www.penchalet.com/blog/blue-ink-comparison-finding-the-best-true-blue-fountain-pen-ink/) - [Fritz Schimpf: Pelikan Special Edition Tinte 4001 Glas 76 königsblau historisch (62.5 ml, historical label)](https://www.fritz-schimpf.de/en/Brands/Pelikan/Pelikan-Special-Edition-Tinte-4001-Glas-76-koenigsblau-historisch.html) - [The Pelikan's Perch: 4001 and Günther Wagner's lost but not forgotten Pelikan inks](https://thepelikansperch.com/2019/04/19/pelikan-2001-3001-4001-5001-vintage-inks/) --- # Waterman Serenity Blue Ink: Bottle, Dry Time & Safety > Waterman Serenity Blue, formerly Florida Blue, is a classic medium blue fountain pen ink in a faceted 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) glass bottle that tips to reach the last ink. Goldspot lists the dye ink as made in France. It dried in about 20 seconds in one test, shades a little and is widely called safe for vintage pens. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/waterman-serenity-blue/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![A 50 ml Waterman Serenity Blue bottle drawn in proportion: faceted clear glass with chamfered corners, a black cap and medium blue ink, beside a blue ink swab card; inset: the bottle tipped on its corner so a nib reaches the last ink](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/waterman-serenity-blue-16x9.png) *The faceted 50 ml Serenity Blue bottle, drawn in proportion, with a swab of the ink.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/waterman-serenity-blue-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Waterman Serenity Blue fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle | Waterman (by Waterman S.A., Paris (part of Newell Brands)) | France | France | Water-based dye ink in a glass bottle | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Waterman Serenity Blue fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle): France. Goldspot lists the 50 ml bottle as made in France, and Officeworks (Australia) gives France as the country of origin; its barcode 3034325106298 carries a French GS1 prefix. Waterman was founded in New York in 1884 but today is Waterman S.A., based in Paris, owned by Newell Brands since 2000 (Wikipedia). Waterman's own site (waterman.com) blocks automated reading behind a browser check, so we couldn't read its French or English product page; the ADI distributor listing seen in search also gives France. Source: https://goldspot.com/products/waterman-refills-serenity-blue-50-ml-bottled-ink ## Key takeaways - The faceted glass bottle holds 50 ml (1.7 fl oz); Waterman also sells the color as 8 long cartridges. - Mountain of Ink measured a 20-second dry time on fountain-pen-friendly papers and rated water resistance medium. - Goldspot measured a dry time of only 3 to 4 seconds on 80 gsm Rhodia paper and found it not very water resistant. - Pen Market measured a pH of 2.7, yet calls it safe in vintage pens after years of use. - Goldspot and Officeworks list the ink as made in France. ## What is Waterman Serenity Blue? **It's Waterman's classic medium blue fountain pen ink, sold in a faceted 50 ml glass bottle.** Mountain of Ink calls it a classic medium blue; The Gentleman Stationer's comparison puts it a shade brighter than Pelikan Royal Blue. It used to be called Florida Blue. Goldspot says Waterman renamed its whole ink line while keeping the formulas, though Pen Market's author thinks he sees a change. The Gentleman Stationer calls it his number one work-friendly ink. ## Serenity Blue specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Waterman S.A., Paris (Newell Brands) | | Code | S0110720 (50 ml); barcode 3034325106298 | | Bottle | 50 ml (1.7 fl oz), faceted glass, screw cap | | Other formats | 8 long cartridges for Waterman pens | | Ink type | Dye-based (Goldspot) | | Water resistance | Medium (Mountain of Ink); not very (Goldspot) | | Dry time | About 20 s (Mountain of Ink); 3–4 s on 80 gsm Rhodia (Goldspot) | | Shading / sheen | Medium / low copper sheen (Mountain of Ink) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 per bottle) | No maker or retailer gives a reliable bottle size; listed dimensions look like the box. So our cover draws the bottle in proportion. Waterman's site blocks automated reading, so these specs come from retailers and reviewers. ![Serenity Blue 50 ml bottle to scale, with fills per bottle: about 125 for a 0.4 ml Pilot CON-40, 62 for a 0.8 ml LAMY Z28, 28 for a 1.76 ml TWSBI ECO; dye-based, medium water resistance, about 20 s dry time, medium shading and low sheen](https://stationerytimes.com/images/waterman-serenity-blue-fills.svg) *How many converter fills one 50 ml bottle holds (bottle ÷ capacity), with Serenity Blue's sourced properties.* ## How does Serenity Blue write? **It writes with average flow and a little shading, in a calm mid blue.** Mountain of Ink found average flow with a medium nib, medium shading, and a low copper sheen that shows mainly in big swabs on Tomoe River paper. On cheap paper it isn't perfect. Mountain of Ink saw feathering with all nib sizes and a few dots of bleed-through on 20 lb copy paper, but no feathering on fountain pen friendly paper such as [Rhodia](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/). ## How fast does it dry, and is it waterproof? **About 20 seconds in Mountain of Ink's test, and it isn't waterproof.** Goldspot measured a much quicker 3 to 4 seconds on 80 gsm Rhodia, so a fine, dry nib will beat a wet broad one by a wide margin. On water, the two reviews disagree in degree: Mountain of Ink rates it medium, while Goldspot's drop test showed it isn't very water resistant. For writing that must survive a spill, use [Noodler's Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/noodlers-black-ink/). ## Which pens is it safe for? **Practically any fountain pen, including vintage ones.** The Gentleman Stationer calls Waterman ink widely regarded as one of the safest for vintage pens and stain-prone materials like celluloid. Pen Market measured Serenity Blue as acidic, with a pH of 2.7, yet its author has used it in vintage pens for years without damage beyond normal sac wear. Fill a [LAMY Z28](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-z28-converter/) or the CON-40 in a [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) from the bottle; at 0.8 ml a fill, 50 ml is about 62 Z28 fills. ## How do you clean it out of a pen? **Flush with plain water until it runs clear.** As a plain dye ink with ordinary flow, it rinses out quickly, which is a big part of why it's a common first bottled ink. In Pen Market's sunlight test, Serenity Blue faded "pretty drastically", much like the old Florida Blue. Keep anything you want to last out of daylight. ## What's special about the bottle? **The faceted 50 ml glass bottle is made to be tipped on its side as it empties.** The Gentleman Stationer says the faceted design lets you tilt it for filling when the ink runs low, and Pure Pens says it can sit at a 45-degree angle so a nib reaches the last of the ink. It closes with a screw top. If you'd rather not handle a bottle, the pack of 8 long cartridges fits Waterman pens. ## How does it compare with other everyday blues? **It's the brighter, safer-reputation pick; Pelikan Royal Blue is slightly darker and Iroshizuku Kon-peki more vivid and pricier.** | Ink | Bottle | Dry time (reviewer) | Price band | |---|---|---|---| | Waterman Serenity Blue | 50 ml | ~20 s (Mountain of Ink) | $$ | | [Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pelikan-4001-royal-blue/) | 62.5 ml | 40 s (Mountain of Ink) | $$ | | [Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki/) | 50 ml | 20–25 s (Goulet) | $$$ | ## Where is Waterman Serenity Blue made? **In France, according to Goldspot and Officeworks.** Waterman's own site blocks automated reading, so we couldn't confirm it there. Waterman was founded in New York in 1884 by Lewis Waterman and today is Waterman S.A., based in Paris and owned by Newell Brands since 2000. We didn't find a release year for the ink or a date for the Florida Blue rename on a Waterman page, so we leave them out. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Waterman Serenity Blue the same as Florida Blue? Yes. Retailers such as Pure Pens say Serenity Blue was previously sold as Florida Blue, and Japanese listings still give both names. Pen Market's author thinks he sees a change in the ink since the rename, which we couldn't confirm from Waterman. ### How much ink is in a bottle of Waterman Serenity Blue? The faceted glass bottle holds 50 ml (1.7 fl oz). Waterman also sells Serenity Blue as a pack of 8 long cartridges for Waterman pens. ### Is Waterman Serenity Blue waterproof? No. Mountain of Ink rates its water resistance medium, while Goldspot's drop test found it not very water resistant, so expect a wet page to blur. ### How long does Serenity Blue take to dry? About 20 seconds in Mountain of Ink's test on Rhodia, Tomoe River and Leuchtturm paper. Goldspot measured only 3 to 4 seconds on 80 gsm Rhodia, so pen, nib and test method make a big difference. ### Is Serenity Blue safe for vintage pens? It's widely treated as one of the safest inks for vintage pens and celluloid. The Gentleman Stationer says so, and Pen Market's author has used it in vintage pens for years even though he measured a pH of 2.7. ### Does Waterman Serenity Blue sheen? A little. Mountain of Ink rates its sheen low and saw a coppery sheen only in large swabs on Tomoe River paper, with medium shading in normal writing. ### Do Waterman cartridges fit other pens? Not reliably. Goldspot says the Serenity Blue cartridges fit any Waterman fountain pen except the Ici et Là, so for other pens fill a converter from the bottle instead. ### Where is Waterman ink made? In France, according to Goldspot and Officeworks. Waterman began in New York in 1884 and is now Waterman S.A. of Paris, part of Newell Brands. ## Sources - [Goldspot: Waterman Serenity Blue 50 ml bottled ink (SKU S0110720, dye based, made in France)](https://goldspot.com/products/waterman-refills-serenity-blue-50-ml-bottled-ink) - [Goldspot: Waterman Serenity Blue review, Keep Calm and Write On (dry time, drop test)](https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/keep-calm-and-write-with-waterman-serenity-blue) - [Mountain of Ink: Ink Review No. 1634, Waterman Serenity Blue](https://mountainofink.com/blog/waterman-serenity-blue) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Back to basics, blue ink for everyday writing](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2019/11/25/back-to-basics-blue-ink-for-everday-writing) - [The Pen Market: Loose Ends Ink Test (Serenity Blue pH 2.7, sun fading)](https://thepenmarket.com/loose-ends-ink-test/) - [Officeworks: Waterman bottled ink 50 ml Serenity Blue (country of origin, barcode)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/waterman-bottled-ink-serenity-blue-50ml-wa18007102) - [Pure Pens: Waterman bottled ink, Florida Blue (renamed Serenity Blue; bottle sits at an angle)](https://www.purepens.co.uk/products/waterman-fountain-pen-bottled-ink-florida-blue) - [Dromgoole's: Waterman Serenity Blue bottled ink 50 ml (faceted glass bottle, screw top)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/waterman-serenity-blue-bottled-ink-50ml) - [Goldspot: Waterman Serenity Blue, pack of 8 cartridges (52022W; fit Waterman pens except Ici et Là)](https://goldspot.com/products/waterman-refills-serenity-blue-pack-of-8-fountain-pen-cartridge) - [Maruzen Junkudo: Waterman Serenity Blue (Florida Blue) 50 ml, JAN 3034325106298](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/3034325106298) - [Wikipedia: Waterman Pen Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterman_Pen_Company) --- # Day Designer 2027 Daily Planner: Layout, Size & Paper > The Day Designer 2027 Daily Planner is a page-a-day planner for January to December 2027. Day Designer lists its Original size at 9 × 9.75 in (229 × 248 mm) including the gold wire-o binding, with 7.3 × 9.5 in pages of 100 gsm paper, a top-three box, hourly lines from 5 am to 9 pm and a to-do list. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/day-designer-daily-planner/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Day Designer 2027 Daily Planner to scale: a black and white striped hardcover 248 mm tall and 229 mm wide with a gold wire-o binding, and the planner open on two daily pages with a top-three box, an hourly schedule from 5 am to 9 pm and a to-do list](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/day-designer-daily-planner-16x9.png) *The Original-size daily planner closed and open on two daily pages (1 mm = 0.85 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/day-designer-daily-planner-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Day Designer 2027 Daily Planner, Original size (flagship, January–December 2027) | Day Designer (by Day Designer (founded by Whitney English)) | United States | Not stated | Glossy hardcover or bookcloth; 100 gsm white paper; wire-o binding | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Day Designer 2027 Daily Planner, Original size (flagship, January–December 2027)): Not stated. Day Designer's 2027 listing says each planner is carefully crafted by hand but doesn't state where the flagship planners are made. Its UPCs share the 699931 company prefix used on Blue Sky products, its retail partner. Catalog listings for the separate Day Designer for Blue Sky line give China or Vietnam depending on the edition. Source: https://daydesigner.com/products/2027-daily-planner-black-stripe ## Key takeaways - The 2027 flagship planners are dated January through December 2027; Day Designer releases calendar-year flagships in the fall before, and lists the Original daily at US$68. - Day Designer lists the Original size at 9 × 9.75 × 1.5 in (229 × 248 × 38 mm) including the binding, with 7.3 × 9.5 in (185 × 241 mm) pages, and a weight of 2.6 lb. - Daily pages use 100 gsm white paper with hourly scheduling from 5 am to 9 pm. - Day Designer sells the 2027 Original daily planner for US$68 and the Mini daily for US$58, both in our $$$ band ($20–75); the Blue Sky retail line is cheaper. - Day Designer sells 2027 flagship covers in ten patterns, four bookcloth colors and two pebble textures. ## What is the Day Designer Daily Planner? **Day Designer is an American page-a-day planner: each weekday gets one page with a top-three box, an hourly schedule and a to-do list.** The 2027 flagship edition is dated January through December 2027. Designer Whitney English created it in 2010, the year Day Designer gives for its first Today & To-Do page, and the brand sells two lines: the flagship planners on its own site, and the cheaper Day Designer for Blue Sky planners sold at Target, Staples and other stores. This guide covers the flagship Original daily planner. ## Day Designer 2027 Daily Planner specs | Spec | 2027 Daily Planner, Original size | |---|---| | Dates | January 1 – December 31, 2027 | | Size | 9 × 9.75 × 1.5 in (229 × 248 × 38 mm), including binding | | Page size | 7.3 × 9.5 in (185 × 241 mm) | | Weight | 2.6 lb (about 1.2 kg) | | Paper | 100 gsm, white | | Daily schedule | Hourly, 5 am – 9 pm | | Binding | Gold wire-o | | Cover | Glossy hardcover in patterns, linen-finish bookcloth or pebble texture | | Monthly pages | Two-page spreads, Monday start, U.S. holidays marked | | Tabs | Gold foil dated monthly tabs | | Extras | Inside pocket, 2 gold foil sticker sheets, bookmark ruler with a clear overlay, gold corners | | Item / UPC | 162728 / 699931627280 (Black Stripe) | | Price | US$68 at Day Designer, our $$$ band ($20–75) | All of these come from Day Designer's 2027 Original daily listing, which also notes the pages are printed double-sided in gray text and that each planner is crafted by hand. ![To-scale drawing of the Day Designer Original planner, 229 × 248 mm with a 185 × 241 mm page, against the Mini at 168 × 211 mm and a US Letter sheet at 216 × 279 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/day-designer-daily-planner-sizes.svg) *The Original is wider than a Letter sheet but shorter; the Mini is close to A5.* ## What is on a Day Designer daily page? **Each page pairs an hourly schedule from 5 am to 9 pm with a to-do list and a box for your top three priorities.** Day Designer's 2027 listing adds Today, Dinner and Gratitude prompts, a notes area and a daily inspirational quote. Each month opens with a two-page, Monday-start calendar, and Day Designer says the 2027 daily layout combines the weekend, with a weekly overview, so Saturday and Sunday share space. That suits a work-week planner more than a weekend journal. ## How big is the Day Designer planner? **The Original is 9 in wide and 9.75 in tall, almost square, and weighs 2.6 lb.** It lives on a desk; the Mini, at 6.625 × 8.3 in and 1.9 lb, is the size to carry. The pages themselves are 7.3 × 9.5 in; the extra width is the wire-o binding and the cover overhang. ## How does Day Designer compare to other planners? **Day Designer is the one with a full page per weekday and an hourly schedule; most popular US planners are weekly.** | | Day Designer daily | [Erin Condren LifePlanner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/erin-condren-lifeplanner/) | [Passion Planner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/passion-planner/) | |---|---|---|---| | Layout | Daily, hourly 5 am–9 pm | Weekly (vertical, horizontal or hourly) | Weekly, half-hour blocks | | Size | 9 × 9.75 in | 7 × 9 in | 5.8 × 8.3 to 7.8 × 11 in | | Paper | 100 gsm | 80 lb | 120 gsm | | Binding | Wire-o | Metal coil | Not compared here | For an A5 page-a-day alternative on thin Tomoe River paper, see the [Hobonichi Cousin](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-cousin/). ## Which Day Designer should you buy? **Buy the flagship Original if you want the heavier hardcover and 100 gsm paper; buy a Blue Sky edition if price matters more.** - **Flagship Original:** 9 × 9.75 in, January to December 2027, sold by Day Designer. - **Flagship Mini:** 6.625 × 8.3 in, the portable size, US$58. - **Day Designer for Blue Sky:** retail editions such as the 2027 8 × 10 in daily planner (Staples item 161654) and 5 × 8 in weekly-monthly planners, sold at Target, Staples and Quill in our $$ and $$$ bands. - **Academic year:** the 2026-27 daily planners run July 2026 to June 2027. ## Where is the Day Designer planner made? **Day Designer doesn't state where its flagship planners are made; its 2027 listing says only that each one is carefully crafted by hand.** Office-supply catalogs list Day Designer for Blue Sky editions as made in China or Vietnam, depending on the edition, so check the label on your copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What dates does the Day Designer 2027 Daily Planner cover? January 1 to December 31, 2027, per Day Designer's flagship planner page. If you want to start in summer, the academic daily planner runs July 2026 to June 2027. ### What size is the Day Designer daily planner? The Original size is 9 in wide, 9.75 in tall and 1.5 in deep including the binding (229 × 248 × 38 mm), with 7.3 × 9.5 in pages. The Mini daily is 6.625 × 8.3 × 1.5 in with 6 × 8.125 in pages and weighs 1.9 lb. ### How heavy is the Day Designer planner? Day Designer lists the Original daily planner at 2.6 lb (about 1.2 kg), so it is a desk planner rather than one to carry every day. ### What paper does Day Designer use? 100 gsm white paper, per Day Designer's listings. That is heavier than the 70 to 80 g/m² paper in most diaries; we haven't tested it with pens yet. ### What hours does the Day Designer daily page show? Hourly lines from 5 am to 9 pm, beside Today, To-Do, Dinner, Gratitude and Top 3 prompts and a notes area, per Day Designer's 2027 listing. ### What is the difference between Day Designer and Day Designer for Blue Sky? The flagship planners are sold by Day Designer itself, with hardcovers and gold wire-o binding. Day Designer for Blue Sky is a cheaper retail line sold at Target, Staples and other stores, in sizes such as 8 × 10 in and 5 × 8 in. ### Does the Day Designer planner have weekend pages? Day Designer says its 2027 daily layout combines the weekend, so Saturday and Sunday share space instead of each getting a full page. ### Where is the Day Designer planner made? Day Designer doesn't state it on its flagship listings. Catalog listings for Blue Sky editions give China or Vietnam. ## Sources - [Day Designer: 2027 Daily Planner, Black Stripe (January–December 2027, 9 × 9.75 × 1.5 in, 7.3 × 9.5 in pages, 2.6 lb, 100 GSM, 5 am–9 pm, US$68, item 162728)](https://daydesigner.com/products/2027-daily-planner-black-stripe) - [Day Designer: 2027 Mini Daily Planner, Black Stripe (6.625 × 8.3 × 1.5 in, 6 × 8.125 in pages, 1.9 lb, US$58)](https://daydesigner.com/products/2027-mini-daily-planner-black-stripe) - [Day Designer: 2027 Daily Planner, Sage Bookcloth (linen-finish fabric hardcover)](https://daydesigner.com/products/2027-daily-planner-sage-bookcloth) - [Day Designer: 2027 Flagship Planners (January–December 2027, ten patterns, four bookcloth and two pebble textures)](https://daydesigner.com/pages/flagship-planners) - [Day Designer: FAQ (calendar-year flagships go on sale the fall before; Blue Sky collaboration)](https://daydesigner.com/pages/faq) - [Day Designer: About us (born in 2010; Today & To-Do page design)](https://daydesigner.com/pages/about-us) - [Day Designer: Daily layout planners (monthly calendars, daily pages, combined weekend pages)](https://daydesigner.com/pages/daily-layout-planners) - [Day Designer: 2026-27 Daily Planner, Heirloom (academic year July 2026 – June 2027, same Original size)](https://daydesigner.com/products/2026-27-daily-planner-heirloom) - [Day Designer: Original daily planners collection (prices)](https://daydesigner.com/collections/original-daily-planners) - [Staples: 2027 Blue Sky Day Designer 8 × 10 in Daily Planner (161654)](https://www.staples.com/2027-blue-sky-day-designer-8-x-10-daily-planner-161654/product_24694067) - [Quill: 2027 Blue Sky Day Designer 5 × 8 in Weekly & Monthly Planner (4-step planning system, top three priorities, gratitude)](https://www.quill.com/2027-blue-sky-day-designer-5-x-8-weekly-monthly-planner-rugby-stripe-black-163808/cbs/55533104.html) - [Target: day planner search (Day Designer for Blue Sky editions)](https://www.target.com/s/day+planner) - [On Time Supplies: Day Designer for Blue Sky daily/monthly planner (designer Whitney English; country of origin CN)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/bls103621-day-designer-daily-monthly-planner-10-x-8-gold-white-2019.html) --- # Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day: A5 5-Year Memory Book > Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day is an A5 hardcover five-year diary. Each of its 365 pages is one date split into five sections marked "20__", one per year. It measures 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in) and uses 80 g/m² paper, with an elastic closure, two ribbons and a back pocket. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day to scale: a black A5 hardcover 210 mm tall and 145 mm wide with elastic and two ribbons, and the book open on March 14 and 15, each page split into five sections marked 20__](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day-16x9.png) *Some Lines a Day in Black, closed and open on two date pages (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day, 5-Year Memory Book, Medium (A5), hardcover | Leuchtturm1917 (by Leuchtturm Gruppe (Geesthacht, Germany)) | Germany | Taiwan | Hardcover; 80 g/m² FSC-certified paper, thread-sewn | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day, 5-Year Memory Book, Medium (A5), hardcover): Taiwan. Per Digitec's listing for the Sage edition, which now blocks automated reading, so we couldn't recheck it. Leuchtturm1917's German and US pages don't state a country, and its other notebooks are listed as made in Taiwan or Germany, so check the label on your copy. Source: https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day-a5-lined-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-17442034 ## Key takeaways - Leuchtturm1917 lists it as Medium (A5): 145 × 210 mm, or 5.75 × 8.25 in. - It has 365 pages of 80 g/m² FSC-certified paper, one page per calendar date, each split into five sections. - Leuchtturm1917's German site lists a gusseted back pocket, 2 ribbon markers, an elastic closure, an archiving sticker set and a thread-sewn book block. - US shops sell it in our $$$ band ($20–75 per notebook); Leuchtturm1917's German shop lists it at €31.95 (about US$36). - Digitec has listed the Sage edition as made in Taiwan; Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand and doesn't state it. ## What is Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day? **Some Lines a Day is Leuchtturm1917's five-year memory book: one A5 page for each calendar date, split into five sections, one for each year.** You write a few lines today, and next year you write under them on the same page. It is built like the brand's [Medium A5 notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/): a hardcover with an elastic closure, ribbon markers and a back pocket. The difference is the printed pages. ## Some Lines a Day specs | Spec | Some Lines a Day, Medium (A5) | |---|---| | Size | 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in) | | Depth | About 22 mm (0.9 in), retailer's packaged size | | Pages | 365, one per date | | Sections per page | 5, each printed "20__" | | Paper | 80 g/m², FSC-certified; described by one retailer as pale cream | | Cover | Hardcover | | Extras | Elastic closure, 2 ribbon markers, gusseted back pocket, archiving sticker set | | Binding | Thread-sewn book block (Leuchtturm1917) | | Colors | Black, Sage, Port Red, Lilac, Forest Green, Rising Sun (Germany); Powder (US, Sweden) | | Article | 801018 (Leuchtturm1917 Germany) | | German list price | €31.95 (about US$36) | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75) | Size, pages, paper, extras, binding, colors and price are from Leuchtturm1917's German and US sites; depth from Digitec. ![To-scale drawing of one 145 × 210 mm Some Lines a Day page dated March 14, split into five sections printed 20__, with the years 27 to 31 filled in as an example](https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day-page.svg) *One date, five years: each section is about 4 cm tall.* ## How much can you write each day? **Each section is about a fifth of an A5 page, roughly 4 cm (1.6 in) tall, so a few lines of handwriting.** The name says it: some lines, not a page. That is enough for the weather, what you did and one thought. Readers who want more room each day are better served by a one-year book such as the [Stalogy 365 Days Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stalogy-365-days-notebook/). ## Who is Some Lines a Day for? **It suits people who want a daily writing habit that takes a few minutes, and who like reading back over past years.** The short sections lower the bar: a few lines on a busy day still counts. It also works as a record of one thing over time, such as a garden, a child's milestones or a reading log. Because every year of a date sits on one page, patterns are easy to spot when you look back. If you prefer a prompt to a blank space, a question-a-day book such as Q&A a Day may suit you better; we compare the two below. ## Is Some Lines a Day dated? **Only by day and month: the year is left as "20__", so you can start on any date in any year.** That also means a book you start in March runs until the following February five years later. Leuchtturm1917 lists 365 pages. We haven't confirmed whether February 29 has its own page, so check if you start in a leap year. ## How does it compare to Q&A a Day? **Some Lines a Day gives you more room and better paper; [Q&A a Day](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/qa-a-day-5-year-journal/) gives you a question to answer.** | | Some Lines a Day | Q&A a Day | |---|---|---| | Prompt | None | One question per date | | Size | 145 × 210 mm (A5) | 110 × 161 mm | | Pages | 365 | 368 | | Paper | 80 g/m² | Not stated | | Extras | Elastic, 2 ribbons, pocket | — | | Price band | $$$ | $$ | If you want a dated daily planner instead, see our [best 2027 journals](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/). ## Which color should you choose? **The pages are the same in every color, so pick the cover you'll want to see for five years.** US listings we found include Sage at Blick and Goulet Pens, Lilac at Jenni Bick and Port Red at Goulet Pens; stock varies by shop. Leuchtturm1917 includes labeling stickers, so you can mark the spine with the years the book covers when it goes on the shelf. ## Where is Some Lines a Day made? **Digitec has listed the Sage edition as made in Taiwan.** Leuchtturm1917 is a German company and its own pages don't say; its other notebooks are listed as made in Taiwan or Germany, so check the label on your copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does Some Lines a Day work? Each page is one calendar date with five sections. Write a few lines in the first section this year, then return to the same page next year and use the next section, so after five years you can read one date across all five. ### What size is the Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day? Medium (A5): 145 × 210 mm, or 5.75 × 8.25 in, per Leuchtturm1917. A retailer gives the packaged depth as about 2.2 cm. ### How many pages does Some Lines a Day have? Leuchtturm1917 lists 365 pages, one for each date. One reseller lists 366; we'll count a copy and confirm whether there is a February 29 page. ### Is Some Lines a Day dated? Only by day and month. Each section is printed 20__ so you fill in the year, which means you can start on any date in any year. ### What colors does Some Lines a Day come in? Leuchtturm1917's German shop lists Black, Sage, Port Red, Lilac, Forest Green and Rising Sun, and its US site and a Swedish shop list Powder. Availability varies by shop. ### Is Some Lines a Day good for fountain pens? It uses Leuchtturm1917's usual 80 g/m² paper, which handles fine nibs well in reviews of its notebooks. We haven't tested this book ourselves yet. ### Where is Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day made? Digitec lists the Sage edition as made in Taiwan. Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand; check the label on your copy. ## Sources - [Leuchtturm1917 (Germany): Some Lines A Day, Das Fünfjahresbuch (the five-year book: article 801018, €31.95, 145 × 210 mm, 365 pages, 80 g/m², thread-sewn, 2 ribbons)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.de/some-lines-a-day.html) - [Leuchtturm1917 (US): Some Lines a Day (Medium A5, 5.75 × 8.25 in, 365 pages, 80 gsm FSC paper)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/products/some-lines-a-day) - [Leuchtturm1917: Some Lines a Day (Medium A5, 145 × 210 mm)](https://leuchtturm1917.com/some-lines-a-day.html) - [Digitec: Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day A5, Sage (80 g/m², made in Taiwan, 21 × 14.5 × 2.2 cm; now blocks automated reading)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day-a5-lined-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-17442034) - [Goulet Pens: Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day 5 Year Memory Notebook, Sage (pocket, 2 ribbons, elastic, stickers)](https://gouletpens.com/products/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day-5-year-memory-notebook-sage) - [Goulet Pens: Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day, Port Red](https://gouletpens.com/products/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day-5-year-memory-notebook-port-red) - [Jenni Bick: Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day 5-Year Journal, Lilac](https://www.jennibick.com/products/leuchtturm-1917-some-lines-a-day-5-year-journal-lilac) - [Blick: Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day Notebook, Sage, 5-3/4 × 8-1/4 in](https://www.dickblick.com/items/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day-notebook-sage-5-34-x-8-14/) - [eBay.de: Leuchtturm1917 343552 Some Lines a Day Medium A5 (€30.95, elastic closure)](https://www.ebay.de/p/1011751583) - [Tidformera: Some Lines a Day, Powder](https://tidformera.se/en/products/some-lines-a-day-dagbok-5-ar-powder) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Notebook review, Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day (November 2020)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2020/11/notebook-review-leuchtturm-1917-some-lines-a-day/) --- # Q&A a Day 5-Year Journal: 365 Questions, Size & Editions > Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal is a small hardcover book from Potter Style with one question for each day of the year and room for five short answers on every page, one per year. It has 368 pages (365 questions, 1,825 answers) and measures about 110 × 161 mm (4.3 × 6.3 in). It was first published November 23, 2010. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/qa-a-day-5-year-journal/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Q&A a Day 5-Year Journal to scale: a cream hardcover 161 mm tall and 110 mm wide with a gold-edged title panel, and the book open on January 1 and 2, each page with a question and five answer spaces starting 20__](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/qa-a-day-5-year-journal-16x9.png) *Q&A a Day closed and open on two dated question pages (1 mm = 1.3 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/qa-a-day-5-year-journal-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal (Potter Style, hardcover) | Potter Style (by Clarkson Potter / Potter Style (Penguin Random House)) | United States | Not stated | Hardcover; 368 pages | 2010-11-23 | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal (Potter Style, hardcover)): Not stated. Penguin Random House's title page and 2019 sales sheet, Amazon, Falter and Christianbook don't state where the book is printed. Check the copyright page of your copy for a Printed in line. ## Key takeaways - The book has 368 pages: 365 dated questions with five answer spaces each, for 1,825 answers over five years. - Penguin Random House gives a 4 × 6 in trim; Falter lists 161 × 110 mm and Amazon 4.41 × 1.3 × 6.26 in (112 × 33 × 159 mm), at 14.2 oz. - Penguin Random House dates the original Potter Style edition (ISBN 9780307719775) to November 23, 2010. - A 2019 Penguin Random House sales sheet says the Q&A a Day series had sold over 1.3 million copies. - US booksellers list it at a price in our $$ band ($5–20 per notebook). ## What is Q&A a Day? **Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal is a question-a-day diary: each page has a date, one question and five short answer spaces, one for each year.** You answer today's question, then come back to the same page next year. Penguin Random House publishes it under its Potter Style imprint (now credited to Potter Gift) and dates the original edition to November 23, 2010. Its own summary is "365 questions, 5 years, 1,825 answers". Questions range from light ("On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you?") to reflective. ## Q&A a Day specs | Spec | Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal (Potter Style) | |---|---| | Format | Hardcover | | Pages | 368 | | Questions | 365, one per date (no year printed) | | Answers | 5 per page, 1,825 in all | | Trim size (publisher) | 4 × 6 in | | Size (retailers) | 110 × 161 mm (Falter); 4.41 × 6.26 in, 112 × 159 mm (Amazon) | | Thickness | 1.3 in (33 mm), per Amazon | | Weight | 14.2 oz (about 400 g), per Amazon; Christianbook gives 14 oz | | ISBN | 9780307719775 | | First published | November 23, 2010 | | Price band | $$ ($5–20) | Penguin Random House and Christianbook give the nominal 4 × 6 in (102 × 152 mm) trim. Falter and Amazon list the book itself at about 110 × 161 mm, which includes the hardcover boards, so we use the Falter figure in the drawings and will measure a copy. ![To-scale drawing of the Q&A a Day 5-Year Journal, 110 × 161 mm, against an A6 outline of 105 × 148 mm and an A5 outline of 148 × 210 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/qa-a-day-5-year-journal-size.svg) *Q&A a Day is just larger than A6 and much smaller than an A5 journal.* ## How does a Q&A a Day page work? **Each page shows the date, that day's question and five spaces to write in, each starting "20__" for the year.** Scary Mommy's review describes the same layout: date, question, five spaces. The spaces are short, a few lines each, so most answers are a sentence or two. From the second year on, last year's answer sits just above the space you are writing in. Because the pages carry no year, you can start on any date. You only need to find today's page. ## How big is Q&A a Day? **At about 110 × 161 mm (4.3 × 6.3 in), it is a pocket-paperback size, slightly larger than A6.** It fits in most handbags but not a jeans pocket. It is far smaller than A5 five-year books such as the [Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day/), which gives each day a 145 × 210 mm page. ## How does Q&A a Day compare to other five-year journals? **Q&A a Day is the one with prompts; most five-year memory books give you blank lines and leave the subject to you.** | | Q&A a Day | Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day | |---|---|---| | Prompt | One question per date | None | | Size | 110 × 161 mm | 145 × 210 mm (A5) | | Pages | 368 | 365 | | Answers per page | 5 | 5 | | Extras | — | Elastic, two ribbons, pocket | | Price band | $$ | $$$ | If you would rather write a full page each day, a one-year book such as the [Stalogy 365 Days Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stalogy-365-days-notebook/) or the [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) gives you much more room. Our [best 2027 journals guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/) compares dated diaries. For a dated five-year book with a free page facing each date, see the [Hobonichi 5-Year Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-5-year-techo/). ## Which Q&A a Day edition should you choose? **Buy the original 5-Year Journal for yourself; Potter also sells versions for teens and kids, and the same prompts in new cover designs.** - **Q&A a Day for Me** is written for teens; **Q&A a Day for Kids** is a three-year journal with simpler questions, per Penguin Random House's sales sheet. - **Spots**, **Modern** and **Graffiti** are later editions with new covers; Eagle Eye Books describes Spots as the original prompts with a textile designer's patterns. - Penguin's regional sites list cover names such as Woodland and Tropical under the original ISBN, so check the cover photo before you order. ## Is Q&A a Day popular? **Yes. Penguin Random House's 2019 sales sheet says the Q&A a Day series had sold over 1.3 million copies.** That figure covers the whole series, not just the 5-Year Journal. The book has stayed in print since 2010 and is stocked by many US booksellers and gift shops. ## Where is Q&A a Day printed? **Penguin Random House, Amazon and the other listings we read don't say where it is printed.** Potter Style is a US imprint of Penguin Random House; check the copyright page of your copy for a Printed in line. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the Q&A a Day journal work? Turn to today's date, answer the question at the top of the page in the first empty space, and come back to the same page next year. After five years each page holds five answers to one question. ### How many pages are in Q&A a Day? 368 pages, per Penguin Random House and retailers. That covers 365 dated questions, each with five answer spaces. ### What size is the Q&A a Day 5-Year Journal? Penguin Random House gives a nominal 4 × 6 in trim; Falter and Amazon list the actual book at about 110 × 161 mm (4.3 × 6.3 in). It is a little larger than A6 and fits in a handbag. ### Do you have to start Q&A a Day on January 1? No. The pages are dated by day and month only, with no year, so you can start on any date and carry on for five years from there. ### Is there a leap day in Q&A a Day? The publisher describes 365 questions, so there is no separate February 29 page in the listings we found. We haven't checked a copy ourselves. ### Is there a Q&A a Day for kids or teens? Yes. Potter publishes Q&A a Day for Kids, a three-year journal, and Q&A a Day for Me, a version for teens, as well as cover editions such as Spots, Modern and Graffiti. ### How much does Q&A a Day cost? US booksellers list the hardcover in our $$ band ($5–20 per notebook), which makes it a common gift. ### Where is Q&A a Day printed? The listings we found don't say. Potter Style is a Penguin Random House imprint based in the United States; the printer is named on the copyright page. ## Sources - [Penguin Random House: Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal by Potter Gift (ISBN 9780307719775, 368 pages, 4 × 6 in, November 23, 2010)](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/205314/qanda-a-day-by-potter-style/9780307719775) - [Penguin Random House Retail: Q&A a Day sales sheet (over 1.3 million copies sold; trim size 4 × 6, 2019)](https://www.penguinrandomhouseretail.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/QA_SalesSheet_Final.pdf) - [Penguin Australia: Q&A a Day (365 questions, 5 years, 1,825 answers; hardback, 368 pages)](https://www.penguin.com.au/books/q-and-a-a-day-9780307719775) - [Falter: Q&A a Day (161 × 110 mm)](https://shop.falter.at/detail/9780307719775/q-a-a-day) - [Christianbook: Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal (6 × 4 in, 14 oz, 368 pages)](https://www.christianbook.com/a-a-day-5-year-journal/9780307719775/pd/719775) - [Amazon.com: Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal (4.41 × 1.3 × 6.26 in, 14.2 oz, 368 pages)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307719774) - [Boulder Bookstore: Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal (US list price)](https://boulderbookstore.net/book/9780307719775) - [Scary Mommy: Q&A a Day journals (page layout: date, question, five spaces)](https://www.scarymommy.com/q-a-day-journals) - [Penguin Random House: Q&A a Day for Me (teen edition)](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/246843/qanda-a-day-for-me-by-betsy-franco/) - [Penguin Random House: Q&A a Day for Kids](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771074/qanda-a-day-for-kids-by-betsy-franco/) - [Eagle Eye Books: Q&A a Day Spots: 5-Year Journal](https://eagleeyebooks.com/book/9780593580202) --- # Pentel R.S.V.P.: Fine vs Medium, Refills & Grip > The Pentel R.S.V.P. is a refillable, capped ballpoint with a clear barrel and a latex-free rubberized grip, sold as the BK90 (0.7 mm Fine) and BK91 (1.0 mm Medium). JetPens lists the Fine at 156 mm (6.1 in) capped and 11 g. It takes BKL7 or BKL10 refills, and Pentel of America gives Mexico as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-rsvp/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped Pentel R.S.V.P. Fine 0.7 mm ballpoint with black ink, drawn to scale at 156 mm (6.1 in) long and 11.8 mm across: clear barrel showing the black refill, black end plug, black rubberized grip and black cap with a molded clip, with a close-up of the clear barrel and refill](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-rsvp-16x9.png) *The R.S.V.P. Fine (BK90), drawn to scale from JetPens' 156 mm capped length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-rsvp-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen (BK90 0.7 mm Fine / BK91 1.0 mm Medium) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Mexico | Clear plastic barrel, latex-free rubberized grip, stainless steel tip | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen (BK90 0.7 mm Fine / BK91 1.0 mm Medium)): Mexico. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the R.S.V.P. BK90 and BK91 (and the Stylus and Mini versions) as Mexico. GoBizzy (Canada) and OnTimeSupplies (US) also list Mexico for individual colors. Pentel's Japanese site doesn't sell the R.S.V.P. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/60 ## Key takeaways - Two capped models: BK90 with a 0.7 mm Fine point and BK91 with a 1.0 mm Medium point; the RT (BK93) and Super RT (BX480) are retractable. - JetPens lists the BK90 at 15.6 cm capped, 14.6 cm uncapped and 17.3 cm posted, with a 9.5 mm grip and 11 g weight. - Refills are Pentel BKL7 (0.7 mm) and BKL10 (1.0 mm). - Amazon mirrors show the black 5-pack with about 11,800 ratings at 4.8 stars, ranked No. 5 to No. 9 in Ballpoint Pens. - Pentel of America's catalog gives Mexico as the origin of both the BK90 and BK91, and Canadian and US retailers agree. ## What is the Pentel R.S.V.P.? **The Pentel R.S.V.P. is a capped, refillable ballpoint with a clear barrel, a latex-free rubberized grip and a stainless steel tip.** Pentel is a Japanese brand; its company changed its legal name to ASTRUM Corporation on April 1, 2026 but kept Pentel as the brand. The R.S.V.P. appears to be an export model: Pentel's Japanese site doesn't list it in our searches, so there is no Japanese list price or model code. Pentel of America's catalog credits its "sturdy, well-balanced barrel" and says the long barrel makes it easy to use whatever your grip. It's one of the most-rated ballpoints on Amazon in the US. Amazon mirror listings show the black 0.7 mm 5-pack with about 11,800 ratings averaging 4.8 stars, ranked No. 5 to No. 9 in Ballpoint Pens, and an Amazon search tool lists it as the most-clicked product for "pentel pens". ## Pentel R.S.V.P. specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pentel brand of ASTRUM Corporation (Japan) | | Type | Capped, refillable ballpoint | | Models | BK90 (0.7 mm Fine) · BK91 (1.0 mm Medium) | | Length | 15.6 cm (6.1 in) capped · 14.6 cm uncapped · 17.3 cm posted, per JetPens | | Diameter | 9.5 mm at the grip, 11.8 mm at most, per JetPens | | Weight | 11 g with ink, per JetPens | | Body | Clear barrel, latex-free rubberized "Comfort Zone" grip, stainless steel tip | | Refills | BKL7 (0.7 mm) · BKL10 (1.0 mm) | | Warranty | Limited lifetime, per retailer listings | | Made in | Mexico (Pentel of America catalog) | The size figures are JetPens' for the BK90 5-color set; Pentel doesn't publish dimensions in the sources we found. ![To-scale drawing of the Pentel R.S.V.P. Fine 0.7 mm in three states: 156 mm (6.1 in) capped, 146 mm (5.7 in) uncapped and 173 mm (6.8 in) with the cap posted](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-rsvp-lengths.svg) *Posting the cap adds 27 mm, making a 173 mm pen for large hands.* ## Should you get the 0.7 mm Fine or 1.0 mm Medium? **Pick the BK90 Fine (0.7 mm) for small handwriting and forms, and the BK91 Medium (1.0 mm) for a darker, bolder line.** The Fine is the one in most single-color packs and in JetPens' 5-color set. The Medium comes in assorted packs, with colors such as green and violet. The ink is a conventional ballpoint ink, so it needs more pressure than a gel pen or a hybrid ink like the [Pilot Acroball](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/). If you want an effortless line, a gel pen such as the [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) is the smoother choice. ## What refills does the R.S.V.P. use? **The capped R.S.V.P. takes Pentel BKL7 refills (0.7 mm) or BKL10 refills (1.0 mm).** Pentel of America lists both, and the BKL7 also comes in colors such as sky blue. That makes the R.S.V.P. one of the few cheap capped stick pens you can refill rather than throw away. ## Is there a retractable R.S.V.P.? **Yes: the R.S.V.P. RT (BK93) and the R.S.V.P. Super RT (BX480), both 1.0 mm.** Staples sells the RT in assorted 8-packs and the Super RT with a translucent barrel. If you'd rather click than cap, these keep the R.S.V.P. name and grip. ## How does the R.S.V.P. compare to other cheap ballpoints? **It sits between the disposable BIC Cristal and the steel-barreled Zebra F-301: a plastic pen, but refillable and with a soft grip.** | | Pentel R.S.V.P. | [BIC Cristal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/) | [Zebra F-301](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-301/) | |---|---|---|---| | Format | Capped (RT versions retract) | Capped | Retractable | | Points | 0.7 · 1.0 mm | 0.8 · 1.0 mm | 0.7 · 1.0 · 1.6 mm | | Body | Clear barrel, rubber grip | Clear hexagonal barrel | Steel barrel, plastic grip | | Refillable | Yes (BKL7, BKL10) | No | Yes (F-Refill) | | Made in | Mexico (Pentel of America) | Mexico (US packs) | Not stated | If you'd rather have a slim all-metal pen that lasts for decades, see the [Cross Classic Century](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/cross-classic-century/) or the Swiss-made [Caran d'Ache 849](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/caran-dache-849/). ## Where is the Pentel R.S.V.P. made? **In Mexico: Pentel of America's 2022 catalog gives Mexico as the origin of both the BK90 Fine and the BK91 Medium.** GoBizzy (Canada) lists Mexico for the pink and red BK90, and OnTimeSupplies (US) for the green BK91. ## How much does the Pentel R.S.V.P. cost? **It falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5 per pen).** Multi-packs at US retailers work out to well under $5 a pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between the Pentel R.S.V.P. BK90 and BK91? Only the point size. The BK90 has a 0.7 mm Fine point and the BK91 a 1.0 mm Medium point; both are capped pens with a clear barrel and rubberized grip. ### What refill does the Pentel R.S.V.P. use? Pentel BKL7 for the 0.7 mm Fine and BKL10 for the 1.0 mm Medium. Retailers list both for the capped R.S.V.P., and BKL7 refills also come in colors such as sky blue. ### Is the Pentel R.S.V.P. refillable? Yes. Retailers describe the capped R.S.V.P. as refillable with Pentel BKL7 (0.7 mm) or BKL10 (1.0 mm) refills, so you can keep the barrel and replace only the ink. ### How big is the Pentel R.S.V.P.? JetPens lists the 0.7 mm Fine at 15.6 cm (6.1 in) capped, 14.6 cm (5.7 in) uncapped and 17.3 cm (6.8 in) posted, with a 9.5 mm grip and 11.8 mm at its widest. It weighs 11 g with ink. ### Is there a retractable Pentel R.S.V.P.? Yes. The R.S.V.P. RT (BK93) and R.S.V.P. Super RT (BX480) are retractable 1.0 mm versions sold in the US, alongside the capped BK90 and BK91. ### Where is the Pentel R.S.V.P. made? In Mexico. Pentel of America's catalog gives Mexico as the origin of the BK90 and BK91, and retailers list Mexico for colors such as the pink and red BK90 and the green BK91. ### What does R.S.V.P. stand for on this pen? Pentel doesn't explain the name in the sources we found. Pentel of America's catalog calls its sturdy, well-balanced barrel what makes it a favorite pen. ## Sources - [商品を探す (Pentel Japan product index; no R.S.V.P. listed)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/) - [Pentel of America: Pentel RSVP Ballpoint Pen, assorted packs (BKL7 or BKL10 refills, latex-free grip, UPCs)](https://www.pentel.com/products/pentel-rsvp-ballpoint-pen-assorted-packs) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: RSVP BK90 Fine (BKL7 refill, origin Mexico)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/60) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: RSVP BK91 Medium (BKL10 refill, origin Mexico)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/62) - [JetPens: Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen, 0.7 mm, 5-color set, BK90BP5M (lengths, diameters, weight)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-RSVP-Ballpoint-Pen-0.7-mm-5-Color-Set/pd/37874) - [Staples: Pentel R.S.V.P. Fine, black, clear barrel, 24-pack BK90ASW2](https://www.staples.com/pentel-r-s-v-p-ballpoint-stick-pens-fine-point-black-ink-with-clear-barrel-24-pack-bk90asw2/product_PENBK90ASW2) - [Monk Office: Pentel R.S.V.P. Fine pink BK90P (BKL7 / BKL10 refills, Comfort Zone grip)](https://commercial.monk.ca/office-products/writing-correction/stick-capped-pens/penbk90p-pentel-rsvp-b-point-fine-pink) - [GoBizzy: Pentel R.S.V.P. pink, Fine 0.7 mm, BK90-P (made in Mexico)](https://www.gobizzy.ca/en/product/BK90-P-0_Pentel_R_S_V_P__Ballpoint_Pen%2C_Pink%2C_Fine_0_7_mm.aspx) - [GoBizzy: Pentel R.S.V.P. red, Fine 0.7 mm, BK90-B (made in Mexico)](https://www.gobizzy.ca/en/product/BK90-B_Pentel_R_S_V_P__Ballpoint_Pen%2C_Red%2C_Fine_0_7_mm.aspx) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pentel R.S.V.P. Medium 1 mm, green, BK91D (Mexico)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penbk91d-rsvp-ballpoint-stick-pens-medium-pen-point-1-mm-pen-point-size-refillable-green-clear-barrel.html) - [Staples: Pentel R.S.V.P. RT retractable, 1 mm, assorted 8-pack](https://www.staples.com/Pentel-R-S-V-P-RT-Retractable-Ballpoint-Pen-1-mm-Medium-Assorted-8-Pack/product_912542) - [Staples: Pentel R.S.V.P. Super RT, 1 mm, 8-pack BX480BP8M](https://www.staples.com/pentel-r-s-v-p-super-tr-retractable-ballpoint-pen-1-mm-point-size-translucent-barrel-8-pack/product_PENBX480BP8M) - [Walmart: Pentel RSVP Ballpoint Pen, 0.7 mm Fine, black, 2-pack](https://www.walmart.com/ip/19412039) - [Desertcart (Amazon mirror): Pentel R.S.V.P. black 5-pack, ratings and Best Sellers Rank](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/3051754) - [AmazonSEO.ai: Amazon best sellers for "pentel pens" (R.S.V.P. most clicked)](https://www.amazonseo.ai/pt/amazon-best-sellers/pentel-pens) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) --- # Stabilo Point 88: Fineliner Colors, Tip & Dry-Out > The Stabilo Point 88 is a capped fineliner with water-based ink, a 0.4 mm metal-encased tip and an orange hexagonal barrel with white stripes. STABILO lists 65 colors and more than 3 billion pens sold. Digitec lists a single pen at 16.7 cm (6.6 in) and about 6 g, and Swiss listings give Germany as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stabilo-point-88/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped black Stabilo Point 88 fineliner, drawn to scale at 167 mm (6.6 in) long and about 8 mm across: orange hexagonal barrel with white edge stripes and black printing, black end plug and black cap with clip, with a close-up of the 0.4 mm metal-encased tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/stabilo-point-88-16x9.png) *The Point 88 in black (88/46), drawn to scale from Digitec's 16.7 cm length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/stabilo-point-88-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner (0.4 mm) | Stabilo (by Schwan-STABILO (Heroldsberg, Germany)) | Germany | Germany | Plastic hexagonal barrel (96% bio-based, mass balance) and ventilated cap, metal-encased fiber tip | 1977 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner (0.4 mm)): Germany. Most Digitec/Galaxus single-pen listings (for example violet) give Germany. A few Digitec listings for other colors, such as green and moss green, give China, so origin may vary by color. STABILO's German and US product pages don't state the country, and Icecat no longer shows it; Digitec and Galaxus blocked our reader when we rechecked on October 20, 2026. Source: https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/stabilo-point-88-1x-pens-16007210 ## Key takeaways - Every Point 88 writes a 0.4 mm line from a metal-encased tip that STABILO says works with rulers and stencils; its German site lists a single pen at €1.10 (about US$1.20). - STABILO lists 65 colors, including 6 neon shades and many pastels; its US page adds more than 3 billion pens sold worldwide. - Digitec lists a single pen at 16.7 cm (6.6 in) long, 0.8 cm across and 5.79 g. - STABILO's German site says the barrel is made with 96% bio-based plastic (ISCC PLUS, mass balance) and that the ink is not waterproof. - Most Digitec and Galaxus listings give Germany as the country of origin; a few colors list China. ## What is the Stabilo Point 88? **The Stabilo Point 88 is a capped fineliner with water-based ink, a 0.4 mm fiber tip in a metal casing and a recognizable orange hexagonal barrel with white stripes.** It's made by STABILO, the German brand of Schwan-STABILO in Heroldsberg. STABILO's German site calls it "Europas Fineliner Nr. 1", Europe's No. 1 fineliner; the Swiss retailer Manor adds "since 1977", and STABILO's US page says more than 3 billion have been sold worldwide. STABILO's German shop lists a single pen at €1.10 (about US$1.20) including VAT. It also says the barrel is made with 96% bio-based plastic, counted by ISCC PLUS mass balance. ## Stabilo Point 88 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Schwan-STABILO (Heroldsberg, Germany) | | Type | Capped fineliner (fiber tip) | | Line width | 0.4 mm, every color | | Tip | Fiber, metal-encased; STABILO says ruler- and stencil-safe | | Ink | Water-based (Manor); not waterproof, not document-proof (STABILO) | | Colors | 65, including 6 neons and many pastels (STABILO) | | Cap | Ventilated; posts on the end of the pen (STABILO) | | Length | 16.7 cm (6.6 in) capped, per Digitec | | Width | 0.8 cm across, per Digitec | | Weight | 5.79 g, per Digitec | | Black item number | 88/46 (STABILO) | | Made in | Germany (most listings; some colors China) | The size and weight come from Swiss retailer data for single pens; another color is listed at 16.8 cm and 6.5 g. STABILO doesn't publish dimensions in the sources we found. ![To-scale drawing at 20 times of the Stabilo Point 88 hexagonal orange barrel seen end-on, about 8 mm across with white stripes at the edges and the metal-encased tip at the center, next to a 0.4 mm line](https://stationerytimes.com/images/stabilo-point-88-end-view.svg) *The hexagonal barrel is about 20 times as wide as the 0.4 mm line it writes.* ## What does the metal-encased tip do? **STABILO's German site says the "metallgefasste Spitze", the metal-encased tip, gives the pen a long life and is suited to rulers and stencils.** That matters for bullet journals, diagrams and underlining, where you run the tip along a straight edge again and again. The Point 88 comes in only one tip size, so every color matches in line weight. For a range of widths, look at the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/). ## Can you leave the Point 88 uncapped? **STABILO says yes, for a while: it claims high protection against drying out without the cap, so the pen can lie open beside you while you draw.** STABILO doesn't give a time. This is a maker claim we haven't tested yet. ## How many colors does the Point 88 come in? **STABILO's German and US pages list 65 colors, including 6 neon shades and many pastels.** Retailers sell them in wallets and desk sets, from 8 and 10 colors up to JetPens' 25-color wallet and 30-color sets. Some listings give lower counts, such as Rossmann's 47, so check the current set contents. If you highlight over your notes, pair it with a highlighter that doesn't smear water-based ink; our [highlighters that don't bleed](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-highlighters-that-dont-bleed/) guide compares the [Zebra Mildliner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-mildliner/), Stabilo Boss and others. ## How does the Point 88 compare to other fineliners? **It's the colorful, one-size option; the Micron is the archival-ink option and the Sign Pen the bolder fiber tip.** | | Stabilo Point 88 | [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) | [Pentel Sign Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sign-pen/) | |---|---|---|---| | Line | 0.4 mm | 0.15–0.70 mm (003 to 12) | 0.8–1.0 mm | | Ink | Water-based | Archival pigment | Water-based | | Colors | 65 (STABILO) | Black and colors | Black and colors | | Barrel | Orange hexagonal, striped | Beige round | Black round | | Made in | Germany (most listings) | Japan | Japan (most listings) | ## Where is the Stabilo Point 88 made? **Most Swiss retailer listings (Digitec, Galaxus) give Germany, where STABILO is based.** A few Digitec listings for other colors, such as green and moss green, give China, so origin may vary by color. STABILO's German and US product pages don't state the country. ## How much does a Point 88 cost? **It falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5 per pen), when bought in the usual wallets.** Single pens and multi-color sets both work out to under $5 a pen at US retailers. ## Frequently asked questions ### What line width does the Stabilo Point 88 write? 0.4 mm. STABILO and retailers give the same 0.4 mm line for every color, from a fiber tip held in a metal casing. ### How many colors does the Stabilo Point 88 come in? STABILO's German and US pages list 65 colors, including 6 neon shades and many pastels. Retailer counts vary, such as Rossmann's 47, depending on the country and when the range was listed. ### Can you leave the Stabilo Point 88 uncapped? STABILO says it has high protection against drying out without the cap, so it can lie open beside you while you draw. STABILO doesn't give a time, and we haven't tested it yet, so cap it when you can. ### Is the Stabilo Point 88 a felt-tip pen or a fineliner? It's a fineliner: a fiber-tip pen with a fine 0.4 mm point in a metal casing. STABILO says the metal casing gives the tip a long life and lets you write along rulers and stencils. ### How long is a Stabilo Point 88? Digitec lists a single pen at 16.7 cm (6.6 in) long and 0.8 cm across, weighing 5.79 g; another listing gives 16.8 cm and 6.5 g. It's longer than most capped gel pens. ### Where is the Stabilo Point 88 made? Most Swiss retailer listings give Germany, where STABILO is based in Heroldsberg. A few colors are listed as made in China, and STABILO doesn't state the country, so check the package. ### Stabilo Point 88 or Sakura Pigma Micron? Pick the Point 88 for a wide range of colors in one 0.4 mm size, and the Micron for archival pigment ink in many line widths. The Micron 05 writes a 0.45 mm line, close to the Point 88. ## Sources - [STABILO (DE): Fineliner STABILO point 88, Einzelstift schwarz 88/46 (STABILO's German shop: €1.10, 65 colors incl. 6 neon, ventilated cap, not waterproof, 96% bio-based barrel)](https://www.stabilo.com/de/fineliner-stabilo-point-88/88-46) - [STABILO (US): Fineliner STABILO point 88 (65 colors, more than 3 billion sold)](https://www.stabilo.com/us/products/writing/fineliner-stabilo-point-88) - [Manor (Switzerland): STABILO point 88 25er Rollerset (German copy: Europe's No. 1 fineliner since 1977, water-based lightfast ink)](https://www.manor.ch/de/p/10001282569) - [Digitec: STABILO point 88, single pen (dimensions, weight, origin)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/stabilo-point-88-1x-pens-16007210) - [Galaxus: STABILO point 88, single pen (dimensions, weight, origin)](https://www.galaxus.it/en/s12/product/stabilo-point-88-red-1-x-pens-5608772) - [Rossmann (DE): STABILO Fineliner point 88 (47 colors in Rossmann's range)](https://www.rossmann.de/de/haushalt-stabilo-fineliner-point-88/p/4006381316132) - [JetPens: Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner 0.4 mm, 25-color wallet](https://www.jetpens.com/Stabilo-Point-88-Fineliner-Pen-0.4-mm-25-Color-Set-Wallet/reviews/11079) --- # Zebra F-301: Steel Barrel, Point Sizes & Refills > The Zebra F-301 is a refillable, retractable ballpoint with a stainless steel barrel and a black textured grip, Zebra's entry-level Steel Series pen. JetPens lists the 0.7 mm Fine at 129 mm (5.1 in) long and 11 g. Zebra sells it in 0.7, 1.0 and 1.6 mm points, all taking the Zebra F-Refill. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-301/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the Zebra F-301 ballpoint with the point retracted, drawn to scale at 129 mm (5.1 in) long and 8.7 mm across: stainless steel barrel, black plastic top with a steel clip and plunger, black textured grip and cone, with a close-up of the 0.7 mm F-Refill point](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/zebra-f-301-16x9.png) *The F-301 0.7 mm Fine, drawn to scale from JetPens' 129 mm length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/zebra-f-301-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Zebra F-301 Retractable Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (0.7 / 1.0 / 1.6 mm) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Not stated | Stainless steel barrel, metal clip, plastic grip and top section | 1982 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Zebra F-301 Retractable Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (0.7 / 1.0 / 1.6 mm)): Not stated. Zebra doesn't state the country of origin on its US or Japanese sites, and retailer data conflicts: a distributor and an eBay seller give Indonesia for F-Refills (not the pen), one eBay listing gives United States for an F-301 2-pack, and OnTimeSupplies gives country of origin ID (Indonesia) for the 1.6 mm 2-pack 27312 while also showing a generic Made in USA badge. Check the package of the pen you buy. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb27312-f-301-ballpoint-pen-retractable-bold-16-mm-black-ink-stainless-steel-black-barrel-2-pack.html ## Key takeaways - JetPens lists the 0.7 mm F-301 at 12.9 cm (5.1 in) retracted, 8.7 mm across at most and 11 g with ink. - Three point sizes: 0.7 mm Fine, 1.0 mm Medium and 1.6 mm Bold. - It takes the Zebra F-Refill; the 0.7 mm black 2-pack is item 85512, the same refill as the F-701 and F-402. - Zebra Pen calls it America's No. 1 steel ballpoint pen; its US store sells it in 2- and 4-packs, such as item 27112 (2 black 0.7 mm pens). - Zebra doesn't state where the F-301 is made in our sources, and retailer listings conflict. ## What is the Zebra F-301? **The Zebra F-301 is a retractable, refillable ballpoint with a stainless steel barrel, made by the Japanese pen maker Zebra and sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation.** Zebra calls it part of its Steel 3 Series, with a steel barrel, textured grip and metal clip. Unsharpen places it as the entry-level model of the Steel Series, below the F-402 and the [Zebra F-701](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-701/). Zebra Pen calls it America's No. 1 steel ballpoint pen and says its shorter length works well in shirt pockets. A Dutch retailer, Japanshop.nl, says it was launched in 1982; Zebra doesn't give a launch year. Zebra's Japanese site doesn't list the F-301 in its current product catalog in our searches, so it appears to be sold mainly outside Japan, through Zebra Pen Corporation in the US; there is no Japanese list price, model code or JAN to add. ## Zebra F-301 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Zebra Co., Ltd. (Japan); US seller Zebra Pen Corporation | | Type | Retractable, refillable ballpoint | | Point sizes | 0.7 mm Fine · 1.0 mm Medium · 1.6 mm Bold | | Length | 12.9 cm (5.1 in) retracted, per JetPens | | Diameter | 8.6 mm at the grip, 8.7 mm at most, per JetPens | | Weight | 11 g (0.39 oz) with ink, per JetPens | | Body | Stainless steel barrel; plastic top, grip and cone; metal clip | | Refill | Zebra F-Refill (0.7 mm black 2-pack: 85512) | | Model / item | F-301 · 27112 (2-pack, 0.7 mm black, UPC 045888271128) · 27312 (2-pack, 1.6 mm black) | | Made in | Not stated by Zebra; retailer listings conflict | JetPens lists the same length and weight for the blue (27120) and red 0.7 mm pens. Zebra Pen's refill page uses the Fine, Medium and Bold names above, but its F-301 store page labels the 0.7 mm pen "Medium" and the 1.6 mm "Extra Bold", so go by the millimeter size when you buy. ## Which F-301 point size should you choose? **Pick the 0.7 mm Fine for everyday writing, the 1.0 mm Medium for a darker line and the 1.6 mm Bold for signatures.** Most packs are the 0.7 mm Fine, in black, blue or red ink. The 1.6 mm Bold, sold in 2-packs such as item 27312, lays down a much heavier ballpoint line. ![To-scale drawing at 80 times of the three Zebra F-301 point sizes: 0.7 mm Fine, 1.0 mm Medium and 1.6 mm Bold, all taking the matching Zebra F-Refill](https://stationerytimes.com/images/zebra-f-301-point-sizes.svg) *The 1.6 mm Bold ball is more than twice the diameter of the 0.7 mm Fine.* ## What refill does the F-301 use? **It takes the Zebra F-Refill, the same refill as the F-402 and F-701.** In the US, the 0.7 mm black F-Refill comes in 2-packs as item 85512, and blue refills are sold the same way. For the 1.6 mm Bold, a business supplier lists a bold conical-tip F-Refill as black 2-pack 82712. Because the refill is a standard Zebra part, an F-301 can outlast many refills. That makes it a cheap way into a metal-barreled, refillable pen. ## How does the F-301 write? **It writes like a standard oil-based ballpoint: dry, quick to dry and needing some pressure.** In his 2010 review, Brad Dowdy of The Pen Addict liked the look of the steel barrel and its size but wrote that the pen "doesn't quite cut it in the performance department". He found the grip too firm and slick for a pen that needs pressure. If you want a smoother line from a similar retractable, the [uni-ball Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/) and [Pilot Acroball](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/) use low-viscosity hybrid inks. ## How does the F-301 compare to the F-701? **Both take the same F-Refill; the F-701 trades the plastic grip for a knurled metal one and weighs about twice as much.** | | Zebra F-301 | [Zebra F-701](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-701/) | [BIC Cristal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/) | |---|---|---|---| | Body | Steel barrel, plastic grip | Steel barrel, knurled metal grip | Clear plastic, capped | | Length | 129 mm (JetPens) | 133 mm (Unsharpen) | Not compared here | | Weight | 11 g (JetPens) | 20 to 21 g | Lighter, disposable | | Refill | Zebra F-Refill | Zebra F-Refill | Not refillable | | Points | 0.7 · 1.0 · 1.6 mm | 0.7 mm | 0.8 · 1.0 mm | For more slim pens that clip into a pocket, see our [best pocket pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pocket-pens/). If you want a metal click pen from a heritage brand, the [Parker Jotter](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/parker-jotter/) is the classic step up. ## Where is the Zebra F-301 made? **Zebra doesn't state where the F-301 is made on its US store or Japanese site, and US listings disagree.** A distributor and an eBay seller list Indonesia for Zebra F-Refills, one eBay listing gives the United States for an F-301 2-pack, and OnTimeSupplies gives country of origin ID (Indonesia) for the 1.6 mm 2-pack 27312 while also showing a generic Made in USA badge. Check the package of the pen you buy. ## How much does the Zebra F-301 cost? **It falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5 per pen), in the usual multi-packs.** A black 12-pack works out to well under $5 a pen at US retailers. ## Frequently asked questions ### What refill does the Zebra F-301 take? The Zebra F-Refill in the matching point size. The 0.7 mm black 2-pack is item 85512, and the same refill fits the F-402 and F-701; a bold F-Refill (black 2-pack 82712) suits the 1.6 mm pen. ### How long is the Zebra F-301? JetPens lists the 0.7 mm F-301 at 12.9 cm (5.1 in) long with the point retracted, 8.6 mm across at the grip and 8.7 mm at its widest. That's a slim pen, a little shorter than most office ballpoints. ### Is the Zebra F-301 all metal? No. The barrel is stainless steel and the clip is metal, but the top section, the textured grip and the cone are black plastic. For a pen with a metal grip, look at the Zebra F-701. ### What point sizes does the F-301 come in? Zebra sells it in 0.7 mm Fine, 1.0 mm Medium and 1.6 mm Bold. The 0.7 mm Fine is the one in most packs, in black, blue and red ink. ### How much does a Zebra F-301 weigh? JetPens lists 11 g (0.39 oz) for the whole pen with ink, light for a pen with a steel barrel because the grip and top are plastic. ### Where is the Zebra F-301 made? Zebra doesn't say in the sources we found, and US listings disagree, naming Indonesia for refills and the United States for some packs. Zebra itself is a Japanese company; check the package of the exact pen you buy. ### What is the difference between the Zebra F-301 and F-701? Both take the same F-Refill. The F-301 has a plastic textured grip and weighs about 11 g; the F-701 has a knurled metal grip and weighs 20 to 21 g. ## Sources - [Zebra Pen (US): F-301 Retractable Ballpoint (America's No. 1 steel ballpoint; item numbers and UPCs; read in full)](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-301-retractable-ballpoint) - [Zebra Pen (US): F-Refill (fits F-301, F-301A, F-301 Compact, F-402, F-701; 85512, 85412, 82712)](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-refill) - [商品情報｜ゼブラ株式会社 (Zebra Japan product catalog; no F-301 listed)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/index.html) - [Zebra Pen: Spotlight on Zebra Steel 3 Series (F-301, point sizes, F-Refill)](https://www.zebrapen.com/blogs/blog/guide-3-series) - [JetPens: Zebra F-301 Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen, 0.7 mm, blue (12.9 cm, 8.7 mm, 11 g)](https://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-F-301-Stainless-Steel-Ballpoint-Pen-0.7-mm-Blue-Ink/pd/5861) - [JetPens: Zebra F-301 Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen, 0.7 mm, red](https://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-F-301-Stainless-Steel-Ballpoint-Pen-0.7-mm-Red-Ink/pd/33205) - [Walmart: Zebra F-301 Fine 0.7 mm](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1552587699) - [OnTimeSupplies: Zebra F-301 Bold 1.6 mm, 2-pack 27312 (country of origin ID)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb27312-f-301-ballpoint-pen-retractable-bold-16-mm-black-ink-stainless-steel-black-barrel-2-pack.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Zebra F-Refill bold, black 2-pack 82712](https://docker1-www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb82712-f-refill-for-zebra-f-series-ballpoint-pens-bold-conical-tip-black-ink-2-pack.html) - [Japanshop.nl: Zebra F-301 ballpoint pen 0.7 mm black (launched 1982)](https://www.japanshop.nl/pens/ballpoint-pens/zebra-f-301-ballpoint-pen-0-7-mm-black) - [The Pen Addict: Review: Zebra F-301 0.7 mm Ballpoint (December 15, 2010)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2010/12/15/review-zebra-f-301-07mm-ballpoint.html) - [Unsharpen: Zebra F-301 Stainless Steel (Steel Series position, F-Refill)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/zebra-f-301-stainless-steel/) --- # DELFONICS Quitterie Pen Case: Size, PVC & Colors > The DELFONICS Quitterie pen case is a slim, triangular zip pouch from the Japanese brand DELFONICS, made of waterproof PVC with a scotch-grain texture and a gold zip. DELFONICS lists the Classic at 191 × 60 × 33 mm (about 7.5 × 2.4 × 1.3 in) with a gusseted base, and gives Japan as the country of production. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/delfonics-quitterie-pen-case/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![DELFONICS Quitterie pen case in Dark Blue drawn to scale, 191 mm long: closed as a slim triangular pouch with a gold zip along the top, and unzipped holding pens and pencils](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/delfonics-quitterie-pen-case-16x9.png) *The Classic Quitterie (19.1 × 6 × 3.3 cm) closed and open, drawn to scale from retailer listings.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/delfonics-quitterie-pen-case-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | DELFONICS Quitterie Pen Case (Classic) | DELFONICS | Japan | Japan | PVC (vinyl) with a scotch-grain texture; gold-tone zip (silver on Beige and Wine) | – | $$: $5–20 per case | - Made in (DELFONICS Quitterie Pen Case (Classic)): Japan. DELFONICS's Japanese web shop lists 生産国 (country of production): 日本 (Japan) for the pen case and the Flat pen case. Front General Store and FindTape also list it as made in Japan. Source: https://shop.delfonics.com/c/pouch_case/QR06 ## Key takeaways - DELFONICS lists the Classic Quitterie pen case at 191 × 60 × 33 mm and ¥1,155 (about US$7.30) in Japan; FindTape gives 7.25 × 2.5 × 1 in. - DELFONICS lists the Flat version at 182 × 85 × 15 mm, taller but much thinner than the Classic. - DELFONICS lists the material as PVC (塩ビ) with a grained, scotch-grain-leather feel; retailers call it waterproof. - DELFONICS's Japanese shop lists 10 colors; the newest, Beige and Wine, have a silver zip and logo instead of gold. - DELFONICS's Japanese web shop gives Japan as the country of production, as do Front General Store and FindTape. ## What is the DELFONICS Quitterie pen case? **It's a slim zip pen case from the Japanese stationery brand DELFONICS, made of waterproof PVC with a leather-like scotch-grain texture.** The Classic version has a gusseted base that narrows to a gold zip, giving it a triangular profile. Quitterie (キトリ in Japanese) is a whole DELFONICS line, with pouches and card cases as well as pen cases. In the US, shops such as Front General Store, FindTape and Beauty Habit carry it. ## DELFONICS Quitterie pen case specs | Spec | Classic | Flat | |---|---|---| | Size (DELFONICS) | 191 × 60 × 33 mm (7.5 × 2.4 × 1.3 in) | 182 × 85 × 15 mm (7.2 × 3.3 × 0.6 in) | | FindTape's figure | 7.25 × 2.5 × 1 in | 7.25 × 3.3 × 0.6 in | | Japan price | ¥1,155 (about US$7.30), tax included | ¥1,243 (about US$7.90), tax included | | Shape | Gusseted base, triangular profile | Flat pouch | | Material | Waterproof scotch-grain PVC | Waterproof scotch-grain PVC | | Closure | Gold-tone zip (silver on Beige, Wine) | Gold-tone zip (silver on Beige, Wine) | | Made in | Japan (DELFONICS) | Japan (DELFONICS) | Sizes, prices and origin come from DELFONICS's Japanese web shop, which lists the material as PVC (塩ビ). Front General Store gives the same sizes in centimeters (19.1 × 6.0 × 3.3 cm and 18.2 × 8.5 × 1.5 cm). DELFONICS's shop uses the page code QR06 for the pen case; FindTape lists it as QR25OR / 500222. ![To-scale front and end views of the DELFONICS Quitterie pen case Classic in Dark Blue: 191 mm (7.5 in) long and 60 mm (2.4 in) tall, with a 33 mm base narrowing to the gold zip at the top](https://stationerytimes.com/images/delfonics-quitterie-pen-case-dimensions.svg) *The Classic Quitterie drawn to scale; the end view shows its triangular profile.* ## How many pens does it hold? **Neither DELFONICS nor the retailers we checked publish a pen count.** DELFONICS says only that the gusseted base (マチ) holds more than it looks, and FindTape says it stores more than you'd expect while keeping its slim shape. At 19.1 cm (7.5 in) long, it is meant for full-length pens such as the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/); we have not yet checked the fit ourselves. The triangular shape means it holds most at the base and narrows toward the zip. ## What is the Quitterie made of? **PVC (vinyl) with a grain; DELFONICS says it feels like scotch-grain leather, and retailers call it waterproof.** It's a textured vinyl rather than real leather, so it wipes clean. Most colors have a gold-tone zip and foil-stamped logo. DELFONICS says the two newest colors, Beige and Wine, use silver for the logo and zip instead, and FindTape mentions both silver and gold hardware. ## Which colors and versions are there? **DELFONICS's Japanese shop lists 10 colors for the pen case, with Beige and Wine as the newest, and the same two were added to the Flat.** The 10 are Wine, Beige, White, Yellow, Pink, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Turquoise, Greige and Black. FindTape sells the same 10 in the US without saying which come in which version, so check the listing. DELFONICS's own stores in Japan also sell store-only (直営店限定) Quitterie colors, such as light yellow, coral pink and a pistachio-like light green, and in 2026 added store-only items such as a slim pen case at ¥935 (about US$5.90). We didn't find those at US retailers. Choose the Classic for pens and pencils, and the Flat if you carry a few pens with flat items. FindTape says the Flat's extra height suits small tools such as protractors and erasers. ## How does it compare with other pen cases? **The Quitterie is the dressiest of these; the others are fabric and built for desk use.** | | DELFONICS Quitterie (Classic) | [KOKUYO C2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-c2-pen-case/) (L) | [KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/) (Regular) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 191 × 60 × 33 mm | 200 × 50 × 50 mm | 85 × 50 × 195 mm | | Material | Waterproof PVC | Polyester over a PP core | Polyester over a PP core | | On the desk | Stays a pouch | Opens into a tray | Folds into a pen stand | C2 and Neo Critz figures come from their guides. Choose the Quitterie if you want a slim, wipe-clean case that looks good in a bag. For fountain pens that each need their own loop, see the [Galen Leather 10 slot case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/galen-leather-zippered-10-slot-pen-case/). ## What are the downsides? **It's a simple zip pouch: neither DELFONICS nor the retailers we checked mention pen loops, inner pockets or dividers, so expect small items to mix with your pens.** Capacity is the other unknown, because no pen count is published, and the triangular profile narrows toward the zip. Prices also vary widely between shops, though most US listings we found sit in the $5–20 band. If you want your pens on show at a desk, a tray or stand case does that better. ## Where is it made? **In Japan: DELFONICS's Japanese web shop gives 生産国 (country of production) as Japan for both the pen case and the Flat pen case.** Front General Store and FindTape also list the Quitterie as made in Japan. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the DELFONICS Quitterie pen case? DELFONICS lists the Classic at 191 × 60 × 33 mm, about 7.5 × 2.4 × 1.3 in; FindTape rounds it to 7.25 × 2.5 × 1 in. DELFONICS lists the Flat at 182 × 85 × 15 mm. ### What is the Quitterie pen case made of? DELFONICS lists PVC (塩ビ) with a grain that it says feels like scotch-grain leather; retailers call it waterproof. Most colors close with a gold-tone zip; Beige and Wine have silver. ### Is the Quitterie pen case leather? No. The leather look comes from the textured PVC, so it wipes clean and shrugs off spills. ### How many pens fit in a Quitterie pen case? DELFONICS and the retailers we checked don't publish a pen count. DELFONICS says the gusseted base holds more than it looks, and FindTape says the same. ### What's the difference between the Quitterie Classic and Flat pen cases? The Classic has a gusseted base and a triangular profile, 60 mm tall and 33 mm deep. The Flat is a thinner pouch, 85 mm tall and 15 mm deep per DELFONICS, which costs ¥1,243 (about US$7.90) in Japan against ¥1,155 (about US$7.30). ### What colors does the Quitterie pen case come in? DELFONICS's Japanese shop lists 10: Wine, Beige, White, Yellow, Pink, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Turquoise, Greige and Black. FindTape sells the same 10 in the US; DELFONICS's own stores also sell store-only colors. ### Where is the DELFONICS Quitterie made? DELFONICS's Japanese web shop gives Japan as the country of production, and Front General Store and FindTape say the same. ## Sources - [キトリ ペンケース｜DELFONICS WEB SHOP (Quitterie pen case: 191 × 60 × 33 mm, PVC, made in Japan, ¥1,155, 10 colors)](https://shop.delfonics.com/c/pouch_case/QR06) - [キトリ フラットペンケース｜DELFONICS WEB SHOP (Quitterie flat pen case: 182 × 85 × 15 mm, made in Japan, ¥1,243)](https://shop.delfonics.com/c/pouch_case/500343) - [【直営店限定】キトリシリーズに新アイテム・新色が登場 (DELFONICS: store-only Quitterie items and colors, 2026)](https://shop.delfonics.com/contents/quitterie2026/) - [Front General Store: DELFONICS Quitterie Pen Case (19.1 × 6.0 × 3.3 cm, waterproof PVC, made in Japan)](https://frontgeneralstore.com/products/delfonics-quitterie-pen-case) - [Front General Store: DELFONICS Quitterie Flat Pen Case (18.2 × 8.5 × 1.5 cm)](https://frontgeneralstore.com/products/delfonics-quitterie-flat-pen-case) - [FindTape: Delfonics Quitterie Pen & Pencil Cases (Classic and Flat sizes, PVC, colors, code 500222, Japan)](https://findtape.com/Delfonics-Quitterie-Pen-Pencil-Cases/p1926) - [Beauty Habit: Quitterie Pencil/Pen Case, Black](https://www.beautyhabit.com/products/delfonics-quitterie-pen-case-black) - [Beauty Habit: Quitterie Pen Case Flat, Dark Blue](https://www.beautyhabit.com/products/delfonics-quitterie-pen-case-flat-dark-blue) - [FindTape: Delfonics Quitterie Pouch](https://findtape.com/Delfonics-Quitterie-Pouch/p1929) --- # Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp: Dials & Ink > The Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp is a rubber-band date stamp for journals: turn its bands to set the month and day and pick one of 12 symbols. Midori lists the body at 104 × 60 × 38 mm, with an oil-based ink pad that sits inside it, so you can color over the print with water-based markers. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp drawn to scale, 60 mm wide and 104 mm tall, with its date bands set to 10·20, beside its open ink pad and a page with two dated prints colored in yellow and light blue](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp-16x9.png) *Turn the bands, stamp, then color over the print: the oil-based ink stays put under water-based markers.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp, Flower (35455006) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | China | Body ABS, POM, TPU and polycarbonate with spring and screw steel; rubber stamp face; ink pad ABS and urethane with oil-pigment-based black ink | 2022-05 | $$$: $20–75 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp, Flower (35455006)): China. Midori's Japanese online store gives 原産国 (country of origin) MADE IN CHINA for every design we checked: Flower (35455006), Frame (35454006), Stationery (35456006), Animal Speech Bubble (35457006) and Forest Animal (35453006). Source: https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35455006.html ## Key takeaways - Midori gives the body as H104 × W60 × D38 mm (4.1 × 2.4 × 1.5 in), in a 182 × 108 × 39 mm package. - Each of the six designs prints the date plus one of 12 symbols, and the symbol dial can be left blank for your own text. - The ink pad fits inside the body and holds oil-pigment-based black ink for about 2,000 presses; Midori's 5 ml refill is 35384006. - Midori's Japanese store lists each design at ¥3,520 (about US$22) with tax and gives China as the country of origin. - Midori announced the date stamp on May 25, 2022, two years after its Paintable rotating design stamps arrived in 2020. ## What is the Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp? **It's a rotating rubber-band date stamp for journals and planners: you turn the bands to set the month and day, pick a symbol, and stamp, with the included ink pad sitting inside the body.** The "Paintable" name means the print is made to be colored in afterward. Midori, the Tokyo stationery brand of Designphil Inc., says its Paintable rotating design stamps were first released in 2020, and it announced this date stamp on May 25, 2022. It sits in that range alongside monthly and list stamps, and JetPens and Goldspot carry several designs in the US. ## Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Body (H × W × D) | 104 × 60 × 38 mm (4.1 × 2.4 × 1.5 in) | | Package | 182 × 108 × 39 mm | | Print size | About 4 × 2.5 cm (1.6 × 1 in), JetPens, Flower version | | Dials | Month and day bands, plus a dial with 12 symbols that can be left blank | | Ink | Pad inside the body, oil-pigment-based, black; about 2,000 presses | | Refill | 35384006, 5 ml black oil-pigment ink, ¥550 (about US$3.50) | | Materials | Body ABS, POM, TPU, polycarbonate, spring and screw steel; rubber face | | Model | 35455006 (Flower) | | List price (Japan) | ¥3,520 (about US$22) with tax | | Made in | China (Midori) | Everything except the print size comes from Midori's Japanese online store and its English announcement. Midori doesn't give a print size; the JetPens figure is the retailer's. ![To-scale front and side views of the Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp, 60 mm wide, 38 mm deep and 104 mm tall, beside a 40 by 25 mm print showing a flower and the date 10.20](https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp-dimensions.svg) *The body and one print drawn to scale from Midori's and JetPens' figures.* At 60 mm (2.4 in) wide, the print sits comfortably in the daily page of an A6 planner such as the [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). ## How does the rotating date stamp work? **Turn the bands to the month and day, turn the symbol dial to the mark you want, then stamp.** The bands are rubber loops with the characters on them, and the ink pad set inside the body inks them, so the bottom of the stamp prints whatever is set. The picture around the outside is fixed. Midori says the 12 symbols cover weather, events, anniversaries, birthdays, travel, records, moods and checks. Goldspot says the Cat version's symbols include stretching, sitting and sleeping cats and paw prints. Midori suggests stamping a few test prints first and not pressing too hard, which thickens the lines. ## Does it print the year? **No: it has month and day bands plus a symbol dial, but no year band.** If you need the year, write it in. Midori's announcement says the 12-symbol dial can be left blank so you can add your own text, such as the year or "Best before". ## What does "Paintable" mean? **It means the stamp uses oil-pigment-based ink, so you can color over the print with water-based markers without the black lines bleeding.** Midori says so, and also warns that drying can be slower, and bleeding or show-through possible, on some papers. That makes it a good partner for water-based highlighters such as the [Zebra Mildliner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-mildliner/) or a brush pen such as the [Tombow Dual Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-dual-brush-pen/). We haven't yet tested alcohol markers or watercolor over it. ## Which design should you choose? **Choose by the picture, because every version prints the date and 12 symbols the same way.** Midori makes six designs, all at ¥3,520 (about US$22) in Japan: | Design | Item number | Style | |---|---|---| | Cat | 35452006 | Full picture | | Forest Animal | 35453006 | Full picture: rabbit, bird and fox | | Frame | 35454006 | Full picture: a decorative border | | Flower | 35455006 | Room to write below the picture | | Stationery | 35456006 | Fountain pen and ink; room to write above and below | | Animal Speech Bubble | 35457006 | Lion and elephant; room to write above and below | US retailers such as Goldspot carry the Cat, Forest Animals, Flowers and Animal Speech Bubbles designs; all sit in the same $20–75 band at the US shops we checked. ## How does it compare with other planner stamps? **It's the only one of these that changes the date for you.** A self-inking stamp like the [Trodat Printy 4912](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/trodat-printy-4912/) prints one fixed text with no pad, while Midori's pre-inked [Paintable Stamp Half Size](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-paintable-stamp-half-size/) prints one fixed layout, such as a time tracker, from ink held in the stamp itself. If you'd rather not ink anything, date-frame stickers do a similar job in a planner. ## Where is it made? **Midori's Japanese online store gives China as the country of origin for every design we checked.** That covers the Flower, Frame, Stationery, Animal Speech Bubble and Forest Animal stamps. Midori is a Japanese brand of Designphil Inc., based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp? Midori gives the body as H104 × W60 × D38 mm, about 4.1 × 2.4 × 1.5 in, in a 182 × 108 × 39 mm package. JetPens lists the Flower version's print at about 4 × 2.5 cm. ### Does the Midori rotating date stamp print the year? No. It has month and day bands plus a 12-symbol dial. Midori says the symbol dial can be left blank so you can write in text such as the year. ### Does it come with ink? Yes. An ink pad with oil-pigment-based black ink fits inside the body and lasts for about 2,000 presses, per Midori. When it fades, Midori's black refill ink, 35384006, tops it up. ### Can you use watercolor or markers over the stamp? That's what it's designed for. Midori says the oil-based ink won't bleed when you color over it with water-based markers. We haven't yet tested watercolor or alcohol markers on it. ### What designs does the rotating date stamp come in? Midori makes six: Cat, Forest Animal and Frame, which are full pictures, and Flower, Stationery and Animal Speech Bubble, which leave space to write in. ### Do you need a separate ink pad? No. The included pad sets into the stamp body, so you just press the stamp on the page. Midori says to take the pad out and cap it if you won't use the stamp for a long time, or the pad surface can dent. ### Where is the Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp made? In China, according to Midori's Japanese online store, which lists MADE IN CHINA for each design. Midori (Designphil) is a Japanese company based in Tokyo. ## Sources - [ペインタブルスタンプ 回転印 日付 花柄(35455006) (Midori Japan online store: Flower, date + 12 icons, 104 × 60 × 38 mm, about 2,000 presses, ¥3,520, made in China)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35455006.html) - [ペインタブルスタンプ 回転印 日付 フレーム柄(35454006) (Midori Japan online store: Frame design)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35454006.html) - [ペインタブルスタンプ 回転印 日付 ネコ柄(35452006) (Midori Japan online store: Cat design)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35452006.html) - [ペインタブルスタンプ 補充インキ 黒(35384006) (Midori Japan online store: 5 ml oil-pigment-based refill, ¥550)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35384006.html) - [Midori: New products, Paintable rotating date stamp (May 25, 2022; 12-symbol dial, blank option, six designs, rotating design stamps released 2020)](https://www.midori-japan.co.jp/english/?p=1036) - [Midori: Paintable Stamp (English range page: oil-based ink, about 2,000 uses per pad)](https://www.midori-japan.co.jp/english/?p=916) - [JetPens: Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp, Flower (35455006; print size)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Paintable-Rotating-Date-Stamp-Flower/pd/37731) - [Goldspot: Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp in Cat (12 cat symbols, H104 × W60 × D38 mm)](https://goldspot.com/products/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp-in-cat) - [Goldspot: Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp in Flowers](https://goldspot.com/products/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp-in-flowers) - [Goldspot: Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp in Forest Animals](https://goldspot.com/products/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp-in-forest-animals) - [Goldspot: Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp in Animal Speech Bubbles](https://goldspot.com/products/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp-in-animal-speech-bubbles) - [Circle Tape: Midori Cat Paintable Rotating Date Stamp (size, ink pad inside the stamp, about 2,000 presses)](https://circletape.com/products/midori-cat-paintable-rotating-date-stamp) - [Tidformera: Midori Paintable Rotating Stamp, Date Frame (Swedish retailer)](https://tidformera.se/en/products/stampel-paintable-rotating-stor-date-frame) --- # Midori Paintable Stamp Half Size: Pre-Inked Planner Stamp > The Midori Paintable Stamp Half Size is a pre-inked planner stamp: the black oil-based ink sits inside it, so you stamp without a pad and then color over the print with water-based markers. Midori lists the body at 61 × 30.5 × 19 mm and about 1,000 prints per filling, in ten designs such as Time Tracker. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-paintable-stamp-half-size/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Midori Paintable Stamp Half Size drawn to scale, a white block 61 mm wide with its black pre-inked face, beside a page stamped with the Time Tracker clock face and lines, its time slots colored yellow, blue and pink](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/midori-paintable-stamp-half-size-16x9.png) *No pad needed: the Half Size stamp carries its own oil-based ink, ready to color over.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-paintable-stamp-half-size-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Midori Paintable Stamp Pre-Inked, Half Size (Time Tracker, 35511006) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | China | ABS and polycarbonate body; PE stamp face; oil-pigment-based black ink | – | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Midori Paintable Stamp Pre-Inked, Half Size (Time Tracker, 35511006)): China. Midori's Japanese online store gives 原産国 (country of origin) MADE IN CHINA for the Time Tracker (35511006), Cat (35504006), Vertical (35512006) and To Do List (35513006) Half Size stamps. Source: https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35511006.html ## Key takeaways - Midori's Japanese store lists the body at H30.5 × W61 × D19 mm (1.2 × 2.4 × 0.7 in) in a 95 × 85 × 20 mm package. - It's pre-inked with black oil-pigment-based ink, good for about 1,000 prints per Midori, and refillable with Midori's refill ink 35384006. - Two Half Size stamps side by side match one 61 × 61 mm full-size pre-inked stamp, and they stack together for storage. - Midori's Japanese store sells ten Half Size designs at ¥858 (about US$5.40) each, with tax. - Midori's Japanese store lists the Half Size stamps as made in China. ## What is the Midori Paintable Stamp Half Size? **It's a small pre-inked stamp from Midori's Paintable Stamp line: the ink is already inside, and the print is meant to be colored in.** Each stamp carries one design, from a time tracker to a little cat. Midori is the stationery brand of Designphil Inc. in Tokyo, and the Time Tracker's item number is 35511006. JetPens, Paperwhisper and Circle Tape carry the Half Size designs in the US and Hong Kong. ## Midori Paintable Stamp Half Size specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Body (H × W × D) | 30.5 × 61 × 19 mm (1.2 × 2.4 × 0.7 in) | | Package | 95 × 85 × 20 mm | | Materials | ABS and polycarbonate body, PE stamp face | | Ink | Pre-inked, black, oil-pigment-based | | Prints per filling | About 1,000 | | Refill | 35384006 black refill ink, sold separately | | List price (Japan) | ¥858 (about US$5.40) with tax | | Made in | China | All figures come from Midori's Japanese online store. Print sizes aren't published for each design; the full-size stamp's picture is about 50 mm square on a 61 mm body, so a Half Size print is likely around 50 × 25 mm. That's our inference, not a Midori figure. ## What does "half size" mean? **It's half the footprint of a full-size pre-inked Paintable Stamp.** Midori gives the full-size stamp as 61 × 61 × 19 mm, and the Half Size body is 61 × 30.5 mm; Midori says two Half Size stamps side by side stack on a square one for storage. ![To-scale outlines seen from below: the Midori Paintable Stamp Half Size, 61 by 30.5 mm with the Time Tracker design inside, next to a full-size Paintable Stamp about 60 mm square](https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-paintable-stamp-half-size-sizes.svg) *Half Size beside a full-size Paintable Stamp, drawn to scale.* In practice, a Half Size print fits a single day in a weekly planner or a margin of a daily page. A full-size stamp fills a sticky note or a larger block. ## How does a pre-inked Paintable Stamp work? **You press it straight onto the page; the black oil-based ink is held in the stamp, so there's no pad.** Midori says one filling lasts about 1,000 prints, and its refill ink tops it up when the print fades. Its rectangular shape is meant to be easy to press with one hand. Once the print is down, you color it with water-based markers. Midori says the oil-based ink won't bleed under them, which is why it calls the line "Paintable". Little Craft Place advises a quick, light press rather than holding it down, to stop excess ink. ## Which Half Size design should you choose? **Pick a functional design if you track time or tasks, and a decorative one if you just want color.** Midori's Japanese store lists ten Half Size designs, item numbers 35504006 to 35513006: | Use | Designs | |---|---| | Planning | Time Tracker, Vertical, To Do List, Today's Comment | | Tracking | Weather | | Decoration | Cat, Flower, Seal, Stationery, Bear Speech Bubble | Midori says the Time Tracker suits logging times, study hours or sleep, and the Vertical design lets you manage a day's schedule just by stamping it. Health Management and Money designs that some US shops list belong to Midori's full-size pre-inked range. ## Which markers work over it? **Any water-based marker or highlighter should work, according to Midori and retailers.** A soft highlighter such as the [Zebra Mildliner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-mildliner/) is a common choice. The stamps suit smooth planner paper such as the [Midori MD Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/) and the [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). If you want the date to change from day to day, see the [Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp/). ## What are the downsides? **Each stamp prints one fixed design in black, so you need a separate stamp for every layout.** There's no date to change and no ink color to swap; for a changing date, the rotating stamp does that job. Midori doesn't publish the print size of each design, so measure against your planner before buying several. Midori also warns that drying can be slower, and the ink can spread, on some papers, and says the full-size stamp may bleed through depending on how hard or long you press, so test it on the back of a page first. ## Where is it made? **Midori's Japanese online store lists the Half Size Paintable Stamps as made in China.** The Time Tracker, Cat, Vertical and To Do List pages all give MADE IN CHINA. Midori is a Japanese brand of Designphil Inc., based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Midori Paintable Stamp Half Size? Midori lists the body at 30.5 × 61 × 19 mm (H × W × D), about 1.2 × 2.4 × 0.7 in, in a 95 × 85 × 20 mm package. Paperwhisper and Circle Tape give the same figures. ### Do Midori Paintable Stamps need an ink pad? Not the pre-inked ones. The Half Size stamps hold black oil-based ink in the stamp itself, so you just press them on the page. ### How many times can you use a Midori pre-inked stamp? Midori says about 1,000 prints before it needs more ink. When the print fades, its refill ink, 35384006, tops it up. ### Can you color over Midori Paintable Stamps with highlighters? Yes, that's the point of the line. Midori says the oil-based ink won't bleed when you color over it with water-based markers, though drying can be slower on some papers. ### What's the difference between Half Size and regular Paintable Stamps? The Half Size body is 61 × 30.5 mm, exactly half of the 61 × 61 mm full-size pre-inked stamp, whose picture Midori gives as about 50 × 50 mm. Two Half Size stamps stack on a full-size one. ### Which Midori Half Size stamp designs are there? Midori's Japanese store lists ten: Cat, Flower, Seal, Stationery, Bear Speech Bubble, Weather, Today's Comment, Time Tracker, Vertical and To Do List. ### Where are Midori Paintable Stamps made? In China, according to Midori's Japanese online store, which lists MADE IN CHINA for the Half Size stamps. Midori is a Japanese brand of Designphil Inc., based in Tokyo. ## Sources - [ペインタブルスタンプ 浸透印 ハーフ 時間の記録柄(35511006) (Midori Japan online store: Time Tracker, 30.5 × 61 × 19 mm, about 1,000 prints, stacking, ¥858, made in China)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35511006.html) - [ペインタブルスタンプ 浸透印 ハーフ バーチカル柄(35512006) (Midori Japan online store: Vertical design)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35512006.html) - [ペインタブルスタンプ 浸透印 ハーフ やることリスト柄(35513006) (Midori Japan online store: To Do List design)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35513006.html) - [ペインタブルスタンプ 浸透印 ハーフ ネコ柄(35504006) (Midori Japan online store: Cat design)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35504006.html) - [ペインタブルスタンプ 補充インキ 黒(35384006) (Midori Japan online store: refill for rotating and pre-inked Paintable Stamps)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/35384006.html) - [Midori: Paintable Stamp (English range page: full-size pre-inked stamp 61 × 61 × 19 mm, picture about 50 × 50 mm, about 1,000 uses)](https://www.midori-japan.co.jp/english/?p=916) - [JetPens: Midori Paintable Stamp Pre-Inked Half Size, Time Tracker (US listing)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Paintable-Stamp-Pre-Inked-Half-Size-Time-Tracker/pd/41984) - [JetPens: Midori Paintable Stamps, Pre-Inked, Half Size (US range)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Paintable-Stamps-Pre-Inked-Half/ct/7314) - [Paperwhisper: Midori Paintable Stamp Pre-Inked Half Size, Cat (size, package, about 1,000 prints, refillable)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/midori-paintable-stamp-pre-inked-half-size-cat) - [Circle Tape: Midori Flower Paintable Stamp, Penetration Type, Half Size (about 1,000 prints)](https://circletape.com/en/products/midori-flower-paintable-stamp-penetration-type-half-size) - [Little Craft Place: Midori Pre-inked Stamp, Stationery, Half Size (stamp lightly; about 1,000 prints)](https://www.littlecraftplace.com/products/midori-pre-inked-stationery) --- # Paper Mate InkJoy Gel: Sizes, Dry Time & Color Packs > The Paper Mate InkJoy Gel is a retractable gel pen sold mostly in multi-color packs, in 0.5 mm Fine, 0.7 mm Medium and 1.0 mm Bold. Paper Mate says its ink dries three times faster than the Pilot G2's. Retailers list it at 5.75 in (146 mm) long, and US distributors give Mexico as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-inkjoy-gel/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a blue Paper Mate InkJoy Gel 0.7 mm Medium retractable gel pen with the tip out, 146 mm (5.75 in) long with a 10.6 mm barrel: translucent blue barrel with an ink-level window, blue clip and push button and a ribbed grip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/paper-mate-inkjoy-gel-16x9.png) *The InkJoy Gel 0.7 mm Medium, the size in most of its color packs.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/paper-mate-inkjoy-gel-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Retractable Pen (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm) | Paper Mate (by Newell Brands) | United States | Mexico | Translucent plastic barrel and clip, rubber grip | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Retractable Pen (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm)): Mexico. Per US distributor ADI Global, which lists Mexico (code MX) for the 0.7 mm black 6-pack (1951728), the 0.5 mm 8-pack (1968614), the 0.7 mm slate blue (1953048) and a 6-pack of fashion colors (2154002), noting that origin is subject to change. Paper Mate's own pages don't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-1951728 ## Key takeaways - Three point sizes: 0.5 mm Fine, 0.7 mm Medium and 1.0 mm Bold; the 0.7 mm is the size in most multi-color packs. - Paper Mate's claim: the ink dries 3x faster than the Pilot G2, based on average dry times of black, blue, red and green. - OnTimeSupplies lists the retractable pen at 5.75 in (146 mm); The Pen Addict measured the barrel at 10.6 mm. - The 14-count 0.7 mm assortment carries a Walmart Best seller badge, with about 4,600 ratings averaging 4.7 stars. - ADI Global lists several InkJoy Gel packs as made in Mexico, noting that origin is subject to change. ## What is the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel? **The InkJoy Gel is Paper Mate's retractable gel pen, sold mostly in bright multi-color packs.** Paper Mate is a Newell Brands company, and the InkJoy Gel was on US shelves by 2016, when The Pen Addict reviewed its 10-color set. It's one of the best-selling colored gel pen packs in the US. Walmart badges the 14-count 0.7 mm assortment as a Best seller, with about 4,600 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, and ASINsight's July 2026 estimates rank the same pack near the top of US Amazon results for gel pens. ## Paper Mate InkJoy Gel specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Paper Mate (Newell Brands) | | Type | Retractable gel pen; capped and stick versions also sold | | Point sizes | 0.5 mm Fine · 0.7 mm Medium · 1.0 mm Bold | | Length | 5.75 in (146 mm), retractable, per OnTimeSupplies | | Barrel | 10.6 mm, measured by The Pen Addict | | Weight | 0.025 lb (about 11 g) per pen, per OnTimeSupplies | | Body | Translucent barrel and clip in the ink color, rubber grip | | Refillable | No (0.5 and 0.7 mm, per The Pen Addict) | | Made in | Mexico (per ADI Global) | Paper Mate doesn't publish dimensions in the sources we found, so the length and weight come from a business-supply listing for the 0.5 mm pen. The stick version is listed at 5.53 in (140 mm). ## Which InkJoy Gel size should you choose? **Pick the 0.7 mm Medium for color sets and everyday notes, the 0.5 mm Fine for small writing, and the 1.0 mm Bold for signatures and headings.** - **0.5 mm Fine:** a thinner line that suits planners; sold in 8-packs of colors. - **0.7 mm Medium:** the standard size, sold in 6, 14, 22 and 30-color packs. - **1.0 mm Bold:** a bolder line for signatures; the listings we found are black. ![To-scale drawing at 130 times of the three InkJoy Gel point sizes: 0.5 mm Fine, 0.7 mm Medium and 1.0 mm Bold, with Paper Mate's claim that the ink dries 3 times faster than the Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/images/paper-mate-inkjoy-gel-tip-sizes.svg) *The 1.0 mm Bold ball is twice the diameter of the 0.5 mm Fine.* ## Does InkJoy Gel ink really dry faster? **Paper Mate says it dries 3x faster than the Pilot G2, but that is a maker claim we haven't tested yet.** The fine print says the comparison is against the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/), based on average dry times of black, blue, red and green, and that dry time varies by color. If smearing is your main problem, the [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) is the other gel pen sold on fast drying. Our [best pens for left-handed writers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-for-left-handed-writers/) compares quick-drying options. ## What does the InkJoy Gel look like? **The barrel and clip are translucent plastic in the ink color, so you can see how much ink is left.** The Pen Addict describes a translucent barrel and clip, chrome lettering by the click mechanism and a rubber grip it found helpful for sweaty hands. At 10.6 mm, The Pen Addict notes, the barrel is fairly wide if you're used to slim pens like the Pilot Hi-Tec-C. It also notes the 0.5 and 0.7 mm pens aren't refillable, so treat them as disposable. ## How does the InkJoy Gel compare to other gel pens? **It's the colorful multi-pack pick; the Pilot G2 and Sharpie S-Gel are the usual black-and-blue office choices.** | | Paper Mate InkJoy Gel | [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) | [Sharpie S-Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/) | |---|---|---|---| | Sizes | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | | Body | Translucent color barrel | Clear barrel | Black barrel | | Refillable | No (0.5 / 0.7 mm) | Yes | 0.7 mm refills exist | | Ink claim | Dries 3x faster than G2 | Smear-resistant, quick-drying | No smear, no bleed | | Made in | Mexico (ADI Global) | Japan (retailer sheets) | United States (Sharpie records) | Our [best gel pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/) picks one gel pen for each job. For a finer, refillable gel pen in many colors, see the [Pilot Juice Up](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-juice-up/). ## Where is the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel made? **US distributor ADI Global lists InkJoy Gel packs as made in Mexico.** Its listings for the 0.7 mm black 6-pack (1951728), the 0.5 mm 8-pack (1968614), a slate blue 0.7 mm and a fashion-color 6-pack all give Mexico, with a note that origin is subject to change. Paper Mate's own pages don't state it in the sources we found. ## How much does an InkJoy Gel cost? **It falls in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen), in a typical multi-pack.** Large color assortments at Walmart and Target work out to well under $5 a pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does InkJoy Gel ink really dry faster than the Pilot G2? That's Paper Mate's claim. Its packaging says InkJoy Gel ink dries 3x faster than the Pilot G2, based on average dry times of black, blue, red and green, and notes that dry time varies by color. We haven't tested it yet. ### What sizes does the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel come in? 0.5 mm Fine, 0.7 mm Medium and 1.0 mm Bold. The 0.7 mm Medium is the size in most multi-color packs; the 1.0 mm listings we found are black. ### Is the InkJoy Gel refillable? The Pen Addict's 2016 review says the 0.5 and 0.7 mm pens are not refillable. Treat them as disposable. ### What is the difference between InkJoy and InkJoy Gel? InkJoy Gel uses gel ink. Other InkJoy pens, such as the InkJoy 300 RT, are ballpoints with Paper Mate's low-viscosity ink, so check for the word Gel on the pack. ### How big is the InkJoy Gel pen? OnTimeSupplies lists the retractable pen at 5.75 in (146 mm) long, and The Pen Addict measured the barrel at 10.6 mm, a little wider than many slim gel pens. ### Where is the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel made? US distributor ADI Global lists several InkJoy Gel packs as made in Mexico and notes that origin is subject to change. Paper Mate is a Newell Brands company based in the United States. ### Is there a capped InkJoy Gel? Yes. Walmart sells a capped InkJoy Gel in 0.7 mm, and OnTimeSupplies lists a 0.5 mm InkJoy Gel stick pen, alongside the retractable versions. ## Sources - [Walmart: Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, Medium 0.7 mm, Assorted, 14 Count (Best seller; dries 3x faster)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/6856671841) - [Paper Mate (Salsify product record): InkJoy Gel 0.7 mm Assorted, 14 Count](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_1959302/Paper-Mate(r)-InkJoy(r)-Pens-Gel-Pens-Medium-Point-(0-7-mm)-Assorted-Colors-14-Count/) - [OnTimeSupplies: InkJoy Gel 0.7 mm 36-pack (3x faster than Pilot G2 claim)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pap2132016-inkjoy-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-assorted-ink-and-barrel-colors-36-pack.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: InkJoy Gel retractable 0.5 mm, dozen (5.75 in, 0.025 lb)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pap1951722-inkjoy-gel-pen-blue-ink-5mm-dozen.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: InkJoy Gel stick pen 0.5 mm, dozen (5.53 in)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pap2022982-inkjoy-gel-stick-pen-05-mm-fine-blue-ink-dozen.html) - [The Pen Addict: Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Ten Pen Set 0.7 mm review (August 12, 2016)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2016/8/12/paper-mate-inkjoy-gel-ten-pen-set-07mm-a-review) - [ADI Global: Paper Mate InkJoy Gel 0.7 mm black, 6-pack, 1951728 (Mexico)](https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-1951728) - [ADI Global: Paper Mate InkJoy Gel 0.5 mm, 8-pack, 1968614 (Mexico)](https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-1968614) - [ADI Global: Paper Mate InkJoy Gel fashion colors 6-pack, 2154002 (Mexico; origin subject to change)](https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/product/7D-2154002) - [ADI Global: Paper Mate InkJoy Gel 1.0 mm bold, black, 4-pack](https://adiglobaldistribution.pr/product/7d-2061416) - [Walmart: Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, Medium 0.7 mm, Dark Blue, Capped, 36 Count](https://www.walmart.com/ip/805125155) - [Paper Mate: InkJoy Gel Pens, Fashion Barrels, Retractable, 0.7 mm](https://www.papermate.com/pens/gel-pens/paper-mate-inkjoy-gel-pens-fashion-barrels-retractable-medium-point-0.7mm/SP_5513260.html) - [ASINsight: S gel pens, US Amazon sales estimates (July 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/s-gel-pens) --- # Sakura Gelly Roll: White Gel Pen Sizes & Moonlight Inks > The Sakura Gelly Roll is a capped gel pen from Sakura Color Products, the Osaka company that sold the first gel pen in 1984. The Classic comes in 05 Fine, 08 Medium and 10 Bold, numbers that give the ball size (0.5, 0.8 and 1.0 mm). Its opaque white is the best-known version, used on black paper. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-gelly-roll/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped Sakura Gelly Roll Classic 08 Medium white gel pen, 153 mm (6.0 in) long: clear barrel showing the white ink, white end plug and white cap with clip, with an inset of the 0.8 mm ball writing white on black paper](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/sakura-gelly-roll-16x9.png) *The Gelly Roll Classic white 08 Medium, the version most people mean by "Gelly Roll".* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/sakura-gelly-roll-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Sakura Gelly Roll Classic Gel Pen (05 Fine / 08 Medium / 10 Bold) | Sakura (by Sakura Color Products Corporation (Osaka); sold in the US by Sakura of America) | Japan | Japan | Polypropylene barrel, cap, nib holder and end plug (per Sakura); metal tip | 1989 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Sakura Gelly Roll Classic Gel Pen (05 Fine / 08 Medium / 10 Bold)): Japan. Muziker (Estonia) lists the white 08 Medium (XPGB#50) as made in Japan, and Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin (both read October 20, 2026). Sakura's product pages don't state it. An earlier version of this guide cited Digitec and Galaxus (Switzerland) listing China for some white 05 and 10 pens; those pages blocked our access on October 20, 2026, so we couldn't confirm that, but origin may still vary by size, so check the packaging. Source: https://muziker.ee/sakura-gelly-roll-basic-white-medium ## Key takeaways - The size number is the ball, not the line: Sakura lists 05 Fine at about 0.3 mm, 08 Medium about 0.4 mm and 10 Bold about 0.5 mm of line. - Sakura sold the first commercial gel pen, the Ball Sign 280, in Japan in 1984; the Gelly Roll name came with its US launch, which Unsharpen dates to 1989. - Unsharpen lists Gelly Roll pens at 15.3 cm (6.0 in) capped, and JetPens weighs a Gelly Roll Metallic at about 8 g. - Moonlight is the bright, opaque Gelly Roll range for light and dark paper; Sakura lists it in 06 (about 0.35 mm line) and 10 (about 0.5 mm). - Muziker and Unsharpen list the Gelly Roll as made in Japan; Sakura's own pages don't state the country. ## What is the Sakura Gelly Roll? **The Gelly Roll is Sakura's capped gel pen line, and the white Classic is the one most people buy.** Sakura's own company history says it sold the world's first gel-ink ballpoint, the Ball Sign, in Japan in 1984, and that the pen was sold abroad as the Gelly Roll; its global site now simply calls the Gelly Roll the world's first gel ink pen. The Gelly Roll name came with the US launch, which Unsharpen dates to 1989. Sakura says it built the ink on its Pigma pigment ink from 1982, to combine the bright color of water-based ink with the water resistance of oil-based ink. Sakura's Japanese site has no Gelly Roll page, since the pen is sold under that name abroad, so the sizes below come from Sakura's global product pages, with length and weight from retailers. It's an art-supply favorite more than an office pen. The opaque white shows up on black paper, kraft and photos, where most gel inks disappear. ASINsight's July 2026 estimates put a Gelly Roll white 3-pack among the best-selling items for that search on US Amazon, at about 8,000 a month. ## Sakura Gelly Roll specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Sakura Color Products Corporation (Osaka); US seller Sakura of America | | Type | Capped gel pen, water-based pigment ink | | Classic sizes | 05 Fine · 08 Medium · 10 Bold | | Ball / line | 0.5 / 0.3 mm · 0.8 / 0.4 mm · 1.0 / 0.5 mm | | Length | 15.3 cm (6.0 in) capped, per JetPens and Unsharpen | | Weight | About 8 g (Metallic version, per JetPens) | | Barrel | Clear polypropylene, so you can see the ink level | | Model code | XPGB (white: XPGB05#50, XPGB08#50, XPGB10#50) | | Made in | Japan (retailer listings) | Sakura doesn't publish the length or weight in the sources we found, so those come from retailers. The 8 g weight is JetPens' figure for the Metallic version; we haven't weighed a Classic. ## What do the Gelly Roll sizes 05, 08 and 10 mean? **The number is the ball diameter in tenths of a millimeter; the line on paper is about half that.** Sakura's product page for the white Gelly Roll lists a 0.5 mm ball and about 0.3 mm line for the 05, 0.8 mm and 0.4 mm for the 08, and 1.0 mm and 0.5 mm for the 10; Royal Talens gives the same figures. That's why a Gelly Roll 10 looks finer than a 1.0 mm office gel pen might suggest. If you want a bold white on dark card, the 10 is the one. ![To-scale drawing at 120 times of the three Gelly Roll Classic sizes: 05 Fine with a 0.5 mm ball and 0.3 mm line, 08 Medium with a 0.8 mm ball and 0.4 mm line, and 10 Bold with a 1.0 mm ball and 0.5 mm line](https://stationerytimes.com/images/sakura-gelly-roll-line-widths.svg) *Gelly Roll size numbers give the ball; the line on paper is about half as wide.* ## Why is the white Gelly Roll so popular? **Because the ink is opaque enough to write white on black or dark paper, where most gel inks disappear.** Retailers describe it as an opaque, bright white, and Royal Talens sells the 08 Medium as the standard white Gelly Roll. Artists often pair it with a black fineliner such as the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/): black line work, then white highlights on top. We haven't yet tested how well it covers other inks. ## What is Gelly Roll Moonlight? **Moonlight is Sakura's range of bright, opaque Gelly Roll colors made to show up on both white and dark paper.** Sakura's product page lists it in 06 (about 0.35 mm line) and 10 (about 0.5 mm), with XPGB06 item codes; retailers give the 06 line as 0.3 mm. The fluorescent colors glow under a black light. Central Art Supply notes that Moonlight comes in two ink types, archival and fluorescent. Retailers warn that the fluorescent colors aren't archival and can fade in direct sunlight. | Line | Best for | Sizes | |---|---|---| | Classic | White on black paper; everyday colors | White 05 · 08 · 10; regular colors 06 · 08 (per Sakura) | | Moonlight | Opaque brights and fluorescents | 06 · 10 | | Metallic, Stardust | Metallic shimmer and glitter | Varies by set | ## Is Gelly Roll ink waterproof? **Retailers describe the pigment ink as waterproof and fade-resistant once dry, except the fluorescent colors.** Royal Talens says the water-based pigmented formula is fade resistant. Sakura doesn't publish a dry time in the sources we found. Wyndham Art Supplies says the white isn't recommended for fabric that will be washed. ## How does the Gelly Roll compare to an office gel pen? **The Gelly Roll is a capped art pen with opaque pigment inks; an office pen like the Pilot G2 is a retractable writing pen.** | | Sakura Gelly Roll | [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) | |---|---|---| | Body | Capped, clear barrel | Retractable, clear barrel | | Sizes | 05 · 08 · 10 (ball) | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | | Signature ink | Opaque white, Moonlight brights | Black and blue | | Refills | None in the sources we found | Yes (77240 etc.) | | Best for | Art, dark paper, journaling | Everyday writing | For a retractable pigment gel pen for notes, see the [Zebra Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/). Our [best gel pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/) picks one gel pen for each job. ## Where is the Sakura Gelly Roll made? **Retailers say Japan.** Muziker in Estonia lists the white 08 Medium (XPGB#50) as made in Japan, and Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin. Sakura's product pages don't state it, and Swiss listings we couldn't open on October 20, 2026 were earlier reported to give China for some white sizes, so check the packaging. ## How much does a Gelly Roll cost? **It sits in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen).** Single white pens at US art-supply shops such as Wyndham Art Supplies fall in that band, and multi-color sets usually cost less per pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### What do the Gelly Roll numbers 05, 08 and 10 mean? They give the ball diameter: 05 is 0.5 mm, 08 is 0.8 mm and 10 is 1.0 mm. The line on paper is narrower, about 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm, per Royal Talens and art-supply retailers. ### Which Gelly Roll white is best for black paper? Most artists start with the 08 Medium, the size Royal Talens sells as the standard white. Pick 05 Fine for small details and 10 Bold for the most solid, opaque line. ### Is the Gelly Roll waterproof? Retailers describe Gelly Roll and Moonlight ink as water-based pigment that is waterproof and fade-resistant once dry, except the fluorescent colors, which are not archival. We haven't tested it ourselves. ### Did Sakura invent the gel pen? Yes, by Sakura's own account: its company history calls the Ball Sign, sold in Japan from 1984, the world's first gel-ink ballpoint. Abroad it was sold as the Gelly Roll. ### What is the difference between Gelly Roll Classic and Moonlight? Classic is the original line, best known for its opaque white. Moonlight is a range of bright, opaque colors, including fluorescents, made to show up on both white and dark paper; Sakura lists it in 06 and 10 sizes. ### How long is a Gelly Roll pen? Retailers list Gelly Roll pens at 15.3 cm (6.0 in) capped. JetPens gives 14.9 cm uncapped and 16.4 cm with the cap posted for the Metallic version. ### Where is the Sakura Gelly Roll made? Retailers say Japan: Muziker lists the white 08 Medium as made in Japan and Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin. Sakura itself is based in Osaka and doesn't state the country on its product pages, so check the packaging. ### Can you use a Gelly Roll on fabric? Wyndham Art Supplies says Gelly Roll white isn't recommended for fabric that will be washed. ## Sources - [SAKURA COLOR PRODUCTS: Gelly Roll White (maker page: XPGB05/08/10#50, ball and line sizes, PP barrel)](https://sakuracraypas.com/products/464/) - [SAKURA COLOR PRODUCTS: Gelly Roll Moonlight (maker page: 06 and 10 sizes, line widths, XPGB06 codes)](https://sakuracraypas.com/products/465/) - [SAKURA COLOR PRODUCTS: Gelly Roll (maker page: world's first gel ink pen, 1984)](https://www.craypas.com/global/products/gelly-roll/) - [SAKURA 100th Anniversary: History (Sakura Color Products company history: Ball Sign, the first gel-ink ballpoint, 1984; sold abroad as Gelly Roll)](https://www.craypas.com/global/100th-anniversary/history/) - [サクラクレパス「ピグマ」(Sakura Japan Pigma page: Sakura's 1982 water-based pigment ink, later used in the Ball Sign)](https://www.craypas.com/products/regular/pigma/) - [Wikipedia: Gel pen (Ball Sign 280, 1984; Gelly Roll in the US)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gel_pen) - [Unsharpen: Sakura Gelly Roll (US launch 1989)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/sakura-gelly-roll/) - [Unsharpen: Who invented the gel pen?](https://unsharpen.com/who-invented-the-gel-pen/) - [Royal Talens: Sakura Gelly Roll Classic 08 (0.8 mm ball, 0.4 mm line, pigment ink)](https://www.royaltalens.com/products/sakura-gelly-roll-classic-08-open-stock) - [Opus Art Supplies: Gelly Roll Classic white set of 3 (05, 08, 10 ball and line widths)](https://opusartsupplies.com/products/sakura-gelly-roll-classic-white-assorted-set-of-3-05-08-10) - [Royal Talens: Gelly Roll Moonlight 06 (0.6 mm ball, 0.3 mm line)](https://www.royaltalens.com/en/catalog/sakura-gelly-roll-moonlight-06/gelly-moonlight-06-sky-blue/) - [Walmart: Sakura Gelly Roll Moonlight Fine, 10 colors (light and dark paper)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/37715213) - [Central Art Supply: Gelly Roll Moonlight (archival and fluorescent inks)](https://www.centralartsupply.com/shop/c/p/GELLYROLL-MOONLIGHT-FINE-FLO-YELLOW-x49725347.htm) - [JetPens: Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic 1.0 mm set (15.3 cm capped, 8 g)](https://www.jetpens.com/Sakura-Gelly-Roll-Metallic-Gel-Pen-1.0-mm-Dark-Metallic-5-Color-Set/pd/16490) - [JetPens: Sakura Gelly Roll lineup](https://www.jetpens.com/Sakura-Gelly-Roll-Lineup/vd/228) - [Muziker: Sakura Gelly Roll Basic White Medium, XPGB50 (made in Japan)](https://muziker.ee/sakura-gelly-roll-basic-white-medium) - [Wyndham Art Supplies: Gelly Roll white pen (not for washable fabric)](https://www.wyndhamartsupplies.com/products/gelly-roll-white-pen) - [ASINsight: Sakura Gelly Roll pens white, US Amazon sales estimates (July 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/sakura-gelly-roll-pens-white) --- # uni Jetstream 4&1: Multi Pen Refills, Sizes & Pencil > The uni Jetstream 4&1 (MSXE5-1000) is a Mitsubishi Pencil multi pen with black, red, blue and green Jetstream ballpoints and a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil in one 148.8 mm (5.9 in) body. It comes in 0.38, 0.5 and 0.7 mm, takes SXR-80 refills, and The Journal Shop lists it as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-jetstream-4-and-1/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a navy uni Jetstream 4&1 multi pen with the blue ballpoint out, 148.8 mm (5.9 in) long and 13.7 mm across: ink sliders around the top, silver clip, black rubber grip and silver cone, with an end-view inset of the four color sliders and the clip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/uni-jetstream-4-and-1-16x9.png) *The Jetstream 4&1 0.5 mm in navy: four ink sliders, and the clip works the pencil.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-jetstream-4-and-1-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm + 0.5 mm pencil; MSXE5-1000) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plated brass front barrel, coated ABS resin rear barrel, rubber grip, steel clip (per Wafuu and bungu.store) | 2008-11 | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 mm + 0.5 mm pencil; MSXE5-1000)): Japan. The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin for the 0.5 mm 4&1. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page and press releases don't state it. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-je/products/mitsubishi-uni-jetstream-4-1-multi-function-pen-0-5mm-0-5mm-mechanical-pencil ## Key takeaways - Five tools in one: black, red, blue and green Jetstream ballpoints plus a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil, worked by pressing the clip. - Retailers list the body at 148.8 mm (5.9 in) long, 13.7 mm across and about 24 g (Wafuu 23.6 g, JetPens 24 g). - Ink refills are SXR-80 in three ball sizes: SXR-80-38 (0.38 mm), SXR-80-05 (0.5 mm) and SXR-80-07 (0.7 mm). - Mitsubishi Pencil's reference price in Japan is ¥1,100 (about US$7) including tax; SXR-80 refills are ¥110 (about US$0.70). - A Lite touch ink version, the MSXE5-LS-05, went on sale in Japan from March 18, 2024, at ¥1,430 (about US$9). ## What is the uni Jetstream 4&1? **The Jetstream 4&1 is a multi pen from Mitsubishi Pencil with four Jetstream ballpoint colors and a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil in one body.** The model is MSXE5-1000, and the inks are black, red, blue and green. Mitsubishi Pencil's 2011 press release says the 4&1 first came out in November 2008, and The Pen Addict was reviewing a 0.7 mm "Jetstream 4+1" by September 2010. It's a long-running enthusiast favorite: Gentleman Stationer says he uses one daily and owns five or six, and it's our multi-pen pick in [best pocket pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pocket-pens/). Its ink is the same low-viscosity Jetstream ink as the single [uni-ball Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/). ## uni Jetstream 4&1 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) | | Model | MSXE5-1000-38 · -05 · -07 | | Ink colors | Black · red · blue · green (Jetstream low-viscosity oil-based ink) | | Ball sizes | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 mm | | Pencil | 0.5 mm lead, worked by the clip | | Ink refill | SXR-80-38 · SXR-80-05 · SXR-80-07 | | Length | 148.8 mm (5.9 in), per bungu.store and Wafuu (The Journal Shop: 147.6 mm) | | Diameter | 13.7 mm, per bungu.store, Wafuu and The Journal Shop (JetPens: 15.0 mm max) | | Weight | 23.6 g (Wafuu); 24 g (JetPens) | | Body | Plated brass front, coated ABS rear, rubber grip, steel clip (retailers) | | Price in Japan | ¥1,100 (about US$7) including tax | | Body colors (Japan) | 9 standard, per Mitsubishi Pencil's December 2025 release, plus limited colors | | JAN (0.5 mm black) | 4902778120699 (order code MSXE510005.24) | | First released | November 2008 (Mitsubishi Pencil) | | Made in | Japan (per The Journal Shop) | Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page publishes the sizes, pencil lead, codes and price; the size, weight and materials come from retailers. Mitsubishi Pencil renewed the lineup with new standard body colors from December 1, 2025; Japanese body colors aren't always sold in the US, so check the listing. ## How do you switch colors and use the pencil? **Each ink color has its own slider at the top; the pencil comes out when you press the clip.** The Pen Addict explains that pushing the clip down brings out the 0.5 mm pencil, and pressing it again advances the lead. The same reviewer found the clip the weakest part of the pen in a 2021 review: it rattles a little, and its spring tension is a compromise between clipping and clicking. ![End view of the Jetstream 4&1 drawn to scale, 13.7 mm across, with sliders for black, red, blue and green ink and the clip that works the 0.5 mm pencil, plus the SXR-80-38, SXR-80-05 and SXR-80-07 refill codes](https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-jetstream-4-and-1-layout.svg) *Four ink sliders sit around the top; the clip is the pencil button.* ## What refills does the Jetstream 4&1 use? **It takes Mitsubishi Pencil's SXR-80 Jetstream refill, in the same ball size as the pen.** The codes are SXR-80-38 (0.38 mm), SXR-80-05 (0.5 mm) and SXR-80-07 (0.7 mm), each sold in black, red, blue and green. Mitsubishi Pencil lists them at ¥110 (about US$0.70) each in Japan. Gentleman Stationer notes that SXR-80 refills also fit the Jetstream 3&1. Stationery World lists one SXR-80-05 refill at 0.7 g, so a spare or two weighs next to nothing in a pen case. ## Which Jetstream 4&1 size should you choose? **Pick 0.5 mm for most handwriting, 0.38 mm for planners and small notes, and 0.7 mm for a smoother, darker line.** A finer ball lays down less ink, so it also smears less on thin paper. uni-ball markets Jetstream ink as quick-drying, which is why the single Jetstream is our ballpoint pick in [best pens for left-handed writers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-for-left-handed-writers/). We haven't timed the 4&1 refills ourselves. ## What is the Jetstream 4&1 Lite touch? **It's a 4&1 with Mitsubishi Pencil's lighter-writing Lite touch ink, model MSXE5-LS-05.** Mitsubishi Pencil rolled it out in Japan from March 18, 2024, in 0.5 mm with a 0.5 mm pencil and five body colors, at ¥1,430 (about US$9). Its SXR-L80-05 refills cost ¥132 (about US$0.80), and Mitsubishi Pencil says Lite touch refills also fit existing Jetstream bodies. There is also a metal-bodied Jetstream 4&1 Metal, which The Pen Addict reviewed in April 2024. ## How does the Jetstream 4&1 compare to a single Jetstream? **The 4&1 gives you four colors and a pencil; a single Jetstream is slimmer and shorter.** | | Jetstream 4&1 | [Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/) | |---|---|---| | Inks | Black, red, blue, green + 0.5 mm pencil | One color | | Sizes | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 mm | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | | Diameter | 13.7 mm | 11.8 mm barrel | | Length | 148.8 mm | 141.4 mm | | Refill | SXR-80 | SXR-5 · SXR-7 · SXR-10 | | Made in | Japan (The Journal Shop) | Japan (spec sheets) | If you only need one color in a hybrid-ink ballpoint, the [Pilot Acroball](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/) is the other common choice. ## Where is the uni Jetstream 4&1 made? **The Journal Shop lists the Jetstream 4&1 as made in Japan.** Its spec sheet gives Japan as the country of origin for the 0.5 mm model. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page and press releases don't state it. ## How much does a Jetstream 4&1 cost? **It falls in our $$ band ($5–20 per pen) in the US.** Mitsubishi Pencil's reference price in Japan is ¥1,100 (about US$7) including tax; imported pens from US shops such as JetPens also fall in the $$ band. ## Frequently asked questions ### What refill does the Jetstream 4&1 use? Mitsubishi Pencil's SXR-80 Jetstream refill in the matching size: SXR-80-38 for 0.38 mm, SXR-80-05 for 0.5 mm and SXR-80-07 for 0.7 mm, in black, red, blue or green. The same refills fit the Jetstream 3&1. ### How do you use the pencil on a Jetstream 4&1? Press the clip. The Pen Addict explains that pushing the clip down brings out the 0.5 mm pencil, and pressing it again advances the lead; each ink color has its own slider. ### What lead does the Jetstream 4&1 take? Standard 0.5 mm mechanical pencil lead, per Mitsubishi Pencil and retailer listings. ### How long is the Jetstream 4&1? bungu.store and Wafuu list it at 148.8 mm (5.9 in) long and 13.7 mm across; The Journal Shop lists 147.6 mm and JetPens 14.8 cm. Mitsubishi Pencil doesn't publish a length. It's longer and wider than a single-color Jetstream. ### Where is the uni Jetstream 4&1 made? The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin for the 0.5 mm model. Mitsubishi Pencil, which is based in Tokyo, doesn't state it on its product page. ### What is the Jetstream 4&1 Lite touch? A version with Mitsubishi Pencil's lighter-writing Lite touch ink, model MSXE5-LS-05, rolled out in Japan from March 18, 2024 at ¥1,430 (about US$9). Its SXR-L80-05 refills also fit existing Jetstream multi pens, per Mitsubishi Pencil. ### Is the Jetstream 4&1 worth it over separate pens? If you switch colors often, yes: one body replaces four pens and a pencil. The trade-offs are a wider 13.7 mm barrel and a clip that The Pen Addict found rattly. ## Sources - [ジェットストリーム 多機能ペン 4＆1 MSXE5-1000 (Mitsubishi Pencil Japan product page, read in full: 0.38, 0.5 and 0.7 mm, 0.5 mm pencil, order codes, JAN, ¥1,100 (about US$7) including tax)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/jetstream/jetstream2/4_1/msxe5_1000.html) - [『ジェットストリーム 4＆1』ブライトシリーズ (Mitsubishi Pencil press release, February 17, 2011: 4&1 first released November 2008)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20110217-37057.html) - [『JETSTREAM 多機能ペン 4&1』新軸色発売 (Mitsubishi Pencil press release: new body colors from December 1, 2025)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20251121-54098.html) - [『ジェットストリーム 多機能ペン 4&1』2025年12月1日（月）新軸色発売 (Mitsubishi Pencil via Digital PR Platform: 9 body colors, SXR-80 refills, Jetstream 100 million pens a year)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/122926) - [『JETSTREAM Lite touch ink』搭載モデル2024年3月18日（月）より順次店頭展開開始 (Mitsubishi Pencil: MSXE5-LS-05, SXR-L80-05 refill)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/84393) - [bungu.store: uni Jetstream 4&1 multifunction pen (148.8 × 13.7 mm; brass front barrel, ABS rear)](https://bungu.store/products/jetsream-4-1-multifunctional-pen-uni-mitsubishi-pencil) - [Wafuu: uni Jetstream multi-function pen 4&1 MSXE5-1000 0.5 mm (148.8 mm, 23.6 g, steel clip)](https://wafuu.com/collections/multi-function-pens/products/mitsubishi-pencil-uni-jetstream-multi-function-pen-4-1-msxe5-1000-0-5mm) - [The Journal Shop: Mitsubishi uni Jetstream 4&1 0.5 mm (147.6 mm, 13.7 mm, country of origin Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-je/products/mitsubishi-uni-jetstream-4-1-multi-function-pen-0-5mm-0-5mm-mechanical-pencil) - [JetPens: uni Jetstream 4&1 0.5 mm, navy body (14.8 cm, 15.0 mm max, 24 g)](https://www.jetpens.com/Uni-Jetstream-4-1-4-Color-0.5-mm-Ballpoint-Multi-Pen-0.5-mm-Pencil-Navy-Body/pd/9669) - [JetPens: uni Jetstream 4&1 multi pens (category)](https://www.jetpens.com/Uni-Jetstream-4-1-Multi-Pens/ct/7229) - [Gentleman Stationer: SXR-80 multi pen refills (fit 4&1 and 3&1)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/curated-inks-and-refills/uniball-jetstream-sxr-80-multipen-refill) - [Stationery World: uni Jetstream SXR-80-05 refill (0.7 g; fits MSXE5-1000-05)](https://stationeryworld.com.sg/uni-jetstream-refill-sxr-80-05---red) - [The Pen Addict: uni Jetstream 4&1 Metal multi pen review (clip works the pencil), April 10, 2024](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2024/4/10/uni-jetstream-4amp1-metal-multi-pen-review) - [The Pen Addict: uni Jetstream 4&1 0.38 mm review (clip rattle), March 25, 2021](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2021/3/25/uni-jetstream-4amp1-4-color-38-mm-ballpoint-multi-pen-and-05-mm-pencil-review) - [The Pen Addict: uni-ball Jetstream 4+1 0.7 mm review, September 20, 2010](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2010/9/20/review-uni-ball-jetstream-41-07mm-ballpoint-multi-pen.html) - [Gentleman Stationer: Pen review, uni Jetstream 4&1 multi pen (May 8, 2024)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2024/5/8/pen-review-uni-jetstream-4amp1-multi-pen) --- # Diamine Oxblood Ink: Color, 80 ml Bottle & Dry Time > Diamine Oxblood is a dark red fountain pen ink with brown undertones from Diamine, a Liverpool-area ink maker dating to 1864. It comes in an 80 ml (2.7 fl oz) glass bottle, about 68 mm tall, a 30 ml bottle and cartridges. It dries in 30–35 seconds in reviewers' tests, isn't water resistant and rinses out easily. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/diamine-oxblood/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![An 80 ml Diamine Oxblood bottle drawn to scale at 68 mm (2.7 in) tall and 55 mm (2.2 in) wide: round clear glass, black ribbed cap, white Diamine label and dark red-brown ink, beside an Oxblood swab card; inset: the swab darkening where it pooled](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/diamine-oxblood-16x9.png) *The 80 ml bottle to scale (1 mm = 2.8 px), from JetPens' dimensions.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/diamine-oxblood-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Diamine Oxblood fountain pen ink, 80 ml bottle | Diamine (by Diamine-Speciality Inks Limited, Merseyside, England) | United Kingdom | United Kingdom | Water-based, non-toxic, acid-free dye ink in a glass bottle | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Diamine Oxblood fountain pen ink, 80 ml bottle): United Kingdom. Diamine's history page says the brand was revived in 2003 and now makes its inks at its own facility near Aintree Racecourse, on the edge of Liverpool; its 1925 Tariff Street factory in Liverpool was demolished between 1983 and 1990. Diamine's Oxblood listing doesn't print a country of origin. Source: https://diamineinks.co.uk/pages/history ## Key takeaways - The 80 ml bottle is 6.8 cm (2.7 in) tall and 5.5 cm (2.2 in) across, per JetPens. - Reviewers measured a dry time of about 30 seconds on Rhodia (Goulet) and 35 seconds (Mountain of Ink). - A Fountain Pen Companion top-25 list ranks Oxblood 1st of all inks, owned by 882 users. - Goulet rates its saturation and shading medium and its water resistance low. - Diamine traces its history to 1864; its own site listed the 80 ml Oxblood at £8.06 (about US$11) before VAT on October 20, 2026. ## What is Diamine Oxblood? **It's a dark red fountain pen ink with brown undertones, made by Diamine near Liverpool.** The Gentleman Stationer describes it as a rich dark red with slight brown undertones that doesn't bleed or feather. It may be the most popular fountain pen ink of all among enthusiasts: a top-25 list from Fountain Pen Companion, shared on Fountain Pen Network, ranks it 1st, owned by 882 users. Second on that Fountain Pen Companion list is the shimmering [J. Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/herbin-emerald-of-chivor/), with 873 users. ## Diamine Oxblood specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Diamine, Aintree area of Liverpool, England | | Sizes | 80 ml (2.7 fl oz) glass bottle; 30 ml bottle; packs of 6 or 18 cartridges (Diamine) | | 80 ml bottle | 6.8 cm (2.7 in) tall, 5.5 × 5.5 cm (2.2 in), about 189 g (JetPens) | | Bottle opening | 18.0 mm (0.71 in), per Goulet | | Ink type | Water-based, non-toxic, acid-free, vegan-friendly (Diamine) | | Water resistance | Low (Goulet) | | Dry time | About 30 s on Rhodia (Goulet); 35 s (Mountain of Ink) | | Saturation / shading | Medium / medium (Goulet) | | Item code / barcode | DIA073 / 0700987827651 (Diamine, 80 ml) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 per 80 ml bottle) | JetPens' bottle dimensions come from its listings for other 80 ml Diamine colors, Teal and Violet, in the same bottle. On October 20, 2026, Diamine's own UK store listed the 80 ml Oxblood at £8.06 (about US$11) and the 30 ml at £3.24 (about US$4.30), both before VAT. ![Diamine Oxblood 80 ml and 30 ml bottles to scale, with fills per bottle: about 200 and 75 for a 0.4 ml Pilot CON-40, 100 and 37 for a 0.8 ml LAMY Z28, 45 and 17 for a 1.76 ml TWSBI ECO; low water resistance, 30–35 s dry time](https://stationerytimes.com/images/diamine-oxblood-fills.svg) *Fills per bottle (bottle ÷ capacity), with Oxblood's sourced properties.* ## How does Oxblood look on paper? **A deep red-brown that darkens where the ink pools.** Goulet rates its saturation and shading medium and notes that paper changes how it looks. Sheen shows only in heavy swabs. Mountain of Ink found green sheen only on large swabs on Tomoe River paper and rates its water resistance low. ## How fast does it dry, and is it water resistant? **It dries in about 30 to 35 seconds and isn't water resistant.** Goulet found it dry in about 30 seconds or more on Rhodia, and Mountain of Ink measured 35 seconds. Goulet rates water resistance low, adding that it could make a nice wash. For writing that has to survive a spill, use a water-resistant ink such as [Noodler's Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/noodlers-black-ink/). ## Which pens is it safe for? **Any fountain pen that takes bottled ink or a converter.** It's an ordinary dye ink: Goulet's listing marks it as not iron gall, not pigmented and not shimmering, and Diamine pitches its standard inks as suitable for any brand of fountain pen, including vintage models. An 80 ml bottle goes a long way: about 100 fills of a 0.8 ml [LAMY Z28 converter](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-z28-converter/), or about 45 fills of a TWSBI ECO, which holds about 1.76 ml. ## How do you clean it out? **Flush with plain water until it runs clear.** As a water-based dye ink, Oxblood rinses out like most standard inks. None of the reviews we read reported staining or hard cleaning with Oxblood. Flushing between fills still keeps a converter's window clear. ## Which bottle should you buy? **The 80 ml glass bottle if you'll use it often; the 30 ml if you're trying it.** At 68 mm tall and 55 mm across, the 80 ml bottle is squat and stable, and its 18 mm opening takes most nibs. Goulet also sells Oxblood as a pack of 18 cartridges, if you'd rather not handle a bottle. ## Where is Diamine Oxblood made? **In the Liverpool area of England.** Diamine's history page says the company was founded by Thomas Webster of T. Webster & Co., used the Diamine name for a range of inks from 1864 and opened a purpose-built factory on Tariff Street, Liverpool, in 1925. That factory was demolished between 1983 and 1990; the brand was revived in 2003 and now works from its own facility near Aintree Racecourse. Wikipedia says the company changed its name from Diamine Inks Limited to Diamine-Speciality Inks Limited in 2005. We didn't find a release year for Oxblood itself. ## Frequently asked questions ### What color is Diamine Oxblood? A rich dark red with slight brown undertones, as The Gentleman Stationer puts it. It darkens where the ink pools. ### How much ink is in a bottle of Diamine Oxblood? The glass bottle holds 80 ml (2.7 fl oz). Diamine also sells Oxblood in a 30 ml bottle and in packs of 6 or 18 cartridges. ### How big is the Diamine 80 ml bottle? JetPens lists the 80 ml Diamine bottle at 6.8 cm (2.7 in) tall and 5.5 cm (2.2 in) across, weighing about 189 g. Goulet gives an 18.0 mm (0.71 in) opening. ### Is Diamine Oxblood waterproof? No. Goulet rates its water resistance low and says it isn't water resistant, though it can make a nice wash. ### Does Diamine Oxblood sheen? Only in heavy swabs. Mountain of Ink saw green sheen only on large swabs on Tomoe River paper; Goulet doesn't list it as a sheening ink. ### How long does Diamine Oxblood take to dry? About 30 seconds or more on Rhodia in Goulet's test, and 35 seconds in Mountain of Ink's. Absorbent paper dries it faster. ### Is Diamine Oxblood an iron gall ink? No. Goulet's listing marks it as not iron gall, not pigmented and not shimmering, so it doesn't carry the corrosion risk to metal pen parts that iron gall inks can. ### Where is Diamine ink made? In the Liverpool area of England. Diamine's history page says it now makes ink at its own facility near Aintree Racecourse; its 1925 Liverpool factory was demolished in the 1980s. ## Sources - [Diamine: Diamine 80ml Fountain Pen Ink, Oxblood (water-based, non-toxic, acid-free; DIA073; £8.06 ex VAT)](https://diamineinks.co.uk/products/diamine-80ml-fountain-pen-ink-oxblood) - [Diamine: Diamine 30ml Fountain Pen Ink, Oxblood (DIA273)](https://diamineinks.co.uk/products/diamine-30ml-fountain-pen-ink-oxblood) - [Diamine: Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges, Oxblood (packs of 6 and 18)](https://diamineinks.co.uk/products/diamine-fountain-pen-ink-cartridges-18-pack-oxblood) - [Diamine: Deep dive, Diamine writing inks' rich history (1864, 1925 factory, 2003 revival, Aintree facility)](https://diamineinks.co.uk/pages/history) - [Wikipedia: Diamine Inks Limited](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamine_Inks_Limited) - [Goulet Pens: Diamine Oxblood 80 ml bottled ink (D7079, opening 18.0 mm, not water resistant, not iron gall)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/all-ink/products/diamine-oxblood-80ml-bottled-ink) - [Goulet Pens: Diamine Oxblood, ink review (dry time, saturation, shading, sizes)](https://www.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/diamine-oxblood-ink-review) - [Mountain of Ink: Ink Review No. 125, Diamine Oxblood](https://mountainofink.com/blog/diamine-oxblood) - [Pen Addict: Diamine Oxblood ink review](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2015/11/4/diamine-oxblood-ink-review) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Diamine Oxblood](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/tag/Diamine+Oxblood) - [JetPens: Diamine Teal ink, 80 ml bottle (bottle 6.8 × 5.5 × 5.5 cm, 189 g)](https://www.jetpens.com/Diamine-Teal-Ink-80-ml-Bottle/pd/7740) - [JetPens: Diamine Violet ink, 80 ml bottle](https://www.jetpens.com/Diamine-Violet-Ink-80-ml-Bottle/pd/7709) - [The Online Pen Company: Diamine ink bottle 80 ml, Oxblood](https://theonlinepencompany.com/diamine-ink-bottle-80ml-oxblood) - [Fountain Pen Network: List of inks by popularity (Fountain Pen Companion top 25)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/366055-list-of-inks-by-popularity) --- # Noodler's Black Ink: Bulletproof, Dry Time & Bottle > Noodler's Black is the American maker's "bulletproof" black ink, sold in a 3 oz (about 88 ml) glass bottle filled to the brim. Noodler's says it resists water, bleach and UV once dry on cellulose paper. It's very dark, doesn't shade or sheen, dries slowly (50 seconds in one test) and is handmade in the USA. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/noodlers-black-ink/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![A 3 oz bottle of Noodler's Black drawn in proportion: glass filled with black ink to the brim, a black ribbed cap and a cream label with a catfish, beside a black ink swab card; inset: a written line still legible under a drop of water](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/noodlers-black-ink-16x9.png) *Noodler's Black in its 3 oz bottle, drawn in proportion.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/noodlers-black-ink-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Noodler's Black fountain pen ink, 3 oz bottle (19001) | Noodler's (by Noodler's Ink, Massachusetts (run by Nathan Tardif)) | United States | United States | Bulletproof black ink in a glass bottle | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Noodler's Black fountain pen ink, 3 oz bottle (19001)): United States. Noodler's About Us page says its ink is 100% made in the USA from cap to glass to ink. Dromgooles adds that the inks are handmade in small batches, and Pure Pens describes Noodler's as a small company in southern Massachusetts run by Nathan Tardif. Source: https://noodlersink.com/about-us/ ## Key takeaways - The standard bottle holds 3 oz, listed as 88 ml (Goulet rounds it to 90 ml); a 4.5 oz (133 ml) bottle is also sold. - Mountain of Ink measured a 50-second dry time, with no feathering and no bleed-through. - Its Amazon listing (ASIN B000MVZ2E6) shows 4.5 stars from about 3,600 ratings, ranked between 72nd and 142nd in Bottled Ink. - Noodler's classes item 19001 as archival, bulletproof, forge-resistant and water-resistant; its bulletproof inks resist UV light, bleaches, alcohols and solvents once dry on cellulose paper. - Noodler's says its ink is 100% made in the USA, from cap to glass to ink. ## What is Noodler's Black? **It's Noodler's everyday black fountain pen ink, and one of its "bulletproof" inks.** Noodler's is a small American ink maker run by Nathan Tardif in southern Massachusetts; its name refers to noodling, catching catfish by hand, and a catfish appears on its labels. It's a long-running bestseller: a copy of its Amazon listing shows 4.5 stars from about 3,600 ratings and a rank between 72nd and 142nd in Bottled Ink. ## Noodler's Black specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Noodler's Ink, Massachusetts, USA | | Item | 19001 (3 oz); UPC 019001190016 | | Bottle | 3 oz, listed as 88 ml (Goulet: 90 ml); 4.5 oz (133 ml) also sold | | Bottle opening | 23.6 mm (0.93 in), per Goulet | | Water resistance | High on cellulose paper (Mountain of Ink) | | Dry time | 50 s (Mountain of Ink's test) | | Shading / sheen | Low / none | | Feathering / bleed | None in Mountain of Ink's test | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 per bottle) | We didn't find a published bottle height, so the cover draws the bottle in proportion. ![Noodler's Black 3 oz (88 ml) and 4.5 oz (133 ml) bottles to scale, with fills per bottle: about 220 and 332 for a 0.4 ml Pilot CON-40, 110 and 166 for a 0.8 ml LAMY Z28, 50 and 75 for a 1.76 ml TWSBI ECO; high water resistance, 50 s dry time](https://stationerytimes.com/images/noodlers-black-ink-fills.svg) *Fills per bottle (bottle ÷ capacity), with Noodler's Black's sourced properties.* ## What does "bulletproof" mean? **It's Noodler's term for ink that resists water and forgery once it has dried on cellulose paper.** Noodler's own classification says bulletproof inks resist "most but not all" of a forger's tools, including UV light, bleaches, alcohols, solvents and petrochemicals, and lists Black among them; blacks are the most bulletproof of its colors. It isn't a guarantee against every smear. Dromgooles adds that the ink may still smear when it gets wet, and a Fountain Pen Network reviewer found it not completely waterproof but still quite readable after water. On coated or synthetic papers with little cellulose, the bond may be weaker; a Goulet customer review notes that the ink washes off anything that isn't cellulose. ## How does it write? **It writes a very dark, flat black with no shading and no sheen.** Goulet calls it very highly saturated and dark; Mountain of Ink found its sample lighter, almost grey, and notes that handmade batches vary. Mountain of Ink saw no feathering and no bleed-through. A Goulet customer saw little of either except on poor 20 lb copy paper. ## How long does it take to dry? **Slowly: Mountain of Ink measured 50 seconds.** Goulet says it takes a while on ink-resistant fountain pen paper but dries much faster on cheap copy paper. If you're left-handed or write fast in a notebook, keep a blotter handy, or pick a faster-drying ink. ## Which pens is it safe for, and how do you clean it? **It's sold as a regular fountain pen ink for any pen that fills from a bottle.** It is a good match for a large piston filler like the [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/), which holds about 1.76 ml, so one 3 oz bottle fills it roughly 50 times. The [TWSBI Diamond 580](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-diamond-580/) holds a little more, up to 1.98 ml by Goulet Pens' measurement. Goulet says it takes a little longer to flush out than ordinary inks because it's permanent. Rinse the pen with water when you change inks, and don't leave it to dry out in a pen you rarely use. ## Why is the bottle so full? **Noodler's fills its bottles to the brim, so the first opening can spill.** Dromgooles and Onlinemantra both advise care when opening a new bottle. Open it over a paper towel, or pour a little into a small vial first. A full bottle also means a nib can be dipped straight in at the start. ## How does it compare to other inks? **It trades speed and easy cleaning for permanence.** A dye ink such as [Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki/) dries in about 20–25 seconds in Goulet's test and rinses out easily, but Goulet rates it low for water resistance. For checks, envelopes and records, Noodler's Black is the one to use; for everyday color and quick drying, a dye ink is easier. At the other extreme, [Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pelikan-4001-royal-blue/) is made to wash out and, Pelikan says, can be erased with an ink eradicator. ## Where is Noodler's Black made? **In the USA.** Noodler's says its ink is "100% made in the USA from cap to glass to ink". Dromgooles adds that the inks are handmade in small batches, and Pure Pens places the company in southern Massachusetts. We didn't find a founding year or a first release date for Noodler's Black in a source we could check. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Noodler's Black waterproof? It's water resistant, not fully waterproof. Mountain of Ink rates its water resistance high and a Fountain Pen Network review found writing still quite readable after water, but Dromgooles warns it can still smear when wet. ### What does bulletproof mean for Noodler's ink? It's Noodler's name for inks that resist most, but not all, of a forger's tools once dry on cellulose paper. Noodler's lists UV light, bleaches, alcohols, solvents and petrochemicals, and says the inks are water resistant too. ### How big is a bottle of Noodler's Black? The standard bottle is 3 oz (item 19001), listed as 88 ml on Amazon and 90 ml by Goulet. Noodler's also sells Black in 4.5 oz (19801) and 16 oz (19830) bottles. ### Why is my Noodler's bottle so full? Noodler's fills its bottles to the brim. Retailers advise opening a new bottle slowly and over a paper towel to avoid spills. ### How long does Noodler's Black take to dry? Mountain of Ink measured 50 seconds, and Goulet says it dries slowly on coated fountain pen paper but much faster on absorbent copy paper. ### Is Noodler's Black safe for fountain pens? Yes, it's sold as a fountain pen ink and widely used in everyday pens. Goulet says it takes a bit longer to clean out than ordinary inks because it's permanent, so don't let it dry in a pen. ### Where is Noodler's ink made? In the USA. Noodler's says its ink is 100% made in the USA, from cap to glass to ink; Dromgooles says it is handmade in small batches, and retailers place the company in southern Massachusetts. ## Sources - [Noodler's Ink: 19001 Black (3 oz; archival, bulletproof, forge resistant, water resistant)](https://noodlersink.com/product/19001-black/) - [Noodler's Ink: Durable Ink Classification (what bulletproof means; Black listed as bulletproof)](https://noodlersink.com/about-us/noodlers-durable-ink-classification/) - [Noodler's Ink: About Us (100% made in the USA from cap to glass to ink)](https://noodlersink.com/about-us/) - [Noodler's Ink: 19801 Black 4.5 oz](https://noodlersink.com/product/19801-black-4-5-oz/) - [Noodler's Ink: official site](https://noodlersink.com/) - [Goulet Pens: Noodler's Black, 3 oz bottled ink (N19001, 90 ml, opening 23.6 mm)](https://gouletpens.com/products/noodlers-black-3oz-bottled-ink) - [Goulet Pens: Noodler's Black, 4.5 oz bottled ink](https://gouletpens.com/products/noodlers-black-4-5oz-bottled-ink) - [Goulet Pens: Noodler's Black, ink review](https://www.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/noodlers-black-ink-review) - [Mountain of Ink: Ink Review No. 93, Noodler's Black (dry time, feathering, water resistance)](https://mountainofink.com/blog/noodlers-black) - [Fountain Pen Network: Noodler's Bulletproof Black review](https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/146606-noodlers-bulletproof-black/) - [Dromgooles: Noodler's Black 3 oz bottled ink (handmade in the USA, filled to the brim, water resistant on cellulose)](https://dromgooles.com/products/noodlers-black-3oz-bottled-ink) - [desertcart: Noodler's Black (Amazon listing B000MVZ2E6, 88 ml, UPC 019001190016, ratings and rank)](https://www.desertcart.ma/products/1406657) - [desertcart: Noodler's Ink black bottled ink refill (Amazon rank in Bottled Ink)](https://www.desertcart.sg/products/253962210-ink-black-bottled-ink-refill) - [Onlinemantra: Noodler's ink bottle, Black, 88 ml (19001)](https://onlinemantra.in/products/noodlers-ink-bottle-black-88-ml-19001) - [Pure Pens: Noodler's Baystate Blue (about Noodler's Ink and Nathan Tardif)](https://purepens.co.uk/products/noodler-s-baystate-blue-ink) --- # Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki: Color, Bottle & Dry Time > Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki is a deep cerulean blue fountain pen ink from Pilot of Japan, sold in a heavy 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) glass bottle and a 15 ml mini. It is a dye-based ink that writes wet, dries in about 20–25 seconds in Goulet's test, has little shading or sheen, and has low water resistance. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![A 50 ml Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki bottle drawn in proportion: heavy clear glass, black cap, deep cerulean ink and a conical recess in the base, beside a blue ink swab card; inset: the swab going from light wash to a deep pooled edge](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki-16x9.png) *The 50 ml Kon-peki bottle, drawn in proportion, with a swab of the ink.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Water-based dye ink in a glass bottle | 2007 | $$$: $20–75 per item | - Made in (Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki fountain pen ink, 50 ml bottle): Japan. Kohezi's listing for the 50 ml Kon-peki gives Made in: Japan and says Pilot has always made its own inks. Pilot's Japanese catalog page for INK-50-KO (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state a country; its JAN, 4902505367281, carries Japan's 49 prefix, which shows where the code was registered, not where the ink was made. Source: https://kohezi.com/products/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki-blue-ink-shades-of-blue ## Key takeaways - The standard bottle holds 50 ml (1.7 fl oz); a 15 ml mini bottle is also sold. - Goulet's smear test puts Kon-peki's dry time at about 20 to 25 seconds. - Goulet rates its water resistance low: a wet page is barely legible. - Pilot's Japanese catalog lists the 50 ml bottle (INK-50-KO) as a water-based dye ink in a bottle of 82 × 86 × 36 mm weighing 271 g. - Pilot's Japanese site says Iroshizuku launched in 2007 with five colors (it doesn't name them); Kon-peki lists at ¥2,200 (about US$14) per 50 ml today. ## What is Iroshizuku Kon-peki? **It's a deep cerulean blue fountain pen ink in Pilot's Iroshizuku line, sold in a heavy glass bottle.** Kon-peki (紺碧) is usually translated as deep cerulean or deep azure blue, and Goulet sells it as Deep Cerulean Blue. Pilot's Japanese site says every Iroshizuku name comes from a Japanese landscape or season, and gives "a vivid sky clearing on a fine day" as the kind of scene a blue can carry. It says Pilot began planning Iroshizuku around 2002, when Japanese inks mostly came in black, blue, blue-black and red, and launched it in 2007 with five colors, adding five more the next year; the line now has 24. Pilot's page doesn't name the first five, so we can't confirm Kon-peki was among them; the earliest Pilot mention we found is its November 2014 press release, which names Kon-peki as an example of the 24 colors. Iroshizuku joins the Japanese words for color (iro) and droplet (shizuku). Kon-peki is one of the line's best-known colors: Pilot put it in a "popular 3-color" mini set in 2014 and among the 12 colors chosen for cartridges in 2022. For a much darker blue in the same bottle, see [Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-iroshizuku-tsuki-yo/). ## Kon-peki specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation, Japan | | Code | INK-50-KO (50 ml), JAN 4902505367281; Pilot USA item 69212 | | Bottle | 50 ml (1.7 fl oz), glass; 15 ml mini also sold | | Bottle size and weight | 82 × 86 × 36 mm, 271 g, per Pilot Japan; 8.0 cm (3.1 in) tall, per JetPens | | Bottle opening | 19.3 mm (0.76 in), per Goulet | | Ink type | Water-based dye (Pilot Japan catalog) | | Launched | Line launched 2007 (Pilot Japan); Kon-peki's own date not stated | | Japan list price | ¥2,200 (about US$14) per 50 ml, including tax | | Water resistance | Low (Goulet) | | Dry time | About 20–25 s (Goulet's test) | | Shading / sheen | Low / very little | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75 per bottle) | JetPens' figures come from another 50 ml Iroshizuku color, Ina-ho, in the same bottle. Pilot gives three bottle dimensions without saying which is the height, so our cover draws the bottle in proportion rather than to scale. ![Kon-peki 50 ml and 15 ml bottles to scale, with fills per bottle: about 125 and 37 for a 0.4 ml Pilot CON-40, 62 and 18 for a 0.8 ml LAMY Z28, 28 and 8 for a 1.76 ml TWSBI ECO; dye-based, low water resistance, 20–25 s dry time](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki-fills.svg) *How many converter fills each bottle holds (bottle ÷ capacity), with Kon-peki's sourced properties.* ## How does Kon-peki write? **It writes wet and saturated, with an even color and little shading or sheen.** Unsharpen says it runs on the wet side without leaking, and Pen Addict found the flow neither too dry nor too wet. Goulet rates the shading low because the color stays fairly uniform; Pen Addict calls the shading subtle but lovely. Unsharpen saw very little sheen, with faint pink undertones only where the ink pooled. ## How fast does it dry, and is it waterproof? **It dries in about 20 to 25 seconds in Goulet's test, and it is not water resistant.** Goulet notes it may still smear at 20 seconds from a wet-writing pen, and that a soaked page would be barely legible. So don't use it to address envelopes or sign documents. For that, a water-resistant ink such as [Noodler's Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/noodlers-black-ink/) is the better pick. For a lower-priced everyday blue, [Waterman Serenity Blue](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/waterman-serenity-blue/) costs less per bottle and is rated medium for water resistance by Mountain of Ink. ## Which pens is it safe for? **Any fountain pen that takes bottled ink.** Kon-peki is a plain dye ink, not a pigment, iron gall or shimmer ink, so it needs no special care. Fill a converter such as the CON-40 in the [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/), a [LAMY Z28](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-z28-converter/), or a piston filler from the bottle. At 0.4 ml per CON-40 fill, one 50 ml bottle is about 125 fills. If you prefer cartridges, Pilot has sold Kon-peki as an Iroshizuku cartridge in Japan since May 16, 2022: six 0.9 ml cartridges for ¥990 (about US$6.30). JetPens sells them too. Those fit Pilot pens only. ## How do you clean it out of a pen? **Flush with plain water until it runs clear.** Dye inks like Kon-peki rinse out easily, which is one reason it's a common first bottled ink. Its wet flow means a little more ink stays in the feed, so give it an extra flush before you switch to a very different color. ## What's special about the bottle? **The heavy glass bottle has a conical recess in its base, so a nib or converter can reach the last of the ink.** Retailers describe the glass as blown and the bottle as made to refill until the last drop. Pilot's Japanese catalog gives the 50 ml bottle as 82 × 86 × 36 mm and 271 g, JetPens lists it at 8.0 cm (3.1 in) tall and 293 g, and Goulet gives a 19.3 mm (0.76 in) opening. That is wide enough for most nibs, but large pens may need the bottle tilted as it empties. Pilot adds that Iroshizuku's packaging won a gold prize in the household goods category of the Japan Package Design Awards 2011. ## Where is Iroshizuku Kon-peki made? **In Japan, according to a retailer listing.** Kohezi gives Made in: Japan and says Pilot has always made its own inks. Pilot's Japanese catalog page doesn't state a country of manufacture. Pilot's Japanese site gives the launch year, 2007, and a list price of ¥2,200 (about US$14) including tax, or ¥2,000 (about US$12.70) before tax, for a 50 ml bottle in its September 2024 press release. The 15 ml Iroshizuku mini went on sale in Japan on November 25, 2014, per Pilot's press release, and now lists at ¥1,100 (about US$7.00). Pilot added Iroshizuku cartridges in Japan in 2022, with Kon-peki among the colors. ## Frequently asked questions ### What color is Iroshizuku Kon-peki? A bright, deep cerulean blue. Kon-peki (紺碧) is usually translated as deep cerulean or deep azure blue; Goulet sells it as Deep Cerulean Blue. ### How big is a bottle of Iroshizuku Kon-peki? The standard bottle holds 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) in heavy glass, and a 15 ml mini bottle is sold too. Pilot's Japanese catalog gives the 50 ml bottle as 82 × 86 × 36 mm and 271 g; JetPens lists it at 8.0 cm (3.1 in) tall. ### Is Kon-peki waterproof? No. Goulet rates its water resistance low and says a wet page would be barely legible, and Unsharpen also lists it as not waterproof. ### Is Iroshizuku Kon-peki a pigment ink? No. Pilot's Japanese catalog lists Iroshizuku as a water-based dye ink, and retailers agree. That's why it's easy to flush from a pen and also why it isn't water resistant. ### How long does Kon-peki take to dry? About 20 to 25 seconds in Goulet's smear test, and it may still smudge at 20 seconds from a wet-writing pen. Absorbent paper dries it faster; coated fountain pen paper slower. ### Does Kon-peki shade or sheen? Only a little. Goulet rates its shading low because the color is saturated and even, Pen Addict calls the shading subtle, and Unsharpen saw very little sheen. ### What does the bottle's dent in the bottom do? The Iroshizuku bottle has a conical recess in its base. Retailers say it lets a converter or nib reach the ink right down to the last drops. ### Where is Iroshizuku ink made? In Japan, according to a retailer listing (Kohezi: made in Japan), and Pilot is a Japanese company that makes its own inks. Pilot's Japanese catalog page doesn't state a country. ## Sources - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「色彩雫（いろしずく）」コンペキ（紺碧）INK-50-KO (Pilot Japan catalog: JAN, ¥2,200, water-based dye, 50 ml, 82 × 86 × 36 mm, 271 g)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100002559) - [日本の美しい情景と季節の移ろいを映す色。万年筆カラーインキ「色彩雫（いろしずく）」。 (Pilot Japan story: Iroshizuku launched 2007 with five colors, now 24)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/media/story/005.html) - [万年筆用インキ『色彩雫（いろしずく）』新色追加 (Pilot Japan press release, September 2, 2024: 50 ml list price)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2024/09/02/post_133.html) - [万年筆用インキ『色彩雫mini』新発売 (Pilot Japan press release, November 20, 2014: 15 ml mini from November 25, 2014; names Kon-peki among the 24 colors)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2014/11/20/iroshizuku_mini_3.html) - [万年筆インキ『色彩雫(いろしずく)カートリッジインキ』発売 (Pilot Japan press release, April 22, 2022: 12-color cartridges incl. Kon-peki, 6 × 0.9 ml, from May 16, 2022)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2022/04/22/post_103.html) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki 50 ml bottled ink (bottle opening 19.3 mm, item 69212)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/pilot-ink/products/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki-50ml-bottled-ink) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki, ink review (dry time, water resistance, shading)](https://www.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki-ink-review) - [Unsharpen: Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki (flow, sheen, not waterproof)](https://unsharpen.com/ink/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki/) - [Pen Addict: Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki ink review](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2013/2/21/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki-ink-review) - [JetPens: Pilot Iroshizuku Ina-ho 50 ml bottle (bottle height 8.0 cm, 293 g)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Iroshizuku-Ina-ho-Ink-Rice-Ear-50-ml-Bottle/pd/8207) - [JetPens: Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki, 6 cartridges](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Iroshizuku-Kon-peki-Ink-Deep-Azure-Blue-6-Cartridges/pd/34513) - [Dick Blick: Pilot Iroshizuku fountain pen ink, Deep Blue (Kon-peki), 50 ml (UPC 072838692122)](https://www.dickblick.com/items/pilot-iroshizuku-fountain-pen-ink-deep-blue-50-ml/) - [Endless Pens: Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki (glass bottle, refill to the last drop)](https://endlesspens.com/products/pilot-ink-bottle-iroshizuku-kon-peki) - [Pen Chalet: Iroshizuku Kon-peki (Cerulean Blue)](https://www.penchalet.com/pilot_pens/fountain_pen_ink/namiki_iroshizuku_fountain_pen_ink/Kon-peki+(Cerulean+Blue)) - [The Journal Shop: Iroshizuku ink, 50 ml and 15 ml bottles](https://www.thejournalshop.com/collections/iroshizuku-ink) - [Kohezi: Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki 50 ml (made in Japan)](https://kohezi.com/products/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki-blue-ink-shades-of-blue) --- # Kaweco Sport: Pocket Size, Cartridges & Nib Sizes > The Kaweco Classic Sport is a German pocket fountain pen: 10.5 cm (4.1 in) long capped, about 13 cm (5.1 in) with the cap posted, and about 11 g. It has a plastic body with an octagonal cap, a gold-plated steel nib from EF to BB, and takes short international cartridges. The clip is sold separately. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kaweco-sport/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped navy Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen drawn to scale: 105 mm (4.1 in) long, with gold-tone lettering on the octagonal cap and an inset of the cap end-on](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kaweco-sport-16x9.png) *The Classic Sport in Navy, capped, to scale at Kaweco's 10.5 cm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kaweco-sport-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen | Kaweco | Germany | Germany | ABS plastic body with octagonal cap, gold-plated steel nib | 1911 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen): Germany. Kaweco's German product page labels the Classic Sport "100% Made in Germany" and says all nibs and the pen itself are made in Germany; its series page says Classic Sport pens are produced and assembled in Germany. Cornelissen says hand assembled in Germany, and Milligram says designed and made in Germany. Source: https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/Series/CLASSIC-SPORT/ ## Key takeaways - Kaweco's German site describes the Classic Sport as 10.5 cm (4.1 in) closed and 13 cm (5.1 in) posted; its spec table lists 10.7 cm and 12.7 cm. - Kaweco's spec table gives a 13 mm diameter without clip and a weight of 10.7 g; Missing Pen lists 11.0 g. - Kaweco sells 5 steel nib widths, EF, F, M, B and BB; Milligram describes them as 23 kt gold-plated. - It takes short standard international cartridges or a Kaweco mini converter, sold separately. - Kaweco says its nibs are produced in Germany and its writing instruments are produced and assembled there. ## What is the Kaweco Sport? **The Kaweco Classic Sport is a short German fountain pen that fits a pocket capped and becomes full length when you post the cap.** Kaweco's German site dates the first Sport pocket pen to 1911, and Pen Chalet says today's Classic Sport follows the original 1935 design. Kaweco traces its roots to Heidelberg in the 1880s, and Wikipedia says Gutberlet GmbH of Nuremberg took over the name in 1994. It is also a steady seller: Goulet Pens' best-seller roundup names "a plethora of Kaweco Sports" among the top pens in its lower price tier. ## Kaweco Classic Sport specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Kaweco, Germany | | Type | Cartridge fountain pen with snap cap, no clip | | Body | ABS plastic; octagonal cap, round barrel | | Nib | Gold-plated steel: EF, F, M, B, BB | | Ink | Short international cartridge, or Kaweco mini converter | | Length capped | 105 mm (4.1 in) in Kaweco's text; 107 mm in its spec table | | Length posted | 130 mm (5.1 in) in Kaweco's text; 127 mm in its spec table; 133 mm per Goulet | | Diameter | 13 mm without clip (Kaweco) | | Weight | 10.7 g (Kaweco); 11.0 g (Missing Pen) | | Article / EAN | 10000000 / 4250278600013 (black, M nib) | | Made in | Germany (Kaweco: "100% Made in Germany") | Kaweco's German product page gives the lengths in its description and slightly different figures in its spec table, plus the diameter and weight; we use the rounder description figures. Milligram lists the ABS body. ![Kaweco Classic Sport to scale: 105 mm capped, about 100 mm uncapped and 130 mm posted, about 10 to 11 g](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kaweco-sport-lengths.svg) *Posting the cap turns a pocket pen into a full-size one.* ## Why is the Kaweco Sport so short? **It is designed to be carried capped, where it measures 10.5 cm (4.1 in), and written with the cap posted.** Uncapped, the body is shorter still and short for most hands, so the posted length of about 13 cm, which Kaweco calls "a normal size", is the one that matters on the page. That makes it a favorite pocket pen; it's our fountain pen pick in [best pocket pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pocket-pens/). ## Does the Kaweco Sport come with a clip? **No: Kaweco sells slide-on clips separately, in gold, silver, bronze and black finishes.** Kaweco's German shop lists the Sport clips from €4.95 (about US$5.50). Without a clip the pen sinks to the bottom of a pocket, which is fine in a bag but less handy in a shirt pocket. ## What cartridges and converter does the Kaweco Sport use? **It takes short standard international cartridges or a Kaweco mini converter; long international cartridges don't fit.** | Part | Fits Classic Sport? | Notes | |---|---|---| | Short international cartridge | Yes | One comes with the pen (Pen Chalet) | | Long international cartridge | No | Too long for the barrel | | Kaweco mini converter | Yes | Sold separately (Pen Chalet) | Short international cartridges are made by many brands, so you're not tied to Kaweco ink. ## Which Kaweco Sport nib should you choose? **Kaweco recommends M for beginners; pick EF or F for small writing and B or BB for a bold line on good paper.** Kaweco uses German sizing, so its F writes wider than a Japanese F such as the [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/)'s. ## How does the Kaweco Sport compare to other starter pens? **It is the shortest and lightest of the popular starter pens when capped, and the only one sold without a clip.** | | Kaweco Sport | [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) | [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) | |---|---|---|---| | Capped | 105 mm | 139.5 mm | 138 mm | | Posted | 127–133 mm | 163.9 mm | 153 mm | | Weight | 10.7 g | 17.0 g | 26.0 g | | Ink | Short international cartridge | LAMY T10 | Pilot cartridge | | Clip | Sold separately | Wire clip | Metal clip | | Made in | Germany | Germany | Japan | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | Figures for the safari and Metropolitan come from their guides. Our [best fountain pens for beginners](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners/) ranks all six starter pens we cover. ## Where is the Kaweco Sport made? **Kaweco's German product page labels it "100% Made in Germany" and says all nibs and the pen itself are made there.** Its series page adds that Classic Sport pens are produced and assembled in Germany; Cornelissen says hand assembled. ## How much does a Kaweco Sport cost? **The Classic Sport is in our $$$ price band, $20–75 per pen, at the low end.** Kaweco's German shop lists it at €24.95 (about US$28); the clip and a converter are extra. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Kaweco Sport? Kaweco's German site describes it as 10.5 cm (4.1 in) closed and 13 cm (5.1 in) with the cap posted, though its own spec table says 10.7 cm and 12.7 cm. Goulet Pens says 13.3 cm posted. ### Do you have to post the Kaweco Sport? Most people do. Uncapped, the body is shorter than the 10.5 cm capped pen, short for most hands; with the cap posted it reaches about 13 cm, which Kaweco calls a normal size. ### What cartridges does the Kaweco Sport take? Short standard international cartridges. Kaweco's own cartridges are this size, and Pen Chalet says one comes with the pen. Long international cartridges don't fit the short barrel. ### Does the Kaweco Sport take a converter? Yes, a Kaweco mini converter, sold separately according to Pen Chalet. ### Why doesn't my Kaweco Sport have a clip? Kaweco sells slide-on clips separately, in gold, silver, bronze or black finishes, according to its Classic Sport page. ### What nib sizes does the Kaweco Sport come in? Kaweco lists five gold-plated steel nib widths: EF, F, M, B and BB (Extrafein to Extrabreit). It recommends M for beginners. German sizing writes broader than Japanese sizing, so a Kaweco F is wider than a Pilot F. ### Where is the Kaweco Sport made? In Germany. Kaweco's German site labels it "100% Made in Germany" and says the nibs and the pen are both made there. ### How much does the Kaweco Sport weigh? Kaweco's German spec table lists 10.7 g, and Missing Pen lists 11.0 g. ## Sources - [Kaweco (Germany): Kaweco CLASSIC SPORT Füllhalter Schwarz (fountain pen, black: €24.95, article 10000000, EAN 4250278600013, 10.7 cm, 12.7 cm open, 13 mm, 10.7 g, 100% Made in Germany)](https://www.kaweco-pen.com/Kaweco-CLASSIC-SPORT-Fuellhalter-Schwarz/99000001/) - [Kaweco (Germany): Serie CLASSIC SPORT (series page: produced and assembled in Germany, gold-plated steel nib)](https://www.kaweco-pen.com/Serien/CLASSIC-SPORT/) - [Kaweco: Classic Sport series (nibs produced in Germany, pens produced and assembled there, clips, nib widths)](https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/Series/CLASSIC-SPORT/) - [Goulet Pens: Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen, Black (10.5 cm capped, 13.3 cm posted, 23kt gold-plated nib)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/kaweco-classic-sport-fountain-pen-black) - [Goulet Pens: Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pens collection (US listings)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/kaweco-classic-sport-fountain-pens) - [Milligram: Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen (ABS, gold-plated nib, made in Germany)](https://milligram.com/products/kaweco-classic-sport-fountain-pen) - [Cornelissen: Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen (1911, ABS, hand assembled in Germany, EF to BB)](https://www.cornelissen.com/kaweco-classic-sport-fountain-pen.html) - [Pen Chalet: Kaweco Classic Sport, Bordeaux (1935 design, cartridge included, mini converter sold separately)](https://www.penchalet.com/kaweco_pens/fountain_pens/kaweco_classic_sport_fountain_pen/Bordeaux) - [Missing Pen: Kaweco Classic Sport, Black (11.0 g)](https://missing-pen.com/en/products/kaweco-classic-sport-fountain-pen-black) - [Wikipedia: Kaweco (Heidelberg origins, Gutberlet ownership since 1994)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaweco) - [Goulet Pens: Best selling fountain pens at every price point](https://gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/best-selling-fountain-pens-at-every-price-point) --- # LAMY 2000: Piston Filler, Hooded Nib & Makrolon > The LAMY 2000 is a piston-filling fountain pen designed by Gerd A. Müller and launched in 1966. It has a body of Makrolon (a fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate) with brushed stainless steel, a partly hooded 14k gold nib with a platinum coating, and holds about 1.35 ml of bottled ink. LAMY makes it in Heidelberg, Germany. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-2000/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a black LAMY 2000 fountain pen with the cap posted, drawn to scale: 154 mm (6.1 in) long posted, with the brushed Makrolon body, steel clip, ink-window slots, steel section and an inset of the semi-hooded 14k gold nib](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/lamy-2000-16x9.png) *The black Makrolon LAMY 2000 posted, to scale, using Goulet Pens' 154 mm figure.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/lamy-2000-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | LAMY 2000 Fountain Pen (L01, black Makrolon) | LAMY (by C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg (part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.)) | Germany | Germany | Makrolon (fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate) body and cap, brushed stainless steel section and clip, platinum-coated 14k gold nib | 1966 | $$$$: over $75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (LAMY 2000 Fountain Pen (L01, black Makrolon)): Germany. LAMY's own product listing (India storefront) gives Germany as the country of origin and names C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Grenzhöfer Weg 32, Heidelberg, as the manufacturer. LAMY's German page names no country but calls LAMY a Heidelberg company and one of Germany's leading pen makers. Source: https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-2000-fountain-pen/45435421917370 ## Key takeaways - LAMY's German site lists the LAMY 2000 at 13 × 13 × 140 mm and 26 g; Goulet Pens gives 154 mm (6.1 in) posted and 25 g. - Its built-in piston holds about 1.35 ml of bottled ink, per Goulet Pens and Pen Chalet; it takes no cartridges. - LAMY's German shop offers the platinum-coated 14k gold nib in 8 widths (EF, F, M, B, BB, OM, OB, OBB) at €280 (about US$314). - LAMY says Dr. Manfred Lamy developed it in 1966 with former Braun designer Gerd A. Müller; it is still in production. - LAMY's own listing gives Germany as the country of origin, with C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg, as the manufacturer. ## What is the LAMY 2000? **The LAMY 2000 is LAMY's piston-filling fountain pen with a 14k gold nib, designed by Gerd A. Müller and launched in 1966.** LAMY's German site says Dr. Manfred Lamy developed it with Müller, a Braun product designer from 1955 to 1960, on Bauhaus principles of form and function. It is the most expensive pen we cover in LAMY's range, and the step up many owners of the [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) consider next. Unlike the safari, it fills from a bottle with a built-in piston and has a gold nib. ## LAMY 2000 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany | | Model | L01 (black Makrolon) | | Body and cap | Makrolon polycarbonate with ink window (per LAMY) | | Article / EAN | 1201351 (Germany); 4000011, EAN 4014519270287 (LAMY India) | | Section and clip | Stainless steel, satin finish; spring clip | | Nib | 14k gold, platinum-coated, partly hooded | | Nib widths | EF, F, M, B, BB, OM, OB, OBB (LAMY Germany); mostly EF to B in the US | | Filling | Built-in piston, bottled ink only | | Ink capacity | About 1.35 ml | | Length capped | 140 mm (5.5 in) (LAMY); 139.7 mm (Pen Chalet) | | Length of body | 125 mm (4.9 in) | | Length posted | 154 mm (6.1 in) | | Diameter | 13 mm (LAMY); Goulet: 14 mm cap, 16 mm with clip | | Weight | 26 g (LAMY); 25 g (15 g body, 10 g cap) per Goulet | | German list price | €280 (about US$314) | | Launched | 1966 | | Made in | Germany (per LAMY) | Capped length, diameter, weight, nibs and price come from LAMY's German shop; body and posted lengths, part weights and capacity are Goulet Pens' figures, and Pen Chalet also lists 1.35 ml. Materials and origin come from LAMY's listings. ![LAMY 2000 to scale: 140 mm capped, 125 mm body, 154 mm posted, 25 g, piston filler holding about 1.35 ml](https://stationerytimes.com/images/lamy-2000-lengths.svg) *The cap adds about 14 mm when posted on the end.* ## What is Makrolon, and why does the LAMY 2000 look brushed? **Makrolon is a polycarbonate, and LAMY's version is reinforced with fiberglass and given a fine brushed grain.** LAMY's listing pairs it with a stainless steel section and clip in a satin finish, so the pen has a matte look all over. The body and the steel section meet almost flush, and the ink window is a ring of small slots near the front of the barrel. LAMY's listing says the window lets you check the ink level. The clip is a solid steel spring clip. ## How does the LAMY 2000 fill? **You twist the knob at the end of the barrel to move a piston, which draws ink from a bottle straight into the barrel.** Retailers stress that it takes no cartridges or converter, and LAMY recommends its T 51, T 52 and T 53 bottled inks. At about 1.35 ml, it holds less than the [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/) (1.76 ml, per Goulet Pens), but well over the 0.8 ml Unsharpen lists for the [LAMY Z28 converter](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-z28-converter/) used in the safari. ## Which LAMY 2000 nib should you choose? **Choose EF or F for small handwriting, and M or B for a wetter line on good paper.** LAMY's German sizing runs broader than Japanese sizes, so an F here writes closer to a Japanese M. - **EF and F:** the safest choice for planners and thin paper. - **M and B:** smoother and wetter; best on paper such as a [Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/). - **BB and obliques (OM, OB, OBB):** offered in LAMY's German shop; less common at US shops. The nib is partly hooded, so only the tip shows. ## How does the LAMY 2000 compare to the LAMY safari and TWSBI ECO? **The LAMY 2000 is the only one of the three with a gold nib, and costs several times as much.** | | LAMY 2000 | [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) | [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/) | |---|---|---|---| | Filling | Piston | T10 cartridge or Z28 converter | Piston | | Capacity | 1.35 ml | Cartridge or about 0.8 ml | 1.76 ml | | Nib | 14k gold, hooded | Steel, push-on | Steel | | Capped | 140 mm | 139.5 mm | 138.8 mm | | Weight | 26 g (LAMY) | 17.0 g | 21 g | | Made in | Germany | Germany | Taiwan | | Price band | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$ | Figures for the safari and ECO come from their guides. For a broader shortlist, see our [best fountain pens for beginners](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners/). For a Japanese gold nib with a sealing cap, see the [Platinum 3776 Century](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-3776-century/). ## Where is the LAMY 2000 made? **LAMY's own listing gives Germany as the country of origin, with C. Josef Lamy GmbH in Heidelberg as the manufacturer.** LAMY's German site describes LAMY as a Heidelberg company and one of Germany's leading pen makers. LAMY has been part of Mitsubishi Pencil since 2024, and the stated origin hasn't changed in the sources we found. ## How much does a LAMY 2000 cost? **The LAMY 2000 is in our $$$$ price band, over $75 per pen.** That is from the US listings we checked in October 2026, such as Goulet Pens; LAMY's German shop lists it at €280 (about US$314). You also need a bottle of ink, since it takes no cartridges. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the LAMY 2000 a piston filler? Yes. It has a built-in piston that you twist with the end knob, so it fills only from a bottle and doesn't take cartridges or a converter. Goulet Pens lists the maximum capacity at about 1.35 ml. ### What is the LAMY 2000 made of? LAMY's listing describes a polycarbonate body and cap with an ink window, and a stainless steel section and clip with a satin finish. The polycarbonate is Makrolon, which retailers describe as fiberglass-reinforced. ### Is the LAMY 2000 nib gold? Yes. It is a 14k gold nib with a platinum coating, which is why it looks silver. Retailers describe it as partly hooded, so only the tip shows beyond the steel section. ### What nib sizes does the LAMY 2000 come in? LAMY's German shop offers eight: EF, F, M, B, BB and the obliques OM, OB and OBB. US shops such as Goulet Pens mostly stock EF, F, M and B. ### How big is the LAMY 2000? LAMY's German site gives 13 × 13 × 140 mm (5.5 in) and 26 g. Goulet Pens lists 125 mm (4.9 in) for the body, 154 mm (6.1 in) posted and 25 g for the black Makrolon version. ### Where is the LAMY 2000 made? In Germany. LAMY's own listing gives Germany as the country of origin and C. Josef Lamy GmbH in Heidelberg as the manufacturer. ### When did the LAMY 2000 come out? In 1966, according to LAMY's German site. LAMY says Dr. Manfred Lamy developed it with the former Braun product designer Gerd A. Müller, and the pen has stayed in production since. ### Is there a metal LAMY 2000? Yes, a brushed stainless steel version. Goulet Pens lists the same outside dimensions but a much heavier pen: about 34 g for the body and 20 g for the cap, against 25 g in total for the Makrolon one. ## Sources - [LAMY (Germany): LAMY 2000 Füllhalter (fountain pen: €280, 8 nib widths, 13 × 13 × 140 mm, 26 g, article 1201351, designer Gerd A. Müller)](https://www.lamy.com/de-de/p/lamy-2000-fountain-pen/54912761233752) - [LAMY (Germany): LAMY 2000, Seit 1966 (since 1966: Dr. Manfred Lamy and Gerd A. Müller, Bauhaus, 14 kt platinum-coated nib)](https://www.lamy.com/de-de/lamy-2000) - [LAMY: LAMY 2000 fountain pen (materials, piston, country of origin, manufacturer)](https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-2000-fountain-pen/45435421917370) - [Goulet Pens: LAMY 2000 fountain pen, Black (measurements, weight, 1.35 ml capacity, nibs, MSRP)](https://gouletpens.com/products/lamy-2000-fountain-pen-black) - [Goulet Pens: LAMY 2000 fountain pen, Stainless Steel (diameters, weights)](https://gouletpens.com/products/lamy-2000-fountain-pen-stainless-steel) - [Goldspot: LAMY 2000 fountain pen, black, 14k gold (fiberglass-reinforced Makrolon, semi-hooded nib)](https://goldspot.com/products/lamy-2000-fountain-pen-in-black-14k-gold) - [Wikipedia: Lamy 2000 (Gerd A. Müller, 1966, nib widths)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamy_2000) - [Pen Boutique: LAMY 2000 Makrolon fountain pen (nib widths)](https://www.penboutique.com/collections/lamy-2000/products/lamy-2000-fountain-pen) - [Pen Chalet: LAMY 2000 fountain pen, Black (L01; 139.7 mm, 1.35 ml)](https://www.penchalet.com/fine_pens/fountain_pens/lamy_2000_fountain_pen/Black/) - [Fahrney's Pens: LAMY 2000 fountain pen (gives 1973)](https://www.fahrneyspens.com/Item--i-2000S) --- # Pilot Vanishing Point: Retractable Nib & Converter > The Pilot Vanishing Point, sold in Japan as the Capless, is a retractable fountain pen: a click of the end button pushes an 18k gold nib out through a trap door in the nose. It has a metal body, measures 140 mm (5.5 in) and about 30 g per Goulet Pens, and takes Pilot cartridges or the included CON-40 converter. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-vanishing-point/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a black Pilot Vanishing Point fountain pen with rhodium trim and the nib clicked out, drawn to scale: 140 mm (5.5 in) long with the nib retracted, with the clip at the nib end and an inset of the retractable 18k gold nib](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-vanishing-point-16x9.png) *The Vanishing Point in Black/Rhodium with the nib out, to scale, using Goulet Pens' 140 mm figure.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-vanishing-point-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen (Capless, FC-18SR) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Painted brass barrel, stainless-steel head, steel clip (per Pilot Japan, Black Matte); 18k gold nib | 1963 | $$$$: over $75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen (Capless, FC-18SR)): Japan. Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin. Pilot's Japanese catalog page for FC-18SR-BMF (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state a country. The Japan With Love listing cited earlier no longer loads, and Larry Post's page doesn't state an origin. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-vanishing-point/ ## Key takeaways - Goulet Pens lists the Vanishing Point at 140 mm (5.5 in) long, 13 mm across the body, 11.8 mm at the grip and about 30 g. - The nib is 18k gold in rhodium, gold or black finishes; retailers list widths from EF to B and a stub. - It takes Pilot cartridges or a CON-40 converter, which retailers say comes in the box with a cartridge and a metal cartridge cap. - Pilot's Japanese site dates the first Capless, a twist model, to 1963 and the push-button version to 1964. - Pilot's Japanese catalog lists the Black Matte Capless (FC-18SR-BMF) at 140 mm, 13.4 mm and 30 g, with a painted brass barrel, for ¥33,000 (about US$209). ## What is the Pilot Vanishing Point? **The Pilot Vanishing Point is a fountain pen with no cap: you click a button to push the nib out and click again to hide it.** Pilot sells it as the Capless (キャップレス) in Japan. Pilot's Japanese site says the first Capless of 1963 extended its nib with a twist, and the first push-button Capless followed in 1964. Pilot's catalog calls the Capless the world's first fountain pen without a cap, on sale since 1963, and notes a Good Design Long Life Design Award. That makes it the fountain pen for people who want to write with one hand, like a ballpoint, for quick notes and meetings. BestReviews names it its top fountain pen pick. ## Pilot Vanishing Point specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation, Japan | | Model (Japan) | Capless FC-18SR | | Type | Retractable fountain pen, push button | | Body | Brass with lacquer finish | | Nib | 18k gold; rhodium, gold or black finish | | Nib widths | EF, F, M, B (kakaku.com); stub on some versions | | Ink | Pilot cartridge or CON-40 converter | | Length | 140 mm (5.5 in), nib retracted | | Visible nib | About 8 mm | | Diameter | 13 mm body, 11.8 mm grip | | Weight | About 30 g with converter | | Made in | Japan (per retailers) | Sizes and weight are from Goulet Pens. Pilot's Japanese catalog agrees, listing the FC-18SR (Black Matte, F; JAN 4902505422386) at 140 mm, 13.4 mm at its widest and 30 g, with a painted brass barrel, a stainless-steel head and a steel clip, and 18K nibs in EF, F and M; kakaku.com gives the same length and diameter. JetPens also lists the brass body. ## How does the retractable nib work? **Pressing the end button pushes the whole nib unit forward, and the nib opens a small trap door in the nose on its way out.** When you click it back, the door closes over the opening, which is what stands in for a cap. ![Pilot Vanishing Point cutaway to scale, 140 mm long and 13 mm across: nib retracted behind a closed trap door, then clicked out about 8 mm through the open door](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-vanishing-point-mechanism.svg) *The nib unit and its converter slide forward together; the door seals the nose when the nib is in.* The nib, feed and converter form one unit inside the barrel. That's also how you change nib width: retailers such as Dromgoole's and JetPens sell spare nib units with a CON-40 converter. ## What ink does the Vanishing Point take? **It takes Pilot's own cartridges or the CON-40 converter for bottled ink; standard international cartridges don't fit.** Retailers say the box includes a CON-40, a Pilot cartridge and a metal cartridge cap, which JetPens says keeps the cartridge clear of the retraction mechanism. Goulet Pens lists about 1.05 ml with a cartridge. For the converter Goulet lists 0.82 ml, while Unsharpen gives 0.4 ml for the CON-40, so treat the converter figure as uncertain. The same CON-40 fits the [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) and [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/). ## Who is the Vanishing Point not for? **Writers who hold a pen low, near the nib, may find the clip in the way.** Because the nib comes out of the front, the clip sits at the writing end, over the grip; Unsharpen calls it one of the pen's most polarizing traits. Some Fountain Pen Network reviewers also found the metal body heavy for long sessions. If you can, hold one before buying, or compare it with a lighter capped pen such as the [LAMY 2000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-2000/) at 25 g. ## How does the Vanishing Point compare to the LAMY 2000? **Both are gold-nib pens in our $$$$ band; the Vanishing Point is quicker to use, while the LAMY 2000 holds more ink.** | | Pilot Vanishing Point | [LAMY 2000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-2000/) | |---|---|---| | Cap | None, retractable | Snap cap | | Nib | 18k gold | 14k gold, platinum-coated | | Filling | Cartridge or CON-40 | Piston | | Length | 140 mm (retracted) | 140 mm capped | | Weight | About 30 g | 25 g | | Made in | Japan | Germany | LAMY 2000 figures come from its guide. If you're new to fountain pens, our [best fountain pens for beginners](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners/) starts at a lower price. For Pilot's capped gold-nib pen, see the [Pilot Custom 74](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-custom-74/). ## Where is the Pilot Vanishing Point made? **Unsharpen's spec sheet says Japan.** Pilot's Japanese catalog page for the FC-18SR doesn't state the country. ## How much does a Pilot Vanishing Point cost? **The standard Vanishing Point is in our $$$$ price band, over $75 per pen.** That is from the US listings we checked in October 2026; limited editions cost considerably more. In Japan, Pilot's web catalog lists the Black Matte FC-18SR at ¥33,000 (about US$209) including tax, or ¥30,000 (about US$190) before tax. Pilot Japan also sells Capless models not offered in US shops, such as the Capless LS and limited runs like the 2023 Capless 60th Red. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the Pilot Vanishing Point work? Press the button at the end and the nib unit slides forward, pushing open a small trap door in the nose. Press again and the nib retracts and the door closes, sealing the nib so it doesn't dry out without a cap. ### Is the Pilot Vanishing Point nib gold? Yes, 18k gold, in rhodium (silver), gold or black finishes depending on the version, per Goulet Pens and retailers. Pilot has also sold steel-nib versions, according to Unsharpen. ### What converter does the Pilot Vanishing Point use? The Pilot CON-40, which Pilot's Japanese catalog lists for the Capless and Endless Pens says the pen is fitted with. It also takes Pilot's own cartridges, which go in with the metal cartridge cap supplied. ### Is the Vanishing Point the same as the Pilot Capless? Yes. Pilot sells it as the Capless in Japan and as the Vanishing Point in the US and some other markets. ### How heavy is the Pilot Vanishing Point? Goulet Pens lists about 30 g with the converter in. The Pleasure of Writing lists 25 g for a White/Black Matte version, so weight varies a little by finish and listing. ### Where is the Pilot Vanishing Point made? In Japan, according to Unsharpen's spec sheet. Pilot's Japanese catalog doesn't state the country. ### Why is the clip near the nib? Because the nib comes out of the front, the pen is carried nib-up, so the clip sits at the writing end, over the grip. Unsharpen notes that some writers find the clip gets in the way of their fingers. ### Can you swap nibs on a Vanishing Point? Yes. Pilot sells the nib as a complete unit, and retailers such as Dromgoole's and JetPens sell replacement nib units with a CON-40 converter, so you can change width by swapping the unit. ## Sources - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「キャップレス」FC-18SR-BMF (Pilot Japan catalog: 140 mm, 13.4 mm, 30 g, materials, 18K EF/F/M, CON-40, ¥33,000, JAN; world's first capless fountain pen, 1963)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000118) - [それぞれが個性的な「歴代キャップレス」（1963～2019年発売） (Pilot Japan article: Capless models 1963 to 2019)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/media/knowledge/029.html) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Vanishing Point fountain pen, Black/Rhodium (length, diameters, weight, capacity, nib)](https://gouletpens.com/products/pilot-vanishing-point-fountain-pen-black-rhodium) - [JetPens: Pilot Vanishing Point fountain pen, Black Matte (brass body, push button, metal cartridge cap)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Vanishing-Point-Fountain-Pen-Black-Matte-18k-Fine/pd/7246) - [kakaku.com: Pilot Capless FC-18SR (140 mm, 13.4 mm, EF to B)](https://search.kakaku.com/pilot%20capless/) - [Endless Pens: Pilot Vanishing Point Matte (nib finishes, EF to stub, CON-40)](https://endlesspens.com/products/pilot-fountain-pen-vanishing-point-matte) - [Larry Post: Pilot Capless (Vanishing Point), 18ct gold nib, with converter](https://www.larrypost.com.au/pilot-capless-vanishing-point-fountain-pen-18ct-gold-nib-converter-black-gold-broad.html) - [Unsharpen: Pilot Vanishing Point (clip, CON-40, IC-50 and IC-100 cartridges)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-vanishing-point/) - [The Pleasure of Writing: Pilot Vanishing Point White/Black Matte (141 mm, 25 g)](https://thepleasureofwriting.com/products/pil-60745-fp) - [Dromgoole's: Pilot Vanishing Point nib with converter](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/pilot-vanishing-point-nib-with-converter) - [Fountain Pen Network: Pilot Vanishing Point review (weight in long sessions)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/334037-pilot-vanishing-point-review) - [BestReviews: Best fountain pens (Vanishing Point top pick)](https://bestreviews.com/articles/office/writing-supplies/office-best-fountain-pen) --- # Hobonichi Cousin 2027: A5 Daily & Weekly Planner > The Hobonichi Techo Cousin is the A5 version of Hobonichi's page-a-day planner. The 2027 English January-start book measures 210 × 148 × 18 mm, weighs about 445 g and has 544 pages of Tomoe River S paper: 377 daily pages for January 1 to December 31, 2027, plus vertical weekly pages. Hobonichi lists it at ¥4,620 (about US$29). - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-cousin/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Hobonichi Cousin 2027 to scale: a closed A5 book 210 mm tall, 148 mm wide and 18 mm thick, and the book open flat on two daily pages with a time scale, checkboxes and a 3.7 mm grid](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/hobonichi-cousin-16x9.png) *The A5 Cousin closed and open on two daily pages (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-cousin-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Hobonichi Techo Cousin Book 2027, A5, English, January start | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Tomoe River S paper, thread-sewn binding | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Hobonichi Techo Cousin Book 2027, A5, English, January start): Japan. Per Boston General Store's 2027 Cousin listing, which files it in its Made in Japan collection. Hobonichi's Japanese store page for the 2027 English Cousin gives size, weight, pages and paper but no country of manufacture (it names one only for a free charm, made in China). Source: https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/collections/made-in-japan/products/hobonichi-techo-book-cousin-a5 ## Key takeaways - Hobonichi lists the 2027 English Cousin at 210 × 148 × 18 mm (8.3 × 5.8 × 0.7 in) and about 445 g. - It has 544 pages, per Hobonichi: 377 daily pages (January 1 to December 31, 2027) and 106 vertical weekly pages. - Daily pages use a 3.7 mm grid with a time scale, checkboxes and a quote at the foot. - Hobonichi's store lists it at ¥4,620 (about US$29) including tax; US shops charge more, which keeps it in our $$$ band ($20–75 per notebook). - Hobonichi introduced the A5 Cousin with the 2009 edition, for users who wanted more room to write. ## What is the Hobonichi Cousin? **The Hobonichi Techo Cousin is Hobonichi's A5 planner: one page per day, plus vertical weekly pages, on thin Tomoe River S paper.** It is twice the size of the A6 [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). Hobonichi's history page says the Cousin was introduced with the 2009 edition, for users who wanted more room to write. The 2027 books went on sale on September 1, 2026. ## Hobonichi Cousin 2027 specs | Spec | 2027 English Cousin Book (January start) | |---|---| | Size | A5: 210 × 148 × 18 mm (8.3 × 5.8 × 0.7 in) | | Weight | About 445 g (15.7 oz) | | Pages | 544 | | Daily pages | January 1 – December 31, 2027 (377 pages) | | Weekly pages | Vertical, 106 pages | | Yearly calendars | 2026, 2027, 2028 | | Monthly calendars | December 2026 – March 2028 (32 pages) | | Paper | Tomoe River S | | Grid | 3.7 mm | | Binding | Thread-sewn (糸かがり製本); lies flat | | Week start | Monday | | List price | ¥4,620 (about US$29) including tax (Hobonichi store) | | Made in | Japan (Boston General Store) | All figures except origin come from Hobonichi's Japanese store listing for the 2027 English Cousin (手帳本体カズン 英語版), which notes that sizes vary slightly from book to book. Dromgoole's gives the same 210 × 148 × 18 mm. ![Bar chart in proportion of the 544 pages of the 2027 English Hobonichi Cousin: 377 daily pages, 106 vertical weekly pages and 61 pages of calendars, index and notes](https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-cousin-pages.svg) *Where the Cousin's 544 pages go; the 61 other pages are worked out from the listed totals.* ## How big is the Hobonichi Cousin? **At 210 × 148 mm the Cousin is standard A5, the size of most journals, with twice the page area of the A6 Original.** It is a desk planner more than a pocket one. It is also heavy for a planner: about 445 g, against about 195 g for the Original. Add a cover and it weighs more, so the slim [Hobonichi Weeks](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-weeks/) suits people who want to carry a Hobonichi every day. ## What is on a Cousin daily page? **Each day gets a full A5 page with a 3.7 mm grid, a date line, a time scale, a few checkboxes and a quote at the foot.** Boston General Store describes the time-of-day segments and the to-do or habit checkboxes. On a 148 mm wide page, a 3.7 mm grid gives about 40 squares across. That leaves room for a schedule, a to-do list and a journal entry on the same page. ## What are the Cousin's weekly pages? **The weekly pages show the seven days side by side in columns, with a time scale running down each day.** Hobonichi's Japanese guide calls this vertical weekly diary (週間ダイアリー) a page found only in the Cousin. It suits time-blocking: plan the week on the weekly spread, then write the details on the daily pages. Hobonichi counts 106 weekly pages in the 2027 book, running from December 28, 2026 to January 2, 2028. ## How does the Cousin compare to the Original and the Weeks? **The Cousin has the most room; the Original is the pocket daily; the Weeks is the slim weekly.** | | Cousin | Original | Weeks | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 148 × 210 mm (A5) | 105 × 148 mm (A6) | 95 × 186 mm | | Thickness, weight | 18 mm, about 445 g | 15 mm, about 195 g | 11 mm, about 133 g | | Pages | 544 | 464 | 240 | | Daily pages | Yes | Yes | No | | Weekly pages | Vertical | No | Week + grid | | Cover | Sold separately | Sold separately | Built in | For other A5 page-a-day books, such as the Midori MD Diary, see [the best 2027 journals](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/). ## Which Cousin edition should you choose? **Buy the English January-start book for a calendar year.** Hobonichi's Japanese store lists the 2027 Cousin in Japanese and English January-start editions and as a two-book avec set; see our [2027 journals guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/) for other options. The book is sold without a cover. Hobonichi and other makers sell A5 Cousin covers separately; US shops sell the 2027 English book alone in our $$$ band. ## Where is the Hobonichi Cousin made? **Boston General Store files the 2027 Cousin in its Made in Japan collection.** Hobonichi's own store page doesn't state the country of manufacture, so check the back of your book. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Hobonichi Cousin? It is A5. Hobonichi lists the 2027 English Cousin at 210 × 148 × 18 mm, about 8.3 × 5.8 in and 0.7 in thick, and notes that sizes vary slightly from book to book. ### How heavy is the Hobonichi Cousin? About 445 g (just under 1 lb) for the 2027 English book, per Hobonichi's store, before you add a cover. ### How many pages are in the Hobonichi Cousin 2027? Hobonichi lists 544 pages: 377 daily pages, 106 vertical weekly pages, 32 pages of monthly calendars, a 4-page yearly index, 6 memo pages and bonus pages. ### What is the difference between the Hobonichi Cousin and the Original? The Cousin is A5 and the Original A6, so each daily page has twice the area. The Cousin also adds vertical weekly pages, which the Original doesn't have. ### Does the Hobonichi Cousin come with a cover? No. The Cousin Book is sold without a cover; Hobonichi and other makers sell A5 Cousin covers separately. ### What dates does the 2027 Cousin cover? Daily pages run from January 1 to December 31, 2027, and yearly calendars cover 2026 to 2028. Hobonichi lists monthly calendars from December 2026 to March 2028 and weekly pages from December 28, 2026 to January 2, 2028. ### Is the Hobonichi Cousin good for fountain pens? Its Tomoe River S paper is thin and takes ink well, but writing shows through from the other side. We haven't tested the 2027 Cousin ourselves. ### Where is the Hobonichi Cousin made? Boston General Store files the 2027 Cousin under made in Japan. Hobonichi, a Tokyo company, doesn't state the country on its store page. ## Sources - [手帳本体カズン 英語版 ［A5/1日1ページ（英語）/1月/月曜はじまり］ - ほぼ日手帳 2027 (Hobonichi Japanese store: size, weight, 544 pages, 106 weekly pages, ¥4,620)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_cover/cb27_jan_en/) - [カズン - 手帳タイプ別ガイド - ほぼ日手帳 2027 (Hobonichi Japanese guide to the Cousin: vertical weekly pages only in the Cousin)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/all_about/cousin/) - [Hobonichi: About the Hobonichi Techo, history (Cousin born with the 2009 edition)](https://1101.com/store/techo/en/2018/pc/about/history.html) - [Hobonichi Techo NEWS: 2027 lineup on sale September 1, 2026](https://www.1101.com/pl/techo_news_en/statuses/469846) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Hobonichi Techo 2027 English Cousin Book (544 pages, Tomoe River S)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/hobonichi-techo-2027-english-cousin-book-january-start-a5) - [Jenni Bick: Hobonichi Techo 2027 Cousin Book A5, English (US price)](https://www.jennibick.com/products/hobonichi-techo-2027-english-cousin-book-a5-size-daily-jan-start-mon-start) - [Boston General Store: Hobonichi Techo Cousin A5, 2027 (Made in Japan collection, daily page layout)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/collections/made-in-japan/products/hobonichi-techo-book-cousin-a5) - [Dromgoole's: Hobonichi 2027 A5 Techo Cousin Book, English (210 × 148 × 18 mm)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/hobonichi-2027-a5-techo-cousin-book-english) - [Boston General Store: Hobonichi A5 Cousin cover, Jin Kitamura (book sold separately)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/hobonichi-jin-kitamura-love-it-panda-a5-techo-cousin-cover) --- # Hobonichi Weeks 2027: Slim Weekly Planner & Paper > The Hobonichi Techo Weeks is Hobonichi's slim weekly planner. The 2027 English January-start book measures 186 × 95 × 11 mm, has 240 pages of Tomoe River S paper and runs weekly from November 30, 2026 to January 2, 2028, with the week on the left and grid paper on the right. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-weeks/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Hobonichi Weeks 2027 to scale: a black book with one white stripe, 186 mm tall and 95 mm wide, and the book open on a week of seven day rows facing a page of grid paper](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/hobonichi-weeks-16x9.png) *The Weeks in White Line: Black, closed and open on a week (1 mm = 1.2 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-weeks-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027, English, January start (White Line: Black and other covers) | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Tomoe River S paper, thread-sewn; soft PVC cover (White Line: Black) | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027, English, January start (White Line: Black and other covers)): Japan. Per retailer spec sheets for the 2027 Weeks (Sortdays and Milligram). Hobonichi's Japanese store page for White Line: Black gives size, weight, pages and materials but no country of manufacture. Source: https://sortdays.com/products/hobonichi-techo-2027-weeks-planner-white-line-ivory ## Key takeaways - Hobonichi lists the 2027 Weeks at 186 × 95 × 11 mm (7.3 × 3.7 × 0.4 in), 240 pages and about 133 g. - The weekly pages run from November 30, 2026 to January 2, 2028 (114 pages), with monthly calendars from December 2026 to March 2028. - The English edition has 75 pages of grid memo paper at the back (71 in Japanese); Hobonichi gives the grid as 3.55 mm. - The cover is built in; White Line: Black lists at ¥2,860 (about US$18) to ¥2,970 (about US$19) in Japan and sells in our $$$ band ($20–75) in the US. - Retailers list the Weeks as made in Japan. ## What is the Hobonichi Weeks? **The Hobonichi Techo Weeks is a tall, slim weekly planner: one week per spread, with the days on the left page and grid paper on the right.** It is the weekly book in Hobonichi's planner range, beside the page-a-day A6 [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) and the A5 [Hobonichi Cousin](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-cousin/). Hobonichi's Japanese store says the Weeks was born with the 2011 edition. The 2027 books went on sale on September 1, 2026, with the rest of Hobonichi's 2027 lineup. ## Hobonichi Weeks 2027 specs | Spec | 2027 English Weeks (January start) | |---|---| | Size | 186 × 95 × 11 mm (7.3 × 3.7 × 0.4 in) | | Weight | About 133 g (4.7 oz) | | Pages | 240 | | Paper | Tomoe River S; thread-sewn binding | | Grid | 3.55 mm (monthly calendars 3.4 mm) | | Yearly calendars | 2026, 2027, 2028 | | Yearly index | January–December 2027 (2 pages) | | Monthly calendars | December 2026 – March 2028 (32 pages) | | Weekly pages | November 30, 2026 – January 2, 2028 (114 pages) | | Memo pages | 75 pages of grid paper (71 in the Japanese edition) | | Week start | Monday | | Japan price | ¥2,860 (about US$18) to ¥2,970 (about US$19), tax included | | Made in | Japan (retailers) | Figures are from Hobonichi's Japanese store page for the White Line: Black book (Japanese and English editions), which notes that sizes vary slightly from book to book. Dromgoole's gives 188 × 94 × 10 mm and Hunter Paper Co. "under 140 g", so expect small differences between listings. ![To-scale drawing of the Hobonichi Weeks, 95 × 186 mm, against the Hobonichi Original A6 outline, 105 × 148 mm, and the Cousin A5 outline, 148 × 210 mm, with page counts of 240, 464 and 544](https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-weeks-sizes.svg) *The Weeks is narrower than an A6 book but 38 mm taller (1 mm = 1.25 px).* ## How big is the Hobonichi Weeks? **At 186 × 95 mm, the Weeks is about the size of a long wallet: 10 mm narrower than an A6 book and 38 mm taller.** Boston General Store makes the same wallet comparison. The narrow shape slips into a jacket pocket or a small bag where an A5 planner won't fit. At 11 mm thick and about 133 g, it is also much thinner and lighter than the page-a-day books. Hobonichi lists the A6 Original at 15 mm and about 195 g, and the A5 Cousin at 18 mm and about 445 g. ## What does a week look like in the Weeks? **Each spread shows one week as seven rows on the left page, starting on Monday, and a page of grid paper on the right.** The narrow rows suit short entries: appointments, deadlines and a line or two of notes per day. The grid page is free space for lists, tasks or a small journal entry. Hobonichi gives the Weeks grid as 3.55 mm (Sortdays and Milligram round it to 3.5 mm); the Original uses 3.7 mm. ## Which cover should you choose? **Pick the cover when you buy, because the Weeks has no separate book: each design is a bound-in cover.** Retailers list leather, fabric, PVC and illustrated covers for 2027. Hobonichi says White Line: Black has been popular ever since the first Weeks in the 2011 edition. It is a soft black PVC cover with a single white stripe, and each Weeks comes with a clear pocket with an adhesive back that you can stick where you like. In US shops, the Smooth covers cost more than White Line: Black, though all the listings we saw stay in our $$$ band. ## How does the Weeks compare to other planners? **Choose the Weeks if you plan by the week and want to carry it everywhere; choose a page-a-day book if you journal every day.** | | Hobonichi Weeks | Hobonichi Original | Moleskine Weekly, Large | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 95 × 186 mm | 105 × 148 mm (A6) | 130 × 210 mm | | Layout | Week + grid page | One page per day | Week + ruled page | | Pages | 240 | 464 | 144 | | Paper | Tomoe River S | Tomoe River | 70 g/m² ivory | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | The [Moleskine 12-Month Weekly Planner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-weekly-planner/) has the same week-plus-notes idea on a wider page. For all the main 2027 options, see [the best 2027 journals](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/). ## Does the Hobonichi Weeks lie flat? **Not on its own: Hobonichi says the soft cover means you need to press the pages lightly by hand to open it flat to 180°.** The trade-off is a book you can grip, flip and slip into a pocket. Tomoe River S is thin, so writing shows through from the other side. Hobonichi sells a Pencil Board in a Weeks size to put under the page you're writing on. ## When does the 2027 Weeks start? **The 2027 English Weeks starts its weekly pages on November 30, 2026, so you can begin a month early.** The weeks run to January 2, 2028, and the monthly calendars to March 2028. Hobonichi also sells April-start Weeks books in Japanese. Don't confuse the Weeks with Hobonichi's separate Weekly Calendar 2027, a thin 140 × 95 mm booklet. ## Where is the Hobonichi Weeks made? **Retailers list the 2027 Weeks as made in Japan.** Sortdays and Milligram state it on their listings. Hobonichi's own store page doesn't name the country of manufacture; check the label on your copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Hobonichi Weeks? Hobonichi lists the 2027 Weeks at 186 × 95 × 11 mm, about 7.3 × 3.7 in, and about 133 g. Dromgoole's gives 188 × 94 × 10 mm; retailers compare it to a long wallet. ### How many pages does the Hobonichi Weeks have? The 2027 Weeks has 240 pages, per Hobonichi: calendars, 114 weekly pages, grid memo paper (75 pages in the English edition, 71 in the Japanese) and bonus pages. ### What dates does the 2027 Hobonichi Weeks cover? The weekly pages run from November 30, 2026 to January 2, 2028, and the monthly calendars from December 2026 to March 2028, per Hobonichi. Yearly calendars cover 2026, 2027 and 2028. ### Does the Hobonichi Weeks need a cover? No. Unlike the Original and Cousin books, each Weeks comes bound in its own cover, so you choose the design when you buy the planner. ### Does the Hobonichi Weeks lie flat? Not on its own. Hobonichi says the soft cover means you need to press the pages lightly by hand to open it flat to 180°. ### Is the Hobonichi Weeks good for fountain pens? It uses Tomoe River S, a thin paper that takes ink well but shows writing from the other side. We haven't tested the 2027 Weeks ourselves. ### Where is the Hobonichi Weeks made? Retailers such as Sortdays and Milligram list the 2027 Weeks as made in Japan. Hobonichi is a Tokyo company. ## Sources - [ホワイトライン ブラック ［weeks/週間レフト/日本語版・英語版/1月/月曜はじまり］ - ほぼ日手帳 2027 (Hobonichi Japanese store: 186 × 95 × 11 mm, about 133 g, 240 pages, 3.55 mm grid, ¥2,860–¥2,970)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_cover/wb27_whitelinebk/) - [Hobonichi Techo NEWS: 2027 lineup on sale September 1, 2026](https://www.1101.com/pl/techo_news_en/statuses/469846) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Hobonichi Weeks 2027 White Line: Black, January start (size, date ranges, best-selling design since 2011)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/hobonichi-weeks-2027-white-line-black-january-start) - [Boston General Store: Hobonichi Techo Weeks 2027, White Line: Black (US price, 75 memo pages)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/hobonichi-techo-weeks-2027-white-line-black) - [Dromgoole's: Hobonichi 2027 Weeks White Line Black (188 × 94 × 10 mm)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/hobonichi-2027-weeks-white-line-black) - [Sortdays: Hobonichi Techo 2027 Weeks, White Line: Ivory (made in Japan, 3.5 mm grid)](https://sortdays.com/products/hobonichi-techo-2027-weeks-planner-white-line-ivory) - [Milligram: Hobonichi 2027 Techo Weeks, Sea Glass (made in Japan, 3.5 mm grid)](https://milligram.com/products/hobonichi-2027-techo-weeks-planner-sea-glass) - [Hobonichi: Weekly Calendar 2027 (a separate 140 × 95 mm booklet)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_weekly2027/) - [Hobonichi: History of the Hobonichi Techo](https://1101.com/store/techo/en/2018/pc/about/history.html) --- # Moleskine Weekly Planner 2027: Layouts, Size & Paper > The Moleskine 12-Month Weekly Planner 2027 is a dated weekly diary for January to December 2027. The Large is 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) with 144 pages of ivory 70 g/m² paper, an elastic closure, a ribbon and a pocket. Its Weekly Notebook layout pairs the week with a ruled page. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-weekly-planner/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Moleskine 12-Month Weekly Planner 2027 to scale: a black hard-cover Large planner 210 mm tall and 130 mm wide with elastic and ribbon, and the planner open on seven day rows facing a ruled notes page](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/moleskine-weekly-planner-16x9.png) *The Large weekly planner in black, closed and open on a Weekly Notebook spread (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/moleskine-weekly-planner-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Moleskine Classic 12-Month Weekly Planner 2027, Large (Weekly Notebook layout; hard or soft cover) | Moleskine (by Moleskine S.r.l. (D'Ieteren Group)) | Italy | China | Hard or soft cover; ivory 70 g/m² acid-free paper (FSC-certified and controlled sources) | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Moleskine Classic 12-Month Weekly Planner 2027, Large (Weekly Notebook layout; hard or soft cover)): China. Per John Lewis's spec table for the 2027 12-month weekly planner (Sage hard cover). Moleskine's Italian and US product pages don't state the country, and Harry Hartog says only "Designed in Italy", so check the label on your copy. Source: https://www.johnlewis.com/moleskine-12-month-weekly-diary-planner-2027-hard-cover-sage/p115470670 ## Key takeaways - The Large planner measures 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) and about 1.4 cm thick, with 144 pages, per John Lewis. - Moleskine lists ivory, 70 g/m², acid-free paper, rounded corners, an elastic closure, a ribbon bookmark and an expandable inner pocket. - The 12-month planner runs from January to December 2027; Moleskine's 18-month version runs from July 2026 to December 2027. - Moleskine's Italian shop lists the Large hard-cover weekly planner at €28.00 (about US$31); US stores sell it in our $$$ band ($20–75). - John Lewis lists the 2027 weekly planner as made in China. ## What is the Moleskine 12-Month Weekly Planner? **It is Moleskine's dated weekly diary: the same black-bound, elastic-closed book as the [Moleskine Classic notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/), printed with a calendar year of weeks.** The 2027 edition covers January to December 2027. Moleskine sells it in several layouts, sizes and cover colors. This guide covers the Large size and its classic layout, the Weekly Notebook, with notes on the Weekly Horizontal. ## Moleskine Weekly Planner 2027 specs | Spec | 12-Month Weekly Planner 2027, Large | |---|---| | Size | 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in), about 1.4 cm thick | | Weight | About 300 g (Harry Hartog, hard cover) | | Pages | 144 | | Paper | Ivory, 70 g/m², acid-free, FSC-certified sources (Moleskine) | | Dates | January – December 2027 | | Covers | Hard or soft; several colors | | Closure, marker | Elastic band, matching ribbon | | Extras | Expandable inner pocket, stickers, spine year stickers, ruler; opens flat to 180° | | Italian list price | €28.00 (about US$31), Large hard cover | | Made in | China (John Lewis) | Paper, layout and extras are from Moleskine's Italian product page; thickness, pages and origin from John Lewis. Moleskine's own pages don't give a thickness or page count. Identifiers on Moleskine's store: Weekly Notebook Large hard cover in Sage Green 8056999279165, in Myrtle Green 8056999279943, and soft cover in Black 8056999279530; Weekly Horizontal Large hard cover in Black 8056999279677. ## What does the Weekly Notebook layout look like? **Each spread puts the seven days on the left page and a ruled page for notes and tasks on the right.** Moleskine describes it as a part-notebook layout. The days get one band each, enough for appointments and short reminders. The ruled page takes a weekly to-do list or meeting notes. Moleskine's Weekly Horizontal listing describes yearly and monthly overview pages before the weeks, and pages for travel plans, ideas and goals after them. ![To-scale drawing of two Moleskine Large weekly spreads, each page 130 × 210 mm: the Weekly Notebook with seven days on the left and a ruled notes page on the right, and the Weekly Horizontal with Monday to Wednesday on the left and Thursday to Sunday on the right](https://stationerytimes.com/images/moleskine-weekly-planner-layouts.svg) *Weekly Notebook (left) and Weekly Horizontal (right), simplified, at 1 mm = 1 px.* ## Weekly Notebook or Weekly Horizontal? **Choose the Weekly Notebook if you want notes beside your week, and the Weekly Horizontal if you need more room each day.** The Horizontal spreads the week across both pages, so each day gets about twice the space. Moleskine also sells daily and vertical weekly planners, and Pocket and XL sizes. ## How good is the paper? **Moleskine lists ivory, 70 g/m² acid-free paper, which is thin for fountain pens and wet inks.** Reviewers of Moleskine's notebooks report bleed-through with wet inks; ballpoints, gel pens and pencils are safer choices. For heavier paper in a similar planner, the [Leuchtturm1917 Weekly Planner & Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-weekly-planner-2027/) uses 80 g/m². Our [best 2027 journals](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/) guide compares them. ## How does it compare to other weekly planners? **The Moleskine is the plainest and widest of the popular weekly books, and one of the cheaper ones in the listings we checked.** | | Moleskine Weekly, Large | Hobonichi Weeks | Passion Planner, Small | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 130 × 210 mm | 95 × 186 mm | 148 × 210 mm | | Layout | Week + ruled page | Week + grid page | Vertical week, half-hour blocks | | Pages | 144 | 240 | 221 | | Paper | 70 g/m² | Tomoe River S | 120 gsm | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | The [Hobonichi Weeks](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-weeks/) is slimmer and has thinner paper; the [Passion Planner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/passion-planner/) adds goal-setting pages and time blocks. ## When should you buy the 2027 Moleskine planner? **Buy the 12-month planner for a January start, or the 18-month planner if you want to begin in July 2026.** The 18-month weekly runs to December 2027. Moleskine's US store sells the Large hard-cover Weekly Notebook in our $$$ band. Its Italian shop lists the same Sage Green hard cover at €28.00 (about US$31), and John Lewis at £25 (about US$33). ## Where is the Moleskine weekly planner made? **John Lewis lists the 2027 12-month weekly planner as made in China.** Moleskine is an Italian brand based in Milan, but its Italian and US product pages don't state an origin, and Harry Hartog says only "Designed in Italy", so check the label on your copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Moleskine Large weekly planner? 13 × 21 cm, or about 5 × 8.25 in, per Moleskine, and about 1.4 cm thick according to John Lewis. Moleskine's Italian site also lists Pocket (9 × 14 cm) and XL weekly planners. ### How many pages are in the Moleskine 12-month weekly planner? The 2027 Large has 144 pages, per John Lewis's spec table. ### What is the difference between the Weekly Notebook and the Weekly Horizontal? The Weekly Notebook puts all seven days on the left page and a ruled notes page on the right. The Weekly Horizontal spreads the week across both pages, Monday to Wednesday on the left and Thursday to Sunday on the right. ### What paper does the Moleskine planner use? Moleskine lists ivory, 70 g/m², acid-free paper. Reviewers of Moleskine notebooks report bleed-through with wet fountain-pen inks; we haven't tested the 2027 planner ourselves. ### When does the Moleskine 2027 weekly planner start? The 12-month planner covers January to December 2027. If you want to start sooner, Moleskine's 18-month weekly planner runs from July 2026 to December 2027. ### What extras come with the Moleskine weekly planner? Moleskine's Italian site lists an elastic closure, a ribbon bookmark, an expandable inner pocket, stickers, year stickers for the spine and a ruler, plus an In case of loss page and a binding that opens flat to 180°. ### Where is the Moleskine weekly planner made? John Lewis lists the 2027 12-month weekly planner as made in China. Moleskine is an Italian brand. ## Sources - [Moleskine (IT): Agenda Classic 2027 Large Settimanale, copertina rigida, 12 mesi, Verde Salvia (Moleskine's Italian page: layout, carta 70 g/m², extras, €28.00)](https://www.moleskine.com/it-it/turn-the-page-keep-the-fun/agenda-classic-2027-large-verde-salvia-8056999279165.html) - [Moleskine (IT): Agende settimanali 12 mesi (Pocket, Large and XL 2027 weekly planners)](https://www.moleskine.com/it-it/shop/agende/agende-12-mesi/agende-settimanali/) - [Moleskine (US): 12-Month Weekly Notebook Planner 2027, Large, hard cover, Sage Green (price, 70 g/m² paper)](https://www.moleskine.com/en-us/turn-the-page-keep-the-fun/classic-planner-2027-large-sage-green-8056999279165.html) - [Moleskine (US): 12-Month Weekly Notebook Planner 2027, Large, soft cover, Black (layout)](https://www.moleskine.com/en-us/turn-the-page-keep-the-fun-black-8056999279530.html) - [Moleskine: 12-Month Weekly Horizontal Planner 2027, Large, hard cover, Black (layout, contents, extras)](https://www.moleskine.com/en-ca/back-to-school-deal/classic-diary-2027-large-black-8056999279677.html) - [Moleskine: 12-Month Weekly Notebook Planner 2027, Large, hard cover, Myrtle Green](https://www.moleskine.com/en-ca/back-to-school-deal/classic-diary-2027-large-myrtle-green-8056999279943.html) - [Moleskine (US): 18-Month Weekly Planner 2026/2027, Large (July 2026 to December 2027)](https://www.moleskine.com/en-us/shop/planners/18-month-planner/classic-weekly-planner-2026%2F2027-black-8056999279929.html) - [John Lewis: Moleskine 12-Month Weekly Planner 2027, hard cover, Sage (144 pages, 21 × 13 × 1.4 cm, made in China)](https://www.johnlewis.com/moleskine-12-month-weekly-diary-planner-2027-hard-cover-sage/p115470670) - [Harry Hartog: Moleskine 2027 Weekly Diary, Large, hard cover (300 g, stickers, designed in Italy)](https://www.harryhartog.com.au/products/2027-weekly-diary-hard-cover-large-sapphire-blue) --- # Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad: 25% Cotton, 140 lb > The Fabriano Studio watercolor pad is a glue-bound pad of 140 lb (300 gsm) watercolor paper of 25% cotton and lignin-free cellulose. The 9 × 12 in cold-press pad holds 12 sheets; pads run from 8 × 10 to 11 × 14 in with 12 or 50 sheets, in cold or hot press, and are made in Italy. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fabriano-studio-watercolor-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Fabriano Studio watercolor pad, 9 × 12 in, 229 mm wide, 300 g/m² cold press with 12 sheets, glue-bound at the head, closed and with a grey watercolor landscape on the top sheet; inset: cold-press grain, 25% cotton](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/fabriano-studio-watercolor-pad-16x9.png) *The 9 × 12 in cold-press pad, closed and painted, drawn to scale; the cover artwork is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/fabriano-studio-watercolor-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9 x 12 in, 140 lb (300 gsm), 12 sheets | Fabriano (by Fabriano (Fedrigoni Group)) | Italy | Italy | 300 g/m² (140 lb) watercolor paper, 25% cotton and lignin-free cellulose, cold press, glue bound | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad, Cold Press, 9 x 12 in, 140 lb (300 gsm), 12 sheets): Italy. Larry Post's product description says "Made in Italy. FSC Mixed Sources." for the 9 × 12 in cold-press pad. Fabriano's Italian product page says the paper is made with hydroelectric power but doesn't name the country. Source: https://www.larrypost.com.au/fabriano-studio-watercolour-pad-cold-pressed-300gsm-25-cotton-9-x12-12-sheets.html ## Key takeaways - Fabriano's Italian site describes Studio as 25% cotton with lignin-free cellulose, acid-free and FSC-certified, in 200 and 300 g/m² (140 lb). - Dick Blick sells cold-press pads in 8 × 10 in (12 sheets) and 9 × 12 and 11 × 14 in (12 or 50 sheets); hot-press pads also come in 50 sheets. - Fabriano's data sheet lists 300 g/m² Studio pads of 12 sheets in 20.3 × 25.4, 22.9 × 30.5 and 28 × 35.6 cm, and of 50 sheets in the two larger sizes. - At 25% cotton it sits between the Canson XL Watercolor pad, for which retailers state no cotton, and the 100% cotton Arches block, all three at 140 lb. - Larry Post lists the 9 × 12 in cold-press pad as made in Italy. ## What is the Fabriano Studio watercolor pad? **It is Fabriano's student-to-intermediate watercolor pad: 140 lb (300 g/m²) paper made of 25% cotton and lignin-free cellulose, bound with glue.** Fabriano's Italian site gives the fiber mix and calls the paper acid-free and FSC-certified, and Blick lists the pads as glue bound. Fabriano's Italian page also says the paper is made with hydroelectric power and suits watercolor, gouache, acrylic, ink, drawing and mixed media. It names Studio in the hot-press ("grana satinata") finish; US shops also sell it in cold press. ## Fabriano Studio watercolor pad specs | Spec | 9 × 12 in cold-press pad | |---|---| | Size | 9 × 12 in (229 × 305 mm) | | Sheets | 12 (a 50-sheet pad is also sold) | | Weight | 300 g/m² (140 lb) | | Fiber | 25% cotton, lignin-free cellulose | | Sizing | Internal and external | | Surface | Cold press (hot press also sold) | | Archival | Acid-free; FSC-certified (Fabriano) | | Binding | Glue bound; DeSerres says glued on one side | | Made in | Italy | Fiber, acid-free and FSC claims come from Fabriano's Italian site; sheet counts, weight and binding from Dick Blick; sizing from DeSerres and Utrecht; origin from Larry Post. Fabriano's cold-press Watercolour page adds that the cellulose is ECF (elemental chlorine free). ## What sizes does the Studio pad come in? **Fabriano and Dick Blick list three main sizes, 8 × 10, 9 × 12 and 11 × 14 in, all at 140 lb.** | Size (in) | Size (cm) | Sheets | |---|---|---| | 8 × 10 | 20.3 × 25.4 | 12 | | 9 × 12 | 22.9 × 30.5 | 12 or 50 | | 11 × 14 | 27.9 × 35.6 | 12 or 50 | Fabriano's data sheet gives the same sizes as 20.3 × 25.4, 22.9 × 30.5 and 28 × 35.6 cm, with 50-sheet pads only in the two larger sizes, and adds lighter 200 g/m² pads of 20 and 75 sheets. ![To-scale drawing of three Fabriano Studio watercolor pad sizes from a shared corner: 8×10 in with 12 sheets, and 9×12 and 11×14 in with 12 or 50 sheets, all 300 g/m² (140 lb)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/fabriano-studio-watercolor-pad-sizes.svg) *The three 140 lb pad sizes drawn to scale from one corner.* ## Cold press or hot press? **Pick cold press for general watercolor and hot press for smooth, detailed work.** School Specialty describes cold press as having a slight texture and tooth and calls it the most popular watercolor surface. Hot press is the smooth surface: better for fine lines, ink and wash, and botanical detail, and less forgiving for big textured washes. Walmart and Jerry's Artarama list hot-press Studio pads in 9 × 12 and 11 × 14 in with 50 sheets. ## How does it compare to Canson XL and Arches? **All three are 140 lb (300 gsm), but the stated cotton content steps up from none to 25% to 100%.** | | [Canson XL Watercolor](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-watercolor-pad/) | Fabriano Studio | [Arches block](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/arches-watercolor-block/) | |---|---|---|---| | Weight | 140 lb (300 gsm) | 140 lb (300 g/m²) | 140 lb (300 g/m²) | | Fiber | No cotton stated by retailers | 25% cotton, cellulose | 100% cotton | | Format | Pad, 30 sheets | Pad, 12 or 50 sheets | Block glued on 4 sides, 20 sheets | | Made in | Not stated | Italy | France | | Price band | $$ | $$ | $$$$ | Canson and Arches figures come from our guides to them. A pad, unlike a block, doesn't hold the sheet flat, so tape the sheet down for heavy washes. For mixed media and lighter washes, the 98 lb [Canson XL Mix Media pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) is the cheaper sheet. ## How much does it cost? **The 9 × 12 in 12-sheet pad sits in our $$ band ($5–20 per pad) at the US shops we checked in October 2026.** The 50-sheet pads cost more per pad but less per sheet. ## Who makes Fabriano, and where is the pad made? **Larry Post lists the Studio pad as "Made in Italy", and Fabriano is an Italian paper brand, now part of the Fedrigoni group.** Fabriano's own history page cites a parchment, kept in Matelica, showing cotton paper made in Fabriano by 1264, the year in the name of its 1264 line. Fabriano's Italian page says the Studio paper is made with hydroelectric power from the company's own small plants, without naming the country. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Fabriano Studio watercolor paper 100% cotton? No. Fabriano's Italian site describes Studio as 25% cotton fibers with lignin-free cellulose, as do Dick Blick and Utrecht. Fabriano's 100% cotton paper is the Artistico line. ### What weight is the Fabriano Studio watercolor pad? The standard pads are 300 g/m², which is 140 lb. Fabriano's data sheet also lists lighter 200 g/m² Studio pads of 20 and 75 sheets. ### How many sheets are in a Fabriano Studio watercolor pad? The 8 × 10 in pad holds 12 sheets, and the 9 × 12 and 11 × 14 in pads come with 12 or 50 sheets. Check the cover, since both counts are sold in the same size. ### What is the difference between cold press and hot press? Cold press has a slight texture and tooth, which School Specialty calls the most popular watercolor surface. Hot press is smooth, which suits fine detail, ink and botanical work. ### Is Fabriano Studio good for beginners? It is a step up from all-cellulose student pads, with some cotton and internal and external sizing, at a price in our $$ band. We haven't yet tested how it handles lifting and layered washes. ### Is Fabriano Studio paper acid-free? Yes. Fabriano's Italian site lists it as acid-free ("senza acidi"), as do Dick Blick and DeSerres. ### Where is Fabriano Studio paper made? Larry Post lists the Studio pad as made in Italy. Fabriano is an Italian paper brand; its own history page cites a parchment showing paper made in Fabriano by 1264. ## Sources - [Fabriano (IT): Watercolour Studio, grana satinata (maker's Italian page: 25% cotone, cellulosa priva di lignina, Acid Free, FSC, energia idroelettrica, 200 e 300 g/m², blocchi)](https://fabriano.com/prodotto/watercolour-studio-2/) - [Fabriano (IT): Watercolour Studio scheda prodotto (data sheet: pad SKUs, sizes, sheet counts)](https://fabriano.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Watercolour-Studio_IT.pdf) - [Fabriano (IT): Watercolour Grana Fina (cold-press Watercolour: 25% cotone, cellulosa ECF, collata in massa e in superficie)](https://fabriano.com/prodotto/watercolour-grana-fina/) - [Fabriano (IT): La nostra storia (paper made in Fabriano by 1264)](https://fabriano.com/la-nostra-storia/) - [Dick Blick: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Paper (25% cotton, lignin-free cellulose, sized internally and externally, acid-free)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/fabriano-studio-watercolor-paper/) - [Dick Blick: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad, 9 x 12 in, 300 gsm, cold press, 12 sheets (glue bound)](https://www.dickblick.com/items/fabriano-studio-watercolor-pad-9-x-12-300-gsm-cold-press-12-sheets/) - [Dick Blick: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad, 9 x 12 in, 300 gsm, cold press, 50 sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/items/fabriano-studio-watercolor-pad-9-x-12-300-gsm-cold-press-50-sheets/) - [Dick Blick: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad, 11 x 14 in, 300 gsm, cold press, 12 sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/items/fabriano-studio-watercolor-pad-11-x-14-300-gsm-cold-press-12-sheets/) - [Dick Blick: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad, 8 x 10 in, 300 gsm, cold press, 12 sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/items/fabriano-studio-watercolor-pad-8-x-10-300-gsm-cold-press-12-sheets/) - [Dick Blick: Fabriano 1264 Watercolor Pads (Fabriano mill history)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/fabriano-1264-watercolor-pads/) - [DeSerres: Fabriano Studio Watercolour Pad, 300 g, 9 x 12 in, 12 sheets (25% cotton, glued on one side)](https://www.deserres.ca/products/studio-watercolour-pad-300-g-9-x-12-inches-12-grampersquar) - [Larry Post: Fabriano Studio Watercolour Pad, cold pressed, 300 gsm, 25% cotton, 9 x 12 in, 12 sheets ("Made in Italy. FSC Mixed Sources.")](https://www.larrypost.com.au/fabriano-studio-watercolour-pad-cold-pressed-300gsm-25-cotton-9-x12-12-sheets.html) - [Jerry's Artarama: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Paper Sheets, Pads and Blocks (ECF pulp)](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/fabriano-studio-watercolor-paper-pads) - [Jerry's Artarama: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad, 9 x 12 in, hot press, 50 sheets](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/fabriano-studio-watercolor-paper-140-lb-hot-press-50-sheet-pad-9x12-quot) - [Jerry's Artarama: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad, 9 x 12 in, 90 lb cold press, 100 sheets](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/fabriano-studio-watercolor-paper-90-lb-cold-press-100-sheet-pack-9x12-quot) - [Utrecht: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pads (FSC-certified forests, hydro-powered mills)](https://www.utrechtart.com/products/fabriano-studio-watercolor-pads/) - [School Specialty: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Cold Press Pad, 9 x 12 in, 140 lb, 12 sheets](https://select.schoolspecialty.com/art-supplies-craft-supplies/art-pad-sketchbooks/watercolor-paper-pad/fabriano-studio-watercolor-cold-press-pad-9-x-12-inches-140-lb-12-sheets-408219) - [Walmart: Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad, hot press, 11 x 14 in, 140 lb, 50 sheets](https://www.walmart.com/ip/48336751) --- # Maruman Croquis Sketchbook: Thin Paper, 100 Sheets > The Maruman Croquis Book is a cheap Japanese sketchbook of thin paper for quick drawing. Maruman lists the pocket S161 at 113 × 165 × 9 mm and 110 g, with 100 sheets of 52.3 g/m² white croquis paper between kraft board covers, an SC twin-wire binding and a price of ¥517 (about US$3.30). It is made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/maruman-croquis-sketchbook/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Maruman Croquis Book pocket S161, 165 × 113 × 9 mm with kraft board covers, closed and opened flat on a white sheet of quick figure sketches; inset: the cover wrapping round the spiral, S.C. binding](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/maruman-croquis-sketchbook-16x9.png) *The pocket S161, closed and open, drawn to scale from 165 × 113 × 9 mm; the cover artwork is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/maruman-croquis-sketchbook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Maruman Croquis Book, Pocket, White, 100 sheets (S161) | Maruman (by Maruman Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | 52.3 g/m² white croquis paper; kraft board covers; SC-type twin-wire binding | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Maruman Croquis Book, Pocket, White, 100 sheets (S161)): Japan. Maruman's Japanese product page gives 生産国 (country of production): 日本 (Japan) for the S161, and the same for the S162, S163 and SQ2. Maruzen Junkudo and Hunter Paper Co. also list Japan. Source: https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/products/detail/s161.html ## Key takeaways - Maruman's Japanese site lists the pocket S161 at 113 × 165 × 9 mm (4.4 × 6.5 in) and 110 g, with 100 sheets of 52.3 g/m² white croquis paper. - The same pocket book comes as the S162 with 80 sheets of 60 g/m² cream croquis paper and the S163 with 55 sheets of 96.5 g/m² drawing paper, which US shops call cream cotton. - Its SC binding wraps the kraft cover round the twin wire, which Maruzen Junkudo says keeps the wire from tangling in a bag. - Maruman lists each pocket book at ¥517 (about US$3.30) including tax; The Pen Addict paid US$4.45 for an S163 in 2022. - Maruman's own product pages give Japan (日本) as the country of production for the S161, S162, S163 and SQ2. ## What is the Maruman Croquis sketchbook? **It is a low-cost Japanese sketchbook of thin drawing paper, made for quick studies rather than finished pieces.** "Croquis" is French for a quick sketch, and the books are sold as Croquis Books by Maruman, the Japanese paper company that also makes the [Mnemosyne notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/maruman-mnemosyne-a5-notebook/). The best-known model is the pocket S161. Maruman's Japanese site pitches it as a small, easy-to-carry croquis book for drawing outdoors or jotting down ideas, and Maruzen Junkudo adds that the kraft covers are tough but flexible enough to roll. The Pen Addict reviewed the heavier S163 in April 2022. ## Maruman Croquis S161 specs | Spec | Pocket S161 | |---|---| | Size | 113 × 165 × 9 mm (4.4 × 6.5 × 0.35 in) | | Drawing area | 107 × 153 mm (4.2 × 6.0 in) | | Weight | 110 g | | Sheets | 100 | | Paper | White croquis paper, 52.3 g/m² | | Covers | Kraft board, front and back | | Binding | Twin wire, SC type (cover wraps the wire) | | Pages | Not perforated | | Japanese list price | ¥517 (about US$3.30) including tax | | JAN | 4979093017997 | | Made in | Japan | All figures except the perforation note come from Maruman's Japanese product page; Maruzen Junkudo gives the same size. Hunter Paper Co. lists a 17 mm thickness, and JetPens lists the pocket books as 4.2 × 6 in, which matches Maruman's 107 × 153 mm drawing area rather than the cover size; we use Maruman's figures. ## Which papers and sizes are there? **The pocket book comes in three papers, and the heavier the paper, the fewer sheets fit.** | Version | Paper (Maruman) | Sheets | Size | Weight | |---|---|---|---|---| | Pocket S161 | White croquis, 52.3 g/m² | 100 | 113 × 165 × 9 mm | 110 g | | Pocket S162 | Cream croquis, 60 g/m² | 80 | 113 × 165 × 9 mm | 100 g | | Pocket S163 | Thin drawing paper, 96.5 g/m² | 55 | 113 × 165 × 9 mm | 120 g | | Square SQ2 | Cream croquis, 60 g/m² | 80 | 182 × 165 × 9 mm | 175 g | All figures are from Maruman's Japanese product pages, which list the three pocket books at ¥517 (about US$3.30) and the SQ2 at ¥660 (about US$4.20), including tax. US shops sell the S163 as 96.4 gsm "cream cotton" paper, while Maruman's own page calls it 画用紙薄口, thin drawing paper, at 96.5 g/m². Maruman's page for a white square SQ1 no longer loads. ![Bar chart of paper weights to scale: Tomoe River S 52 g/m², Croquis white 52.3 (100 sheets), Croquis cream 60 (80 sheets), Midori MD Paper about 80, Strathmore 400 Sketch 89 and Croquis cotton 96.4 g/m² (55 sheets)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/maruman-croquis-sketchbook-papers.svg) *The white croquis paper is as light as Tomoe River; the S163's paper (96.5 g/m² per Maruman) is heavier than a sketch pad.* ## What is Croquis paper good for? **The thin white and cream papers are for pencil and line drawing: gesture studies, quick figures and thumbnails.** Maruzen Junkudo describes the white croquis paper as rough-surfaced but strong, and Yoseka says the cream paper's subtle woven texture suits softer pencils. The S163's heavier paper is the exception. Yoseka calls it the thickest and most durable paper in the pocket range and recommends it for pencil, pen, crayon and pastel; The Pen Addict found that even a Sharpie barely dotted through. At 52.3 g/m², the white sheet is about the weight of 52 gsm [Tomoe River paper](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tomoe-river-paper/) and much lighter than the 89 gsm [Strathmore 400 Series Sketch pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/), so dark media will show through to the next page. ## How is the Croquis Book bound? **It uses Maruman's SC-type twin-wire binding, where the kraft cover wraps round the wire so it sits inside the spine.** Maruzen Junkudo's listing says this keeps the wire from tangling in a bag, and The Pen Addict describes the thick card cover as designed to keep the coils from snagging or being crushed. The square SQ2 uses a spiral SC type (coil loop) instead. The pages are not perforated. The Pen Addict notes that tearing one out leaves bits of paper on the spiral, so this is a book to fill rather than a pad to tear from. ## How does it compare to other sketchbooks? **It is the thin, cheap, many-page option; hard-bound sketchbooks trade sheets for heavier paper.** | | Croquis S161 | [Strathmore 400 Sketch](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/) 5.5 × 8.5 in | [Moleskine Art Sketchbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-art-sketchbook/) Large | |---|---|---|---| | Paper | 52.3 g/m², white | 89 g/m² (60 lb) | 165 g/m², ivory | | Sheets | 100 | 100 | 52 (104 pages) | | Binding | Spine-covered twin wire | Wire | Sewn hard cover | | Made in | Japan | United States | China | | Price band | $$ | $$ | $$$ | Figures for the other two come from our guides to them. For bound pages of heavier paper at a similar size, see the [Stillman & Birn Alpha](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stillman-birn-alpha-sketchbook/). ## How much does it cost? **Maruman lists the pocket S161 at ¥517 (about US$3.30) including tax, and Maruzen Junkudo, a Japanese bookstore chain, sells it for ¥473 (about US$3.00).** Imported copies cost more: The Pen Addict paid US$4.45 for an S163 in 2022, and we place pocket Croquis books in our $$ band ($5–20) for US shops. ## Where is the Croquis sketchbook made? **In Japan: Maruman's own product pages give Japan (日本) as the country of production for the pocket S161, S162 and S163 and the square SQ2.** Maruzen Junkudo and Hunter Paper Co. list Japan too. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is croquis paper? Croquis is the French word for a quick sketch, and croquis paper is a thin, inexpensive drawing paper made for fast studies. Maruman's white croquis paper is 52.3 g/m², about the weight of Tomoe River writing paper. ### How many sheets are in a Maruman Croquis Book? Maruman lists 100 sheets in the pocket white S161, 80 in the pocket cream S162 and 55 in the heavier pocket S163. The square SQ2 holds 80 cream sheets. ### What size is the pocket Croquis sketchbook? Maruman lists the S161 at 113 × 165 × 9 mm, about 4.4 × 6.5 in, with a 107 × 153 mm drawing area. That inner size is why US shops such as JetPens call it 4.2 × 6 in. ### Can you use watercolor in a Croquis sketchbook? Not in the thin white or cream books, which are made for pencil and line drawing. The S163's 96.5 g/m² paper is heavier; Yoseka recommends it for pencil, pen, crayon and pastel. We haven't tested it with watercolor. ### Do Croquis pages tear out cleanly? No. The Pen Addict notes the pages are not perforated, so tearing one out of the spiral leaves paper bits on the wire. ### Is the Croquis sketchbook good for pens? The Pen Addict found no bleeding or feathering on the S163's heavier cream paper, and a Sharpie barely dotted through. The 52.3 g/m² white paper is much thinner, so expect more show-through from markers. ### Where are Maruman Croquis sketchbooks made? In Japan. Maruman's own product pages give Japan as the country of production for the pocket S161, S162 and S163 and the square SQ2. ## Sources - [ポケットクロッキー 白クロッキー紙 S161 (Maruman Japan product page: ¥517, 113 × 165 × 9 mm, 107 × 153 mm drawing area, 110 g, kraft board covers, twin wire SC type, 100 sheets of 52.3 g/m², JAN 4979093017997, made in Japan)](https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/products/detail/s161.html) - [ポケットクロッキー S162 (Maruman Japan product page: 80 sheets of 60 g/m² cream croquis paper, 100 g, ¥517, made in Japan)](https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/products/detail/s162.html) - [ポケットスケッチブック S163 (Maruman Japan product page: 55 sheets of 96.5 g/m² thin drawing paper, 120 g, ¥517, made in Japan)](https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/products/detail/s163.html) - [スクエアクロッキー SQ2 (Maruman Japan product page: 182 × 165 × 9 mm, 80 sheets of 60 g/m² cream croquis paper, spiral SC type, ¥660, made in Japan)](https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/products/detail/sq2.html) - [丸善ジュンク堂: クロッキーブック ポケット判 白クロッキー紙 100枚 (Maruzen Junkudo: ¥473 with tax, S.C. binding keeps wire from tangling, flexible kraft cover, 165 × 113 × 9 mm, made in Japan)](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/4979093017997) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Maruman Croquis S161 pocket sketchbook (113 × 165 × 17 mm, 100 sheets of 52.3 gsm white MPS-C, twin wire SC type, made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/maruman-croquis-s161-pocket-sketchbook) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Maruman Croquis S163 pocket sketchbook (55 sheets of 96.4 gsm cream cotton, made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/maruman-croquis-s163-pocket-sketchbook) - [Yoseka Stationery: Croquis Sketchbook, Pocket Series, 96.4 gsm cotton paper (S163; pencil, pen, crayon, pastel)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/croquis-sketchbook-pocket-series-96-4-gsm-cotton-paper) - [Yoseka Stationery: Croquis Sketchbook, Pocket Series, 60.0 gsm cream paper (S162, 11.4 × 16.5 cm, 80 sheets)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/croquis-sketchbook-pocket-series-60-0-gsm-cream-paper) - [The Pen Addict: Maruman Croquis Pocket Series Notebook Review (April 14, 2022)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2022/4/14/maruman-croquis-pocket-series-notebook-review) - [JetPens: Maruman Pocket Croquis Sketchbook, 4.2 x 6 in, 52.3 gsm, white, 100 sheets (blocked our reader when re-checked)](https://www.jetpens.com/Maruman-Pocket-Croquis-Sketchbook-4.2-x-6-52.3-gsm-White-100-Sheets/pd/5261) --- # Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Pad: 100% Cotton, 2-Ply > The Strathmore 500 Series Bristol pad is a tape-bound pad of 15 sheets of 2-ply, 100% cotton, acid-free Bristol board, Strathmore's top grade. It comes in a toothy vellum surface for pencil and a smooth plate surface for pen, marker and airbrush, in 11 × 14 and 14 × 17 in pads, and Staples labels it made in America. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-500-bristol-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Strathmore 500 Series Bristol pad, vellum, 11 × 14 in, 279 mm wide, closed with its binding tape across the head and opened to a sheet with a graphite still life; inset: a sheet's cut edge, 2-ply, 100% cotton](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/strathmore-500-bristol-pad-16x9.png) *The 11 × 14 in vellum pad, closed and open, drawn to scale; the cover artwork is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/strathmore-500-bristol-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Pad, Vellum, 2-ply, 11 x 14 in, 15 sheets (580-62) | Strathmore (by Strathmore Artist Papers, a division of Dixon Ticonderoga (F.I.L.A. Group); owned by Pacon Corporation from 2006) | United States | United States | 2-ply (152 lb, 250 g/m²), 100% cotton, acid-free Bristol board, vellum surface, tape binding | – | $$$: $20–75 per ream or pad | - Made in (Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Pad, Vellum, 2-ply, 11 x 14 in, 15 sheets (580-62)): United States. Staples labels the 11 × 14 in and 14 × 17 in 500 Series Bristol pads made in America, and Drafting Supplies Dew listed an 11 × 17 in Sequential Art pad as made in the USA (that page is now gone). Strathmore's product page and Dixon's 2025 price list don't state the country. Source: https://www.staples.com/strathmore-500-series-11-x-14-bristol-paper-pad-15-sheets-pad-sttp580621/product_24682502 ## Key takeaways - Each pad holds 15 sheets of 2-ply, 100% cotton Bristol, which Strathmore rates at 152 lb (250 g/m²); Strathmore calls the 500 Series pads acid free. - The 11 × 14 in vellum pad is item 580-62 (UPC 012017667114); pads also come in 14 × 17 in, plus an 11 × 17 in plate Sequential Art pad with 24 sheets. - Strathmore says this 100% cotton Bristol was created in 1893; it grades its papers from the 100 to the 500 Series. - An Amazon listing snapshot shows about 843 ratings averaging 4.7 stars for the 500 Series Bristol pad. - Staples labels the 11 × 14 and 14 × 17 in pads made in America; Strathmore is now a division of Dixon Ticonderoga of Appleton, Wisconsin. ## What is the Strathmore 500 Series Bristol pad? **It is Strathmore's top-grade Bristol board in pad form: 15 sheets of 2-ply, 100% cotton, acid-free board, bound with tape at the head.** Strathmore's product page gives the 2-ply construction, sheet count, 100% cotton fiber and tape binding, and its 500 Series page says the pad papers are archival and acid free. Strathmore says this Bristol was created in 1893, and its history page dates the 500 Series name to 1974. An Amazon listing snapshot shows the pad with about 843 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, a large following for a pad in the $$$ band. ## Strathmore 500 Series Bristol specs | Spec | 11 × 14 in vellum pad | |---|---| | Item | 580-62 (UPC 012017667114) | | Size | 11 × 14 in (279 × 356 mm) | | Sheets | 15 | | Board | 2-ply Bristol, 152 lb (250 g/m²) | | Fiber | 100% cotton | | Archival | Acid-free | | Surface | Vellum (plate also sold) | | Binding | Tape bound | | Made in | United States (Staples "Made in America" label) | Strathmore rates 2-ply 500 Series Bristol at 152 lb (250 g/m²), which matches Eckersleys' 250 gsm for a 2-ply sheet; 3-ply and 4-ply come only as loose sheets. The UPC is from Dixon's 2025 price list. ## Which sizes and surfaces are there? **The standard pads come in 11 × 14 and 14 × 17 in with 15 sheets, each in vellum or plate.** A Sequential Art pad for comics adds 11 × 17 in with 24 sheets of plate, per Dixon's 2025 price list. | Pad | Size (cm) | Sheets | Surface | |---|---|---|---| | 11 × 14 in | 27.9 × 35.6 | 15 | Vellum (580-62) or plate (580-72) | | 14 × 17 in | 35.6 × 43.2 | 15 | Vellum (580-82) or plate (580-92) | | 11 × 17 in Sequential Art | 27.9 × 43.2 | 24 | Plate (580-52) | Pad sizes come from Strathmore's product page; the Sequential Art pad from Dixon's 2025 price list. Drafting Supplies Dew has also sold a vellum Sequential Art pad (580-42). Strathmore lists loose sheets at 23 × 29 in and 30 × 40 in in 2-, 3- and 4-ply, and no 9 × 12 in 500 Series Bristol pad. ![To-scale drawing of Strathmore 500 Series Bristol pad sizes from a shared corner: 11×14 and 14×17 in pads with 15 sheets, and the 11×17 in Sequential Art pad with 24 sheets](https://stationerytimes.com/images/strathmore-500-bristol-pad-sizes.svg) *The three pad sizes drawn to scale from one corner.* ## Vellum or plate? **Choose vellum for pencil and dry media, plate for pen, marker and airbrush.** Strathmore calls plate an ultra-smooth finish for detailed technical pen, airbrush and marker work, and vellum toothy, for pencil, charcoal and pastel as well as pen and light washes. It doesn't recommend either for traditional watercolor. For inking on plate, a pigment fineliner such as the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) is a common pairing. Retailers say the cotton fiber stands up to repeated erasing and reworking without feathering. ## How does it compare to the Strathmore 300 Bristol? **The 500 Series is 100% cotton, in pads of 15 sheets in the $$$ band; the 300 Series is a student Bristol in pads of 20 in the $$ band.** | | 500 Series Bristol | [300 Series Bristol](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-300-bristol-pad/) | |---|---|---| | Fiber | 100% cotton | Not stated as cotton | | Board | 2-ply, 152 lb (250 g/m²) | 100 lb (270 gsm) | | Sheets per pad | 15 | 20 (10 in the 22 × 30 in pad) | | Sizes | 11 × 14, 14 × 17 in | 4 × 6 to 22 × 30 in | | Surfaces | Vellum, plate | Vellum, smooth | | Price band | $$$ | $$ | 300 Series figures come from our guide to it. Strathmore grades its papers from the 100 to the 500 Series, with higher numbers meaning higher quality; Strathmore calls the 500 Series premium, professional grade. For everyday sketching rather than finished work, Strathmore's [400 Series Sketch pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/) is 60 lb (89 gsm). ## How much does it cost? **The 11 × 14 in pad sits in our $$$ band ($20–75 per pad) at the US shops we checked in October 2026.** The 14 × 17 in pad costs more. ## Who makes Strathmore, and where is the pad made? **Strathmore is now a division of Dixon Ticonderoga of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Staples labels the 500 Series Bristol pads made in America.** Pacon Corporation bought Strathmore in 2006. Strathmore's product page doesn't state the country, so check the back of your pad. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between Strathmore 300 and 500 Bristol? The 500 Series is 100% cotton and comes 2-ply in pads of 15 sheets; the 300 Series is a 100 lb (270 gsm) student-grade Bristol in pads of 20. Strathmore ranks its series from 100 to 500, so 500 is its top grade. ### What does 2-ply Bristol mean? Bristol board is made by laminating sheets, or plies, together, so 2-ply is two layers bonded into one board. Strathmore's 500 Series pads are 2-ply. ### Vellum or plate: which surface should you choose? Vellum has tooth for graphite, colored pencil, charcoal and pastel. Plate is ultra-smooth, and Strathmore recommends it for technical pen, pen and ink, marker, airbrush and mechanical pencil. ### How heavy is Strathmore 500 Series Bristol? Strathmore rates 2-ply at 152 lb (250 g/m²), 3-ply at 228 lb (375 g/m²) and 4-ply at 304 lb (500 g/m²). The pads are 2-ply; 3- and 4-ply come as loose sheets. ### Is Strathmore 500 Bristol acid-free? Yes. Strathmore says all 500 Series pad papers are archival quality, acid free and made with cotton fiber, and Dick Blick lists the Bristol as 100% cotton and acid-free. ### Is the Strathmore 500 Series Bristol worth it? Retailers say the cotton stands up to repeated erasing and reworking without feathering, which matters for finished pencil and ink work. For practice and thumbnails, the cheaper 300 Series is the usual choice. ### Where is Strathmore 500 Bristol made? Staples labels the 11 × 14 and 14 × 17 in pads made in America; Strathmore doesn't state the country on its product page. Strathmore is now a division of Dixon Ticonderoga of Appleton, Wisconsin. ## Sources - [Strathmore: 500 Series Bristol (created 1893, 100% cotton; 2-ply 152 lb / 250 g/m², 3-ply 228 lb / 375 g/m², 4-ply 304 lb / 500 g/m²; pads 580-62, 580-72, 580-82, 580-92)](https://www.strathmoreartist.com/draw-bristol/500-series-bristol) - [Strathmore: 500 Series (archival quality, acid free, cotton fiber, since 1893)](https://www.strathmoreartist.com/series-500) - [Strathmore: History (1893 drawing board; 1974 Artist papers become the 500 Series; Pacon purchase 2006)](https://www.strathmoreartist.com/about) - [Dixon Ticonderoga / F.I.L.A.: Fine Art price list 2025 (Strathmore P580-62, UPC 012017667114, MSRP US$39.15; Sequential Art Bristol P580-52, 11 × 17 in plate, 24 sheets)](https://dixonticonderogacompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Fila-FINE-ART-PRICE-LIST-2025.pdf) - [Dick Blick: Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Pads (100% cotton, acid-free, vellum and plate, created in 1893)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/strathmore-500-series-bristol-pads/) - [Dick Blick: Strathmore 500 Series Bristol (sheets)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/strathmore-500-series-bristol/) - [Drafting Supplies Dew: Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Pad, smooth/plate (11 x 14 or 14 x 17 in, 2-ply, 15 sheets)](https://draftingsuppliesdew.com/strathmore-500-series-smooth-plate-bristol-pad) - [Drafting Supplies Dew: Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Pad, vellum, 11 x 14 in (ST580-62)](https://draftingsuppliesdew.com/strathmore-st580-62-11x14-500-series-vellum-bristol-pad) - [Staples: Strathmore 500 Series 11 x 14 in Bristol paper pad, 15 sheets (made in America label)](https://www.staples.com/strathmore-500-series-11-x-14-bristol-paper-pad-15-sheets-pad-sttp580621/product_24682502) - [Staples: Strathmore 500 Series 14 x 17 in Bristol paper pad, 15 sheets (made in America label)](https://www.staples.com/strathmore-500-series-14-x-17-bristol-paper-pad-15-sheets-pad-sttp580921/product_24682505) - [eBay: Strathmore 580-62 500 Series Bristol, 2-ply, vellum surface, 28 x 36 cm, tape bound](https://www.ebay.com/itm/226542417255) - [School Specialty: Strathmore 500 Series vellum Bristol sheets, 23 x 29 in, pack of 20](https://select.schoolspecialty.com/strathmore-500-series-vellum-surface-bristol-sheet-23-x-29-inches-pack-of-20-1502996) - [Eckersleys: Strathmore Series 500 2-ply semi-smooth Bristol sheet, 23 x 29 in (250 gsm)](https://www.eckersleys.com.au/products/strathmore-series-500-2-ply-semi-smooth-bristol-paper-sheet-23-x-29) - [Desertcart: Strathmore 500 Series Bristol pad listing (Amazon ratings snapshot)](https://www.desertcart.co.th/products/16986207) - [Parka Blogs: Strathmore series grading, 100 to 500](https://www.parkablogs.com/content/review-strathmore-400-series-sketch-pad-recycled) - [Universities of Wisconsin: Strathmore, a division of Pacon Corporation, Appleton](https://www.wisconsin.edu/all-in-wisconsin/story/partnership-rolls-out-uw-stevens-points-riverpoint-paper-nationwide/) --- # BGM IPPAI Flake Stickers: 45 Foil-Stamped Washi Flakes > BGM IPPAI flake stickers are packs of 45 loose, die-cut washi stickers, 15 designs with 3 of each, accented with gold foil. BGM is a Tokyo stationery brand known for washi tape. The pack is 90 × 100 mm and costs ¥800 (about US$5.10) at a Japanese shop; retailers that state an origin list it as made in China. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bgm-ippai-flake-stickers/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![BGM IPPAI flake sticker pack drawn to scale at 90 × 100 mm, with gold-foil washi flakes inside, beside 15 flake designs laid out three deep for 45 stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/bgm-ippai-flake-stickers-16x9.png) *One IPPAI pack and its 15 designs, three of each.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/bgm-ippai-flake-stickers-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | BGM Flake Stickers IPPAI (foil-stamped, 45 pieces) | BGM | Japan | China | Washi paper, foil stamping | 2024-01 | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (BGM Flake Stickers IPPAI (foil-stamped, 45 pieces)): China. Paper Whisper lists the Birds IPPAI pack as made in China, and Tidformera says the same for its Cats and Celestial Bodies packs. We couldn't reach a BGM brand site, and the Japanese and US listings we read don't state an origin. Source: https://paperwhisper.com/products/bgm-flake-sticker-ippai-birds ## Key takeaways - Each IPPAI pack holds 45 flakes: 15 designs, 3 of each, per bungu.store, JetPens and Paper Whisper. - The pack measures 90 × 100 × 3 mm (about 3.5 × 3.9 in), per bungu.store. - JetPens lists a Many Rabbits flake at 3.0 × 2.5 cm (1.2 × 1.0 in) and the pack at 8 g with packaging. - bungu.store lists vol.3 and vol.4 packs at ¥800 (about US$5.10); JetPens sells Many Rabbits in our $$ band ($5–20). - Paper Whisper and Tidformera list IPPAI packs as made in China, although BGM is a Japanese brand. ## What are BGM IPPAI flake stickers? **They are packs of 45 loose, die-cut washi stickers ("flakes") from BGM, each pack one theme drawn 15 ways, with gold-foil details.** Flake stickers come already cut out, with no sheet to peel from, so you pick one from the bag and place it straight on the page. BGM is a Japanese brand based in Tokyo and founded in 2016, according to the Swedish retailer Tidformera, and is best known for washi and clear decorative tape. IPPAI ("a lot of") is its line of themed flake packs; bungu.store says the first release came in January 2024. ## BGM IPPAI flake sticker specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | BGM (Tokyo) | | Flakes per pack | 45 (15 designs × 3), per bungu.store and Paper Whisper | | Pack size | 90 × 100 × 3 mm (3.5 × 3.9 in), per bungu.store | | Flake size | 3.0 × 2.5 cm (1.2 × 1.0 in) for Many Rabbits, per JetPens | | Weight | 8 g (0.29 oz) with packaging, per JetPens | | Material | Washi paper with foil stamping | | Finish | Gold foil accents; removable, per JetPens | | Japan price | ¥800 (about US$5.10) at bungu.store | | Made in | China, per Paper Whisper and Tidformera | ![BGM IPPAI flake pack drawn to scale at 90 by 100 mm beside a Furukawashiko washi flake card of about 75 by 80 mm, and a grid of 15 designs with 3 of each making 45 flakes](https://stationerytimes.com/images/bgm-ippai-flake-stickers-pack.svg) *An IPPAI pack is a little larger than a Furukawashiko flake card.* ## What comes in a pack? **Fifteen designs on one theme, three copies of each, so you can repeat a motif across a spread.** bungu.store's vol.4, for example, comes as six separate packs, each one motif: jewelry, whole cake, bread roll, house, camera or birds. | Pack (retailer) | Theme | |---|---| | Birds, Dinosaurs, Sea Creatures, Buns (Paper Whisper) | One animal or food theme | | There Are a Lot of Cats, Full of Celestial Bodies (Tidformera) | Cats; moons and stars | | Many Rabbits (JetPens) | Rabbits | | IPPAI vol.3 and vol.4 (bungu.store) | Stationery, sushi, cream soda, dinosaurs; jewelry, cakes, bread, houses, cameras, birds | Designs change with each release, so check the listing photo for the exact artwork. ## How do you use flake stickers? **Place them one at a time as accents: in the margin of a journal page, over a strip of washi tape, or on an envelope.** Because each flake is already cut, there's no backing sheet to keep, and you can sort the pack by design. Washi is thin, so the flakes sit flat. JetPens says they're easy to remove and re-stick, which helps when a plan changes. Foil areas stay bright on dark paper, which suits black-page journals. ## Can you write on BGM flake stickers? **On the plain washi areas, probably, but not on the foil.** Washi is an uncoated paper, so pencil and pigment fineliners usually mark it; the foil is metal-like and repels most inks. BGM's listings in our sources don't say whether the flakes are made to be written on, and we haven't tested it yet. If you want stickers to write labels on, a matte paper set such as the [Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set/) is a surer choice. ## Which IPPAI pack should you buy? **Pick by theme: every IPPAI pack has the same 45-flake format, so the artwork is the only real difference.** Animal packs such as Birds or Many Rabbits suit nature journals; food packs such as Buns or Whole Cake suit recipe or café pages. Because each design comes three times, one pack covers a three-page spread or a set of matching cards. Buy two themes if you want more variety on one page. ## How do BGM IPPAI flakes compare to other washi flakes? **IPPAI packs hold more flakes than most Japanese washi flake packs, and add foil.** | Pack | Flakes | Material | Made in | |---|---|---|---| | BGM IPPAI | 45 (15 × 3) | Washi, gold foil | China, per retailers | | [Furukawashiko washi flakes](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/furukawashiko-washi-flake-stickers/) | 20 (5 × 4) | Washi | Japan | | [Mind Wave Washi Flowers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mind-wave-washi-flowers-foil-stickers/) | 40 (10 × 4) | Washi, gold foil | Japan, per Amazon | For borders rather than single pictures, pair them with a roll of [mt washi tape](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mt-washi-tape/). ## Where are BGM IPPAI flake stickers made? **Retailers that state an origin list IPPAI packs as made in China, even though BGM is a Japanese brand.** Paper Whisper says so for its Birds pack and Tidformera for Cats and Celestial Bodies. We couldn't reach a BGM brand site, and bungu.store and JetPens don't state an origin. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in a BGM IPPAI pack? 45: 15 different designs with 3 of each, as bungu.store and Paper Whisper list it. The flakes come loose, not on a sheet. ### What does IPPAI mean? Ippai is Japanese for 'a lot' or 'full of', which is why pack names read like 'full of celestial bodies' or 'there are a lot of cats'. Each pack is one theme with many variations. ### What are BGM flake stickers made of? Washi paper with foil stamping, per bungu.store. JetPens calls it removable washi tape material with gold foil accents, so flakes can be lifted and re-stuck. ### How big is a BGM IPPAI pack? bungu.store lists the package at 90 × 100 × 3 mm, about 3.5 × 3.9 in. JetPens lists a Many Rabbits flake at 3.0 × 2.5 cm (1.2 × 1.0 in); sizes vary by design. ### What themes do IPPAI packs come in? Retailers list themes such as birds, dinosaurs, sea creatures, buns, cats, rabbits and celestial bodies. bungu.store's vol.4 comes in six single-motif packs: jewelry, whole cake, bread roll, house, camera and birds. ### Where are BGM IPPAI flake stickers made? Paper Whisper and Tidformera list them as made in China. BGM itself is a Japanese brand based in Tokyo. ### How much do BGM IPPAI flake stickers cost? bungu.store, a Japanese shop, lists vol.3 and vol.4 at ¥800 (about US$5.10). JetPens sells Many Rabbits in our $$ band, $5–20. ## Sources - [bungu.store: Flake Sticker Foil Stamped IPPAI Vol.4 / BGM (six single-motif packs, 45 pieces, ¥800, 90 × 100 × 3 mm, first release January 2024)](https://bungu.store/products/flake-sticker-foil-stamped-ippai-vol-4-bgm) - [bungu.store: Foil Stamped Flake Stickers IPPAI vol.3 / BGM (45 pieces, washi, ¥800)](https://bungu.store/products/foil-stamped-flake-stickers-ippai-vol-3-bgm) - [JetPens: BGM Flake Stickers IPPAI, Many Rabbits (BS-FG168, 45 stickers, 3.0 × 2.5 cm, 8 g)](https://www.jetpens.com/BGM-Flake-Stickers-IPPAI-Many-Rabbits/pd/45263) - [Paper Whisper: BGM Flake Sticker IPPAI, Birds (45 pieces, washi, made in China)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/bgm-flake-sticker-ippai-birds) - [Paper Whisper: BGM Flake Sticker IPPAI, Dinosaurs](https://paperwhisper.com/products/bgm-flake-sticker-ippai-dinosaurs) - [Paper Whisper: BGM Flake Sticker IPPAI, Sea Creatures](https://paperwhisper.com/products/bgm-flake-sticker-ippai-sea-creatures) - [Tidformera: BGM Flake stickers IPPAI, There Are a Lot of Cats (15 designs, 45 pieces, Japanese paper, made in China)](https://tidformera.se/en/products/flake-stickers-ippai-there-are-a-lot-of-cats) - [Tidformera: BGM Flake stickers IPPAI, Full of Celestial Bodies (made in China)](https://tidformera.se/en/collections/bgm/products/flake-stickers-ippai-full-of-celestial-bodies) - [Tidformera: BGM collection (Tokyo brand founded in 2016)](https://tidformera.se/en/collections/bgm) --- # Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set: 262 Schedule Stickers > The Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set (Schedule) is a pack of 5 matte paper sheets, each 148 × 100 mm, with 262 planning stickers: text labels, EVENT and IMPORTANT frames, shapes and two sheets of icons. They take a ballpoint. Hobonichi sells it for ¥660 (about US$4.20), and Luiban lists it as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set (Schedule) drawn to scale: five 148 × 100 mm sheets of text, frame, shape and icon stickers laid side by side, with a close-up of an EVENT frame written on in ballpoint](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set-16x9.png) *The five Schedule sheets: text, frames, shapes and two of icons.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set (Schedule) | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Matte paper | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set (Schedule)): Japan. Luiban's technical specifications list Made in: Japan. Hobonichi's Japanese and English store pages don't state a country of manufacture. Source: https://luiban.com/en/Planners/Covers-Accessories/HOB26124-hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set-schedule ## Key takeaways - One set holds 5 different sheets (Hobonichi) and 262 stickers in all (JetPens and Luiban). - Hobonichi lists the set at 148 × 100 × 1 mm (5.8 × 3.9 in), almost exactly an A6 Techo page, and about 2 g. - Hobonichi's 2027 store lists it at ¥660 (about US$4.20) including tax; US shops sell it in our $$ band ($5–20). - The stickers are matte paper that takes a ballpoint, per Hobonichi's Japanese store. - Luiban lists the set as made in Japan; Hobonichi's own page doesn't say. ## What is the Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set? **It's a pack of five sticker sheets from Hobonichi for marking plans in a planner: labels, frames, shapes and icons, printed in the TSUKI no IRO colors.** TSUKI no IRO (月の色, "colors of the months") is a Hobonichi stationery series built on the 12 calm monthly colors used in the Original, Cousin and HON books; Hobonichi's magazine lists eight items in it. The Schedule set came with the Techo 2026 accessories, and Hobonichi's store still lists it in the 2027 lineup as TSUKI no IRO シールセット（スケジュール）. It sits alongside the same series' [Transparent Dot Stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-transparent-dot-stickers/), which add small clear color dots rather than words and icons. ## TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) | | Sheets | 5 | | Stickers | 262 in total, per JetPens and Luiban | | Size | 148 × 100 × 1 mm (5.8 × 3.9 in), as packed | | Weight | About 2 g | | Material | Paper, matte surface | | Writable | Yes, with a ballpoint and similar pens | | Japan price | ¥660 (about US$4.20), tax included | | Made in | Japan, per Luiban | Size, weight, material, writability and price come from Hobonichi's Japanese store page; Hobonichi doesn't give a sticker count. ![TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set sheet of 100 by 148 mm drawn to scale beside a 105 by 148 mm A6 Techo page, with the five sheets listed: text, frames, shapes and two icon sheets, 262 stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set-sheets.svg) *Each sheet is the height of an A6 Techo page and 5 mm narrower.* ## What's on each of the five sheets? **One sheet of text labels, one of frames, one of shapes and two of icons.** Hobonichi's Japanese store describes the five sheets this way: | Sheet | What it holds | |---|---| | 1 | Text stickers with pre-printed words such as LUNCH and HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | 2 | Frame stickers headed EVENT and IMPORTANT, plus frames for page margins | | 3 | Shapes: triangles, circles, ribbons, brackets and lines | | 4–5 | Icons such as presents, food, smiley faces and airplanes | Hobonichi suggests lining the icons up along the left-hand line of the monthly calendar so a month's plans read at a glance, and using brackets or lines to span a trip across several days. ## Do the stickers fit a Hobonichi Techo? **Yes: the sheets are A6-sized, and Hobonichi says the EVENT and IMPORTANT frames are sized for the Techo Original's monthly calendar.** Placed vertically, it says, they also suit the Hobonichi Weeks. The Original is A6 (105 × 148 mm), so each sheet also slips flat into the back of a [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) or its cover. We haven't measured the frames against a calendar box ourselves. In a larger planner such as the A5 Cousin, the same stickers simply leave more room around them. ## Can you write on TSUKI no IRO stickers? **Yes. Hobonichi describes a smooth, matte surface (さらりとしたマットな質感) that you can write on with a ballpoint and similar pens.** A low-smudge ballpoint such as the [uni-ball Jetstream](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/) is the safe choice on coated sticker paper. Gel and fountain-pen inks may dry more slowly on any sticker face. We haven't timed them on this set yet, so try a spare icon before writing on a frame. ## How does it compare to other Hobonichi stickers? **The Schedule set is the general-purpose one: more stickers, and words and icons rather than one shape.** | Hobonichi sticker | Sheets | Stickers | What it's for | |---|---|---|---| | TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set (Schedule) | 5 | 262 | Labels, frames, shapes, icons | | [Frame Stickers for Dates](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates/) | 5 | 100 | See-through frames to write dates in | | TSUKI no IRO Transparent Dot Stickers | 2 | 48 to 576 | Clear color dots | Choose the frames for undated notebooks, the dots for color-coding, and the Schedule set if you want ready-made words and pictures. ## Where is the TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set made? **Luiban lists it as made in Japan.** Hobonichi is based in Tokyo; its Japanese and English store pages don't state the country of manufacture. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in the Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set (Schedule)? JetPens and Luiban list 262 stickers across 5 sheets. Hobonichi says the 5 sheets are all different: text labels, frames, shapes and two sheets of icons. ### How big are the sheets? Hobonichi lists 148 × 100 × 1 mm for the set, about 5.8 × 3.9 in, and Luiban gives 148 × 100 mm per sheet. ### Can you write on TSUKI no IRO stickers? Yes. Hobonichi describes a smooth, matte surface you can write on with a ballpoint and similar pens. We haven't yet tested gel ink drying time on it. ### What does TSUKI no IRO mean? TSUKI no IRO is 月の色; 月 can mean month or moon, and Hobonichi uses it for the 12 calm monthly colors of the Original, Cousin and HON books. The sticker set is printed in those colors. ### Do the frame stickers fit the Hobonichi monthly calendar? Hobonichi says the EVENT and IMPORTANT frames are sized for the Techo Original's monthly calendar, and also work in the Weeks if placed vertically. We haven't measured them ourselves. ### How much does the TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set cost? Hobonichi's Japanese store lists it at ¥660 (about US$4.20) including tax. US shops that import it sell it in our $$ band, $5–20. ### Where is the Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set made? Luiban lists it as made in Japan. Hobonichi is based in Tokyo and doesn't state the country on its store page. ## Sources - [TSUKI no IRO シールセット（スケジュール） - ほぼ日手帳 2027 (Hobonichi Japanese store: 5 sheets, 148 × 100 × 1 mm, about 2 g, matte paper, ¥660)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_stickerset_tsuki/) - [Hobonichi: TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set (Schedule), Hobonichi Techo 2027 (English)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_stickerset_tsuki/) - [Hobonichi Techo Magazine: TSUKI no IRO (the 12 monthly colors)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/magazine/contents/tsukinoiro/) - [Luiban: Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set, Schedule (262 stickers, 148 × 100 mm, 2 g, made in Japan, €10)](https://luiban.com/en/Planners/Covers-Accessories/HOB26124-hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set-schedule) - [JetPens: Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set, Schedule (262 stickers)](https://www.jetpens.com/Hobonichi-Accessory-TSUKI-no-IRO-Sticker-Set-Schedule/pd/49247) - [The Journal Shop: Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set (Schedule)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set-schedule) - [Boston General Store: TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set, Schedule (5 sheets, matte)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set-schedule) - [Dromgooles: Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set, Schedule](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set-schedule) - [Hunter Paper Co.: TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set, Schedule](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set-schedule) --- # Midori Planner Stickers: Removable PET Icon Sheets > Midori Planner Stickers are single sheets of tiny icon stickers from Midori, a Designphil brand, printed on removable PET film. Each sheet is 8.5 × 15.5 cm and perforated to split into two halves; designs hold about 80 to 152 stickers. They sell for ¥330 (about US$2.10) in Japan, and Midori lists them as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-planner-stickers/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Midori Planner Stickers drawn to scale: an 85 × 155 mm sheet of tiny food icons in its 180 mm pack, the sheet out of the pack with two stickers peeled off, and the sheet split into two halves at its perforation](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/midori-planner-stickers-16x9.png) *One sheet in its pack, out of it, and split at the perforation.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-planner-stickers-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Midori Planner Stickers (removable, 1 sheet) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | PET film, removable adhesive | – | $: under $5 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Midori Planner Stickers (removable, 1 sheet)): Japan. Midori's Japanese online store gives 原産国 (country of origin) MADE IN JAPAN for the Chatty Dogs (82592006), Bread (82681006) and Pictograph Cat (82685006) sheets; its Chatty Cats page gives no country. Luiban and Paper Whisper also list Japan. Source: https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/82592006.html ## Key takeaways - Each sheet is 8.5 × 15.5 cm (3.3 × 6.1 in) and splits at a perforation into two 8.5 × 7.75 cm halves, per JetPens and Luiban. - Counts vary by design: JetPens lists 152 stickers on Bento, 122 on Birthday, 112 on Cafe and 80 on Sea Creatures. - The stickers are PET film and removable, so they can be lifted and moved without tearing the page. - Midori's Japanese store sells each sheet, such as Chatty Cats (82554006), at ¥330 (about US$2.10) including tax; US shops sell them in our $ band (under $5). - Midori's Japanese store lists the Chatty Dogs, Bread and Pictograph Cat sheets as made in Japan. ## What are Midori Planner Stickers? **They are single sheets of very small icon stickers from Midori, printed on removable PET film for marking plans in a planner.** Each design is a theme (bento lunches, cafés, birthdays, shopping, sea creatures, chatty cats and dogs) drawn as tiny pictures about the size of a planner's date box. Midori is a brand of Designphil Inc. of Tokyo, which also makes the washi [Midori Yuru Log stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/). JetPens sells the removable sheets as their own category with dozens of designs, at a price that makes them an easy add-on to an order. ## Midori Planner Stickers specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Designphil Inc. (Midori brand) | | Sheet size | 8.5 × 15.5 cm (3.3 × 6.1 in), per JetPens and Luiban | | Halves | Perforated into two 8.5 × 7.75 cm halves | | Stickers per sheet | About 80 to 152, by design | | Sticker size | About 0.8 cm square on the Bento sheet, per JetPens | | Material | PET film | | Adhesive | Re-peelable (再剥離) | | Pack size | 180 × 89 × 1 mm (some designs 180 × 90 mm) | | Japan price | ¥330 (about US$2.10), tax included | | Example identifiers | Chatty Cats 82554006 (JAN 4902805825542); Chatty Dogs 82592006; Bread 82681006; Pictograph Cat 82685006 | | Made in | Japan (Midori) | Material, adhesive, perforation, pack size, price, item numbers and origin come from Midori's Japanese online store; the JAN from Maruzen Junkudo; sheet size and sticker counts from JetPens and Luiban. ![Midori Planner Stickers sheet drawn to scale at 85 by 155 mm with its perforation, one 85 by 77.5 mm half, and stickers per sheet: Bento 152, Birthday 122, Cafe 112, Shopping 110, Bread 104, Sea Creatures 80](https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-planner-stickers-sheet.svg) *Split along the perforation, each half is small enough for a pocket notebook.* ## How many stickers come on a sheet? **Between about 80 and 152, depending on the design, because smaller icons fit more to a sheet.** | Design | Stickers | Source | |---|---|---| | Bento | 152 | JetPens | | Birthday | 122 | JetPens | | Cafe | 112 | JetPens | | Shopping | 110 | JetPens | | Pictograph Cat | About 110 | Luiban | | Bread | 104 | Luiban | | Sea Creatures | 80 | JetPens | | Monsters | 40, on 2 sheets | JetPens | Most designs are one sheet; check the listing title, as a few, such as Monsters, come as two larger-sticker sheets. ## Are Midori Planner Stickers removable? **Yes: Midori calls them re-peelable stickers that are easy to reposition, and JetPens lists them as removable.** PET film keeps its shape when you peel it, so a sticker can move from one week to the next without tearing. That suits thin planner paper such as the Tomoe River pages of the [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). We haven't tested how cleanly they lift after weeks on the page, so try a back page first. ## Which Midori Planner Stickers design should you choose? **Choose by what you track: food icons for meal plans, small animals for moods or habits, and the Birthday sheet for dates to remember.** The icons are small, about 0.8 cm on the Bento sheet, so they fit inside a weekly or monthly date box without covering your writing. Midori also suggests overlapping them in a line to decorate a heading or the margin of a memo page. If you carry a pocket notebook, split a sheet at the perforation and keep one half in the back. A single sheet covers months of light use, since even Sea Creatures, the lowest count we found on one sheet, has 80 stickers. ## How do they compare to other planner stickers? **Midori's sheets are small, cheap and removable; US sticker books trade that for volume.** | Sticker | Format | Stickers | Material | |---|---|---|---| | Midori Planner Stickers | 1 sheet, 8.5 × 15.5 cm | 80–152 | Removable PET | | [Midori Yuru Log](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/) | 1–2 sheets, 11.5 × 17.2 cm | 29–62 | Washi | | [Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set/) | 5 sheets, 148 × 100 mm | 262 | Matte paper | | [Happy Planner value pack](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers/) | Book, 30 sheets of 4.75 × 9 in | About 500–1,400 | Paper | Choose Midori's sheets for tiny markers in a busy weekly spread, and a paper set if you want stickers to write on. For a layout you can repeat every day, Midori's pre-inked [Paintable Stamp Half Size](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-paintable-stamp-half-size/) prints designs such as a time tracker or to-do list. ## Where are Midori Planner Stickers made? **Midori's Japanese online store lists its planner sticker sheets as made in Japan.** The Chatty Dogs, Bread and Pictograph Cat pages give MADE IN JAPAN; the Chatty Cats page gives no country. Luiban and Paper Whisper also list Japan. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are Midori Planner Stickers removable? Yes. Midori calls them re-peelable (再剥離) stickers that are easy to reposition, so you can move a sticker after placing it. ### How big is a Midori Planner Stickers sheet? JetPens and Luiban list 8.5 × 15.5 cm, about 3.3 × 6.1 in, in a pack of about 180 × 89 mm. A perforation across the middle splits it into two 8.5 × 7.75 cm halves, so you can carry only what you need. ### How many stickers are on one sheet? It depends on the design. JetPens lists 152 on Bento, 122 on Birthday, 112 on Cafe, 110 on Shopping and 80 on Sea Creatures; Luiban lists 104 on Bread. ### What are Midori Planner Stickers made of? PET plastic film, per Midori's Japanese store. Film doesn't tear like paper when you peel it, which is what makes the stickers easy to reposition. ### Can you write on Midori Planner Stickers? They are made as small picture markers, not labels; Midori designs the chatty animal sheets so you can draw a speech bubble beside them on the page. We haven't tested pens on the PET film itself yet. ### How much do Midori Planner Stickers cost? Midori's Japanese store lists single-sheet designs at ¥330 (about US$2.10) including tax. In the US they sell in our $ band, under $5 a sheet. ### Where are Midori Planner Stickers made? In Japan. Midori's Japanese online store lists the Chatty Dogs, Bread and Pictograph Cat sheets as MADE IN JAPAN. Midori is a brand of Designphil, based in Tokyo. ## Sources - [手帳シール おしゃべり ネコ柄(82554006) (Midori Japan online store: Chatty Cats, ¥330, PET film, re-peelable, perforated into two halves, package 180 × 89 × 1 mm)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/82554006.html) - [手帳シール おしゃべり イヌ柄(82592006) (Midori Japan online store: Chatty Dogs, ¥330, made in Japan)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/82592006.html) - [手帳シール｜シール パン柄(82681006) (Midori Japan online store: Bread, 1 sheet, made in Japan)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/82681006.html) - [手帳シール｜シール 絵文字 ネコ柄(82685006) (Midori Japan online store: Pictograph Cat, made in Japan)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/82685006.html) - [JetPens: Midori Planner Stickers, Removable, Bento Lunch Box (152 stickers, 8.5 × 15.5 cm, PET)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Planner-Stickers-Removable-Bento-Lunch-Box/pd/24716) - [JetPens: Midori Planner Stickers, Removable, Cafe (112 stickers, perforated)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Planner-Stickers-Removable-Cafe/pd/43743) - [JetPens: Midori Planner Stickers, Removable, Birthday (122 stickers)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Planner-Stickers-Removable-Birthday/pd/27547) - [JetPens: Midori Planner Stickers, Removable, Shopping (110 stickers)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Planner-Stickers-Removable-Shopping/pd/43744) - [JetPens: Midori Planner Stickers, Removable, Sea Creatures (80 stickers)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Planner-Stickers-Removable-Sea-Creatures/pd/31860) - [JetPens: Midori Planner Stickers, Removable, Cat (model 82554006)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Planner-Stickers-Removable-Cat/pd/31859) - [JetPens: Midori Planner Stickers, Removable, Chatty Dogs (model 82592006)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Planner-Stickers-Removable-Chatty-Dogs/pd/34719) - [JetPens: Midori Planner Stickers, Removable, Monsters (2 sheets, 40 stickers)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Planner-Stickers-Removable-Monsters/pd/41981) - [丸善ジュンク堂: ミドリ シール2554 おしゃべり ネコ柄 (Maruzen Junkudo, Japanese retailer: JAN 4902805825542, PET, 180 × 89 × 1 mm)](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/4902805825542) - [Luiban: Midori Planner Stickers, Chatty Cats (MPN 82554-006, origin Japan)](https://luiban.com/en/Themes/Animals/DP691-midori-planner-stickers-chatty-cats) - [Luiban: Midori Planner Stickers, Bread (104 stickers, 8.5 × 15.5 cm, origin Japan)](https://luiban.com/en/Little-Helpers/Sticker-Sticky-Notes/DP695-midori-planner-stickers-bread) - [Luiban: Midori Planner Stickers, Pictograph Cat (PET film, 8.5 × 15.5 cm, origin Japan)](https://luiban.com/en/Inspiration/Animals/DP696-midori-planner-stickers-pictograph-cat) - [Paper Whisper: Midori Planner Sticker, Cat Icons (thin transparent PET, made in Japan)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/midori-planner-sticker-cat-icons) --- # Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent: Tape Runner Guide > The Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent (62106) is a refillable tape runner that lays a dry strip of permanent glue. Tombow USA gives the tape as 1/3 in × 472 in (about 8.4 mm × 12 m) and calls it acid-free and PAT-approved for photos. Snap-in 62107 refills replace the tape; retailers mostly list Thailand as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-adhesive-permanent/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent tape runner in translucent blue, drawn in proportion, laying a 1/3 in strip of clear adhesive along a sheet of paper, with an inset of the roller tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tombow-mono-adhesive-permanent-16x9.png) *The 62106 runner lays a 1/3 in (8.4 mm) strip of dry glue; each refill holds 472 in (12 m). Drawn in proportion.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-mono-adhesive-permanent-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent tape runner (62106), refill 62107 | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Tombow USA) | Japan | Thailand | Plastic applicator; dry permanent adhesive film on a carrier tape | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent tape runner (62106), refill 62107): Thailand. OfficeCrave lists Thailand for the 62106 applicator, and OnTimeSupplies gives TH (Thailand) in its manufacturer data but Vietnam in its own spec table. Tombow USA's pages don't state it, and we found no origin for the 62107 refill. The related MONO Air Touch runner (62152) is listed as made in Vietnam. Source: https://www.officecrave.com/tombow-mono-permanent-adhesive-applicator-62106.html ## Key takeaways - Each 62106 applicator and 62107 refill holds 1/3 in × 472 in of tape, about 8.4 mm × 12 m, per Tombow USA. - Tombow USA calls the adhesive acid-free, safe on photos and approved under the Photographic Activity Test (PAT). - One refill is enough to run tape round all four edges of about 24 A2 cards (4.25 × 5.5 in), by our arithmetic. - Refills snap in: press the buttons on the top and bottom of the runner, pull the old cartridge out and click a new one in. - Business-supply retailers list the 62106 applicator as made in Thailand, though one listing also says Vietnam. ## What is the Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent? **It's a refillable tape runner: a small applicator that rolls a dry strip of permanent glue onto paper from a roller tip.** Tombow USA sells it as item 62106 and markets it for card making, scrapbooking and junk journaling. Because the glue is a dry film on a carrier tape, there's no drying time and no wet paper. Tombow's listing says it won't warp or wrinkle paper, which is the usual complaint about liquid glue and, to a lesser degree, a [glue stick](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/elmers-disappearing-purple-glue-stick/). ## Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Tombow (Tombow Pencil Co., Tokyo); US seller Tombow USA | | Item number | 62106 (applicator), 62107 (refill), 62207 (refill value pack) | | Tape size | 1/3 in × 472 in (about 8.4 mm × 12 m, 39 ft) | | Adhesive | Permanent, dry film | | Archival claims | Acid-free, safe on photos, PAT approved (Tombow USA) | | Refill system | Snap-in cartridge | | Applicator size | Not published by Tombow | | UPC | 085014621069 (retail listing) | | Made in | Thailand (most retailer listings) | Tape size and archival claims are from Tombow USA; origin and the UPC come from business-supply listings. ## How much does one refill cover? **About 24 card fronts with tape round every edge, by our arithmetic.** An A2 card is 4.25 × 5.5 in, so taping all four edges uses 19.5 in, and 472 in ÷ 19.5 in is about 24. Many layouts use only a few short strips per piece instead of a full border, so a refill goes further than that. In a journal, a 4 in ticket held by two 4 in strips uses 8 in, so one refill would fix about 59 of them. ![To-scale A2 card, 4.25 by 5.5 inches, with a 1/3 inch strip of tape along each edge; one 472 inch refill covers about 24 such cards](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-mono-adhesive-permanent-coverage.svg) *One 1/3 × 472 in refill runs round the edges of about 24 A2 cards.* ## How do you change the refill? **Press the buttons on the top and bottom of the runner, pull out the old cartridge and snap in a new 62107 refill.** The tape is already threaded in the cartridge, so there's nothing to wind. Refills come singly (62107) or in a 3-pack value pack (62207), and each holds the same 1/3 × 472 in of tape as the starter applicator. ## What is it good for, and where does it struggle? **It's built for paper on paper: card layers, photos, tickets and tip-ins in a journal.** Tombow's acid-free and PAT claims make it a common pick for scrapbooks and photo albums. One reviewer reports it works on most materials but doesn't hold on some plastics. Another found the flip cap over the tip opens with very little force, so it can pop open in a bag. ## How does it compare with other Tombow runners and adhesives? **Choose Permanent for the strongest everyday hold, Dots for repositioning, and Removable for temporary layouts.** | | MONO Adhesive Permanent | MONO Dots | MONO Air Touch | |---|---|---|---| | Item | 62106 | 62147 | 62152 | | Tape | 1/3 × 472 in | 0.33 × 472 in, dot pattern | 0.33 in × 17.5 yd (16 m) | | Hold | Permanent film | Repositionable, a little weaker (one buyer) | Permanent | | Made in | Thailand (most retailers) | Not stated | Vietnam (retailers) | Tombow also sells a Removable refill for the same runner. For holding things down temporarily without adhesive residue, [mt washi tape](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mt-washi-tape/) and [Scotch Magic Tape](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/scotch-magic-tape/) are the other common choices. ## Where is the Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent made? **US business-supply listings mostly give Thailand for the 62106 applicator.** OfficeCrave lists Thailand, and OnTimeSupplies gives TH in its manufacturer data but Vietnam in its own spec table; we found no origin stated for the 62107 refill. Tombow is a Japanese company based in Tokyo, the maker of the [Tombow Dual Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-dual-brush-pen/) and the [MONO Zero eraser](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-zero-eraser/). Tombow USA's page doesn't state the origin, and we didn't find a release date for the runner. ## Is it sold in Japan? **Not under this name, in the sources we found.** Tombow's Japanese site sells its tape runners under the PiT name, and we found no MONO Adhesive Permanent, 62106 or 62107 on it. Its closest refillable runner, the ピットテープM (PiT Tape M), lists at ¥484 (about US$3.10) with tax and uses 8.4 mm × 16 m cartridges (PR-MS8.4) at ¥363 (about US$2.30), longer than the 12 m in a 62107 refill, so the two cartridges don't appear to be the same item. Tombow Japan also offers a 12 mm × 11 m wide cartridge (PR-MS12) and says the body uses at least 70% recycled plastic. If you buy tape in Japan, check that the cartridge code matches your runner. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much tape is in a Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent runner? Tombow USA lists the tape as 1/3 in wide and 472 in long, about 8.4 mm × 12 m (39 ft). Each 62107 refill holds the same amount. ### What refill does the Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent use? It takes the Tombow 62107 MONO Adhesive Permanent refill, a snap-in cartridge with 1/3 in × 472 in of tape. Staples and OnTimeSupplies also sell a 3-pack value pack, item 62207. ### How do you change a Tombow MONO tape runner refill? Press the buttons on the top and bottom of the runner, pull the old cartridge out, then snap the new refill in until it clicks. No threading of tape is needed. ### Is Tombow MONO Adhesive acid-free and photo-safe? Tombow USA says the MONO Adhesive Permanent is acid-free, safe to use on photos and approved under the Photographic Activity Test (PAT), the archival test for materials used with photos. ### Is Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent good for card making and journaling? Tombow USA markets it for card making, scrapbooking and junk journaling, and says it won't warp or wrinkle paper the way wet glue can. One reviewer reports it doesn't hold well on some plastics. ### What is the difference between MONO Adhesive Permanent and MONO Dots? The Permanent runner lays a continuous film of glue; MONO Dots (62147) lays a dotted pattern, also 0.33 × 472 in, that retailers say can be repositioned. A buyer who used both found Dots not quite as strong. ### Where is Tombow MONO Adhesive made? US business-supply listings mostly give Thailand for the 62106 applicator, though one also says Vietnam. Tombow itself is a Japanese company based in Tokyo, and its US pages don't state the origin. ### Can you get Tombow MONO Adhesive in a removable version? Yes. Tombow sells a MONO Adhesive Removable refill for the same runner, for temporary placements such as layouts you might move. JetPens lists it alongside the permanent refill. ## Sources - [ピットテープM (Tombow Japan product page, "PiT Tape M": 8.4 mm × 16 m and 12 mm × 11 m cartridges PR-MS8.4 and PR-MS12, prices, acid-free)](https://www.tombow.com/products/pit_tape_m/) - [テープのりカートリッジ一覧 (Tombow Japan glue-tape refill list)](https://www.tombow.com/product-refill/glue-tapes/) - [Tombow USA: MONO Adhesive Permanent, 62106 (1/3 in × 472 in, acid-free, PAT approved, snap-in refill)](https://www.tombowusa.com/products/mono-adhesive-permanent) - [Tombow USA: Refill, MONO Adhesive Permanent, 62107 (snap-in cartridge)](https://www.tombowusa.com/products/refill-mono-adhesive-permanent) - [OfficeCrave: Tombow MONO Permanent Adhesive Applicator 62106 (country of origin Thailand)](https://www.officecrave.com/tombow-mono-permanent-adhesive-applicator-62106.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Tombow 62106 MONO Permanent Adhesive Applicator (UPC 00085014621069; origin TH in manufacturer data, Vietnam in spec table)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/tom62106-mono-permanent-adhesive-applicator-033-x-3933-ft-dries-light-blue.html) - [Tombow MONO Permanent Adhesive Refill 62107 (acid-free, PAT approved, 12 m × 8.5 mm)](https://monkapi.store.commercebuild.com/office-products/tape-glue-adhesives/other-adhestives-fasteners/tom62107-adhesive-perm-refill) - [OnTimeSupplies: Tombow 62207 permanent adhesive refill, 3-pack](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/tom62207-permanent-adhesive-refill-033-x-3933-ft-dries-white-3-pack.html) - [Staples: Tombow Permanent MONO Adhesive Refill Value Pack, 1/3 × 472 in, 3 per pack (TOM62207)](https://www.staples.com/Tombow-Permanent-Mono-Adhesive-Refill-Value-Pack-1-3-x-472-Clear/product_TOM62207) - [JetPens: Tombow MONO Adhesive Tape Runner Refill, Removable](https://www.jetpens.com/Tombow-MONO-Adhesive-Tape-Runner-Refill-Removable/pd/28376) - [JetPens: Tombow MONO Adhesive Tape Runner, Dots](https://www.jetpens.com/Tombow-Mono-Adhesive-Tape-Runner-Dots/pd/28370) - [PF Star: Tombow 62152 MONO Air Touch tape dispenser (0.33 in × 17.5 yd, Vietnam)](https://www.pfstar.com/62152-Tombow-Mono-Air-Touch-Power-Net-Tape-Dispenser-17.50) --- # TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler: 15 cm Scale & Patina > The TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler (42167-006) is a solid brass ruler, 16 cm long and 2 cm wide, with a laser-engraved 15 cm scale. One long edge is bent up, so the edge stays off the paper and ink doesn't run under it. Manufactum lists it at 27 g, and TRAVELER'S COMPANY says it's made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-company-brass-ruler/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler drawn to scale: a 160 × 20 mm brass strip with a 15 cm millimetre scale and one bent, raised edge, with an inset of the 2 mm raised edge](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/travelers-company-brass-ruler-16x9.png) *The Brass Ruler is 160 × 20 mm with a 15 cm scale; the far edge is bent up (drawn at 1 mm = 4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/travelers-company-brass-ruler-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | TRAVELER'S COMPANY BRASS Ruler (15 cm scale, 42167-006) | Traveler's Company (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Solid brass, unplated (1 mm sheet) | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (TRAVELER'S COMPANY BRASS Ruler (15 cm scale, 42167-006)): Japan. TRAVELER'S COMPANY's Japanese product page (BRASS RULER / ブラス 定規) states MADE IN JAPAN next to No.42167006 and calls the ruler a product of Made-in-Japan craftsmanship. Manufactum also says made in Japan. Source: https://www.travelers-company.com/products/brass/ruler ## Key takeaways - TRAVELER'S COMPANY gives the ruler as 20 × 160 mm; Manufactum lists 16 × 2 cm, a 15 cm scale, 1 mm brass and 27 g. - TRAVELER'S COMPANY says the solid brass is punched out with 45 tons of force, bent, finished and laser-engraved, then darkens from gold as it oxidizes. - The brand was called MIDORI until 2015, and its BRASS PRODUCTS line dates from 2010, per TRAVELER'S COMPANY USA. - At 160 mm, it's 50 mm shorter than a TRAVELER'S notebook Regular refill page (210 mm), so it suits Regular-size and A5 notebooks. - TRAVELER'S COMPANY's Japanese page marks it MADE IN JAPAN, under item number 42167-006, at ¥1,980 (about US$13) since October 2025. ## What is the TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler? **It's a 16 cm ruler cut from solid brass, with a 15 cm scale and one edge bent up so it stands off the page.** It belongs to TRAVELER'S COMPANY's BRASS PRODUCTS line of clips, pens and bookmarks made to go with the [TRAVELER'S notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/). TRAVELER'S COMPANY says the ruler is punched out of a brass plate with 45 tons of force, finished, bent, finished again and laser-engraved with its scale, and that such a simple tool demands delicate Made-in-Japan craftsmanship. TRAVELER'S COMPANY USA says the BRASS PRODUCTS line joined the notebook in 2010. ## TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | TRAVELER'S COMPANY (Designphil Inc., Tokyo) | | Item number | 42167-006 (JAN 4902805421676) | | Size | 160 × 20 mm (6.3 × 0.8 in); 0.2 cm tall at the bent edge (JetPens) | | Scale | 15 cm, in centimeters and millimeters; no inches | | Brass thickness | 1 mm (Manufactum) | | Weight | 27 g (0.94 oz), Manufactum | | Material | Solid, unplated brass (ブラス 無垢) | | Package | 105 × 200 × 3 mm | | List price (Japan) | ¥1,980 (about US$13) with tax, since October 1, 2025 | | Made in | Japan (TRAVELER'S COMPANY) | TRAVELER'S COMPANY's Japanese product page gives the ruler as H20 × W160 mm, the package (a PP bag) as 105 × 200 × 3 mm and the origin as MADE IN JAPAN, but no weight. Manufactum gives the same 16 × 2 cm and adds 27 g and the 1 mm thickness; Milligram lists 15.8 cm. ## Why is one edge raised? **The edge opposite the scale is bent up, so the ruler is easy to pick up and the ruling edge stays off the paper.** TRAVELER'S COMPANY says it raised one side slightly so lines are easy to draw even with ink pens, and Manufactum says the angled side stands above the paper for ink or fountain pens. That matters most with wet pens. A [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/) fountain pen or a felt-tip fineliner can bleed under a flat acrylic ruler, while the raised brass edge keeps the line clean. ## How big is it next to a notebook? **At 160 mm, it's shorter than a TRAVELER'S notebook Regular refill (210 mm tall) and an A5 page, so it rides inside the notebook.** It's longer than the 110 mm page width, so on a Regular refill it measures down the page, not across it. ![To-scale drawing: the 160 by 20 mm Brass Ruler and the 140.5 by 34 mm Midori Clip Ruler on a 210 by 110 mm TRAVELER'S notebook Regular refill page](https://stationerytimes.com/images/travelers-company-brass-ruler-sizes.svg) *The Brass Ruler covers about three quarters of a Regular refill's height.* ## Does it have an inch scale? **No: the engraved scale is in centimeters and millimeters only, from 0 to 15 cm (about 5.9 in).** That suits metric dot-grid and grid notebooks, where 5 mm squares line up with the millimeter ticks. If you measure in inches, pair it with an inch ruler. A clear acrylic ruler also lets you see the grid underneath, which brass can't. ## What else is in the BRASS line? **The ruler is one of several brass accessories from TRAVELER'S COMPANY, including template bookmarks with number and alphabet stencils.** Paperwhisper sells the Brass Template Bookmarks alongside the ruler, and the maker describes the whole line as solid brass that ages with use. ## How does the brass age? **It starts with a gold shine and darkens to a deep, dull tone with handling.** TRAVELER'S COMPANY says the surface oxidizes with use, giving the ruler the look of an antique tool, and presents that change as the point of its brass line. TRAVELER'S COMPANY USA has written about enjoying that aging on its leather covers and brass pieces together. ## How does it compare with other rulers? **Choose it for ink and for carrying; choose a longer or inch-marked ruler for full-page or US measurements.** | | Brass Ruler | Midori Clip Ruler | Westcott acrylic ruler | |---|---|---|---| | Length | 160 mm (15 cm scale) | 140.5 mm (10 cm scale) | 12 in | | Material | 1 mm solid brass | 0.3 mm brass, copper or steel | Clear acrylic | | Extra | Raised edge for ink | Page clip and stencil | Inch and cm scales | The [Midori Clip Ruler](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-clip-ruler/) comes from the same parent company and doubles as a bookmark; the [Westcott acrylic ruler](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/westcott-acrylic-ruler/) covers a full A4 or letter page. ## Where is the TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler made? **TRAVELER'S COMPANY's own Japanese product page says MADE IN JAPAN, next to the item number No.42167006.** Manufactum also lists it as made in Japan. In Japan, TRAVELER'S COMPANY raised the ruler's list price from ¥1,650 (about US$10) to ¥1,980 (about US$13) including tax on October 1, 2025. Its product page notes that it doesn't ship overseas to individual customers. TRAVELER'S COMPANY USA says the brand was called MIDORI until 2015, so older listings sell the same ruler under that name. The BRASS PRODUCTS line dates from 2010, but we didn't find a release date for the ruler itself. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler? TRAVELER'S COMPANY gives it as 160 mm (6.3 in) long and 20 mm wide; the engraved scale runs to 15 cm. Milligram lists it at 15.8 cm long. ### How much does the TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler weigh? Manufactum lists 27 g (0.94 oz), and JetPens gives the same figure. TRAVELER'S COMPANY doesn't publish a weight. ### Why is one edge of the brass ruler bent? TRAVELER'S COMPANY says it raised one side slightly so the ruler is easy to pick up and lines are easy to draw with ink pens. Manufactum adds that the angled side stands above the paper for ink or fountain pens. ### Does the TRAVELER'S COMPANY brass ruler tarnish? Yes, by design. TRAVELER'S COMPANY says the brass starts with a gold shine and, as the surface oxidizes, turns a deep, dull color like an antique tool. ### Does the brass ruler fit in a TRAVELER'S notebook? It's shorter than a Regular-size refill page (210 mm tall), so it lies on the page and can be carried inside the cover. It's longer than the 110 mm page width, so it won't lie flat across the page. ### Is the TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler the same as the Midori brass ruler? Yes. TRAVELER'S COMPANY USA says the brand name changed from MIDORI to TRAVELER'S COMPANY in 2015, so older listings sell the same 42167-006 ruler under the Midori name. ### Where is the TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler made? In Japan: TRAVELER'S COMPANY's own product page says MADE IN JAPAN, and retailers agree. TRAVELER'S COMPANY is a brand of Designphil Inc. in Tokyo. ### Is the brass ruler in centimeters or inches? Centimeters and millimeters only, up to 15 cm. There's no inch scale, so US users who need inches will want a second ruler. ## Sources - [BRASS RULER / ブラス 定規 (TRAVELER'S COMPANY Japan product page, "Brass ruler": 45-ton press, laser engraving, raised edge for ink pens, H20 × W160 mm, package 105 × 200 × 3 mm, No.42167006, MADE IN JAPAN, ¥1,980 with tax)](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/brass/ruler) - [製品価格改定のご案内 (TRAVELER'S COMPANY Japan price revision notice, "Notice of price changes": 42167006 from ¥1,650 to ¥1,980 on October 1, 2025)](https://www.travelers-company.com/change202510) - [TRAVELER'S COMPANY USA: About (BRASS PRODUCTS from 2010; brand renamed from MIDORI in 2015)](https://travelerscompanyusa.com/about/) - [TRAVELER'S COMPANY USA: Enjoying the aging process of leather and brass](https://travelerscompanyusa.com/enjoying-the-aging-process-of-leather-and-brass/) - [JetPens: TRAVELER'S COMPANY BRASS Ruler 16 cm (size, weight)](https://www.jetpens.com/TRAVELER-S-COMPANY-BRASS-Ruler-16-cm/pd/23528) - [Manufactum: Traveler's Company brass ruler (16 × 2 cm, 15 cm scale, 1 mm, 27 g, made in Japan)](https://manufactum.com/ruler-brass-a30539) - [Milligram: Traveler's Company Brass Ruler 15cm (15.8 cm long, 2 cm wide)](https://milligram.com/products/travelers-company-brass-ruler-15cm) - [Pulp Addiction: TRAVELER'S Brass Ruler (SKU 4902805421676)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/travelers-brass-ruler) - [Tidformera: TRC Brass ruler (16 cm long, 15 cm graduation)](https://tidformera.se/en/collections/stenciler-och-linjaler/products/trc-brass-massing-ruler) - [The Journal Shop: TRAVELER'S Company Brass Ruler, 15 cm solid brass (patina)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/travelers-company-brass-ruler) - [Paperwhisper: TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Template Bookmark, Number](https://paperwhisper.com/products/travelers-company-brass-template-bookmark-number) - [Paperwhisper: TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Template Bookmark, Alphabet](https://paperwhisper.com/products/travelers-company-brass-template-bookmark-alphabet) - [Endless Pens: Traveler's Brass Ruler (CM)](https://endlesspens.com/products/travelers-brass-ruler-cm) --- # uni-ball One: Pigment Gel Ink, Sizes & Refills > The uni-ball One is a retractable gel pen from Mitsubishi Pencil, released in 2020 and sold in the US as uniball ONE. Its pigment ink uses large particles that stay on the paper's surface, which uni-ball says makes colors darker. It measures 13.9 cm, comes in 0.38, 0.5 and 0.7 mm, and US listings say it's made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-one/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the uni-ball One 0.7 mm gel pen drawn to scale: a 139 mm white barrel with a black wire clip and push button, a rubber grip and a metal tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/uni-ball-one-16x9.png) *The uni-ball One 0.7 mm Medium, 139 mm long retracted (drawn at 1 mm = 5 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-ball-one-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | uni-ball One retractable gel pen (US uniball ONE, 0.7 mm Medium and 0.5 mm Micro; Japan UMN-S, also 0.38 mm) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel, rubber grip, movable open wire clip | 2020-02-26 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (uni-ball One retractable gel pen (US uniball ONE, 0.7 mm Medium and 0.5 mm Micro; Japan UMN-S, also 0.38 mm)): Japan. Per a US business-supply listing for item 70363 (0.7 mm blue, dozen). Japanese retailer Cainz lists the 0.5 mm black pack (JAN 4902778261354) as made in Japan (生産国 日本), and Escribo (Poland) lists Japan for the 0.5 mm pen. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese pages don't state it. A Swiss retailer lists China for one 0.7 mm multi-pack and Japan for a refill set, so origin may vary by pack; check the packaging. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc70363-ub-one-gel-pens-07-mm-pen-point-size-blue-gel-based-ink-12-dozen.html ## Key takeaways - JetPens lists the standard One at 13.9 cm (5.5 in) long and 10.3 mm across at the grip, and both JetPens and Escribo give 10 g. - US packs come in 0.7 mm Medium and 0.5 mm Micro with a white barrel; Japan adds 0.38 mm. - uni-ball's US copy says Super Ink protects against water, fading and fraud. - Mitsubishi Pencil launched the One in Japan on February 26, 2020, at ¥120 (about US$0.80) plus tax; its site now lists standard colors at ¥165 (about US$1.00) and UMR refills at ¥110 (about US$0.70) including tax. - A US business-supply listing (0.7 mm blue dozen, 70363), Japan's Cainz and Poland's Escribo all give Japan as the country of origin. ## What is the uni-ball One? **The uni-ball One is a retractable gel pen from Mitsubishi Pencil, built around a pigment ink that stays on top of the paper.** Mitsubishi Pencil's January 2020 press release put it on sale in Japan on February 26, 2020, as the UMN-S-38 (0.38 mm, 20 colors) and UMN-S-05 (0.5 mm, 10 colors), with a black barrel for black ink and an off-white barrel for every color. In the US it's sold as uniball ONE, in a white barrel, at Walmart, Kroger and office suppliers. The One won a 2020 Good Design Award in Japan, per Mitsubishi Pencil. Its Japanese site now lists the standard colors at ¥165 (about US$1.00) including tax, up from ¥120 (about US$0.80) plus tax at launch, and cites a study with Ritsumeikan University suggesting darker handwriting is easier to remember. It sits alongside the older [uni-ball Signo 207](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-signo-207/) in uni-ball's US range. ## uni-ball One specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Mitsubishi Pencil Co. (uni-ball), Japan | | Type | Retractable gel pen, pigment ink | | Tip sizes | US: 0.5 mm Micro, 0.7 mm Medium · Japan: 0.38 and 0.5 mm (0.7 mm in some sets) | | Length | 13.9 cm (5.5 in) | | Diameter | 10.3 mm grip (JetPens, Escribo); 10.5 mm at the widest (JetPens) | | Weight | 10 g (0.34 oz), per JetPens and Escribo | | US items | 70362 (0.7 black, dozen) · 70363 (0.7 blue, dozen) · 70307, 70309, 70381 (color packs) | | Japanese models | UMN-S-38 (0.38 mm) · UMN-S-05 (0.5 mm); black barrel, black ink 0.5 mm: UMNS05BK.24, JAN 4902778261316 | | Japanese refills | UMR-05S (0.5 mm) · UMR-38S (0.38 mm) | | Price in Japan | ¥165 (about US$1.00) including tax for standard colors (2026 list); ¥120 (about US$0.80) plus tax at the 2020 launch | | Made in | Japan (US, Japanese and Polish retailer listings) | Size and weight are from JetPens and Escribo. US item numbers come from business-supply listings; Japanese model codes, prices and refill codes come from Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site. ## Why does uni-ball One ink look darker? **uni-ball formulates the ink with larger pigment particles that stay on the paper's surface instead of soaking in.** JetPens explains that because the paper doesn't absorb and wash out the color, dark inks look darker and bright colors more vivid. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese page also says the ink dries fast without feathering or bleeding through, because its liquid part soaks in quickly while the pigment stays on top. These are maker claims; we haven't measured dry time or darkness yet. ## Which uni-ball One size should you choose? **Choose 0.7 mm Medium for everyday notes and the boldest line, 0.5 mm Micro for small handwriting, and 0.38 mm (an import) for planners.** ![To-scale drawing of the three uni-ball One ball sizes at 1 mm = 100 px: 0.38 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-ball-one-tip-sizes.svg) *The 0.7 mm Medium ball is about 1.8 times the diameter of the 0.38 mm.* Mitsubishi Pencil's launch release confirms that the 0.38 mm comes in more colors (20) than the 0.5 mm (10) in Japan. Those are Japanese colors, so don't assume each one is sold in US packs. US packs include black, blue and assorted color sets. ## What refills does the uni-ball One use? **In Japan, the One takes UMR-05S (0.5 mm) and UMR-38S (0.38 mm) refills.** Mitsubishi Pencil lists both at ¥110 (about US$0.70) including tax. We didn't find a US-packaged uniball ONE refill item number, so US buyers usually order the Japanese refills from importers. ## What are the One F and One P? **They are the same pigment ink in different bodies.** The One F has what Mitsubishi Pencil calls a stabilizer mechanism: a precision metal tip that lowers the center of gravity for steadier writing. The One P (P for pocket) is a short version that the maker says is shaped to stay easy to hold. The Gentleman Stationer named the One F a favorite in 2024, while noting early reports of skipping in the first release. ## How does the uni-ball One compare with other gel pens? **It's the pick for the darkest, most saturated line; the G2 and Sarasa win on availability and sizes.** | Pen | Ink | Tip sizes | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | uni-ball One | Pigment gel, large particles | 0.5, 0.7 mm (US); 0.38 mm (Japan) | Darker color claim; wire clip shows ink color | | [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) | Gel | 0.38, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 mm | US best-seller claim; widest color range | | [Zebra Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/) | Water-based pigment gel | 0.3 to 1.0 mm | Movable binder clip | | [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) | Liquid gel | 0.3 to 1.0 mm | Usually the quick-drying pick | Our [best gel pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/) picks one pen for each job. ## Where is the uni-ball One made? **A US business-supply listing for the 0.7 mm blue dozen (70363) gives Japan as the country of origin, and so do Cainz in Japan and Escribo in Poland.** Mitsubishi Pencil's own pages don't say. A Swiss retailer lists China for one 0.7 mm multi-pack and Japan for a refill set, so origin may vary by pack. Mitsubishi Pencil, which owns the uni-ball brand, is based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### What makes the uni-ball One different from other gel pens? Its ink. uni-ball formulates the One's pigment gel ink with larger particles that stay on the paper's surface instead of soaking in, so colors look darker and more vivid. That's the maker's claim; we haven't measured it. ### What sizes does the uni-ball One come in? In the US, uniball ONE packs come in 0.7 mm Medium and 0.5 mm Micro. In Japan, the One is sold in 0.38 and 0.5 mm, with 0.7 mm in some sets. ### What refill does the uni-ball One use? Japanese refills are UMR-05S for 0.5 mm and UMR-38S for 0.38 mm, each in several colors, listed by Mitsubishi Pencil at ¥110 (about US$0.70). We didn't find a US-packaged uniball ONE refill item number. ### Is the uni-ball One waterproof? uni-ball's US copy says its Super Ink protects against water, fading and fraud. It doesn't publish a test standard in the sources we found. ### What is the difference between the uni-ball One, One F and One P? They use the same pigment ink in different bodies. The One F has what Mitsubishi Pencil calls a stabilizer mechanism, a precision metal tip that lowers its center of gravity; the One P is a short, pocket-sized version. ### How long is the uni-ball One? JetPens lists the standard One at 13.9 cm (5.5 in) long and 10.3 mm in diameter. JetPens gives 10.5 mm at the widest point and 10 g, and Escribo agrees on length, grip and weight. ### Where is the uni-ball One made? A US business-supply listing, Japan's Cainz and Poland's Escribo give Japan as the country of origin. One Swiss retailer lists China for a 0.7 mm multi-pack, so check the pack you buy. ### Does the uni-ball One skip? Some early users reported skipping. The Gentleman Stationer noted in 2024 that the initial release had reports of skipping, though its author now calls the One F a favorite. ## Sources - [三菱鉛筆: ユニボール ワン (Mitsubishi Pencil product page, read in full: bead-pack pigment, quick-drying, low-bleed ink, movable open wire clip)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/gel/uniball_one/one.html) - [三菱鉛筆: ユニボール ワン ラインナップ (Mitsubishi Pencil lineup, read in full: UMN-S-38/05, order codes, JAN, ¥165 standard colors)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/gel/uniball_one/one/umns.html) - [三菱鉛筆: ゲルインクボールペン替芯 UMR-05S / UMR-38S (Mitsubishi Pencil refill page: ¥110)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/refill_gel.html?refill_code2=UMR-05S) - [三菱鉛筆: ユニボール ワン F (Mitsubishi Pencil: stabilizer mechanism, metal tip, low center of gravity)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/gel/uniball_one/one_f.html) - [三菱鉛筆: ユニボール ワン P (Mitsubishi Pencil: short pocket version)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/gel/uniball_one/one_P.html) - [“ノート、くっきりキマる。”『uni-ball one（ユニボール ワン）』全20色 (Mitsubishi Pencil press release, January 21, 2020: on sale February 26, 2020; UMN-S-38 in 20 colors, UMN-S-05 in 10; ¥120 (about US$0.80) plus tax; refills ¥100 (about US$0.60) plus tax)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20200121-36674.html) - [『uni-ball one』『JETSTREAM EDGE』『アドバンス アップグレードモデル』2020年度グッドデザイン賞を受賞 (Mitsubishi Pencil press release: 2020 Good Design Award)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20201001-36638.html) - [Cainz: 三菱鉛筆 ユニボールONE 05 黒 パック (Japanese retailer listing, JAN 4902778261354, made in Japan)](https://www.cainz.com/g/4902778261354.html) - [JetPens: Uni-ball One, a comprehensive guide (ink, sizes, One F and One P dimensions)](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/Uni-ball-One-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/1041) - [JetPens: Uni-ball One Gel Pen, 0.7 mm, Black](https://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-One-Gel-Pen-0.7-mm-Black/pd/39550) - [uni-ball UK: UMN-S-05 uni-ball One](https://uniball.co.uk/brands/one/umn-s-05-uni-ball-one-5pc-wish-pfp-gz/) - [Escribo: uni-ball One 0.5 mm (13.9 cm, 10.3 mm grip, 10 g, country of origin Japan)](https://escribo.pl/en/products/dlugopis-zelowy-uni-ball-one-05-mm) - [OnTimeSupplies: uniball ONE 0.7 mm blue, 70363 (Super Ink; country of origin)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc70363-ub-one-gel-pens-07-mm-pen-point-size-blue-gel-based-ink-12-dozen.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: uniball ONE 0.7 mm black, 70362 (UPC)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc70362-ub-one-gel-pens-07-mm-pen-point-size-black-gel-based-ink-12-dozen.html) - [Blue Dog Ink: uniball uniONE 0.7 mm, white barrel, 70362 / 70309 / 70381](https://www.bluedogink.com/uniball-unione-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-black-ink-white-barrel-dozen-70362.html) - [Walmart: uniball One Retractable Gel Pens, Medium 0.7 mm, Black, 4 count (ratings)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/1452412908) - [Walmart: Uni-Ball One Retractable Gel Pens, Micro 0.5 mm, White Barrel](https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/258085267) - [Kroger: Uni-Ball Uni One Assorted Medium Gel Pens](https://www.kroger.com/p/uni-ball-uni-one-ink-assorted-medium-gel-pens/0003024670386) - [Yoseka Stationery: Uni-ball One 0.5 mm (released February 26, 2020)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/uni-ball-one-0-5mm) - [Yoseka Stationery: Uni-ball One F 0.38 mm (metal tip, lower center of gravity)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/uni-ball-one-f-0-38mm) - [Paperwhisper: uni-ball One gel pen refill UMR-05S](https://paperwhisper.com/products/uni-ball-one-gel-pen-refill-umr-05s) - [Unsharpen: uni UMR-05S pigmented ink refill (color counts, Japanese price)](https://unsharpen.com/refill/uni-umr-05s-pigmented-ink/) - [The Gentleman Stationer: uni-ball One or Zebra Sarasa Grand (2024)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2024/6/19/uni-ball-one-or-zebra-sarasa-grand-a-high-end-gel-pen-showdown) - [Galaxus: uni-ball One 0.7 mm packs (country of origin by pack)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/uni-ball-one-5x-pens-37979437) --- # Leuchtturm1917 Pocket A6 Notebook: Size & Pages > The Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Pocket (A6) is the German brand's hardcover notebook at 90 × 150 mm (3.5 × 5.9 in). Leuchtturm1917 lists 187 numbered pages of 80 g/m² paper, a blank table of contents, two page markers, an elastic closure, a gusseted back pocket and a weight of 148 g. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-pocket-a6-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a navy Leuchtturm1917 Pocket A6 hard cover, 150 mm tall and 90 mm wide, closed with its elastic and two page markers, and opened flat on 5 mm dotted, numbered cream pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/leuchtturm1917-pocket-a6-notebook-16x9.png) *The Pocket A6 closed and open, with a numbered page corner magnified (1 mm = 1.4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-pocket-a6-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Pocket (A6), Hardcover, 187 numbered pages (dotted, ruled, squared or plain) | Leuchtturm1917 (by Leuchtturm Gruppe (Geesthacht, Germany)) | Germany | Varies (China or Taiwan) | Hard cover, 80 g/m² FSC-certified, slightly cream paper, thread-sewn | 2005 | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Pocket (A6), Hardcover, 187 numbered pages (dotted, ruled, squared or plain)): Varies (China or Taiwan). Retailer data, not the maker's: Galaxus has listed China for a black Pocket hard cover and China and Taiwan for a blue one (Galaxus now blocks automated reading). Leuchtturm1917's German product page names only the maker in Geesthacht, and Medium A5 listings give Germany or Taiwan. Check the label on your copy. Source: https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/leuchtturm1917-pocket-hardcover-a6-plain-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-5979274 ## Key takeaways - The Pocket measures 90 × 150 mm (3.5 × 5.9 in), small enough for a jacket pocket and 60 mm shorter than the Medium A5. - Leuchtturm1917's German and US sites list 187 numbered pages; some retailers, such as Dromgooles, still list 185. - It uses the same 80 g/m² FSC-certified, slightly cream paper as the Medium A5, with a 5 mm dot grid in the dotted version. - Leuchtturm1917's German site lists the hard cover at 148 g (5.2 oz) and €18.50 (about US$21); Galaxus has listed 160 g and 15–17 mm thick. - Galaxus has given China, or China and Taiwan, as the country of origin for two Pocket hard covers; Leuchtturm1917 doesn't say. ## What is the Leuchtturm1917 Pocket notebook? **It's the smallest standard size of Leuchtturm1917's hardcover notebook, with the same numbered pages, index and page markers as the popular A5.** At 90 × 150 mm, it is built to ride in a pocket or a small bag. Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand from the Leuchtturm Gruppe near Hamburg. The Pocket comes in dotted, ruled, squared and plain versions and in the brand's long list of cover colours; a softcover Pocket is sold separately. ## Leuchtturm1917 Pocket specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Size | 90 × 150 mm (3.5 × 5.9 in) | | Thickness | 15–17 mm, per Galaxus | | Weight | 148 g (5.2 oz) per Leuchtturm1917; 160 g per Galaxus | | Pages | 187 numbered (some retailers: 185) | | Paper | 80 g/m², FSC-certified, slightly cream | | Rulings | Dotted (5 mm), ruled, squared, plain | | Extras | Table of contents, 2 page markers, elastic closure, gusseted back pocket, 8 perforated sheets, sticker set | | Binding | Thread-sewn book block (Leuchtturm1917); opens flat (retailers) | | Article | 333915 (black, dotted, Germany) | | German list price | €18.50 (about US$21) | Size, pages, paper, extras, binding, weight and price come from Leuchtturm1917's German product page; thickness from Galaxus. ## How big is the Pocket compared with A5 and Field Notes? **The Pocket has less than half the page area of the Medium A5 and only a little larger than a 3.5 × 5.5 in memo book.** It is narrower than ISO A6 (105 × 148 mm), despite the name. ![To-scale drawing: the Leuchtturm1917 Pocket at 90 × 150 mm inside the outline of the Medium A5 at 145 × 210 mm, with a 3.5 × 5.5 in (89 × 140 mm) memo book outline](https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-pocket-a6-notebook-size.svg) *Pocket, Medium A5 and a Field Notes-size memo book at the same scale.* | | Pocket (A6) | [Medium (A5)](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) | [Field Notes](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/field-notes-original-kraft/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 90 × 150 mm | 145 × 210 mm | 89 × 140 mm | | Pages | 187, numbered | 251, numbered | 48 | | Paper | 80 g/m² | 80 g/m² | Finch 60#T | | Cover | Hard cover, elastic | Hard cover, elastic | Kraft card, stapled | The Field Notes book is thinner and lighter for a back pocket; the Leuchtturm1917 Pocket holds almost four times the pages in a rigid cover. The [Moleskine Classic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) Pocket is the closest hard-cover rival, at 9 × 14 cm. ## What's inside a Leuchtturm1917 Pocket? **The same organising features as the larger sizes: numbered pages, a blank table of contents and two page markers.** That makes it practical for a small bullet journal or an indexed field log. At the back are a gusseted pocket and, per Leuchtturm1917, 8 perforated sheets you can tear out. The elastic closure keeps it shut in a bag, and a sticker set for archiving comes with it. To keep a pen with it, the self-adhesive [Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop/) sticks inside the back cover. ## Is the Pocket good for fountain pens? **It uses the same 80 g/m² paper as the Medium A5, which handles fine nibs and ordinary inks but can ghost with wet inks.** We haven't tested the Pocket ourselves. On a 90 mm wide page, a fine or extra-fine nib also simply fits more words per line. Dark, wet inks are the ones most likely to show through. ## Which ruling should you choose? **Dotted is the most flexible on a small page; choose ruled for writing and squared for sketches or tables.** Plain suits quick drawings. The dotted version's 5 mm grid gives you roughly 17 dots across a page, enough for simple bullet-journal layouts. On such a narrow page, lists and logs work better than full weekly spreads. ## Where is the Leuchtturm1917 Pocket made? **Retailer data points to China or Taiwan, but Leuchtturm1917 doesn't state it on its product pages.** Galaxus has listed China for a black Pocket hard cover and China and Taiwan for a blue one; it now blocks automated reading, so we couldn't recheck. The brand itself is German, so check the label on your copy if origin matters. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Leuchtturm1917 Pocket notebook? It is A6-class at 90 × 150 mm, or about 3.5 × 5.9 inches; Blick rounds it to 3.5 × 6 in. That is 2 mm wider and 10 mm taller than a 3.5 × 5.5 in Field Notes memo book. ### How many pages does the Leuchtturm1917 Pocket have? Leuchtturm1917's German and US sites give 187 numbered pages for the hard cover. Some retailers, such as Dromgooles, still list 185; the softcover has 123. ### Is the Leuchtturm1917 Pocket true A6? Not exactly. ISO A6 is 105 × 148 mm, while the Pocket is 90 × 150 mm, so it is narrower and slightly taller. A6 covers or inserts may not fit it. ### What paper does the Leuchtturm1917 Pocket use? Leuchtturm1917 lists 80 g/m² FSC-certified, slightly cream paper, the same as the standard Medium A5. The dotted version uses a 5 mm dot grid. ### Does the Pocket have numbered pages and an index? Yes. Leuchtturm1917 lists numbered pages and a blank table of contents, plus two page markers, an elastic closure, a gusseted back pocket, 8 perforated sheets and a sticker set. ### How much does the Leuchtturm1917 Pocket weigh? Leuchtturm1917's German site lists 148 g (5.2 oz) for the hard cover and 115 g for the softcover. Galaxus has listed 160 g, with a thickness of 15 to 17 mm. ### Where is the Leuchtturm1917 Pocket made? Retailer data points to Asia: Galaxus has listed China for one Pocket hard cover and China and Taiwan for another. Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand and doesn't state the origin on its product pages. ## Sources - [Leuchtturm1917 (Germany): Notizbuch Pocket (A6), Hardcover, 187 nummerierte Seiten, Schwarz, Dotted (notebook: €18.50, article 333915, 90 × 150 mm, 148 g, 80 g/m² paper, thread-sewn, 8 perforated sheets)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.de/notizbuch-pocket-a6-hardcover-187-nummerierte-seiten-schwarz-dotted.html) - [Leuchtturm1917 (US): Pocket (A6) notebooks collection (187 numbered pages)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/collections/pocket-a6) - [Galaxus: Leuchtturm1917 Pocket, Hardcover, A6, plain, black (90 × 150 mm, 185 pages, 160 g, China)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/leuchtturm1917-pocket-hardcover-a6-plain-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-5979274) - [Galaxus: Leuchtturm1917 Pocket, Hardcover, A6, blue (China and Taiwan)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/leuchtturm1917-pocket-hardcover-a6-plain-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-5980653) - [Digitec: Leuchtturm1917 Pocket, Hardcover, A6](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/leuchtturm1917-pocket-hardcover-a6-plain-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-5979274) - [Dromgooles: Leuchtturm1917 A6 Pocket Hardcover Ruled Notebook, Navy (90 × 150 mm, 185 pages)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/leuchtturm1917-a6-pocket-hardcover-ruled-notebook-navy) - [Paperole: Pocket Notebook (A6) Hardcover, Rising Sun (187 numbered pages)](https://www.paperole.com/products/pocket-notebook-a6-hardcover-rising-sun-by-leuchtturm1917) - [Cal Student Store: Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Pocket (A6), 185 pages, hardcover, dotted](https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/products/notebooks-pocket-%2528a6%2529-185pg-hardcover-dotted) - [Blick: Leuchtturm1917 Dotted Hardbound Notebook, Navy, 3-1/2 × 6 in (80 gsm)](https://www.dickblick.com/items/leuchtturm1917-notebook-pocket-notebook-navy-dotted-6-x-3-12/) - [Fred Aldous: Leuchtturm1917 Classic Pocket Notebook A6 (UK price)](https://fredaldous.co.uk/products/leuchtturm1917-classic-pocket-notebook-a6) - [Paperole: Pocket Notebook (A6) Softcover, Black](https://paperole.com/products/pocket-notebook-a6-softcover-black-multiple-styles-by-leuchtturm1917) - [Unsharpen: What's the deal with Leuchtturm1917? (stationery brand launched 2005)](https://unsharpen.com/whats-the-deal-leuchtturm1917/) --- # LIFE Noble Note A5: Cream Paper, Rulings & Covers > The LIFE Noble Note A5 is a sewn notebook from Tokyo paper maker LIFE. It measures 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in) and holds 100 sheets (200 pages) of LIFE's cream L Writing Paper, about 85 g/m². LIFE sells it plain (N36), 8 mm ruled with 23 lines (N39) or 5 mm grid (N33) at ¥1,200 (about US$7.60). - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/life-noble-note-a5/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a light blue LIFE Noble Note A5 for the 8 mm ruled edition, 210 mm tall and 148 mm wide, with a border print, gold LIFE mark and cloth spine, closed and opened flat on cream ruled pages with thread stitching in the fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/life-noble-note-a5-16x9.png) *The ruled Noble Note A5 closed and open, with the cloth spine magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/life-noble-note-a5-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | LIFE Noble Note A5, 100 sheets (plain, 8 mm ruled or 5 mm grid) | LIFE (by LIFE Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Card cover with cloth spine, sewn cream L Writing Paper (about 85 g/m²) | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (LIFE Noble Note A5, 100 sheets (plain, 8 mm ruled or 5 mm grid)): Japan. LIFE's own product page says craftsmen in Tokyo's shitamachi (old downtown) make each Noble Note by hand. Japanese Taste and Paper Whisper also list Japan as the origin. Source: https://life-st.jp/products/%E3%83%8E%E3%83%BC%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%8E%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88-a5-%E6%96%B9%E7%9C%BC ## Key takeaways - LIFE's own site lists the A5 Noble Note with 100 sheets in three rulings: plain (N36), 8 mm ruled with 23 lines (N39) and 5 mm grid (N33), at ¥1,200 (about US$7.60) each. - LIFE says the paper is its own L Writing Paper; Galen Leather lists it at 85 g/m² and 148 × 210 × 11 mm, and The Pen Addict gives 84.9 gsm. - LIFE says each Noble Note is made by hand by craftsmen in Tokyo's shitamachi (old downtown), with a sewn binding for durability. - The cover color is tied to the ruling: the 8 mm ruled book has a light blue cover, under a border print and a gold LIFE mark. - LIFE began in December 1946 as a paper wholesaler in Taito, Tokyo, and was incorporated in 1949. ## What is the LIFE Noble Note A5? **It's a classic Japanese sewn notebook from LIFE, a Tokyo paper maker, built around thick cream writing paper.** It has 100 sheets in a card cover with a decorative border print, a gold LIFE mark and a cloth spine. LIFE's own site calls the Noble Note its signature notebook (ライフの自信作): craftsmen in Tokyo's shitamachi, the old downtown, make each one by hand, using a sectioned folding-and-sewing binding (分け折り製本) for strength and LIFE's original L Writing Paper for a smooth feel. LIFE's company profile says it began in December 1946 as a paper wholesaler in Taito, Tokyo, was incorporated on December 16, 1949 and took the LIFE name in 1963. The Noble line also includes A4, B5 and B6 notebooks, a Noble Note Mini and Noble writing pads. ## LIFE Noble Note A5 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | LIFE Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan | | Size | A5: 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in); 11 mm thick per Galen Leather | | Sheets | 100 (200 pages) | | Paper | LIFE L Writing Paper, cream, laid; about 85 g/m² (Galen Leather), 84.9 gsm (The Pen Addict) | | Rulings | Plain (N36) · 8 mm ruled, 23 lines (N39) · 5 mm grid (N33) | | Binding | Sewn, with a cloth spine | | Cover | Card, border print, gold LIFE mark; color tied to the ruling | | Price on LIFE's site | ¥1,200 (about US$7.60) | | JAN | 4990168048425 (N39), 4990168048395 (N36), 4990168048364 (N33) | | Made in | Japan (Tokyo, per LIFE) | Model codes, line count, sheet count, JAN codes and price are from LIFE's own Japanese site; LIFE doesn't say whether its price includes tax, but Yodobashi's ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) tax-included price is exactly LIFE's figure plus Japan's 10% tax. LIFE doesn't publish a paper weight or thickness, so those come from retailers and The Pen Addict. ## Which ruling should you choose? **Pick by ruling; each ruling has its own cover color, so you can tell the books apart on a shelf.** The Pen Addict notes that the cover colors are locked to the paper format: the 8 mm ruled book is light blue (FindTape lists it as "Blue Cover, Lined Pages"), and Galen Leather lists the plain N36 as light brown. We haven't confirmed the grid book's cover color from a listing. ![To-scale drawing of three LIFE Noble Note A5 pages, 148 × 210 mm, in cream: plain with a brown cover strip, 8 mm ruled with a light blue strip and 5 mm grid with an orange strip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/life-noble-note-a5-rulings.svg) *Plain, 8 mm ruled and 5 mm grid pages, with the cover color that marks each; the grid book's color is not yet confirmed.* - **8 mm ruled (N39):** 23 lines a page, wider than US college ruling of 7.1 mm, good for larger handwriting and broad nibs. - **5 mm grid (N33):** for tables, diagrams and bullet lists. - **Plain (N36):** for sketches and free layouts. There is also a Kleid × LIFE Noble Note, sold as a separate collaboration. ## Is the Noble Note good for fountain pens? **Most reviewers say yes.** Retailers call the paper smooth, ink-resistant and fountain-pen friendly, and Galen Leather and The Journal Shop describe it as acid-free. In its July 30, 2025 review, The Pen Addict found no feathering, bleeding or skipping, and only a little show-through that didn't stop it writing on both sides of the sheet. It found the paper smooth with a little feedback, and called it ivory rather than white. For heavier or coated papers, see our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## How does it compare to the Midori MD and Apica? **All three are sewn A5 notebooks on Japanese paper of similar weight; the Noble Note has the most pages.** | | LIFE Noble Note A5 | [Midori MD Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/) | [Apica Premium C.D. A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/apica-premium-cd-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 148 × 210 mm | 148 × 210 mm | 148 × 210 mm | | Pages | 200 | 176 | 192 | | Paper | About 85 g/m², cream | 80–90 g/m² (retailers), cream | 86.5 g/m² | | Rulings | Plain, 8 mm, 5 mm grid | Plain, 7 mm, 5 mm grid | Lined, grid, blank | | Cover | Card, border print | Paper | Card | The Noble Note's color-coded covers and printed border give it the most traditional look. The MD Notebook adds a ribbon bookmark. ## Does the Noble Note lie flat? **It's sewn with a cloth spine, which lets it open wide; Paper Whisper and Galen Leather both describe it as lying flat.** As with most new sewn books, pressing the spine open at each signature helps at first. ## Where is the LIFE Noble Note made? **In Japan: LIFE says craftsmen in Tokyo's shitamachi (old downtown) make each Noble Note by hand.** Hachimonjiya says the same, and Japanese Taste and Paper Whisper list Japan as the origin. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many pages are in a LIFE Noble Note A5? It has 100 sheets, which is 200 pages, per LIFE. Some listings, such as Japanese Taste's, say 100 pages when they mean sheets. ### What size is the LIFE Noble Note A5? It is standard A5, 148 × 210 mm or about 5.8 × 8.3 inches; Galen Leather gives the thickness as 11 mm. LIFE also makes the Noble Note in A4, B5 and B6. ### Is the Noble Note good for fountain pens? It's widely sold as fountain-pen-friendly. The Pen Addict's 2025 review found no feathering or bleeding, with a little show-through that didn't stop writing on both sides. We haven't tested it ourselves. ### What do the Noble Note cover colors mean? Each ruling has its own cover color, as The Pen Addict notes: the 8 mm ruled book is light blue, and Galen Leather lists the plain N36 as light brown. Check the listing photo for the grid version. ### What paper does the LIFE Noble Note use? LIFE uses its own L Writing Paper, a cream laid paper. Galen Leather lists it at 85 g/m² and acid-free, and The Pen Addict gives 84.9 gsm. ### How much does the LIFE Noble Note A5 cost? LIFE's site lists each A5 Noble Note at ¥1,200 (about US$7.60); Yodobashi sells the ruled N39 at ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) including tax. Imported copies cost more, which puts it in our $$ band. ### Where is the LIFE Noble Note made? In Japan. LIFE says craftsmen in Tokyo's shitamachi make each Noble Note by hand, and retailers such as Japanese Taste and Paper Whisper list Japan as the origin. ## Sources - [ノーブルノート (LIFE official site: A5 N33, N36 and N39, ¥1,200, JAN codes, 100 sheets, 8 mm × 23 lines, made by Tokyo shitamachi craftsmen, L Writing Paper)](https://life-st.jp/products/%E3%83%8E%E3%83%BC%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%8E%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88-a5-%E6%96%B9%E7%9C%BC) - [会社概要 (LIFE company profile: founded December 1946 in Taito, Tokyo; incorporated December 16, 1949; renamed LIFE in 1963)](https://life-st.jp/pages/%E4%BC%9A%E7%A4%BE%E6%A6%82%E8%A6%81) - [ヨドバシ.com - LIFE ライフ ノーブルノート 横罫 A5 N39 (Yodobashi, Japanese retailer: A5, 8 mm ruled, 100 sheets, ¥1,320 with tax)](https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001002667063/) - [ヨドバシ.com - LIFE ライフ ノーブルノート 方眼 A5 N33 (Yodobashi: A5, 5 mm grid, 100 sheets)](https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001002667057/) - [Hachimonjiya: Noble Note A5 (made by artisans in Tokyo's downtown, sewn binding, L Writing Paper)](https://hachimonjiya.com/en-us/products/noble-note-a5) - [Galen Leather: Life Noble Notebook A5, 8 mm Lined, 200 pages (148 × 210 × 11 mm, 85 g/m², acid-free, thread bound, cloth spine)](https://www.galenleather.com/products/life-noble-notebook-a5-8mm-lined-200-pages) - [Galen Leather: Life Noble Notebook A5, Blank, 200 pages (model N36, light brown cover)](https://www.galenleather.com/products/life-noble-notebook-a5-blank-200-pages) - [Japanese Taste: Life Noble Notebook A5, College Ruled 8 mm, N39 (laid paper, made in Japan)](https://japanesetaste.com/products/life-noble-notebook-a5-college-ruled-8mm-n39-100-pages) - [Paper Whisper: Life Noble Notebook A5 Ruled (L Writing Paper, sewn binding, origin Japan)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/life-noble-notebook-a5-ruled) - [FindTape: Life Noble Note (blue cover, lined pages; cream paper)](https://www.findtape.com/Life-Noble-Note-Ruled-Side-Bound-Notebooks/p1975/) - [The Journal Shop: Life Noble Notebook A5 (plain, 8 mm ruled, 5 mm grid; laid, acid-free paper; gold LIFE logo)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/life-noble-notebook-a5) - [Wonder Pens: Life Stationery Noble Note Lined Notebook A5 (N39, 100 sheets)](https://wonderpens.ca/products/life-stationery-noble-note-lined-notebook-a5) - [The Pen Addict: Life Stationery Noble A5 and B6 Notebook Review (July 30, 2025)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2025/7/30/life-stationery-noble-a5-and-b6-notebook-review) --- # Moleskine Volant Journal: Sizes, Pages & Tear-Out Sheets > The Moleskine Volant Journal is a thin, soft-cover notebook with rounded corners, sold in sets of two in contrasting shades. The Large measures 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) and has 96 pages (48 sheets) of ivory 70 g/m² paper, ruled or plain. Moleskine says every page is detachable. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-volant-journal/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a Moleskine Volant Journal Large set of two, one amber yellow and one forget-me-not blue, each 210 mm tall and 130 mm wide with rounded corners, and one opened flat on ruled ivory pages with a perforation line by the fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/moleskine-volant-journal-16x9.png) *A Large set of two and one open, with a page torn out along its perforation magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/moleskine-volant-journal-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Moleskine Volant Journal, Large (13 × 21 cm), 96 pages, set of 2 (ruled or plain) | Moleskine (by Moleskine S.r.l. (D'Ieteren Group)) | Italy | Not stated | Soft cover with rounded corners, ivory acid-free 70 g/m² paper (FSC-certified and controlled sources) | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Moleskine Volant Journal, Large (13 × 21 cm), 96 pages, set of 2 (ruled or plain)): Not stated. Neither Moleskine's Italian product page nor the retailer listings we read state a country of manufacture. Retailers list the Moleskine Classic hard cover as made in China. Check the band on your set. ## Key takeaways - The Large Volant measures 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in), the same footprint as the Moleskine Classic Large and Cahier Large. - A Large Volant has 96 pages (48 sheets), per Vistaprint's listing; an older Moleskine spec sheet gives the Pocket 80. - Moleskine lists ivory, acid-free 70 g/m² paper, ruled or plain, and says every page is detachable. - Volants come in sets of 2, and Moleskine pairs two contrasting shades in every set except all-black. - Moleskine's Italian site lists 3 sizes, XS 6.5 × 10.5 cm, Pocket 9 × 14 cm and Large 13 × 21 cm, and sells a Large set for €17.00 (about US$19). ## What is the Moleskine Volant Journal? **It's Moleskine's lightest everyday journal: a thin, flexible soft cover with rounded corners, sold in pairs, with pages you can tear out.** Moleskine describes Volants as lightweight, flexible journals in which every page is detachable for sharing notes and lists. Each set holds two journals in contrasting shades, so you can split work and personal notes at a glance. The all-black set is the exception. This guide covers the Large; the XS and Pocket are listed below. ## Moleskine Volant Large specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Moleskine S.r.l. (D'Ieteren Group), Italy | | Size | 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) | | Pages | 96 (48 sheets) per journal | | Sold as | Set of 2, in two contrasting shades (or all black) | | Paper | Ivory, acid-free, 70 g/m², FSC-certified sources (Moleskine) | | Rulings | Ruled or plain | | Cover | Soft and flexible, rounded corners | | Detachable pages | All pages, per Moleskine | | Example EAN | 8058647620596 (Large, ruled, Forget-me-not Blue and Amber Yellow) | | Italian list price | €17.00 (about US$19) for the Large set | The page count comes from Vistaprint; the paper, cover, sizes and detachable pages from Moleskine's Italian product page, which also says the paper band's B-side works as an organizer for torn-out pages. ## What sizes does the Volant come in? **Moleskine's Italian site lists three sizes: XS 6.5 × 10.5 cm, Pocket 9 × 14 cm and Large 13 × 21 cm.** Unsharpen gives the same figures. ![To-scale drawing of the three Moleskine Volant sizes: Large 13 × 21 cm with 96 pages, Pocket 9 × 14 cm with 80 pages and XS 6.5 × 10.5 cm, each sold in sets of 2](https://stationerytimes.com/images/moleskine-volant-journal-sizes.svg) *The three current Volant sizes at the same scale.* | Size | Dimensions | Pages | |---|---|---| | XS | 6.5 × 10.5 cm (2.5 × 4 in) | Not found in our sources | | Pocket | 9 × 14 cm (3.5 × 5.5 in) | 80 | | Large | 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) | 96 | A 2015 Drop listing also sold Extra Large Volants, but we didn't find them on Moleskine's current pages. On Moleskine's Estonian store, an XS set was €7.00 (about US$7.80) on October 20, 2026. ## Can you tear pages out of a Volant? **Yes. Moleskine says every page is detachable, which is the Volant's main difference from most Moleskine notebooks.** The University of Calgary shop puts it as "tear and share: all pages detachable". Older material differs: a Moleskine spec sheet for the Pocket says only the last 16 pages detach, and a library listing for the black Large says its last 16 sheets detach. If tearing out any page matters to you, check the band on the set you buy. ## How does the Volant compare to the Cahier and Classic? **The Volant is the lightest of the three: the same 13 × 21 cm footprint, 96 pages, no pocket and no hard cover.** | | Volant Large | [Cahier Journal Large](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-cahier-journal/) | [Classic Large](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 13 × 21 cm | 13 × 21 cm | 13 × 21 cm | | Pages | 96 | 80 | 240 | | Cover | Soft, rounded corners | Card, stitched spine | Hard cover, elastic | | Detachable pages | All (per Moleskine) | Last 16 | None | | Back pocket | No | Yes | Yes | | Sold as | Set of 2 | Set of 3 | Single | A 2016 review on The Well-Appointed Desk found the Volant's paper slightly thicker than the Cahier's, with fewer pages, and noted that only the Cahier has a back pocket. Sources disagree on the Volant's binding: that review calls it perfect bound, while a library listing says thread bound. For a pocket-sized alternative made in the USA, see [Field Notes](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/field-notes-original-kraft/). ## Is the Volant good for fountain pens? **Moleskine doesn't market the Volant for fountain pens, and its 70 g/m² paper is the same weight as the Classic's.** We haven't tested it yet. If you write mostly with fountain pens, our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/) guide covers heavier, coated papers. Gel pens, ballpoints and pencils are the safer match for the Volant. ## Where is the Moleskine Volant made? **We didn't find a country of manufacture for the Volant.** Moleskine's Italian product page and the retailer listings we checked don't state it. Moleskine is an Italian brand, and its Classic hard cover is listed as made in China, but that doesn't settle the Volant, so check the band on your set. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many pages are in a Moleskine Volant Journal? The Large has 96 pages, or 48 sheets, according to Vistaprint. An older Moleskine spec sheet gives the Pocket 80 pages. Some reseller pages say 192 pages for the Large, which we think counts sheets as pages twice. ### What size is the Moleskine Volant Large? It is 13 × 21 cm, about 5 × 8.25 inches, the same as a Moleskine Classic Large. The Pocket is 9 × 14 cm and the XS is 6.5 × 10.5 cm. ### Are Moleskine Volant pages perforated? Moleskine's Italian site says "tutte le pagine sono staccabili": every page is detachable, so you can tear any sheet out cleanly. Some older listings say only the last 16 pages detach, so older stock may differ. ### What is the difference between Moleskine Volant and Cahier? Both are thin soft-cover journals in the same sizes. The Volant comes in twos with a flexible cover, rounded corners and fully detachable pages; the Cahier comes in threes with a card cover, a stitched spine and a back pocket. ### Does the Volant have a pocket or elastic? No. A 2016 review on The Well-Appointed Desk notes that the Cahier has a back pocket and the Volant doesn't, and neither has an elastic closure. ### What paper weight is the Moleskine Volant? Moleskine's Italian site lists 70 g/m² ivory, acid-free paper, the same weight as the Moleskine Classic. It is not marketed as fountain-pen paper. ### What colors does the Volant come in? Sets pair two shades, such as Forget-me-not Blue with Amber Yellow or Coral Orange with Aquamarine Blue. An all-black set is also sold. ## Sources - [Moleskine (IT): Quaderni Volant, set da 2, Blu Non Ti Scordar Di Me e Giallo Ambra (Moleskine's Italian page: 70 g/m² avorio, tutte le pagine staccabili, XS/Pocket/Large, €17.00)](https://www.moleskine.com/it-it/shop/taccuini/quaderni/quaderni-volant/quaderni-volant-blu-non-ti-scordar-di-me-e-giallo-ambra-8058647620596.html) - [Moleskine: Volant Journals, Large, Ruled, Forget-me-not Blue and Amber Yellow (EAN 8058647620596)](https://www.moleskine.com/e-boutique/carnets/journals/cahiers-volant/cahiers-volant-bleu-myosotis-et-jaune-ambre-8058647620596.html) - [Moleskine: Volant Journals, Pocket, Ruled, Coral Orange and Aquamarine Blue](https://www.moleskine.com/en-id/shop/notebooks/journals/volant-journals/volant-journals-coral-orange-and-aquamarine-blue-8058647620503.html) - [Moleskine: Volant Journals (ivory 70 g/m² acid-free paper, plain or ruled)](https://www.moleskine.com/en-cz/bundle-offer-plp/volant-journals-8058647620602.html) - [Moleskine (Estonia): Volant Journals, XS, Plain (€7.00)](https://www.moleskine.com/en-ee/shop/notebooks/journals/volant-journals/volant-journals-pine-green-and-lemon-yellow-8058647620640.html) - [Vistaprint: Moleskine Volant Ruled Large Journal (96 pages, 48 sheets)](https://www.vistaprint.com/promotional-products/writing-office/padfolio-notebooks/moleskine-r-volant-ruled-large-journal) - [Moleskine Volant spec sheet (Pocket 80 pages, last 16 detachable on that edition)](https://openlearning.sky.it/^data/ea/641E3A5628260608/moleskine_387628_volant_journal__quaderno-verde.pdf) - [Unsharpen: Moleskine notebook sizes explained (Volant XS, Pocket, Large)](https://unsharpen.com/moleskine-notebook-sizes-explained/) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Reconsidering Moleskine (Volant vs Cahier)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2016/01/reconsidering-moleskine/) - [Drop: Moleskine Volant Notebooks (2015 listing with Extra Large sets)](https://drop.com/buy/moleskine-volant-notebooks) --- # Blackwing Matte: The Soft, Dark Blackwing Pencil > The Blackwing Matte is the softest of Blackwing's four core cedar pencils: a matte black hexagonal pencil with a flat gold-colored ferrule and a replaceable black eraser. It launched the 2010 Blackwing revival. Blackwing's Japanese store equates it to about 3B. Retailers list it at 20.5 cm by 7.5 mm, sold in 12-packs, and made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-matte/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Matte black Blackwing Matte pencil drawn to scale at 20.5 cm (8 in) long, with its flat gold-colored ferrule, black eraser and sharpened point; inset: the gold ferrule and black eraser](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/blackwing-matte-16x9.png) *The Blackwing Matte at its listed 20.5 cm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/blackwing-matte-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Blackwing Matte (soft graphite, set of 12) | Blackwing (by California Cedar Products Company (Cal Cedar), Stockton, California) | United States | Japan | Genuine incense-cedar from California and Oregon, Japanese graphite core | 2010-10 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Blackwing Matte (soft graphite, set of 12)): Japan. Blackwing's own FAQ says its pencils use genuine incense-cedar from California and Oregon and premium Japanese graphite, but doesn't name the factory country. Tacto Studio and Boston General Store list the Matte as made in Japan, and The Journal Shop's Blackwing FAQ says the pencils are crafted in Japan. One retailer (Jenni Bick) says "Made in U.S.A.", which may refer to the final imprinting and packing that coverage of Blackwing's factory film places in Stockton, California. Source: https://tacto-studio.com/products/blackwing-matte-graphite-pencils ## Key takeaways - Blackwing ranks its four core pencils Matte (soft), Pearl (balanced), 602 (firm) and Natural (extra firm), so the Matte is the softest and darkest. - Blackwing's US site gives no HB grade, but its official Japanese store lists the Matte as equivalent to 3B (retailers say 3B to 4B). - Retailers list it at about 20.5 cm (8 in) long and 7.5 mm in diameter, sold in boxes of 12. - Cal Cedar launched it as the Palomino Blackwing on October 1, 2010; Blackwing named it the Matte and dropped the Palomino name on February 3, 2020. - Blackwing lists the set of 12 in matte black, green or red; per pencil it sits in our $ band (under $5). ## What is the Blackwing Matte? **The Blackwing Matte is Blackwing's softest core pencil: matte black cedar with a flat gold-colored ferrule and a black replaceable eraser.** Blackwing says its soft graphite suits sketching and music notation, where you want a rich, dark line with little pressure. It is also the pencil that restarted the brand. Cal Cedar launched it as the Palomino Blackwing in October 2010; the firm-graphite [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/) followed in June 2011. Blackwing's blog says the black pencil only got the Matte name on February 3, 2020. ## Blackwing Matte specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | California Cedar Products Company (Cal Cedar), Stockton, California | | Graphite | Soft, the softest of Blackwing's four core grades | | HB equivalent | 3B, per Blackwing's Japanese store (retailers say 3B–4B) | | Finish | Matte black (also green and red) | | Ferrule | Square, gold-colored | | Eraser | Black, replaceable | | Length | About 20.5 cm (8 in), unsharpened, with eraser | | Diameter | About 7.5 mm | | Wood | Incense-cedar from California and Oregon | | Pack | 12 pencils; the box doubles as a pencil cup | | UPC (black, 12) | 820933110245 | | Made in | Japan (per retailers) | Size comes from Tacto Studio, and Jenni Bick and Boston General Store list 8 in; finish, wood, ferrule, eraser and UPC come from Blackwing. Blackwing's official Japanese store sells the 12-pack for ¥6,600 (about US$42) and single pencils for ¥550 (about US$3.50). ## How soft is the Blackwing Matte? **It is the softest of Blackwing's four core pencils, one step softer than the Pearl.** Blackwing's US site grades on its own scale, but its official Japanese store labels the Matte "3B相当" (3B equivalent). Retailers vary: The Journal Shop says about 3B, Tacto Studio about 4B. ![Blackwing's four core pencils from softest to firmest: Matte (soft), Pearl (balanced), 602 (firm) and Natural (extra firm); the Matte is about 3B to 4B](https://stationerytimes.com/images/blackwing-matte-firmness.svg) *The Matte sits at the soft, dark end of Blackwing's scale.* Soft graphite means a darker line but faster wear and more smudging. If you sharpen often or write on both sides of thin paper, a firmer pencil may suit you better. ## Blackwing Matte vs Pearl vs 602: which should you choose? **Choose the Matte for drawing and dark writing, the Pearl as the all-rounder, and the 602 for a point that lasts.** | | Matte | Pearl | 602 | |---|---|---|---| | Graphite | Soft | Balanced | Firm | | Best for | Sketching, music, dark writing | All-round use | Writing, long-lasting point | | Length | About 20.5 cm | About 20.5 cm | About 20.5 cm | | Price band | $ | $ | $ | The Journal Shop's guide calls the Pearl the most versatile, and The Pen Addict found the Pearl softer and slightly darker than the 602. If you want graded drawing pencils sold one grade at a time, compare the [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/). ## Can you replace the Blackwing Matte eraser? **Yes. The square black eraser sits in a metal clip inside the gold ferrule, and it slides out to be replaced or extended.** Cal Cedar says customers asked for the ferrule assembly of the original Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602, which is why the revival has it. Blackwing sells replacement erasers in sets of 10, in ten colors, as our [Blackwing 602 guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/) also covers. Blackwing's steps: slide the eraser and clip out of the ferrule, move the clip to the new eraser (or push the old one forward), and slide it back in. ## Who is the Blackwing Matte for? **People who want a dark line with very little pressure: sketchers, musicians writing notation, woodworkers and fast note-takers.** Museum-shop listings describe it as aimed at musicians, woodworkers and anyone who prefers a soft, dark line. It is less suited to tiny handwriting or ruled-paper notes you want to keep crisp, because a soft point widens quickly. For those, a firmer grade such as the 602 or Natural keeps a finer line for longer. ## Is the Blackwing Matte popular? **Yes. It is one of the best-known premium pencils in the US.** An ASINsight report for August 2026 estimates about 800 Amazon sales a month for the 12-count Matte, up 33.3% on the month before. For an everyday No. 2 pencil with an eraser at a fraction of the price, the [Ticonderoga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) is the usual comparison. ## Where is the Blackwing Matte made? **Retailers such as Tacto Studio and Boston General Store list it as made in Japan.** Blackwing's own FAQ says it uses California and Oregon incense-cedar and Japanese graphite without naming the factory country; The Journal Shop's FAQ says the pencils are crafted in Japan. One retailer lists "Made in U.S.A." instead, which may refer to the imprinting, ferrule fitting and packing that coverage of Blackwing's factory film places in Stockton, California. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Blackwing Matte soft or hard? It is Blackwing's softest core graphite. It lays down a darker line than the Pearl, 602 or Natural, and wears down faster. ### What HB grade is the Blackwing Matte? Blackwing's official Japanese store lists it as equivalent to 3B. The US site uses only its own Soft label, and retailers compare it to roughly 3B to 4B. ### Is the Blackwing Matte the original Palomino Blackwing? Yes. Cal Cedar launched it as the Palomino Blackwing in October 2010, and Blackwing says the Matte uses the same soft graphite. It got the Matte name, and lost the Palomino name, on February 3, 2020. ### Blackwing Matte or 602: which should I buy? Buy the Matte for sketching, music notation and dark, quick writing; buy the 602 if you want a firmer point that lasts longer between sharpenings. The Pearl sits between them. ### Can you replace the eraser on a Blackwing Matte? Yes. Like other full-length Blackwings, the square eraser sits in a clip inside the ferrule and slides out. Blackwing sells replacement erasers in sets of 10 in ten colors. ### Does the Blackwing Matte smudge? Soft graphite smudges more than firm graphite, so expect more transfer on the facing page than with a 602. We haven't measured it yet. ### Where are Blackwing Matte pencils made? Retailers list them as made in Japan. Blackwing itself says it uses California and Oregon incense-cedar and Japanese graphite; the brand, owned by Cal Cedar, is based in Stockton, California. ## Sources - [Blackwing: Blackwing Matte, set of 12 (soft graphite; matte black, green or red; same graphite as the Palomino Blackwing)](https://blackwing602.com/products/blackwing-set-of-12) - [Blackwing: FAQ & shipping guide (California and Oregon incense-cedar, Japanese graphite)](https://blackwing602.com/pages/blackwing-faq-and-shipping-guide) - [Blackwing Japan: マット 12本入(箱付) 【Soft / 最も軟らかい 3B相当】 (Matte, 12 with box; softest, 3B equivalent; ¥6,600)](https://blackwing602.jp/products/blackwing-%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-12%E6%9C%AC%E5%85%A5%E7%AE%B1%E4%BB%98-1) - [Blackwing: Replacement erasers (sets of 10)](https://blackwing602.com/products/replacement-erasers) - [Blackwing: Core pencils (Matte, Pearl, 602, Natural)](https://blackwing602.com/collections/core-pencils) - [Blackwing blog: Say hello to our new look (Matte name and Palomino name dropped, February 3, 2020)](https://blackwing602.com/blogs/blackwing-blog/say-hello-to-our-new-look) - [Cal Cedar: Reviving the Blackwing, one year in (September 26, 2011; first anniversary October 1)](https://calcedar.com/?p=11089) - [Tacto Studio: Blackwing Matte graphite pencils (20.5 cm, 0.75 cm, about 4B, made in Japan)](https://tacto-studio.com/products/blackwing-matte-graphite-pencils) - [Boston General Store: Blackwing Matte pencils (8 in, made in Japan)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/collections/office/products/matte-blackwing-pencils) - [The Journal Shop: Blackwing pencils complete guide (Matte about 3B)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/blogs/guides/blackwing-pencils-complete-guide) - [The Journal Shop: Blackwing pencils (FAQ: crafted in Japan from California and Oregon cedar)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/collections/blackwing) - [The Morgan Library & Museum shop: Blackwing Matte pencils, set of 12 (softest core, black eraser)](https://shop.themorgan.org/products/blackwing-matte-pencils-set-of-12) - [The Pen Addict: Palomino Blackwing Pearl review (compared with the 602)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2013/5/23/palomino-blackwing-pearl-review) - [ASINsight: Best-selling Blackwing 602 report (Blackwing Matte 12-count, about 800 units a month)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/blackwing-602) - [Jenni Bick: The original Blackwing pencil, set of 12 (8 in; listed as made in U.S.A.)](https://www.jennibick.com/products/palomino-blackwing-pencils-set-of-12) --- # Pentel Smash: The 1987 Drafting Pencil With a Grip > The Pentel Smash is a 0.5 mm (Q1005) and 0.3 mm (Q1003) mechanical pencil from 1987 with a metal grip studded with square rubber blocks, a 4 mm fixed lead sleeve, a lead-grade window and a big rubber knock cover. Japanese retailers list it at 139 mm and 12–13 g; Pentel Japan lists it at ¥1,320 (about US$8.40). - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-smash/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black Pentel Smash Q1005 0.5 mm mechanical pencil drawn to scale at 139 mm (5.5 in), with rubber knock cover, grade window, clip, metal grip with square rubber blocks and 4 mm sleeve; inset: the rubber blocks](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-smash-16x9.png) *The Smash Q1005 at 139 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-smash-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Smash mechanical pencil (Q1005, 0.5 mm; Q1003, 0.3 mm) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | ABS plastic barrel, one-piece brass tip and grip with silicone rubber blocks | 1987 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel Smash mechanical pencil (Q1005, 0.5 mm; Q1003, 0.3 mm)): Japan. Japanese office retailer Askul lists Japan (日本) as the country of origin for the red Smash Q1005-B; we found no origin statement for the black Q1005-1, and Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state one. An eBay.de listing title also says made in Japan. Source: https://www.askul.co.jp/p/ER62634/ ## Key takeaways - Japanese retailers list the Smash at 139 mm (5.5 in) long and 12–13 g (about 0.45 oz). - It comes in 0.5 mm (Q1005) and 0.3 mm (Q1003), with a 4 mm lead sleeve that does not retract. - Pentel's Japanese site dates the Smash to 1987; it won a Good Design Gold Award that year and a Long Life Design Award in 2000. - A mirror of the US Amazon listing for the black 0.5 mm (Q1005-1) shows about 5,520 ratings averaging 4.3 stars. - Pentel Japan lists the Smash at ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) including tax in black, red and dark gray; in the US it sits in our $$ band ($5–20). ## What is the Pentel Smash? **The Pentel Smash is a mechanical pencil Pentel has sold in Japan since 1987, with a metal grip studded with square rubber blocks.** Pentel's Japanese site says it was born as an everyday writing pencil with the basic performance of a drafting pencil; its design archive lists a Good Design Gold Award in 1987 and a Long Life Design Award in 2000. Yoseka Stationery describes it as an iconic pencil among Japanese students, and it has a strong following in the US among people who want a drafting-style pencil for writing. It takes drafting features, a 4 mm lead sleeve and a lead-grade window, and pairs them with a grip that is softer and grippier than plain metal. ## Pentel Smash specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo | | Models | Q1005 (0.5 mm), Q1003 (0.3 mm); black, red and dark gray (black 0.5 mm is Q1005-1) | | Released | 1987 | | Lead sleeve | 4 mm, fixed | | Grip | Brass, one piece with the tip, with raised square silicone rubber blocks | | Barrel | ABS plastic | | Extras | Lead-grade window, large rubber knock cover | | Length | 139 mm (5.5 in) | | Weight | 12–13 g (about 0.45 oz) | | Price in Japan | ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) including tax (Pentel Japan) | | JAN (black 0.5 mm) | 4902506314413 | | Made in | Japan (Askul, for the red Q1005-B) | Length and weight come from Bungu, Askul and Hachimonjiya, which agree on 139 mm but give 12 g (Bungu, Askul) and 13 g. Pentel's Japanese site gives no size or weight. Hachimonjiya lists the materials for a limited edition; Bungu simply says plastic body and rubberized grip. ## What makes the Smash grip different? **The tip and the grip are a single brass part with rows of raised rubber blocks, so it is weighted near the tip but still grips.** Pentel's Japanese site says that one-piece design stops the tip from loosening as you write, and that the brass front gives a low center of gravity. ![Pentel Smash at 139 mm and 12 to 13 g drawn to scale next to the Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro at about 145 mm and 11 g and the Pentel Sharp P205 at 145 mm and 10 g; all have 4 mm sleeves](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-smash-size.svg) *The Smash is the shortest of the three Pentel 4 mm-sleeve pencils and the heaviest.* The metal grip moves the balance forward, which is why the Smash feels steadier than an all-plastic pencil of similar weight. One buyer review mirrored from Amazon calls the balance excellent and the weight light rather than heavy. ## Pentel Smash vs Graph 1000 for Pro and P205 **Choose the Smash for the grip, the [Graph 1000 for Pro](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro/) for the lightest drafting pencil, and the [Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/) for a classic 1970s design.** | | Smash (Q1005) | Graph 1000 for Pro (PG1005) | Sharp P205 | |---|---|---|---| | Released | 1987 | 1986 | P200 series 1970 | | Grip | Metal, rubber blocks | Metal, rubber pads | Grooved | | Sleeve | 4 mm, fixed | 4 mm, fixed | 4 mm, fixed | | Length | 139 mm | About 145 mm | 145 mm | | Weight | 12–13 g | About 11 g | 10 g | | Price band | $$ | $$ | $$ | Specs for the other two come from our guides to them. If you want the sleeve to retract, look at the [GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/) instead. ## Which lead size should you choose? **Choose 0.5 mm (Q1005) unless you write very small; it is the standard size and the easiest to find in the US.** The 0.3 mm Q1003 draws finer lines, but thin lead snaps more easily under heavy pressure. ## What lead and erasers does the Smash use? **Any standard 0.5 mm lead fits the Q1005, and any 0.3 mm lead fits the Q1003.** Set the grade window to match what you load, so you know the hardness without writing a test line. Pentel Japan lists HB as the lead that comes loaded. The large rubber cover on the knock button is the other Smash trademark; Pentel calls it a large rubber knock. Pentel Japan also sells a matching Smash block eraser (ZETH17SM1N) for ¥132 (about US$0.80). For bigger corrections than a pencil-top eraser handles, a block eraser such as the [Pentel Hi-Polymer](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-hi-polymer-eraser/) is the usual partner. ## Is the Pentel Smash popular in the US? **Yes, for a pencil that started as a Japanese school favorite.** A mirror of the US Amazon listing for the black 0.5 mm Q1005-1 shows about 5,520 ratings averaging 4.3 stars. Collectors also chase its limited colors: Yoseka lists 2023 limited editions, Hachimonjiya sells a Korea-only splatter edition, and Pentel of America sells limited colors of its own. ## Where is the Pentel Smash made? **In Japan, according to Japanese office retailer Askul, which lists Japan as the country of origin for the red Q1005-B.** Pentel's own pages don't state it, and we found no origin listing for the black Q1005-1, so check the box if it matters. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Pentel Smash a drafting pencil? Pentel's Japanese site says it was born in 1987 as an everyday writing pencil with the basic performance of a drafting pencil: a 4 mm lead pipe and a lead-grade window. Pentel of America sells it as a mechanical drafting pencil. ### Does the Pentel Smash have a retractable tip? No. Unsharpen notes that the tip is not retractable, so carry it in a case to protect the 4 mm sleeve. ### What lead sizes does the Pentel Smash come in? The regular line comes in 0.5 mm (Q1005) and 0.3 mm (Q1003), each in black, red and dark gray, per Pentel Japan. 0.5 mm is the size most US shops stock. ### How heavy is the Pentel Smash? Bungu lists 12 g and Hachimonjiya 13 g. That is slightly heavier than an 11 g Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro and well under the 20 g of a GraphGear 1000. ### What is special about the Smash grip? Pentel Japan says the grip and the metal tip are one brass part, so the tip can't work loose while you write, and the small square rubber blocks keep fingers from slipping. The brass front makes it slightly tip-heavy. ### Why are there so many Pentel Smash colors? Pentel releases limited editions in Japan, Korea and the US, such as the 2023 colors, a Korea-only splatter edition and Pentel of America's limited colors. The regular black Q1005-1 is the standard model. ### Where is the Pentel Smash made? Japanese retailer Askul lists Japan as the country of origin for the red Q1005-B. Pentel doesn't state it, so check the packaging of other colors. ## Sources - [スマッシュ (Pentel Japan product page: 1987, one-piece brass tip and grip, 4 mm pipe, Q1003/Q1005 colors, JAN codes, ¥1,320, Smash eraser)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/smash/) - [スマッシュ (Pentel Japan design archive: released 1987, Good Design Gold Award 1987, Long Life Design Award 2000)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/about/design/62h0663/) - [Pentel of America: SMASH Mechanical Drafting Pencil (0.5 mm) Limited Edition Colors](https://www.pentel.com/products/smash-mechanical-drafting-pencil-0-5mm-limited-edition-colors) - [Bungu Store: Original Smash mechanical pencil (139 mm, 12 g, 0.3 and 0.5 mm, materials)](https://bungu.store/products/new-pentel-smash) - [Bungu Store: Pentel Smash 0.3 mm](https://bungu.store/products/smash-0-3mm-pentel) - [Hachimonjiya: Smash 0.5 Splatter, Korea limited edition (139 mm, 13 g, ABS barrel, brass and silicone grip)](https://hachimonjiya.com/en-us/products/smash-0-5-splatter-korea-limited-edition-black-brown) - [Yoseka Stationery: Pentel Smash Q1005, 2023 limited (released 1987, 4 mm lead pipe)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/pentel-smash-q1005-started-2023-limited-0-5mm) - [Unsharpen: Pentel Smash (tip not retractable, materials)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/pentel-smash/) - [Askul (Japanese): Pentel Smash Q1005-B, red, 10-pack (139 mm, 12 g, country of origin Japan)](https://www.askul.co.jp/p/ER62634/) - [Yahoo! Shopping Japan: Pentel Smash Q1005-1, black (large rubber knock, grade window)](https://shopping.yahoo.co.jp/products/e4f3017615) - [Desertcart (mirror of the Amazon listing): Pentel Smash 0.5 mm, Q1005-1 (ratings, rank, 0.48 oz)](https://www.desertcart.nl/products/2541040) - [Japan House London: Pentel Smash mechanical pencil 0.5](https://shop.japanhouselondon.uk/product/pentel-smash-mechanical-pencil-0-5/) - [eBay.de: Pentel Smash gray 0.5 mm Q1005 (listing title says made in Japan)](https://www.ebay.de/itm/256917398771) --- # rOtring 800: The Retractable All-Metal Drafting Pencil > The rOtring 800 is an all-metal mechanical drafting pencil whose 4 mm lead sleeve twists back into the body, so it can ride in a pocket. It has a hexagonal barrel and knurled grip, in 0.5 and 0.7 mm. Unsharpen lists it at 13.2 cm retracted and 25 g; Japanese and US listings give Japan as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-800/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black all-metal hexagonal rOtring 800 mechanical pencil drawn to scale, about 135 mm (5.3 in) with the sleeve retracted, with knurled twist grip and clip; inset: the 4 mm sleeve retracts](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/rotring-800-16x9.png) *The rOtring 800 with its sleeve out, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/rotring-800-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | rOtring 800 retractable mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, 1904447; 0.7 mm, 1904446) | rOtring (by rOtring, a Newell Brands company) | Germany | Japan | All-metal hexagonal body, knurled metal grip, brass mechanism | – | $$$: $20–75 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (rOtring 800 retractable mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, 1904447; 0.7 mm, 1904446)): Japan. Newell's product records (Salsify) list Country of Origin JP for the black 0.5 mm (1904447) and 0.7 mm (1904446). ADI Global Distribution gives Japan for 1904446 and notes that it is subject to change; the Japanese retailer Maruzen Junkudo lists 原産国 日本 for 1904447, and Peyton Street Pens says made in Japan. rOtring's own site blocked our reader. Source: https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_1904447/rOtring-800-Mechanical-Pencil-or-0-5-mm-or-Black-Metal-Barrel/ ## Key takeaways - Twisting the knurled grip retracts the whole 4 mm lead sleeve and the lead, which rOtring calls its "Twist and Click" mechanism. - Four main versions are listed: 0.5 mm black (1904447), 0.5 mm silver (1904449), 0.7 mm black (1904446) and 0.7 mm silver (1904448). - Retracted, it measures about 132–135 mm (5.2–5.3 in), per Unsharpen and Peyton Street Pens; Unsharpen gives 25 g, Architecture Lab 31.8 g. - One Amazon-tracking report shows the black 0.5 mm with about 4.5K ratings averaging 4.6 stars. - Newell's own product record, ADI Global Distribution and the Japanese retailer Maruzen Junkudo give Japan as the country of origin; it sells in our $$$ band ($20–75). ## What is the rOtring 800? **The rOtring 800 is rOtring's top all-metal mechanical drafting pencil, and the only one in its line whose lead sleeve retracts.** Unsharpen notes it is the only retractable pencil across the 300, 500, 600 and 800 range. It keeps the look of the [rOtring 600](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-600/): a black or silver hexagonal metal barrel, a metal clip and a knurled grip. Unsharpen calls the highly sought-after rOtring 600G its predecessor, the source of its gold-colored parts. We didn't find a launch year for the 800 in a source we could open; rOtring's own site blocked our reader. ## rOtring 800 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | rOtring (Germany), part of Newell Brands | | Models | 1904447 (0.5 mm black), 1904449 (0.5 mm silver), 1904446 (0.7 mm black), 1904448 (0.7 mm silver) | | Lead | HB, 0.5 or 0.7 mm | | Sleeve | 4 mm (Unsharpen: 4.1 mm), retracts with a twist of the grip | | Body | All metal, hexagonal; brass mechanism (Newell) | | Grip | Knurled metal | | Length (retracted) | About 132–135 mm (5.2–5.3 in); Maruzen Junkudo lists 142 mm | | Weight | 25 g (0.9 oz) (Unsharpen); 31.8 g (Architecture Lab) | | JAN/GTIN (0.5 mm black) | 3501179044477 (Newell) | | Made in | Japan (Newell, ADI, Maruzen Junkudo) | Length comes from Unsharpen (13.2 cm retracted) and Peyton Street Pens (5-5/16 in, tip retracted). Maruzen Junkudo's Japanese listing gives 8 × 142 mm, the same figure as its 600 listing, without saying whether the sleeve is out; its 45 g is the boxed weight. rOtring doesn't publish a weight in any source we could open. ## How does the twist-and-click sleeve work? **Twist the knurled grip one way and the 4 mm sleeve and lead come out; twist it back and both slide into the cone.** Newell's product record calls it the "Twist and Click" retractable mechanism of the entire sleeve and lead, and describes it as pocket-safe. That matters because a fixed 4 mm sleeve is the part of a drafting pencil most likely to bend if it's dropped or carried loose. Unsharpen adds that the push button can't be clicked while the sleeve is retracted, so lead doesn't advance inside a pocket. ## rOtring 800 vs rOtring 600: which should you buy? **Choose the 800 if you carry your pencil in a pocket or bag; choose the [rOtring 600](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-600/) if it lives on a desk and you'd rather save money.** ![rOtring 600 and rOtring 800 drawn to scale: the 600 at about 142 mm and 22 g with a fixed sleeve; the 800 at about 135 mm and 25 g with the sleeve retracted, and with the 4 mm sleeve twisted out](https://stationerytimes.com/images/rotring-800-vs-600.svg) *Retracted, the 800 is a few millimeters shorter than the 600 and a little heavier, per Unsharpen and Peyton Street Pens.* | | rOtring 800 | rOtring 600 | |---|---|---| | Sleeve | 4 mm, retracts | Fixed | | Grip | Knurled, twists to retract | Knurled | | Length | About 132–135 mm retracted | About 142 mm | | Weight | 25–31.8 g | About 22 g | | Lead sizes | 0.5, 0.7 mm | 0.5, 0.7 mm | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | The 600's figures come from our guide to it. The Gentleman Stationer's comparison makes the same split: the 800 for carrying, the 600 for value. ## How does it compare to other retractable drafting pencils? **The [Pentel GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/) is the cheaper retractable alternative, at about 20 g with an aluminum barrel.** Pentel calls its mechanism a dual-action retractor; there is no twist, and it sells in our $$ band. If the weight of an all-metal pencil tires your hand, a light plastic drafting pencil such as the [Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro/) weighs about 11 g, less than half the 800. ## Is the rOtring 800 popular? **Yes. It is one of the most-reviewed premium mechanical pencils on Amazon US.** An ASINsight report shows the black 0.5 mm with about 4.5K ratings averaging 4.6 stars. ShopSavvy's September 2024 summary of reviews scores it 7.19 out of 10 and lists the weight, the price and a somewhat stiff lead advance as the main drawbacks. ## Where is the rOtring 800 made? **In Japan: Newell's own product records list the country of origin as JP.** ADI Global Distribution, a US distributor, the Japanese retailer Maruzen Junkudo (原産国 日本) and Peyton Street Pens agree; ADI notes that the origin is subject to change, so check the packaging if it matters to you. The brand itself is German: rOtring was founded in Hamburg in 1928 and is now owned by Newell Brands. Watch for the 800+, item 1900181, which adds a touchscreen stylus and is a different pencil. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between the rOtring 600 and 800? Both are black or silver all-metal hexagonal drafting pencils. The 800's sleeve retracts when you twist the grip, so it is pocket-safe; the 600's sleeve is fixed. The 800 also costs more. ### How does the rOtring 800 retract? Twist the knurled grip and the 4 mm lead sleeve slides out for writing; twist it back and the sleeve and lead disappear into the cone. Unsharpen notes the button can't be clicked while it is retracted. ### What lead sizes does the rOtring 800 come in? 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm, each in black or silver. Distributor item numbers are 1904447 (0.5 mm black), 1904449 (0.5 mm silver), 1904446 (0.7 mm black) and 1904448 (0.7 mm silver). ### How heavy is the rOtring 800? Unsharpen lists it at 25 g and Architecture Lab at 31.8 g. Either way it is heavier than the 22 g rOtring 600 and more than twice a plastic Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro. ### Is the rOtring 800+ the same pencil? No. The 800+ (item 1900181 in black 0.5 mm) is a hybrid with a stylus tip for touchscreens. Check the item number if you want the plain 800. ### Is the rOtring 800 worth it? If you want a metal drafting pencil you can carry in a pocket, the retracting sleeve is the reason to pay more than for a 600. ShopSavvy's summary of reviews lists its weight, price and a somewhat stiff lead advance as the drawbacks. ### Where is the rOtring 800 made? In Japan, according to Newell's own product record, the US distributor ADI and the Japanese retailer Maruzen Junkudo. rOtring itself is a German brand founded in Hamburg, now owned by Newell Brands. ## Sources - [丸善ジュンク堂書店ネットストア: rOtring 800 メカニカルペンシル 0.5㎜ ブラック (Maruzen Junkudo, Japanese retailer: item 1904447, 8 × 142 mm, boxed 45 g, origin Japan)](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/3501179044477) - [ADI Global Distribution: rOtring 800 mechanical pencil 0.7 mm black, 1904446 (country of origin Japan, Twist and Click)](https://adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-1904446) - [ADI Global Distribution: rOtring 800 mechanical pencil 0.5 mm, 1904449](https://www.adiglobaldistribution.us/Product/7D-1904449) - [Newell product record (Salsify): rOtring 800 mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm, black metal barrel (1904447; GTIN, origin JP, brass mechanism)](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_1904447/rOtring-800-Mechanical-Pencil-or-0-5-mm-or-Black-Metal-Barrel/) - [Newell product record (Salsify): rOtring 800 mechanical pencil, HB 0.7 mm, black metal barrel (1904446)](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_1904446/rOtring-800-Mechanical-Pencil-or-HB-0-7-mm-or-Black-Metal-Barrel/) - [Architecture Lab: rOtring 800 mechanical pencil review (31.8 g, brass body)](https://www.architecturelab.net/rotring-800-mechanical-pencil/) - [Peyton Street Pens: rOtring 800 mechanical pencil 0.5 mm (5-5/16 in retracted, made in Japan)](https://www.peytonstreetpens.com/rotring-800-mechanical-pencil-matte-black-w-red-gold-accents-0-5mm-leads-mint-works-well.html) - [Unsharpen: rOtring 800 drafting pencil (only retractable pencil in the range; 13.2 cm retracted, 25 g, 4.1 mm pipe)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/rotring-800-drafting-pencil/) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Which one to pick, rOtring 600 vs rOtring 800](https://gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2019/7/2/which-one-to-pick-rotring-600-vs-rotring-800) - [ASINsight: Best-selling rOtring 800 pen report (ratings for the 800 mechanical pencil)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/rotring-800-pen) - [ShopSavvy: TLDR review, rOtring 800 mechanical pencil 0.5 mm](https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/rotring-800-mechanical-pencil-0.5-mm.md) - [Onlinemantra: rOtring 800+ black mechanical pencil 0.5 mm, 1900181 (the stylus hybrid)](https://www.onlinemantra.in/fr/products/rotring-800-black-mechanical-pencil-0-5-mm-1900181) --- # Altenew Peony Bouquet: Layering Stamps Explained > Altenew Peony Bouquet is a 6 × 8 in clear layering stamp set from Altenew, a US papercraft brand founded in 2014. Its 24 photopolymer stamps, made in the USA, build two peonies in four layers, two leaves in three layers and two-layer berries, plus outline images. A matching 7-die set cuts them out. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/altenew-peony-bouquet-stamp-set/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Altenew Peony Bouquet clear stamp set drawn to scale on its 6 by 8 in (152 mm wide) sheet, with peony and leaf layer stamps, beside an A2 card stamped with a finished four-layer pink peony and green leaves](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/altenew-peony-bouquet-stamp-set-16x9.png) *Four separate stamps, lined up one over another, build each peony.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/altenew-peony-bouquet-stamp-set-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Altenew Peony Bouquet Stamp Set (6 × 8 in, 24 stamps) | Altenew (by Altenew LLC) | United States | United States | Clear photopolymer stamps | 2016-01 | $$$: $20–75 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Altenew Peony Bouquet Stamp Set (6 × 8 in, 24 stamps)): United States. Altenew's Peony Bouquet bundle listing describes "a 6" x 8" clear stamp set containing 24 stamps made in the USA from high-quality photopolymer". It doesn't state where the 7 coordinating dies are made. Source: https://altenew.com/products/peony-bouquet ## Key takeaways - Altenew lists 24 stamps on a 6 × 8 in (152 × 203 mm) sheet: two 4-layer peonies, two 3-layer leaves, 2-layer berries and a small-leaf branch. - The coordinating Peony Bouquet Die Set has 7 dies, sold separately or in a bundle. - Altenew calls it one of its bestsellers; its page showed 103 reviews on October 20, 2026, more than Vintage Roses (62) or the Build-A-Flower sets we checked (up to 29). - A designer's blog places it in Altenew's January 2016 release. - Altenew says the stamps are made in the USA from photopolymer; the brand was founded in April 2014 and is based in Syracuse, New York. ## What is Altenew Peony Bouquet? **It's a 6 × 8 in clear layering stamp set from Altenew that builds peonies, leaves and berries by stamping several stamps one over another.** Altenew, a US papercraft brand, is best known for this kind of multi-layer floral stamp. Altenew says the design was inspired by a bouquet of peonies painted by an artist friend from Japan, and calls the set one of its bestsellers; its page showed 103 reviews on October 20, 2026, the most of any Altenew layering set we checked. A designer's blog places it in the January 2016 release, so it has been in the line for years. ## What's in the set? **Altenew lists 24 stamps: two 4-layer peonies, two 3-layer leaves, 2-layer berries and a branch of small leaves, plus outline images.** | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Altenew (United States) | | Sheet size | 6 × 8 in (152 × 203 mm) | | Stamps | 24 | | Peonies | Two, each in 4 layers | | Leaves | Two, each in 3 layers | | Berries | 2 layers, plus a small-leaf branch | | Outline images | Yes, usable alone or with the layers | | Matching dies | Peony Bouquet Die Set, 7 dies (sold separately or bundled) | | Type | Clear photopolymer stamps | | Item codes | ALT1030 stamps; ALT1173 dies; ALT1030BN bundle | | Made in | United States (stamps, per Altenew) | ![To scale: the Altenew Peony Bouquet 6 by 8 in stamp sheet with 24 stamps, a common 4 by 6 in clear stamp set, and a 4.25 by 5.5 in A2 card front with a layered peony](https://stationerytimes.com/images/altenew-peony-bouquet-stamp-set-size.svg) *The 6 × 8 in sheet is twice the area of a common 4 × 6 in set.* ## How do layering stamps work? **Each layer is a separate stamp that prints one part of the image, and you stamp them in order, usually from the lightest ink to the darkest.** The first layer is a solid silhouette; later layers add petals, shading and fine detail. ![Four panels showing a peony built from four stamps: a solid light pink base, mid-pink petals, darker inner petals, then the darkest detail lines](https://stationerytimes.com/images/altenew-peony-bouquet-stamp-set-layers.svg) *A four-layer peony, one stamp at a time. Representative colors.* Lining up each layer by eye takes practice. A stamp positioner such as the [MISTI](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/misti-stamping-tool/) or the [Tim Holtz Stamp Platform](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-stamp-platform/) holds the card still and lets you place each layer, then re-stamp it if it prints patchy. ## Which inks work best? **Dye inks in a light-to-dark family give the smoothest layered look, because each layer shows through the next.** Pick three or four shades of one color for the peony and two or three greens for the leaves. For the outline images, stamp in a crisp black such as [Memento Tuxedo Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad/) and color with markers, or use [VersaFine Onyx Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad/) for fine lines and heat embossing. ## How does it compare to other Altenew layering sets? **Peony Bouquet has the most reviews of the Altenew layering sets we checked; Vintage Roses is older and much larger.** | Set | Size | Stamps | Reviews on Altenew | |---|---|---|---| | Peony Bouquet | 6 × 8 in | 24 | 103 | | Vintage Roses | 6 × 8 in | 55 | 62 | Among the Build-A-Flower sets we checked, Triumph Tulip had the most reviews, at 29. Review counts are as shown on October 20, 2026. Altenew calls Vintage Roses one of its first floral layering sets. The newer Build-A-Flower series sells one large layered flower per set, usually bundled with its dies. ## Do you need the matching dies? **No, but they save cutting by hand.** The Peony Bouquet Die Set has 7 dies that cut around the stamped images, so you can pop flowers up on foam. You need a die-cutting machine such as the [Sizzix Big Shot](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sizzix-big-shot/) to use them. ## Where is it made, and what does it cost? **Altenew says the 24 stamps are made in the USA from high-quality photopolymer.** It doesn't say where the dies are made. On October 20, 2026 Altenew listed the stamp set at US$23.99, the die set at US$21.00 and the bundle at US$44.99; the stamp set falls in our $$$ band ($20–75). Altenew was founded in April 2014 and is based in Syracuse, New York. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stamps are in Altenew Peony Bouquet? Altenew lists 24 stamps on a 6 × 8 in sheet. They build two 4-layer peonies, two 3-layer leaves, 2-layer berries and a branch of small leaves, plus outline images. ### What are layering stamps? Layering stamps split one image into several stamps, each printing part of it. You stamp them one over another, usually from the lightest ink to the darkest, to build shading. ### Do you need a stamp positioner for layering stamps? It isn't required, but a positioning tool such as a MISTI or the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform makes lining up each layer much easier, and lets you re-stamp a layer that prints patchy. ### Does Peony Bouquet come with dies? The stamps and dies are separate products. Altenew sells a Peony Bouquet Die Set with 7 dies, and a stamp-and-die bundle. ### Can you use the Peony Bouquet outlines without layering? Yes. Altenew says the outline images can be used with the layers or alone, for example to stamp in black and color with markers. ### When did Altenew release Peony Bouquet? A designer's blog places it in Altenew's January 2016 release. Altenew itself doesn't give a date on the product page we found. ### Where is Altenew based? In Syracuse, New York: Altenew gives an address on Milton Avenue there and says it ships from Syracuse. Its founders, Tasnim and Jen (Tasnim Ahmed and Jennifer Rzasa), started it in April 2014. ## Sources - [Altenew: Peony Bouquet Stamp & Die Bundle (6 × 8 in, 24 photopolymer stamps made in the USA, 7 dies, item codes, prices, 103 reviews)](https://altenew.com/products/peony-bouquet) - [Yana Smakula: Simple stamped cards with Altenew (Peony Bouquet, January 2016 release)](https://www.yanasmakula.com/altenew-simple-stamped-cards-with-altenew/) - [Altenew: Vintage Roses Stamp & Die Bundle (one of the first floral layering sets, 62 reviews)](https://altenew.com/products/vintage-roses) - [Altenew: Vintage Roses Stamp Set (6 × 8 in, 55 stamps made in the USA)](https://altenew.com/products/vintage-roses-stamp-set) - [Altenew: Build-A-Flower: Triumph Tulip Layering Stamp & Die Set (29 reviews)](https://altenew.com/products/build-a-flower-triumph-tulip-layering-stamp-die-set) - [Altenew: About us (founded April 2014; Syracuse, NY address)](https://altenew.com/pages/about-us) - [Datanyze: Altenew company overview (Syracuse, New York)](https://www.datanyze.com/companies/altenew/368269842) - [Simon Says Stamp on Instagram: Altenew co-founders Jennifer Rzasa and Tasnim Ahmed](https://foursixty.com/simonsaysstamp/237848947) - [Hero Arts blog: Partners, Altenew (Bloom & Grow 6 × 8 layering set)](https://heroarts.com/blogs/hero-arts-blog/partners-altenew-a-giveaway?page=21) --- # Sizzix Big Shot: 6 in Opening, Platforms & Dies > The Sizzix Big Shot (660200) is a hand-cranked die-cutting and embossing machine from Sizzix, the craft brand of Ellison in Irvine, California. It takes materials up to 6 in wide and comes with a Standard Platform, a Thin Die Adapter and a pair of Cutting Pads. Sizzix lists it at 14 1/4 × 12 3/8 × 6 5/8 in. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sizzix-big-shot/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Sizzix Big Shot die-cutting machine in white and grey, drawn in proportion with its platform wings folded out, the crank handle on the front, and a cutting-pad sandwich with a leaf die coming out of the 6 in opening beside a die-cut leaf](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/sizzix-big-shot-16x9.png) *Crank the handle and the rollers press the sandwich of pads, die and card through the 6 in opening.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/sizzix-big-shot-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Sizzix Big Shot Machine Only (White & Gray) with Standard Platform (660200) | Sizzix (by Ellison (Sizzix), Irvine, California) | United States | China | – | – | $$$$: over $75 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Sizzix Big Shot Machine Only (White & Gray) with Standard Platform (660200)): China. Amazon listing mirrors (desertcart) give China as the country of origin for item 660200. Sizzix's product and About pages and Ellison's site don't state it; an earlier version of the About page mentioned an Ellison factory in China. Source: https://www.desertcart.uy/products/47937243 ## Key takeaways - The opening is 6 in (152 mm) wide, enough for an A2 card front (4.25 × 5.5 in) but not a full 8.5 in Letter sheet. - Sizzix lists the machine at 14 1/4 × 12 3/8 × 6 5/8 in (362 × 314 × 168 mm) and a packaged weight of 10.7 lb (4.9 kg). - The box holds the machine, a Standard Platform, a Thin Die Adapter and one pair of Cutting Pads. - Amazon listing mirrors show about 6,000 ratings averaging 4.7 to 4.8 stars (ASIN B00R50G1I8). - Amazon listing mirrors give China as the country of origin; Sizzix's own pages don't state it. ## What is the Sizzix Big Shot? **It's a manual die-cutting and embossing machine: you stack a die and your card between plates, turn the crank, and the rollers press the stack through to cut or emboss the shape.** Sizzix sells it as item 660200 in white and gray. Card makers use it to cut out stamped images with matching dies, such as the dies for [Altenew Peony Bouquet](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/altenew-peony-bouquet-stamp-set/), and to dry-emboss textures with folders. Amazon listing mirrors show about 6,000 ratings averaging 4.7 to 4.8 stars. ## Sizzix Big Shot specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Sizzix (Ellison), Irvine, California | | Item number | 660200 (Amazon ASIN B00R50G1I8) | | Type | Manual, hand-cranked roller machine | | Opening | 6 in (152 mm) wide | | Machine size | 14 1/4 × 12 3/8 × 6 5/8 in (362 × 314 × 168 mm) with handle; 9 3/8 in (238 mm) deep without | | Rollers | Solid core steel | | UPC | 841182091420 | | Weight | 10.7 lb (4.9 kg) packaged, per Sizzix | | In the box | Machine, Standard Platform, Thin Die Adapter, 1 pair of Cutting Pads | | Color | White and gray | | Made in | China, per Amazon listing mirrors | Retailers give the machine's own weight as 3.4 kg or 4.8 kg, so we use Sizzix's packaged figure. ## What size material fits? **Anything up to 6 in (152 mm) wide goes through the opening.** That covers an A2 card front (4.25 × 5.5 in) either way round, but not a full US Letter sheet, which is 8.5 in wide. ![To scale: the Sizzix Big Shot footprint, 14 1/4 by 12 3/8 in, beside widths compared with its 6 in opening: an A2 card's 4.25 and 5.5 in sides fit, an 8.5 in Letter sheet does not](https://stationerytimes.com/images/sizzix-big-shot-size.svg) *The machine's footprint and what fits through its 6 in opening.* ## How do you use it? **Build a "sandwich" on the platform, with the die and card between the two Cutting Pads, then crank it through.** Sizzix includes a Thin Die Adapter for thin dies, and forum members add paper shims when a cut comes out incomplete. The exact stack depends on the die or embossing folder, so check the maker's sandwich guide. Line up your stamped image first: a [MISTI](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/misti-stamping-tool/) or similar positioner helps you stamp the layers before cutting. ## Which dies and folders fit? **Thin metal dies, steel-rule dies and embossing folders up to 6 in wide generally fit, including many from other brands.** Spellbinders publishes a product-compatibility page for its dies, and other die makers list their own sandwiches. Wide dies and folders made for 9 in or 12 in machines won't go through. Heat embossing with powder, such as [Ranger clear embossing powder](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-clear-embossing-powder/), is a different process that needs a heat tool, not this machine. ## How does it compare to the Platinum 6 and Cuttlebug? **The Big Shot is the long-running value pick; the Spellbinders Platinum 6 is often called easier to crank, and the Cuttlebug is no longer sold.** | | Sizzix Big Shot | Spellbinders Platinum 6 | Cuttlebug | |---|---|---|---| | Status | Current | Current | Discontinued, per forum members | | What owners say | Cuts thick dies easily; can loosen over time | Fewer turns, smoother | Struggled with thick dies | These are owners' opinions from Splitcoaststampers, not our tests. A September 2026 roundup picked the Platinum 6 overall and the Big Shot for everyday value. ## Where is the Big Shot made? **Amazon listing mirrors give China as the country of origin; Sizzix's own pages don't say.** Sizzix belongs to Ellison, whose site lists offices in Irvine, California and Wrexham, UK. Sizzix says Ellison began in the 1970s with a letter-cutting machine for teachers and dates its first consumer hand-operated die-cutting machine to 1977; the Sizzix brand for home crafters followed in 2001. ## How much does it cost? **It's in our top band, $$$$ (over $75), in typical US listings.** ## Frequently asked questions ### What size paper fits in the Sizzix Big Shot? Material up to 6 in (152 mm) wide passes through the opening. Length is limited by the platform and pads, so trim larger sheets to width first. ### What comes with the Sizzix Big Shot? Sizzix lists the machine, one Standard Platform, one Thin Die Adapter and one pair of Cutting Pads for item 660200. ### Can you use other brands' dies in the Big Shot? Many thin metal dies and embossing folders from other brands fit, as long as they're no wider than 6 in. Thin dies may need extra shims or an adapter for a clean cut, so check the die maker's sandwich guide. ### Is the Big Shot better than the Spellbinders Platinum 6? Neither is better on paper. A Splitcoaststampers member found the Platinum easier to crank and said the Big Shot can loosen over time, while a September 2026 roundup picked the Platinum 6 overall and the Big Shot for value. ### Is the Cuttlebug still made? Forum members on Splitcoaststampers say the Cuttlebug is discontinued, and many moved to the Big Shot, which one owner called much more heavy-duty. ### How big is the Sizzix Big Shot? Sizzix lists 14 1/4 × 12 3/8 × 6 5/8 in (362 × 314 × 168 mm) with the handle and 14 1/4 × 9 3/8 × 6 5/8 in without it. The packaged weight is 10.7 lb; retailers give 3.4 to 4.8 kg for the machine. ### Where is the Sizzix Big Shot made? Amazon listing mirrors give China; Sizzix doesn't say on its own pages. Sizzix is the craft brand of Ellison, based in Irvine, California, with a European office in Wrexham, UK. ## Sources - [Sizzix: Big Shot Machine Only (White & Gray) with Standard Platform, 660200 (contents, solid core steel rollers, 14 1/4 × 12 3/8 × 6 5/8 in with handle, 14 1/4 × 9 3/8 × 6 5/8 in without, 10.70 lb packaged, UPC 841182091420, users 14+)](https://www.sizzix.com/660200/sizzix-big-shot-machine-only-white-gray-w-standard-platform) - [Sizzix: Our Sizzix story (Ellison Letter Machine for teachers in the 1970s, Sizzix brand 2001)](https://www.sizzix.com/blogs/news/our-sizzix-story) - [Sizzix: About (Ellison, parent of Sizzix, invented the first consumer hand-operated die-cutting machine in 1977)](https://sizzix.com/pages/about) - [Ellison: corporate site (Irvine, California office; Europe office in Wrexham, UK)](https://www.ellison.com/) - [Desertcart (Amazon listing mirror): Sizzix Big Shot 660200 (ASIN B00R50G1I8, 4.8 stars from 6,062 ratings, country of origin China)](https://www.desertcart.uy/products/47937243) - [Desertcart (Amazon listing mirror): Sizzix Big Shot (4.7 stars from 6,090 ratings, #64 in Scrapbooking Die-Cuts)](https://www.desertcart.uy/products/52712940) - [Desertcart (Amazon listing mirror): Sizzix Big Shot (#11 in Die-Cut Machines)](https://www.desertcart.tw/zh/products/47937243-big-shot) - [eBay: Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting & Embossing Machine, White/Gray (660200)](https://ebay.co.uk/p/27016910784) - [eBay.de: Sizzix 660200 Big Shot, 6 in manual machine](https://www.ebay.de/itm/177491409535) - [Splitcoaststampers: Cuttlebug vs Big Shot](https://splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-128/cuttlebug-big-shot-586805/) - [Splitcoaststampers: Cuttlebug replacement (Cuttlebug discontinued)](https://splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-128/cuttle-bug-replacement-639544/) - [Splitcoaststampers: Spellbinders Wizard vs Sizzix Big Shot](https://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-128/spellbinders-wizard-sizzix-big-shot-379775/?nojs=1) - [Spellbinders: Product compatibility](https://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/product-compatibility) - [Talk of the House: 10 best embossing machines (September 2026)](https://www.talkofthehouse.com/?p=62066) --- # Tombow Dual Brush Pen: Tips, Colors & Blending > The Tombow Dual Brush Pen (ABT) is a double-ended Tombow marker with a flexible nylon brush tip and a 0.8 mm fine tip. Its water-based dye ink blends with water or the colorless blender. The range grew from 72 colors in 1984 to 108, and Tombow lists the pen at 190 mm (7.5 in) and 11 g. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-dual-brush-pen/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a Tombow Dual Brush Pen in Process Blue 452 with the brush cap off, drawn to scale at 180 mm (7.1 in) long: a blue body with white lettering, the fine-tip cap still on, the flexible brush tip, and a close-up of the brush and 0.8 mm fine tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tombow-dual-brush-pen-16x9.png) *One pen, two tips: a flexible nylon brush and a 0.8 mm fine tip, drawn to scale from JetPens' measurements.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-dual-brush-pen-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tombow Dual Brush Pen (ABT) | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Tombow USA) | Japan | Not stated | Nylon fiber brush tip, polyester fine tip, water-based dye ink (Tombow) | 1984 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Tombow Dual Brush Pen (ABT)): Not stated. Sources disagree. Japanese retailer Sundrug lists 原産国 (country of origin) ベトナム (Vietnam) for the Japanese 12-color Portrait set AB-T12CPO, made and sold by Tombow Pencil; Unsharpen's spec table gives Japan. Tombow's own pages don't state it, so check the pack. Source: https://sundrug-online.com/en/products/4901991647877 ## Key takeaways - Two tips: a flexible nylon brush and a 0.8 mm polyester fine tip, per Tombow; retailers give the brush's stroke as 0.8–3.3 mm or up to about 10 mm. - Tombow's Japanese ABT site lists the pen at 14 mm wide, 190 mm (7.5 in) long and 11 g, holding about 3 g of ink. - Tombow launched it in 1984 as the AB-T, short for Art Brush Twin, with 72 colors; new colors in 2018 took the range to 108, including a colorless blender (N00). - Tombow Japan lists a single pen at ¥330 (about US$2.10) with tax; 10-color sets made up 70% of US shipments in 2020. - Retailers disagree on where it's made: Unsharpen gives Japan, while Japanese retailer Sundrug lists Vietnam for a 12-color set. ## What is the Tombow Dual Brush Pen? **It's a double-ended marker with a flexible brush tip at one end and a 0.8 mm fine tip at the other, filled with water-based dye ink.** Tombow Pencil of Tokyo makes it, and sells it worldwide as the ABT; Tombow Japan calls it a twin-type graphic marker (ツインタイプ・グラフィックマーカー). Tombow USA's history of the pen says it launched in 1984 as a "soft lettering pen" named AB-T, for Art Brush Twin. Tombow Japan's 2020 press release says it went on sale in Japan, the US and Europe at the same time that year, and Japanese item codes still start with AB-T. Tombow Japan credits hand lettering for a new wave of fans from around 2009. ## Tombow Dual Brush Pen specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd. (Japan) | | Model | ABT (Japan: AB-T; black is ABT-N15) | | Tips | Nylon fiber brush; 0.8 mm polyester fine tip | | Line width | Fine tip 0.8 mm; brush 0.8–3.3 mm (Post CH) or up to about 10 mm (Vaessen Creative) | | Ink | Water-based dye, about 3 g per pen | | Colors | 108, including the colorless blender N00 and 14 grays | | Size | 14 mm max width × 190 mm (7.5 in) long | | Weight | 11 g (0.4 oz) | | Price in Japan | ¥330 (about US$2.10) including tax, per pen | | Made in | Not stated (listings disagree) | Size, weight, ink volume and tips come from Tombow Japan's ABT site. Tombow doesn't publish a brush line width, and retailers disagree: a Swiss Post listing gives 0.8–3.3 mm, while Vaessen Creative says the brush can reach about 10 mm with pressure. Tombow also warns that some colors may fade in sunlight or UV light. ## How do the two tips differ? **The brush tip changes width with pressure, while the fine tip draws a steady line of about 0.8 mm.** Press lightly for thin upstrokes and harder for thick downstrokes; that contrast is what makes brush lettering. ![To-scale strokes in Process Blue: the Tombow fine tip's 0.8 mm line, and a brush stroke swelling from 0.8 mm to 3.3 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-dual-brush-pen-line-widths.svg) *Fine-tip line and brush stroke at 20×, from Swiss retailer line-width figures.* Tombow Japan says it bundled springy, specially developed nylon fibers into the brush so it would behave like a real brush, and Tombow USA's blog says the nylon nib was developed in the early 1980s to keep ink flow even. Use the fine tip for outlines, small text and details. ## How do you blend Tombow Dual Brush Pens? **Because the ink is water-based, you can blend it with water, with the colorless blender, or by layering two colors.** Tombow Japan describes three ways: lay a second color before the first dries (darker first), touch a dark tip to a light one, or soften the border with the blender. For gradients, Tombow suggests scribbling color on a water-repellent surface such as a plastic file folder and picking it up with the blender or a water brush. Tombow USA notes the blender (N00) is sometimes mistaken for an empty pen; it actually holds colorless ink. ## How many colors are there? **Tombow says the range launched with 72 colors in 1984 and grew to 108 when new colors were added in 2018.** Tombow Japan sells all 108 at ¥330 (about US$2.10) a pen including tax, including 14 grays in warm and cool tones. Retailers usually count that as 107 colors and the blender. Colors are numbered, such as Process Blue 452 (the color in our drawing) and black N15. In Japan, Tombow sells 12-color sets at ¥3,960 (about US$25) with tax; in the US it sells themed 10-packs, such as the Bright set (SKU 56185), which Tombow USA lists as 10 colors with no blender. ## How does it compare to other markers? **Choose the Tombow for brush lettering and blending, a [Pentel Sign Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sign-pen/) for small, firm lettering, and a [Zebra Mildliner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-mildliner/) for highlighting.** | | Tombow Dual Brush Pen | Pentel Sign Pen | Zebra Mildliner | |---|---|---|---| | Tips | Brush + 0.8 mm bullet | Fiber point | Chisel + bullet | | Ink | Water-based dye | Water-based | Water-based pigment | | Best for | Lettering, blending | Signing, small text | Highlighting, headers | For fine outlines next to brush lettering, the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) is a common partner. The ABT PRO is a different Tombow model with a chisel tip. For smaller brush lettering in black, Tombow's [Fudenosuke](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-fudenosuke/) has a much smaller, firmer brush. ## Is it popular? **Yes, especially in the US: Tombow Japan's 2020 press release says 10-color sets made up 70% of US ABT shipments.** The same release says the pen is sold through North America's largest arts-and-crafts chain and largest e-commerce site, and that Tombow then began selling the US 10-color sets in Japan as the ABT10C at ¥3,300 (about US$21) with tax. Tombow USA marked the pen's 40th anniversary in September 2024. ## Where is the Tombow Dual Brush Pen made? **Tombow is a Tokyo company, but retailer listings disagree on where the pens are made.** Japanese retailer Sundrug lists Vietnam as the country of origin for the 12-color Portrait set (AB-T12CPO), while Unsharpen gives Japan. Tombow's own pages don't say, so check the pack. ## How much does it cost? **In a typical US 10-pack it falls in our lowest band, $ (under $5 per pen).** Tombow USA's single pens and 10-packs both land there per pen; large sets of 96 or 108 colors cost more in total, but usually similar per pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are Tombow Dual Brush Pens water-based? Yes. Tombow calls the ink water-based dye ink, and Tombow USA adds that it is odorless and blendable. Because it's water-based, you can blend it with a wet brush or the colorless blender pen. ### How many Tombow Dual Brush Pen colors are there? 108, including the colorless blender. Tombow says the pen launched in 1984 with 72 colors and reached 108 when new colors were added in 2018; 14 of them are grays. ### What is the Tombow colorless blender? It's a Dual Brush Pen filled with colorless ink, color code N00. Tombow USA notes people sometimes mistake it for an empty pen; you use it to soften edges, blend colors and make gradients. ### What is the difference between the Tombow Dual Brush Pen and the ABT PRO? The ABT PRO is a separate Tombow model; Swiss retailer listings describe a chisel tip up to 5.5 mm and a fine tip of about 0.5 mm. The standard ABT has a nylon brush tip and a 0.8 mm polyester tip. ### Do Tombow Dual Brush Pens bleed through paper? Tombow says the ink resists feathering and bleed-through, and Tombow USA recommends smooth papers such as marker, tracing or smooth mixed-media paper. Heavy brush strokes can still soak thin paper; we haven't run our own bleed test yet. ### How long is a Tombow Dual Brush Pen? Tombow's Japanese ABT site lists it at 190 mm (7.5 in) long and 14 mm at its widest, weighing 11 g. ### Where are Tombow Dual Brush Pens made? Tombow is based in Tokyo, but retailers disagree. Japanese retailer Sundrug lists Vietnam for a 12-color set, while Unsharpen gives Japan, so check the packaging. ### Is the Tombow Dual Brush Pen good for beginners in hand lettering? Tombow first sold it as a soft lettering pen in 1984, and Tombow Japan credits hand lettering for its growth since about 2009. Its large, soft brush suits big letters; for small lettering, a smaller, firmer brush is easier to control. ## Sources - [ABT (Tombow Japan product page: fiber brush and 0.8 mm polyester tip, 108 water-based dye colors, ¥330 (about US$2.10) with tax, set codes and prices)](https://www.tombow.com/products/abt/) - [デュアルブラッシュペンABT 製品 (Tombow Japan ABT special site, "Products": 14 × 190 mm, 11 g, colorless blender N00)](https://www.tombow.com/sp/abt/products/water-based/) - [ABTのストーリー (Tombow Japan ABT special site, "The ABT story": 1984 launch with 72 colors, nylon brush, 108 colors from 2018)](https://www.tombow.com/sp/abt/about/) - [よくあるご質問 (Tombow Japan ABT special site FAQ: nylon brush, polyester 0.8 mm tip, about 3 g of ink)](https://www.tombow.com/sp/abt/qa/) - [米国のヒット商品「ABT10色セット」を国内販売 (Tombow Japan press release, October 16, 2020: 1984 launch in Japan, US and Europe; 10-color sets are 70% of US shipments)](https://www.tombow.com/press/201016/) - [Dual Brush Pen ABT (Tombow global English product page)](https://www.tombow.com/en/products/abt/) - [Tombow USA: Dual Brush Pen Art Marker (single pen, $3.80, nylon brush, odorless, paper advice)](https://www.tombowusa.com/products/dual-brush-pen) - [Tombow USA: Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Bright, 10-Pack (SKU 56185; blender not included)](https://www.tombowusa.com/products/dual-brush-pen-set-10-bright) - [Tombow USA blog: Tombow Dual Brush Pen history (October 2, 2024; AB-T launch in 1984, 72 to 108 colors, blender)](https://blog.tombowusa.com/2024/10/02/tombow-dual-brush-pen-history/) - [Tombow USA press release: Tombow marks 40 years of the Dual Brush Pen (September 3, 2024)](https://tombowusa.prezly.com/tombow-marks-40-years-of-the-dual-brush-pen-with-a-month-long-creative-celebration) - [Post CH shop: Tombow Dual Brush Pen ABT 020 Peach (line width 0.8–3.3 mm)](https://shop.post.ch/en/stationery/writing-utensils/calligraphy-brush-pens/tombow-dual-brush-pen-abt-020-peach/p/822148) - [Vaessen Creative: Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen (brush up to about 10 mm, polyester tip about 0.8 mm)](https://vaessen-creative.com/it/p/tombow-brush-pen-abt-dual-brush-pen) - [LambdaTek: Tombow ABT-N15 black](https://www.lambda-tek.com/Tombow-ABT-N15-sh/B45233929) - [Sundrug Online: Tombow Dual Brush Pen 12-color Portrait set AB-T12CPO (country of origin Vietnam)](https://sundrug-online.com/en/products/4901991647877) - [Unsharpen: Tombow Dual Brush Pen (country of origin Japan)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/tombow-dual-brush-pen/) - [Wikipedia: Tombow (company)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tombow) --- # Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook: 150 g Paper, 4 Formats > The Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook is a sewn hard-cover sketchbook with 112 pages (56 sheets) of 150 g/m² white paper. The Medium (A5) measures 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in) and also comes in landscape, square and Master (A4+) formats, with an elastic closure, ribbon and back pocket. It suits pencil and ink; heavy watercolor is not its strength. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Forest Green Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook Medium (A5), 210 mm (8.25 in) tall, closed with its elastic and opened flat on white pages with a grey watercolor landscape and a pencil still life; inset: gusseted back pocket](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook-16x9.png) *The Medium (A5) Sketchbook, closed and open, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook Medium (A5), Portrait, Hardcover, 112 pages, 150 g/m² | Leuchtturm1917 (by Leuchtturm Gruppe (Geesthacht, Germany)) | Germany | Not stated | Hard cover; 150 g/m² white, acid-free drawing card, thread-sewn | – | $$$: $20–75 per ream or pad | - Made in (Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook Medium (A5), Portrait, Hardcover, 112 pages, 150 g/m²): Not stated. We found no listing that gives a country of origin for the current 150 g/m², 112-page Sketchbook, and Leuchtturm1917's German page names only the maker in Geesthacht. Galaxus lists Germany for the separate Edition120 sketchbook, and other Leuchtturm1917 notebooks are listed as made in Taiwan, China or Germany, so check the label on your copy. ## Key takeaways - Leuchtturm1917's German site lists 112 pages of white, acid-free 150 g/m² drawing card in every format, from €24.95 (about US$28). - Medium (A5) is 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in); landscape 210 × 145 mm, Square 225 × 225 mm and Master 225 × 316 mm. - Leuchtturm1917 lists a thread-sewn book block, elastic closure, ribbon marker, gusseted back pocket and cover and spine labels. - 2016 reviews describe 180 g/m² paper, so older stock may be heavier than today's 150 g/m² books. - Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand; we found no reliable source for where the sketchbook is made. ## What is the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook? **It is Leuchtturm1917's drawing book: the brand's hard-cover notebook format filled with 112 pages of heavy 150 g/m² white paper instead of thin writing paper.** It keeps the elastic closure, ribbon marker and gusseted back pocket, and Pulp Addiction lists a blank table of contents. US art and pen shops such as Blick and Phidon Pens stock it, and retailers list cover colors including black, sage, lemon, lilac, azure and Forest Green. ## Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook Medium (A5) specs | Spec | Medium (A5), portrait (this guide) | |---|---| | Size | 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in) | | Pages | 112 (56 sheets), plain | | Paper | 150 g/m², white, FSC-certified | | Paper | Acid-free (Leuchtturm1917) | | Binding | Thread-sewn, hard cover | | Extras | Elastic closure, ribbon, gusseted back pocket, cover and spine labels; table of contents (Pulp Addiction) | | Article / UPC | 801321 (Leuchtturm1917 Germany) / 4004117648434 (Sage, Blick) | | German list price | From €24.95 (about US$28) | | Made in | Not stated | Pages, paper, binding, extras, formats and price come from Leuchtturm1917's German product page; Blick gives the size in inches and the UPC. ## What formats does the sketchbook come in? **Four formats, all with the same 112 pages of 150 g/m² paper.** ![The four Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook formats to scale: Medium (A5) 145 × 210 mm, Medium landscape 210 × 145 mm, Square 225 × 225 mm and Master (A4+) 225 × 316 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook-sizes.svg) *The four formats nested from one corner, at 1 mm = 1 px.* | Format | Size | Good for | |---|---|---| | Medium (A5) | 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in) | Carrying every day | | Medium landscape | 210 × 145 mm | Wide scenes and panoramas | | Square | 225 × 225 mm (8.9 in) | Studies, design boards | | Master (A4+) | 225 × 316 mm (8.9 × 12.4 in) | Desk work, bigger drawings | The format sizes come from Leuchtturm1917's German and US sketchbook pages; Hunt Office confirms 112 pages for the Master. ## What media work on the 150 g/m² paper? **Pencil, ink and fineliners work well; heavy watercolor and alcohol markers do not.** The Well-Appointed Desk found inks stayed put without bleeding, while The Pen Addict saw fountain pens feather a little on the older 180 gsm paper. The Well-Appointed Desk found the paper isn't sized for watercolor and pilled under heavy wet rubbing, so use water sparingly; its Copic markers looked good on the front but bled through the back. Both reviews date from 2016. ## Has the paper changed? **Yes: 2016 reviews describe 180 g/m² paper, while current listings say 150 g/m².** The page count today is 112 in every format. If you are replacing an older book, expect slightly thinner pages. The current paper is still about twice the weight of the 80 g/m² paper in the [Leuchtturm1917 A5 notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/). ## How does it compare to other hard-cover sketchbooks? **It sits between its two main rivals: more pages than the Moleskine, fewer than the Stillman & Birn.** | | Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook | [Moleskine Art Sketchbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-art-sketchbook/) | [Stillman & Birn Alpha](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stillman-birn-alpha-sketchbook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 14.5 × 21 cm | 13 × 21 cm | 14 × 21.6 cm | | Pages | 112 | 104 | 124 | | Paper | 150 g/m² white | 165 g/m² ivory | 150 g/m² white | | Formats | Portrait, landscape, square, A4+ | Pocket, Large, A4 | Several portrait and landscape | | Made in | Not stated | China | Bound in the US | Pick the Leuchtturm1917 for its many cover colors and the square format; pick Stillman & Birn if you want a series built for heavier washes. ## Where is the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook made? **We found no reliable source that names the country of manufacture for the current sketchbook.** Galaxus lists Germany for the separate Edition120 sketchbook, and Leuchtturm1917's notebooks are listed as made in Taiwan, China or Germany depending on the batch. Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand, run by the Leuchtturm Gruppe from Geesthacht, near Hamburg. Check the label on the back of your copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What paper weight is the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook? 150 g/m² white, acid-free drawing card, per Leuchtturm1917's German site; Blick and Hunt Office agree. Reviews from 2016 describe 180 g/m² paper, so the paper has changed since then. ### How many pages does the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook have? 112 pages, which is 56 sheets, in every format. Unlike Leuchtturm1917's notebooks, retailers don't list numbered pages for the sketchbook. ### What sizes does the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook come in? Medium (A5) portrait, 145 × 210 mm; Medium landscape, 210 × 145 mm; Square, 225 × 225 mm; and Master (A4+), 225 × 316 mm. ### Can you use watercolor in the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook? Only sparingly. The Well-Appointed Desk found the paper isn't sized for watercolor, so heavy washes can pill. Watercolor pencils and light washes are fine. ### Do markers bleed through the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook? Alcohol markers can. The Well-Appointed Desk found Copic colors looked good on the front but bled through to the back, and darker ones to the next page. Use one side per spread and a scrap sheet under markers. ### Is the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook the same as the A5 notebook? No. The notebook has 251 numbered pages of 80 g/m² writing paper; the sketchbook has 112 unnumbered pages of 150 g/m² drawing paper. Both share the cover, elastic, ribbon and pocket. ### Where is the Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook made? We found no reliable source. Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand from Geesthacht, near Hamburg; check the back label on your copy for the country of manufacture. ## Sources - [Leuchtturm1917 (Germany): Skizzenbuch (sketchbook: article 801321, from €24.95, 112 pages, white acid-free 150 g/m² drawing card, thread-sewn, four formats)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.de/skizzenbuch-1.html) - [Leuchtturm1917 US: Sketchbooks (Master 225 x 316 mm, Square 225 x 225 mm, Medium 145 x 210 mm, Medium landscape 210 x 145 mm)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/pages/sketchbooks) - [Blick: Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook, Sage, Portrait, 5-3/4 x 8-1/4 in (112 pages, 150 gsm, hardbound, UPC 4004117648434)](https://www.dickblick.com/items/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook-sage-medium/) - [Blick: Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbooks (56 sheets, 150 gsm, FSC-certified, elastic closure)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/leuchtturm1917-sketchbooks) - [Phidon Pens: Leuchtturm1917 Master A4 hardcover sketchbook, 150 gsm](https://phidonpens.com/products/leuchtturm1917-master-a4-hardcover-sketchbook-150gsm) - [Pulp Addiction: Leuchtturm1917 Medium (A5) Sketchbook, landscape (expandable back pocket, blank table of contents)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/leuchtturm1917-medium-a5-sketchbook-landscape-lemon) - [Hunt Office: Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook Master A4+, hardcover, 112 pages, 150 g/m²](https://www.huntoffice.ie/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook-master-a4plus-hardcover-112-pages-150-g-sqm-plain-black.html) - [Cass Art: Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook Medium A5, Black](https://www.cassart.co.uk/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook-medium-portrait-a5-black) - [Galaxus: Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook Edition120 medium (country of origin Germany; a different 120 g/m² book)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook-edition120-medium-a5-plain-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-18211388) - [The Pen Addict: Leuchtturm1917 Pocket A6 sketchbook review (2016, 180 gsm paper, slight fountain pen feathering)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2016/12/1/leuchtturm1917-pocket-a6-sketchbook-review) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Review, Leuchtturm 1917 sketchbook (2016; 180 gsm, not sized for watercolor, Copic test)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2016/03/review-leuchtturm-1917-sketchbook/) --- # Moleskine Art Sketchbook: 165 g Ivory Pages, Sizes > The Moleskine Art Sketchbook is a hard-cover sketchbook with plain, heavy ivory pages: the Large is 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) with 104 pages of 165 g/m² acid-free paper, plus the elastic closure, ribbon and back pocket of the Classic notebook. It suits pencil and ink; alcohol markers bleed through and heavy washes are not its job. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-art-sketchbook/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the black Moleskine Art Sketchbook, Large, 210 mm (8.25 in) tall, closed with its elastic and ribbon, and opened flat on ivory pages with a pencil still life; inset: 165 g/m² ivory pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/moleskine-art-sketchbook-16x9.png) *The Large Art Sketchbook, closed and open, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/moleskine-art-sketchbook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Moleskine Art Sketchbook (Art Plus), Large, Plain, Black, Hard Cover, 13 x 21 cm, 104 pages | Moleskine (by Moleskine S.r.l. (D'Ieteren Group)) | Italy | China | Cardboard hard cover; 165 g/m² acid-free, FSC-certified ivory paper | – | $$$: $20–75 per ream or pad | - Made in (Moleskine Art Sketchbook (Art Plus), Large, Plain, Black, Hard Cover, 13 x 21 cm, 104 pages): China. John Lewis gives China as the country of origin for the Large black Art Sketchbook. Moleskine's Italian product page doesn't state the country. Source: https://www.johnlewis.com/moleskine-large-art-sketchbook-black/p4141282 ## Key takeaways - The Large book holds 104 plain pages (52 sheets) of 165 g/m² ivory paper: Moleskine's Italian site gives the paper, Paragraph Books and Unsharpen the page count. - At 165 g/m², each page is about 2.4 times the weight of the 70 g/m² paper in a Moleskine Classic notebook. - Moleskine lists five sizes, from Pocket, 9 × 14 cm (3.5 × 5.5 in), through Medium, Large and A4 to A3, 29.7 × 42 cm; its Italian shop prices the Large at €28.00 (about US$31). - Reviewers report that alcohol markers and Sharpies bleed through, while pencil, fountain pen ink and fineliners stay on the page. - John Lewis lists China as the country of origin for the Large black Art Sketchbook. ## What is the Moleskine Art Sketchbook? **It is Moleskine's hard-cover sketchbook: the familiar black notebook, filled with plain, heavy ivory drawing paper instead of thin writing paper.** It keeps the Classic's rounded corners, elastic closure, ribbon bookmark and expanding back pocket. Retailers sell the same book as the Art Sketchbook, Art Collection Sketchbook or Art Plus Sketchbook. The Large black version carries ISBN 9788883701153, because Moleskine books are distributed through bookshops. ## Moleskine Art Sketchbook Large specs | Spec | Large, plain (this guide) | |---|---| | Size | 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) | | Pages | 104 (52 sheets), plain | | Paper | 165 g/m², ivory, acid-free, FSC-certified sources (Moleskine) | | Cover | Hard cover, rounded corners | | Extras | Elastic closure, ribbon, expandable back pocket, opens flat to 180° (Moleskine) | | Italian list price | €28.00 (about US$31) | | ISBN / EAN | 9788883701153 (black) | | Made in | China (John Lewis) | Moleskine's Italian product page gives the paper, cover and extras but not the page count; Paragraph Books and Unsharpen list 104 pages. Cass Art's A4 spec table says 160 g/m², against Moleskine's 165 g/m². UK retailer Cass Art lists the Large at £19.95 (about US$26). ## What sizes does the Art Sketchbook come in? **Moleskine's Italian site lists five sizes, and the page count depends on the size.** | Size | Dimensions | Pages | |---|---|---| | Pocket | 9 × 14 cm (3.5 × 5.5 in) | 72 (Unsharpen) | | Medium | 11.5 × 17.5 cm (4.5 × 6.9 in) | Not published | | Large | 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) | 104 | | A4 | 21 × 29.7 cm (8.25 × 11.75 in) | 96 (Unsharpen) or 104 (Cass Art) | | A3 | 29.7 × 42 cm (11.75 × 16.5 in) | 96 (Unsharpen) | Dimensions come from Moleskine's Italian site; it doesn't list page counts, and sources disagree on the A4, so check the band on the book you buy. ## How heavy is the paper compared with other sketchbooks? **At 165 g/m², its paper is heavier than the other popular A5-size hard-cover sketchbooks, and more than twice the weight of Moleskine's notebook paper.** ![Bar chart of paper weights to scale: Moleskine Classic notebook 70 g/m², Strathmore 400 Sketch 89, Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook 150, Stillman & Birn Alpha 150, Moleskine Art Sketchbook 165 and Stillman & Birn Beta 270 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/moleskine-art-sketchbook-weight.svg) *The Art Sketchbook's 165 g/m² paper against other drawing and notebook papers.* It is heavier than the 150 g/m² paper in the [Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook/) and the [Stillman & Birn Alpha](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stillman-birn-alpha-sketchbook/), but far lighter than 270 g/m² books made for wet media. A wirebound [Strathmore 400 sketch pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/) uses 89 g/m² paper, and the pocket [Maruman Croquis sketchbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/maruman-croquis-sketchbook/) only 52.3 g/m². ## What media work on Moleskine sketchbook paper? **Dry media and ink work well; alcohol markers and heavy watercolor do not.** Unsharpen says graphite, charcoal, pastels, colored pencils and fountain pens all behave, and that even hard pencil leads don't emboss through to the next page. Reviewers agree on the weak spots. Alcohol markers and Sharpies bleed through, so a scrap sheet behind the page is wise. One reviewer finds it fine for small, controlled washes, but not for repeated wet layers or heavy washes. ## How does it compare to other hard-cover sketchbooks? **The Moleskine has the heaviest paper of the three best-known A5-size hard-cover sketchbooks, but the fewest pages.** | | Moleskine Art Large | Stillman & Birn Alpha | Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 13 × 21 cm | 14 × 21.6 cm | 14.5 × 21 cm | | Pages | 104 | 124 | 112 | | Paper | 165 g/m² ivory | 150 g/m² white | 150 g/m² white | | Elastic and ribbon | Yes | Not listed | Yes | | Made in | China | Bound in the US | Not stated | Choose the Moleskine if you like the [Classic notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) format and want warmer, heavier paper for pencil and ink. Choose a Stillman & Birn if you plan to add washes. ## Where is the Moleskine Art Sketchbook made? **John Lewis lists China as the country of origin for the Large black Art Sketchbook.** That matches the Classic notebook, which retailers also list as made in China. Moleskine's Italian product page doesn't name a country. Moleskine itself is a Milan company, now part of Belgium's D'Ieteren Group. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many pages are in a Moleskine Art Sketchbook? The Large (13 × 21 cm) has 104 pages, which is 52 sheets. Sources disagree for other sizes: Unsharpen lists 72 pages for the Pocket and 96 for the A4, while Cass Art lists 104 for the A4. ### What paper weight is the Moleskine sketchbook? 165 g/m². Moleskine's Italian site lists acid-free ivory paper of 165 g/m² (Paragraph Books gives 111 lb); only Cass Art's A4 spec table says 160 g/m². ### Can you use watercolor in a Moleskine Art Sketchbook? Only lightly. Unsharpen says the sketchbook isn't designed for watercolor, and another reviewer finds it fine for small, controlled washes but not for repeated wet layers. Moleskine makes a separate watercolor book for that. ### Do markers bleed through Moleskine sketchbook paper? Alcohol markers do. Reviewers report bleed-through with alcohol markers and Sharpies, so put scrap paper behind the page. Fountain pen ink and fineliners stay on the page. ### Is the Moleskine Art Sketchbook the same as the Art Plus Sketchbook? Yes, in practice. Retailers sell the same 104-page, 165 g/m² Large book under the names Art Sketchbook, Art Collection Sketchbook and Art Plus Sketchbook. ### What is the difference between the Moleskine sketchbook and the Classic notebook? The paper. The Art Sketchbook uses plain 165 g/m² paper with fewer pages, while the Classic notebook has 240 pages of 70 g/m² paper. Both share the hard cover, elastic, ribbon and back pocket. ### Where is the Moleskine Art Sketchbook made? John Lewis lists China as the country of origin for the Large black Art Sketchbook. Moleskine is an Italian brand based in Milan. ## Sources - [Moleskine (IT): Taccuino per gli schizzi, Nero (Moleskine's Italian page: carta acid free 165 g/m² avorio, sizes Pocket to A3, €28.00 Large)](https://www.moleskine.com/it-it/shop/taccuini/collezione-art/sketchbook/taccuino-per-gli-schizzi-nero-9788883701153.html) - [Paragraph Books: Moleskine Art Plus Sketchbook, Large, Plain, Black, Hard Cover (5 x 8.25), ISBN 9788883701153](https://paragraphbooks.com/products/9788883701153) - [Rizzoli Bookstore: Moleskine Art Plus Sketchbook, Large, Plain, Red, Hard Cover (5 x 8.25)](https://www.rizzolibookstore.com/product/moleskine-art-plus-sketchbook-large-plain-red-hard-cover-5-x-825) - [Powell's Books: Moleskine Art Plus Sketchbook Large, 9788883701153](https://www.powells.com/book/-9788883701153) - [John Lewis: Moleskine Large Art Sketchbook, Black (country of origin: China)](https://www.johnlewis.com/moleskine-large-art-sketchbook-black/p4141282) - [Cass Art: Moleskine Sketchbook Large, 13 x 21 cm (165 gsm, £19.95)](https://www.cassart.co.uk/moleskine-sketchbook-large-13-x-21cm--c) - [Cass Art: Moleskine Sketchbook A4 (21 x 30 cm; 160 gsm in spec table)](https://cassart.co.uk/moleskine-sketchbook-a4-21-x-30cm--c) - [Unsharpen: Moleskine Art Sketchbook review (165 gsm; sizes and page counts; not designed for watercolor)](https://unsharpen.com/paper/moleskine-art-sketchbook/) - [Chris Wilson Studio: Are Moleskine sketchbooks worth it? (washes, alcohol markers)](https://chriswilsonstudio.com/are-moleskine-sketchbooks-worth-it/) --- # Stillman & Birn Alpha Sketchbook: 150 gsm, Sizes > The Stillman & Birn Alpha Series is a sewn, hard-bound sketchbook of 62 sheets (124 pages) of 150 g/m² (100 lb) natural white paper with a vellum, medium-grain surface. The popular portrait size is 5.5 × 8.5 in (14 × 21.6 cm). It suits pencil, ink and light washes; the 270 g/m² Beta is for heavier watercolor. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stillman-birn-alpha-sketchbook/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the black Stillman & Birn Alpha hardbound sketchbook, 216 mm (8.5 in) tall, closed and opened flat on white pages with an ink street sketch and grey washes; inset: sewn binding, 62 sheets](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/stillman-birn-alpha-sketchbook-16x9.png) *The 5.5 × 8.5 in Alpha hardbound, closed and open, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/stillman-birn-alpha-sketchbook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Stillman & Birn Alpha Series Hardbound Sketchbook, Portrait, 5.5 x 8.5 in, 62 sheets, 150 gsm (100580) | Stillman & Birn (by Stillman & Birn (Exacompta Clairefontaine group); distributed in the US by Exaclair) | United States | United States | 150 g/m² (100 lb) white, medium-grain drawing paper from the Schut mill (Netherlands), sewn binding, black hard cover | – | $$$: $20–75 per ream or pad | - Made in (Stillman & Birn Alpha Series Hardbound Sketchbook, Portrait, 5.5 x 8.5 in, 62 sheets, 150 gsm (100580)): United States. Stillman & Birn says its products are made in the USA and shipped from its manufacturing facility in Hamburg, New York, and Exaclair's 2026 catalog adds that they use Schut paper produced in the Netherlands (Schut is a Clairefontaine mill). Above Ground Art Supplies also says the Alpha books are bound in the US. Source: https://www.stillmanandbirn.com/about.php ## Key takeaways - Every Alpha hardbound book holds 62 sheets (124 pages) of 150 g/m² (100 lb) white paper. - The 5.5 × 8.5 in (14 × 21.6 cm) portrait book is item 100580, listed at US$29.00 in Exaclair's 2026 catalog. - Hardbound sizes include 4 × 6 in, 5.5 × 8.5 in, 8.25 × 11.75 in portrait and a 6 × 9 in landscape book. - Alpha is one of seven Stillman & Birn series; Beta uses the same white color at 270 g/m² with a cold-press surface. - Stillman & Birn says the books are made in the USA, at Exaclair's plant in Hamburg, New York, from Schut paper made in the Netherlands. ## What is the Stillman & Birn Alpha sketchbook? **It is a sewn, hard-bound sketchbook of 62 sheets of 150 g/m² (100 lb) white drawing paper, the all-round book in Stillman & Birn's range.** Retailers describe the surface as vellum or medium grain: a light tooth that grips pencil but stays smooth enough for pen. It is widely recommended. The Well-Appointed Desk called Stillman & Birn "probably the best sketchbook choice in the US" in 2021, and Reviewed picked the Beta series as a favorite. ## Stillman & Birn Alpha 5.5 × 8.5 in specs | Spec | Alpha hardbound, portrait (this guide) | |---|---| | Size | 5.5 × 8.5 in (14.0 × 21.6 cm) | | Sheets | 62 (124 pages) | | Paper | 150 g/m² (100 lb), white; Schut mill, Netherlands | | Surface | Medium grain (retailers: vellum) | | Binding | Sewn, black hard cover | | Item / UPC | 100580 / 851177003017 | | Made in | United States (Hamburg, New York) | Above Ground Art Supplies and Larry Post list the size, sheets, weight and item number; the UPC comes from eBay's product catalog. ## What sizes does the Alpha hardbound come in? **Four common hardbound sizes, all with 62 sheets.** | Size | Format | Item | |---|---|---| | 4 × 6 in (10.2 × 15.2 cm) | Portrait | 100460 | | 5.5 × 8.5 in (14.0 × 21.6 cm) | Portrait | 100580 | | 8.25 × 11.75 in (21.0 × 29.8 cm) | Portrait | 100899 | | 9 × 6 in (22.9 × 15.2 cm) | Landscape | 100960 | Sizes and item numbers come from Exaclair's 2026 catalog. Softcover Alpha books have 46 sheets and wirebound books 50, per the same catalog. ## Alpha or Beta: which Stillman & Birn series should you choose? **Pick Alpha for pencil, ink and light washes, and Beta if most pages will get real watercolor.** Stillman & Birn makes seven series that differ in weight, surface and color. ![Grid of the seven Stillman & Birn series: heavyweight 150 g/m² medium grain Alpha (white), Gamma (ivory) and Nova (toned); heavyweight smooth Epsilon; extra heavyweight 270 g/m² cold press Beta (white) and Delta (ivory); extra heavyweight smooth Zeta](https://stationerytimes.com/images/stillman-birn-alpha-sketchbook-series.svg) *The seven series by weight and surface; Alpha is outlined.* Retailers call the 150 g/m² series heavyweight and the 270 g/m² series extra heavyweight. Gamma is Alpha's paper in ivory, and Epsilon is the smooth version for pen and marker. ## How does Alpha paper handle pen, pencil and washes? **Retailers and reviewers describe it as a dry-media paper that also accepts multiple light washes.** Above Ground Art Supplies says the vellum surface has a distinctive tooth and takes washes; reviewers note the lighter stock makes that tooth less noticeable than on the heavier series. Beta and Delta exist because 150 g/m² paper still cockles under heavy, wet watercolor. Readers who mostly paint may also look at a glued block such as the [Arches watercolor block](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/arches-watercolor-block/). ## How does it compare to other hard-cover sketchbooks? **Alpha has more pages than its best-known rivals, at a slightly lower weight than the Moleskine.** | | Stillman & Birn Alpha | [Moleskine Art Sketchbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-art-sketchbook/) | [Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 14 × 21.6 cm | 13 × 21 cm | 14.5 × 21 cm | | Pages | 124 | 104 | 112 | | Paper | 150 g/m² white | 165 g/m² ivory | 150 g/m² white | | Made in | United States | China | Not stated | For loose practice sheets, a wirebound [Strathmore 400 sketch pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/) is the cheaper, lighter option at 89 g/m². ## Where are Stillman & Birn sketchbooks made? **In the United States: Stillman & Birn says its books are made and shipped from Exaclair's manufacturing facility in Hamburg, New York.** Exaclair's 2026 catalog adds that the paper is Schut paper produced in the Netherlands, at a mill Clairefontaine has owned since 1998. Parka Blogs dates the original company, Stillman & Birn Inc., to 1958 in Manhattan's SoHo, founded by Philip Birn. Stillman & Birn says Clairefontaine acquired the brand in 2019, and Exaclair, Exacompta Clairefontaine's US subsidiary, is its exclusive US distributor. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between Stillman & Birn Alpha and Beta? Weight and surface. Alpha is 150 g/m² (100 lb) white paper with a vellum, medium-grain surface for dry media and light washes; Beta is 270 g/m² white paper with a cold-press surface for heavier watercolor. ### How many pages are in a Stillman & Birn Alpha sketchbook? The hardbound books have 62 sheets, which is 124 pages. The softcover books are thinner, at 46 sheets. ### Can you use watercolor in a Stillman & Birn Alpha? Light washes, yes. Retailers say the vellum surface takes multiple washes, but for heavy, wet watercolor the 270 g/m² Beta or Delta series is the better choice. ### Is Stillman & Birn Alpha paper white or ivory? White, per Stillman & Birn; some retailers call it natural white. The Gamma series is the same weight and surface in ivory. ### What sizes does the Alpha hardbound come in? Exaclair's 2026 catalog lists 4 × 6 in, 5.5 × 8.5 in and 8.25 × 11.75 in portrait books and a 9 × 6 in landscape book, each with 62 sheets. ### Who makes Stillman & Birn sketchbooks? Stillman & Birn was founded in 1958 in Manhattan by Philip Birn. Stillman & Birn says Clairefontaine acquired it in 2019, and Exaclair, Exacompta Clairefontaine's US subsidiary, distributes it. ### Where are Stillman & Birn sketchbooks made? In the USA: Stillman & Birn says they are made at Exaclair's facility in Hamburg, New York. Exaclair's 2026 catalog says the paper comes from the Schut mill in the Netherlands. ## Sources - [Stillman & Birn: About (founded 1958 by Philip Birn; Clairefontaine acquisition 2019; made in the USA at Hamburg, NY; Alpha 150 gsm, white, medium grain)](https://www.stillmanandbirn.com/about.php) - [Stillman & Birn: Alpha Series (150 gsm, white, medium grain; dry media, light wash, ink)](https://www.stillmanandbirn.com/products_alpha.php) - [Exaclair: Fine Arts 2026 catalog, Stillman & Birn (made in the USA with Schut paper from the Netherlands; Alpha hardbound 62 sheets: 100460, 100580, 100899, 100960)](https://exaclairretailers.com/uploaded/catalogs/EXFA2026-consumers/ExaclairFineArts2026_StillmanBirn.pdf) - [Above Ground Art Supplies: Stillman & Birn Alpha Series hardbound sketchbook, 5.5 x 8.5 in (100 lb/150 gsm, 62 sheets, part 100580, bound in the US)](https://store.abovegroundartsupplies.com/products/stillman---birn-alpha-series-hardbound-sketchbook---5-5x8-5-in--40569.html) - [Larry Post: Stillman & Birn Alpha hard cover sketchbook, 5.5 x 8.5 in / 14 x 21.6 cm, 150 gsm, 62 sheets](https://www.larrypost.com.au/collections/art-supplies/products/stillman-birn-alpha-sketchbook-hardbound-a5-5-5-x-8-5-14-x-21-6-cm-150gsm) - [Blick: Stillman & Birn Alpha Series Sketchbook, 6 x 9 in landscape, hardbound, 62 sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/items/stillman-birn-alpha-series-sketchbook-6-x-9-landscape-hardbound-62-sheets/) - [Blick: Stillman & Birn Alpha Series Sketchbook, 11.75 x 8.25 in, hardbound, 62 sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/items/11890-1082/) - [eBay catalog: Stillman & Birn Alpha 5.5 x 8.5 in hardbound, model 100580, UPC 851177003017](https://www.ebay.com/p/2057181354) - [Merri Artist: Stillman & Birn Alpha softcover sketchbook, 5.5 x 8.5 in (46 sheets)](https://merriartist.com/products/stillman-birn-alpha-softcover-sketchbook-5-5-x-8-5) - [Jackson's Art: Stillman & Birn brand page (series papers; Alpha 150 gsm white vellum, Beta 270 gsm cold pressed)](https://www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/brands/stillman-birn) - [Parka Blogs: Stillman & Birn sketchbooks first impression (founded 1958 by Philip Birn)](https://www.parkablogs.com/picture/stillman-and-birn-sketchbooks-first-impression) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Review, Stillman & Birn sketchbooks (2014)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2014/08/review-stillman-birn-sketchbooks/) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Sketchbook review, 8 random sketchbooks (2021)](https://wellappointeddesk.com/2021/07/sketchbook-review-8-random-sketchbooks-including-hot-takes) - [Reviewed: Stillman & Birn sketchbook review](https://reviewed.com/features/stillman-birns-best-sketchbook-review) --- # Furukawashiko Washi Flake Stickers: 20-Piece Packs > Furukawashiko washi flake stickers are small die-cut stickers made of washi paper by Furukawa Shiko, a paper maker in Mino, Gifu. Each pack holds 20 flakes, five designs times four, and each flake is within 30 × 30 mm. Packs cost ¥352 (about US$2.20) to ¥440 (about US$2.80) in Japan, and retailers list them as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/furukawashiko-washi-flake-stickers/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Furukawashiko washi flake sticker pack drawn to scale: a clear bag around a 7.5 × 8 cm header card with flakes inside, and the 20 flakes laid out as 5 designs × 4, each about 24 mm on washi paper](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/furukawashiko-washi-flake-stickers-16x9.png) *One pack and its 20 flakes, 5 designs × 4; the designs are representative.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/furukawashiko-washi-flake-stickers-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Furukawashiko Washi Flake Stickers (20 pieces) | Furukawashiko (by Furukawa Shiko Co., Ltd. (Mino, Gifu)) | Japan | Japan | Washi paper | – | $: under $5 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Furukawashiko Washi Flake Stickers (20 pieces)): Japan. Paperwhisper lists Made in Japan in its specifications and The Camel Station gives Japan as the country of manufacture. Furukawashiko's own shop pages don't state the country. Its head office is in Mino, Gifu Prefecture. Source: https://paperwhisper.com/products/furukawa-shiko-flake-stickers-pack-japan ## Key takeaways - Each pack holds 20 flakes, 5 designs × 4 of each (5柄各4枚), per Furukawashiko's own shop. - Furukawashiko's own shop gives each flake as within 30 × 30 mm (1.2 in); JetPens lists one design at 2.4 × 2.3 cm. - Furukawashiko's online shop lists packs at ¥352 (about US$2.20) to ¥440 (about US$2.80), tax included, depending on the design. - US shops sell a pack in our $ band (under $5). - Paperwhisper and The Camel Station list the stickers as made in Japan; the maker is based in Mino, Gifu Prefecture. ## What are Furukawashiko washi flake stickers? **They are small, ready-cut stickers made of washi paper, sold loose in a pack of 20.** "Flake" means each sticker is already cut out, so there's no sheet to peel around; you take one from the bag and stick it down. Furukawa Shiko (古川紙工), a paper company in Mino, Gifu Prefecture, makes them and sells them as Furukawashiko. Its own online shop lists 62 flake-sticker items, with designs from cats and shiba dogs to Japanese sweets, music and stationery. ## Furukawashiko flake sticker specs | Spec | Furukawashiko washi flake stickers | |---|---| | Count | 20 flakes per pack (Furukawashiko) | | Designs | 5 per pack, 4 of each (Furukawashiko) | | Flake size | Within 30 × 30 mm (1.2 in); 2.4 × 2.3 cm on one JetPens listing | | Package | 105 × 78 × 2 mm (4.1 × 3.1 in), Shimaenaga edition, per The Camel Station | | Material | Washi paper (Furukawashiko), opaque (JetPens) | | Removable | Yes, per JetPens | | Japanese price | ¥352 (about US$2.20) to ¥440 (about US$2.80), tax included, at Furukawashiko's online shop | | Price band | $ (under $5) | | Made in | Japan (per retailers) | Model numbers start with QSA, such as QSA297 for Musical Instruments (JetPens), QSA294 for Stationery and QSA389 for Sukima Nyanko (Furukawashiko). Furukawashiko's online shop lists Stationery at ¥352 (about US$2.20), Sukima Nyanko at ¥374 (about US$2.40) and the licensed Monchhichi Colors B at ¥440 (about US$2.80), all tax included. Sizes vary by design, so the 30 mm figure is a maximum, not every flake's size. ![Drawn to scale: a 30 by 30 mm limit with a 24 by 23 mm Furukawashiko flake inside, a 19 mm cat flake, and dashed outlines of a 1 inch Mind Wave flake and a 45 mm Kamio Kyoto flake](https://stationerytimes.com/images/furukawashiko-washi-flake-stickers-sizes.svg) *Furukawashiko flakes are a little smaller than a Mind Wave flake; the art is representative.* ## How big are Furukawashiko flakes? **Each flake is within 30 × 30 mm, about 1.2 in, and many are smaller.** JetPens lists 2.4 × 2.3 cm for the Musical Instruments pack and 1.9 cm for the Cat pack. That size fits a daily box in most planners; on a Hobonichi-style 3.7 mm grid, a 24 mm flake spans six or seven squares. Small flakes also work as markers beside a heading. ## What designs does Furukawashiko make? **The range is wide: animals, Japanese motifs, food, music and seasonal sets.** Paperwhisper lists Japan, Cat, Music, Panda, Shiba, Snacks, Stationery and White Birds; other shops list Nippon, Wagashi (Japanese sweets) and a limited winter Shimaenaga (long-tailed tit) edition, and Furukawashiko's own shop adds Sukima Nyanko and licensed Monchhichi packs. Each pack is one theme with five designs. Stock changes by season, so a design you see in a Japanese shop may not reach US stores. ## How do they compare with other Japanese flake stickers? **They are simpler and cheaper than foil flakes, with more designs per theme than most picture-sticker sheets.** | Sticker | Format | Material | Count | |---|---|---|---| | Furukawashiko washi flakes | Loose flakes | Washi | 20 (5 × 4) | | [Mind Wave Washi Flowers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mind-wave-washi-flowers-foil-stickers/) | Loose flakes | Washi, gold foil | 40 (10 × 4) | | [Kamio Picture Book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kamio-picture-book-stickers/) | 1 long sheet | Textured paper, gold foil | Not stated | | [Midori Yuru Log](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/) | Sheets | Washi | 29 to 62 | | [BGM IPPAI](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bgm-ippai-flake-stickers/) | Loose flakes | Washi, gold foil | 45 (15 × 3) | Choose Furukawashiko when you want a small, cheap pack in one theme. Choose Mind Wave for foil, or Yuru Log for many tiny stickers. ## Can you write on washi flake stickers? **Furukawashiko doesn't say these flakes are coated for writing, and we haven't tested them yet.** For Midori's untreated washi stickers, JetPens recommends a pencil or an oil-based marker, and the same caution is sensible here. For labels you plan to write on, try a fine pencil or an oil-based marker on one flake first. We'll add results after our test. ## Who makes Furukawashiko stickers? **Furukawa Shiko Co., Ltd., a paper products company based in Mino, Gifu Prefecture.** Its company profile says it plans, designs, makes and sells paper products, including Mino washi. One of its press releases says the business began in Mino in 1835, while its company profile gives November 1919 as the date it was established. We list both because the sources differ. ## Where are Furukawashiko flake stickers made? **Paperwhisper and The Camel Station list them as made in Japan.** Furukawashiko's own shop pages don't state the country; the maker is based in Mino, Gifu, and we haven't confirmed which factory prints the flakes. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in a Furukawashiko flake pack? Twenty. Furukawashiko's own shop lists five designs with four of each (5柄各4枚, 20 in total) in every pack, and JetPens and Paperwhisper say the same. ### How big are Furukawashiko flake stickers? Furukawashiko's online shop lists each flake as within 30 × 30 mm. JetPens gives 2.4 × 2.3 cm for the Musical Instruments pack and 1.9 cm long for the Cat pack. ### What are Furukawashiko flake stickers made of? Washi paper, per Furukawashiko's shop (素材: 和紙). JetPens describes it as fully opaque washi tape material, so the background doesn't show through, and says the backing is split for easy peeling. ### Are Furukawashiko washi stickers removable? JetPens says they can be removed and reused. We haven't tested how well they lift from thin planner paper after a few weeks. ### Who makes Furukawashiko stickers? Furukawa Shiko Co., Ltd., a paper products company in Mino, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, which plans, designs and makes paper goods including Mino washi products. ### How much do Furukawashiko flake stickers cost? Furukawashiko's online shop lists packs at ¥352 (about US$2.20) to ¥440 (about US$2.80), tax included; licensed designs such as Monchhichi cost the most. US shops sell them in our under-$5 band. ### Where are Furukawashiko stickers made? Paperwhisper and The Camel Station list them as made in Japan. Furukawashiko's own shop doesn't state it; the company is based in Mino, Gifu. ## Sources - [フレークシール｜古川紙工オンラインショップ (Furukawashiko online shop: flake sticker category, 62 items)](https://www.furukawashiko-online.shop/c/furukawa-product/item-fp/flakesticker-fp) - [和紙ﾌﾚｰｸｼｰﾙ 文房具 QSA294｜古川紙工オンラインショップ (Stationery: ¥352, 5 designs × 4, within 30 × 30 mm, washi)](https://www.furukawashiko-online.shop/c/furukawa-product/category-fp/sticker-fp/QSA294) - [和紙ﾌﾚｰｸｼｰﾙ すきまﾆｬﾝｺ QSA389｜古川紙工オンラインショップ (Sukima Nyanko: ¥374)](https://www.furukawashiko-online.shop/c/furukawa-product/category-fp/sticker-fp/QSA389) - [和紙ﾌﾚｰｸｼｰﾙ ﾓﾝﾁｯﾁｶﾗｰｽﾞB QSA393｜古川紙工オンラインショップ (Monchhichi Colors B: ¥440, limited)](https://www.furukawashiko-online.shop/c/furukawa-product/category-fp/sticker-fp/QSA393) - [岐阜県美濃市から日本の“かわいい紙もの”を世界へ。1835年創業の古川紙工 (Furukawa Shiko press release via PR TIMES / Inside Games: founded 1835 in Mino)](https://www.inside-games.jp/release/prtimes/20260929/309645.html) - [古川紙工 HON TO WATASHI 新商品 (Furukawa Shiko press release via PR TIMES / Koubo: company profile, established November 1919)](https://koubo.jp/press-release/prtimes/c132680_r44) - [JetPens: Furukawashiko Flake Stickers, Musical Instruments (5 designs × 4, 2.4 × 2.3 cm, washi tape material, QSA297)](https://www.jetpens.com/Furukawashiko-Flake-Stickers-Musical-Instruments/pd/47376) - [JetPens: Furukawashiko Flake Stickers, Cat (1.9 cm)](https://www.jetpens.com/Furukawashiko-Flake-Stickers-Cat/pd/47370) - [Paperwhisper: Furukawa Shiko Washi Flake Sticker, Japan (5 × 4, within 30 × 30 mm, washi, made in Japan)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/furukawa-shiko-flake-stickers-pack-japan) - [Paperwhisper: Furukawa Shiko Washi Flake Sticker, Stationery](https://paperwhisper.com/products/furukawa-washi-sticker-stationery) - [The Camel Station: Furukawashiko Washi Flake Stickers, Shimaenaga winter edition (package 105 × 78 × 2 mm, made in Japan)](https://thecamelstation.com/products/furukawashiko-washi-flake-stickers-winter-limited-edition-shimaenaga) - [The Journal Shop: Furukawa Shiko NIPPON Washi Flake Stickers](https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-us/products/furukawa-shiko-washi-flake-stickers-nippon) - [Rep Buntsu: 古川紙工 音楽 和風フレークシール (Furukawashiko Music washi flake stickers)](https://shop.rep-buntsu.com/products/4952270313655) - [HREM: 古川紙工 和紙フレークシール 和菓子 QSA149 (Wagashi washi flake stickers)](https://hremon.com/?pid=174679451) --- # Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates: 100 Clear Frames > Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates are 100 small frame stickers on 5 sheets of see-through, tracing-type paper. You stick one on a page and write the date inside, which suits undated notebooks like the Day-Free. Hobonichi lists the pack at 148 × 100 mm and ¥660 (about US$4.20), with 25 frame designs; Milligram lists it as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates drawn to scale: a pack of five 100 × 148 mm sheets with 20 see-through frames each, and an A6 grid page with five frames holding handwritten dates](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates-16x9.png) *Five sheets of 20 frames, and a few in use on a grid page.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates (5 sheets) | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Tracing paper (トレーシングペーパー) | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates (5 sheets)): Japan. Milligram describes the stickers as designed and made in Japan. Hobonichi's Japanese and English store pages don't state a country of manufacture. Source: https://milligram.com/products/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates ## Key takeaways - One pack holds 5 sheets with 100 frame stickers in total, per The Journal Shop and Hunter Paper Co.; Hobonichi says there are 25 frame designs. - Hobonichi lists the pack at 148 × 100 × 1 mm (5.8 × 3.9 in), about the size of an A6 page, and about 2.5 g. - Hobonichi's 2027 store lists the pack at ¥660 (about US$4.20) including tax; US shops sell it in our $$ band ($5–20). - The original Frame Stickers, made for the Techo's monthly calendar, are a different pack: 4 sheets and 81 stickers (The Journal Shop), ¥550 (about US$3.50). - Milligram describes the stickers as designed and made in Japan. ## What are Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates? **They are a pack of small frame stickers, printed on see-through paper, for writing dates on undated pages.** Hobonichi made them for the Day-Free, where you write dates in yourself: you stick a frame on a memo or graph page and fill in the day. Hobonichi lists the material as tracing paper (トレーシングペーパー), slightly see-through, so the grid shows through and you can write on top. Its Japanese page says the pack mixes 25 frames in different colors and designs, such as stripes, polka dots and ribbons, with a space under the date for the weekday, the weather or an anniversary. ## Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates specs | Spec | Frame Stickers for Dates | |---|---| | Contents | 5 sheets, 100 stickers (retailers); 25 frame designs (Hobonichi) | | Size | 148 × 100 × 1 mm (5.8 × 3.9 in), as packed | | Weight | About 2.5 g | | Paper | Tracing paper | | Writable | Yes, with pens and pencils | | Made for | Hobonichi Day-Free memo and graph pages | | Japanese price | ¥660 (about US$4.20), 2027 lineup | | Price band | $$ ($5–20) at US shops | | Made in | Japan | Size, weight, material and price come from Hobonichi's Japanese store page (ほぼ日の日付用フレームシール), which doesn't give a sheet or sticker count; The Journal Shop gives the same 100 × 148 × 1 mm and the 5-sheet, 100-sticker count. No one publishes the size of a single frame, so we'll measure one before adding it. ![Drawn to scale: a 100 by 148 mm sheet of Frame Stickers for Dates with 20 frames, a sheet of the original Frame Stickers listed at 148 by 100 mm with 4 sheets and 81 frames, and a 105 by 148 mm A6 page with a 3.7 mm grid](https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates-sheets.svg) *Both frame packs use sheets about the size of an A6 page; the frame layouts are representative.* ## How many frames come in a pack? **One pack holds 100 frames on 5 sheets, or 20 per sheet, according to The Journal Shop and Hunter Paper Co.** Hobonichi itself says only that there are 25 frame designs. The original Frame Stickers pack has 4 sheets and 81 stickers, per The Journal Shop, so check the product title when you order. At one frame a day, a pack covers about 100 days, or roughly a third of a year. If you date only the days you write, it lasts longer. ## How do Frame Stickers compare with Frame Stickers for Dates? **They are two different packs: one sized for the monthly calendar, one for writing dates on free pages.** | Pack | Made for | Sheets | Stickers | 2027 price | |---|---|---|---|---| | Frame Stickers | A6 Techo Original monthly calendar | 4 | 81 | ¥550 (about US$3.50) | | Frame Stickers for Dates | Day-Free memo and graph pages | 5 | 100 | ¥660 (about US$4.20) | Hobonichi says the original Frame Stickers fit the monthly calendar of the A6 [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/), with purpose frames for birthdays, trips, deadlines and meals, plus a few larger stickers for the daily pages. That pack has been around a while: Hobonichi's 2017 lineup lists it at ¥432 (about US$2.70). ## How do you use frame stickers in a Day-Free or Techo? **Stick a frame where an entry starts and write the date inside; the see-through paper keeps the grid visible.** In a Day-Free, that turns a run of undated pages into a dated journal you can scan by eye. They also work as headings for lists, trips or reading notes. Pair them with Hobonichi's [Transparent Dot Stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-transparent-dot-stickers/) as bullets, or use Midori's [Yuru Log stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/) for small pictures beside the date. For ready-made EVENT and IMPORTANT frames, words and icons, Hobonichi's [TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set/) packs 262 stickers on 5 sheets. ## Which pens work on Hobonichi frame stickers? **Hobonichi says you can write on top of the stickers, and its page for the original Frame Stickers names pencils and pens.** We haven't timed drying yet, so give gel ink a few seconds before you close the book. Tracing-type paper is smoother and less absorbent than notebook paper, so fine tips and pencils are a safe start. We'll add pen-by-pen results after our test. ## Are they worth buying? **They are worth it if you keep an undated notebook and want dates to stand out.** At ¥660 (about US$4.20) in Japan, the pack is cheap; US prices sit in our $$ band because of import and shipping. If you only use a dated Techo, the original Frame Stickers for the monthly calendar or plain dot stickers may suit you better. For dates without stickers, the [Midori Paintable Rotating Date Stamp](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-paintable-rotating-date-stamp/) prints the month and day with an icon you can color in. ## Where are Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates made? **Milligram lists them as designed and made in Japan.** Hobonichi Co., Ltd. is based in Tokyo; its Japanese and English product pages don't state a country of manufacture. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates? They are small frame-shaped stickers printed on see-through tracing paper. You stick one on a page and write a date inside it, with a small space below for the weekday, weather or an anniversary. ### How many stickers come in a pack of Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates? The Journal Shop and Hunter Paper Co. list 5 sheets with 100 stickers in total. Hobonichi doesn't give a count, but says the pack mixes 25 frame designs. The other Frame Stickers pack has 4 sheets and 81 stickers, so check the title before you buy. ### How big are the sheets? Hobonichi lists 148 × 100 × 1 mm and about 2.5 g, and The Journal Shop gives the same 100 × 148 × 1 mm per sheet, about 3.9 × 5.8 in, close to an A6 page. ### Can you write on Hobonichi frame stickers? Yes. Hobonichi says the paper is see-through, with a texture like tracing paper that can be written on. We haven't yet tested which pens dry fastest on it. ### Are Hobonichi frame stickers removable? The Journal Shop and Hunter Paper Co. say they can be removed from a planner without damaging the paper. We haven't tested removal on Tomoe River paper, so try a back page first. ### What is the difference between Frame Stickers and Frame Stickers for Dates? Frame Stickers are sized for the A6 Techo Original's monthly calendar and come 4 sheets and 81 stickers to a pack. Frame Stickers for Dates are made for writing dates on the Day-Free's memo and graph pages and come 5 sheets and 100 stickers. ### Where are Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates made? Milligram lists them as designed and made in Japan. Hobonichi, a Tokyo company, doesn't state the country on its store page. ## Sources - [ほぼ日の日付用フレームシール - ほぼ日手帳 2027 (Hobonichi Japanese store: 25 frame designs, 148 × 100 × 1 mm, about 2.5 g, tracing paper, ¥660)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_frameseald/) - [ほぼ日のフレームシール - ほぼ日手帳 2027 (Hobonichi Japanese store: Frame Stickers for the monthly calendar, tracing paper, ¥550)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_frameseal/) - [Hobonichi: Frame Stickers for Dates, Hobonichi Techo 2027 (English)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_frameseald/) - [Hobonichi: Frame Stickers, Hobonichi Techo 2017 lineup (¥432)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/pc/en/2017/detail_toolstoys/tt_frameseal.html) - [Hobonichi Techo News: Frame Stickers, a best buddy for Day-Free](https://www.1101.com/pl/techo_news_en/statuses/457143) - [The Journal Shop: Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates, 5 sheets (100 stickers, 100 × 148 × 1 mm, removable)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-us/products/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates-5-sheets) - [The Journal Shop: Hobonichi Frame Stickers, 4 sheets (81 stickers)](https://thejournalshop.com/products/hobonichi-frame-stickers-4-sheets) - [Milligram: Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates (designed and made in Japan)](https://milligram.com/products/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates (5 sheets, 100 stickers)](https://hunterpaperco.com/en-us/products/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates) - [Boston General Store: Hobonichi Frame Stickers for Dates](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates) - [JetPens: Hobonichi Accessory, Frame Stickers for Dates, 5 sheets](https://www.jetpens.com/Hobonichi-Accessory-Frame-Stickers-for-Dates-5-Sheets/pd/30389) --- # Mrs. Grossman's Sticker Strips: Die-Cut Since 1979 > Mrs. Grossman's sticker strips are die-cut decorative stickers on a 2 × 6.5 in (51 × 165 mm) backing, made by the Petaluma, California company Andrea Grossman founded in 1979. Designs range from owls to alphabets, and the count varies by design. A strip sits in our under-$5 band, printed in the company's own US plant. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mrs-grossmans-sticker-strips/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Mrs. Grossman's sticker strips drawn to scale: three 2 × 6.5 in strips of die-cut butterflies, cupcakes and owls, one owl peeled off, and a 3.25 × 2 in half strip of hearts and stars](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/mrs-grossmans-sticker-strips-16x9.png) *Three full strips, a half strip and one sticker peeled off; the designs are representative.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/mrs-grossmans-sticker-strips-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Mrs. Grossman's sticker strip (2 × 6.5 in) | Mrs. Grossman's (by Mrs. Grossman's Paper Company (Petaluma, California)) | United States | United States | – | – | $: under $5 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Mrs. Grossman's sticker strip (2 × 6.5 in)): United States. ANB Baby lists the Chubby Construction strip as made in the USA, and Mrs. Grossman's says its 50,000 sq ft Petaluma factory houses its own printing plant. One reseller listing for a Unicorn Portraits strip says imported, so check the package of a specific design. Source: https://www.anbbaby.com/products/mrs-grossmans-strip-of-chubby-construction-stickers ## Key takeaways - A standard strip measures 2 × 6.5 in (51 × 165 mm), per Mrs. Grossman's own listings and US retailers; some older designs came as 2 × 3.25 in half strips. - Andrea Grossman founded the company in 1979 in Woodacre, California; it is now in Petaluma. - Mrs. Grossman's own store prices a two-sheet package of 2 × 6.5 in Reflections strips in our $ band (under $5). - A 2010 profile counted up to 500 Mrs. Grossman's designs on shelves worldwide. - Retailers list the strips as made in the USA, and the company runs its own printing plant in Petaluma. ## What are Mrs. Grossman's sticker strips? **They are die-cut decorative stickers sold on a narrow 2 × 6.5 in backing, made by Mrs. Grossman's in Petaluma, California.** Each strip carries one design, such as owls, cupcakes, butterflies or an alphabet, cut close around each picture. Andrea Grossman founded the company in 1979 in Woodacre, California, and the company credits her with the first decorative sticker on a roll. A trade article recalls that kids everywhere soon collected the stickers. ## Mrs. Grossman's sticker strip specs | Spec | Mrs. Grossman's strip | |---|---| | Strip size | 2 × 6.5 in (51 × 165 mm) | | Half strip (some designs) | 2 × 3.25 in (51 × 83 mm) | | Stickers per strip | Varies by design | | Cut | Die-cut around each sticker | | Archival claims | Acid-free, lignin-free, photo safe (Amazon listings) | | Lines | Reflections, Paper Whispers, Photoessence, Design Line and more | | Price band | $ (under $5) per strip or small package | | Made in | United States (most listings) | Mrs. Grossman's own store lists the Purses micro Reflections strip at 2 × 6-1/2 in, and ANB Baby gives the same size for other designs. A collector's listing gives 3.25 × 2 in for a half strip. ![Drawn to scale: a full Mrs. Grossman's strip of 2 by 6.5 inches with six die-cut owls, and a half strip of 2 by 3.25 inches with three hearts; the count per strip varies by design](https://stationerytimes.com/images/mrs-grossmans-sticker-strips-sizes.svg) *The full and half strip formats; the sticker art is representative.* ## How many stickers come on a strip? **It depends on the design: retailers say the size and number of stickers per package vary.** A strip of large stickers might hold a handful; small repeats or letters fill it with many more. Packaging varies too. Mrs. Grossman's sells some designs as packages of two sheets, and Amazon lists Flying Away strips three to a package. ## What makes Mrs. Grossman's different from other sticker brands? **It is one of the oldest US decorative sticker makers still printing its own stickers, in its own plant.** The company says its Petaluma factory houses its own printing plant. A 2010 North Bay Bohemian profile counted up to 500 designs on store shelves worldwide. It also described a laser built to cut intricate sticker designs, the only one of its kind at a US sticker company, the article said. | Brand | Format | Based in | |---|---|---| | Mrs. Grossman's | Die-cut strips, 2 × 6.5 in | Petaluma, California | | [Pipsticks](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pipsticks-so-many-stickers/) | Sticker books and a subscription club | United States | | [Recollections](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/recollections-planner-sticker-book/) | Planner sticker books | United States (Michaels) | | [Kamio Japan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kamio-picture-book-stickers/) | Sheets and flake packs | Japan | Choose Mrs. Grossman's when you want a single theme in a few well-cut stickers. Sticker books suit planners better when you want hundreds of small labels in one place. ## Which Mrs. Grossman's designs are most popular? **A trade article names Happy Birthday, Chubby Owls, Cupcakes, Butterflies and Precious Puppies among its popular designs.** Retailers also stock alphabet strips, vehicles and seasonal themes. Designs come and go, and Mrs. Grossman's runs a sticker club through Cratejoy for regular new strips. Older designs, such as 1980s pearlescent strips, turn up on Etsy and eBay for collectors. ## What are Mrs. Grossman's stickers good for? **They suit scrapbooks, cards, letters and kids' crafts, where one bold sticker does the decorating.** Amazon listings describe the stickers as acid-free, lignin-free and photo safe, which matters next to photos in an album. In a planner, use one strip sticker as a monthly header and smaller stickers from a book for daily boxes. ## How much do Mrs. Grossman's sticker strips cost? **Most strips sit in our $ band, under $5.** Mrs. Grossman's own store prices a two-sheet package of Purses micro Reflections strips in that band, and so does Tessa Scrapbooks for a single White Picket Fence strip. Some specialty shops charge more for a single strip, and collectors pay more for vintage designs. ## Where are Mrs. Grossman's stickers made? **Retailers list Mrs. Grossman's strips as made in the USA, and the company prints in Petaluma, California.** ANB Baby lists a Chubby Construction strip as made in the USA. One reseller lists a Unicorn Portraits strip as imported, so check the package if origin matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is a Mrs. Grossman's sticker strip? A standard strip is 2 × 6.5 in (51 × 165 mm), the size Mrs. Grossman's lists on its own store and that retailers repeat. Some older designs came as half strips of about 2 × 3.25 in. ### How many stickers are on a Mrs. Grossman's strip? It depends on the design. Retailers note that size and number of stickers per package vary by design, from a few large stickers to many small ones. ### Are Mrs. Grossman's stickers still made? Yes. The company still sells strips on its own website and through shops, and it runs a factory with its own printing plant in Petaluma, California. ### Where are Mrs. Grossman's stickers made? Retailers list strips as made in the USA, and the company prints in Petaluma, California. One reseller lists a Unicorn Portraits strip as imported, so check the package for a specific design. ### Are Mrs. Grossman's stickers safe for photo albums? Amazon listings describe Mrs. Grossman's stickers as acid-free, lignin-free and photo safe. That is the seller's claim; we haven't tested it. ### Who founded Mrs. Grossman's? Andrea Grossman founded the company in 1979 in Woodacre, California. The company credits her with the first decorative sticker on a roll. ### Why are vintage Mrs. Grossman's stickers collected? They were a big part of the 1980s sticker-collecting craze, and older strips such as pearlescent designs still sell to collectors on Etsy and eBay. ## Sources - [Mrs. Grossman's: Purses, micro, Reflections Stickers (2 × 6-1/2 in, package of two, price)](https://mrsgrossmans.com/products/purses-micro) - [Mrs. Grossman's: Stickers (Petaluma, CA; factory with its own printing plant)](https://mrsgrossmans.com/) - [Mrs. Grossman's: Meet Mrs. Grossman](https://mrsgrossmans.com/pages/meet-mrs-grossman) - [ANB Baby: Mrs. Grossman's Strip of Chubby Construction Stickers (made in USA; founded 1979 in Woodacre)](https://www.anbbaby.com/products/mrs-grossmans-strip-of-chubby-construction-stickers) - [ANB Baby: Mrs. Grossman's Strip of Reflection Cool Treats Stickers (2 × 6-1/2 in)](https://www.anbbaby.com/products/mrs-grossmans-strip-of-reflection-cool-treats-stickers) - [ANB Baby: Mrs. Grossman's Strip of Unicorn Portraits Stickers](https://www.anbbaby.com/products/mrs-grossmans-strip-of-unicorn-portraits-stickers) - [Tessa Scrapbooks: Mrs. Grossman's White Picket Fence Sticker Strip](https://tessascrapbooks.com/product/mrs-grossmans-white-picket-fence-sticker-strip/) - [Amazon: Mrs. Grossman Flying Away Strips, 2 × 6.5 in, 3 per package](https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Grossman-Flying-Strips-Stickers/dp/B077QGDVDB) - [Amazon: Mrs. Grossman's Design Line Tweeds & Twills Photoessence Stickers (acid-free, photo safe)](https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Grossmans-Design-Photoessence-Stickers/dp/B07V8D1STY) - [Amazon: Mrs. Grossman's Numeral 40 Paper Whispers Stickers](https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Grossmans-Numeral-Whispers-Stickers/dp/B07QS6BK1R) - [Etsy: Mrs. Grossman two half strip stickers (3.25 × 2 in)](https://www.etsy.com/listing/4347445693/mrs-grossman-two-half-strip-stickers) - [Etsy: Set of two vintage 1980s Mrs. Grossman's pearlescent sticker strips (2 × 6.5 in)](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1727003867/set-of-two-rare-vintage-1980s-mrs) - [North Bay Bohemian: Adhering to Quality (2010 profile; up to 500 designs, laser cutting)](https://bohemian.com/adhering-to-quality-1/) - [Gifts & Decorative Accessories: Still Sticking Around (2,000+ stores, popular designs)](https://www.giftsanddec.com/business-news/still-sticking-around) - [Cratejoy: Mrs. Grossman's Sticker Club](https://www.cratejoy.com/products/mrs-grossmans) --- # Faber-Castell Polychromos: Oil-Based Artist Pencils > Faber-Castell Polychromos are oil-based artists' colored pencils made in Germany. The line has 120 colors, each with a 3.8 mm core in a 176 mm cedar pencil, and a star rating on every pencil for lightfastness. Sold in tins of 12 to 120, they cost under $5 a pencil in the big sets. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-polychromos/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencil, 176 mm long and drawn to scale, with a round dark green barrel, gold imprint and the end dipped in its orange lead color; inset: the sharpened 3.8 mm oil-based core](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/faber-castell-polychromos-16x9.png) *A Polychromos at its listed 176 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/faber-castell-polychromos-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Faber-Castell Polychromos artists' colored pencils, tin of 120 (110011) | Faber-Castell (by Faber-Castell AG, Stein, Germany) | Germany | Germany | Cedar wood case, oil-based pigment core | 1908 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Faber-Castell Polychromos artists' colored pencils, tin of 120 (110011)): Germany. Officeworks lists Germany as the country of manufacture for the 120-pencil tin. Faber-Castell's German and other product pages we read don't state a country. Source: https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/faber-castell-polychromos-coloured-pencils-120-pack-fa18110011 ## Key takeaways - The full Polychromos range is 120 colors, sold in tins of 12, 24, 36, 60 and 120 plus a 120-color wooden case. - Faber-Castell's German site gives a 3.8 mm core, about 1.7 times the 2.2 mm core of a No. 2 graphite pencil; Galaxus lists a pencil length of 176 mm (6.9 in). - Each pencil carries 1 to 3 stars for lightfastness, graded good, very good or maximum; Blick sells a 102-color set of 3-star colors. - Cowling & Wilcox says Polychromos first launched in 1908; the 120 tin is item 110011, EAN 4005401100119. - Officeworks lists Germany as the country of manufacture; Faber-Castell is based in Stein, near Nuremberg. ## What are Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils? **Polychromos are Faber-Castell's oil-based artists' colored pencils, with a 3.8 mm core in a cedar case.** Faber-Castell's German site lists the 3.8 mm core, smudge- and water-resistant color and break resistance from "Sekuralverleimung (SV)" bonding; retailers describe the binder as oil-based. The name means "many colors". Cowling & Wilcox dates the first Polychromos to 1908, though we found no Faber-Castell page confirming the year. ## Polychromos specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Faber-Castell AG, Stein, Germany | | Colors | 120 | | Binder | Oil-based | | Core | 3.8 mm (Faber-Castell) | | Length | 176 mm (6.9 in) | | Case | California cedar, SV-bonded core | | Lightfastness | 1–3 stars on each pencil (good, very good, maximum) | | 120 tin | 110011, EAN 4005401100119 | | Sets | Tins of 12, 24, 36, 60, 120; wooden case of 120 | | Made in | Germany (per Officeworks) | The core, bonding and finish come from Faber-Castell's German site; the length from Galaxus, the cedar case from Cowling & Wilcox and Art to Art. Faber-Castell publishes no length, so treat 176 mm as a retailer figure. Its German site shows 138 color variants for single pencils, more than the 120 in the biggest tin; we couldn't see the list. ## How big is the Polychromos core? **Faber-Castell lists it at 3.8 mm, about 1.7 times the core of a No. 2 graphite pencil.** ![Polychromos 3.8 mm core drawn to scale next to a 2.2 mm No. 2 pencil core and 0.5 mm mechanical lead; below, the one-to-three-star lightfastness key printed on each pencil](https://stationerytimes.com/images/faber-castell-polychromos-core.svg) *Core diameters to scale, and what the stars on each pencil mean.* A wide core takes broad strokes and shading well, and it can still be sharpened to a fine point because the oil binder is firmer than wax. ## What do the lightfastness stars mean? **Each pencil carries one to three stars; Cowling & Wilcox describes them as good, very good and maximum lightfastness.** Some retailers map three stars to Blue Wool 7–8, but we couldn't confirm that mapping on a page we could read. If your work will hang in daylight, use three-star colors where you can. Blick sells a 102-color set of only the maximum-lightfastness colors and says they resist fading for more than 100 years under museum conditions, so most of the 120 earn three stars. ## How do you blend and layer Polychromos? **By building thin layers with light pressure, then pressing harder for the final layers.** Walmart reviewers of the 120 tin say the colors blend well, lay down smoothly and layer with other media. Faber-Castell describes the color as smudge- and water-resistant ("wisch- und wasserfest") once on paper. That means finished areas stay put when you rest your hand on them, but you can't wash them out with water as you would a watercolor pencil. Oil-based cores are often said to take more layers than soft wax cores before the paper stops accepting color. We haven't measured that ourselves yet. ## Which Polychromos set should you buy? **Start with the 24 or 36 tin, then add single pencils; buy the 120 if you already know you'll use the range.** - **12 or 24:** enough for sketching and learning layering. - **36 or 60:** adds earth tones and grays for landscapes and portraits. - **120 tin or wooden case:** the full range, and the cheapest way to buy per pencil, still in our $ band (under $5). Open stock lets you replace the colors you use most without buying another set. ## How does Polychromos compare with Prismacolor Premier? **Polychromos is firmer and oil-based; [Prismacolor Premier](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/prismacolor-premier-colored-pencils/) is softer and wax-based.** | | Faber-Castell Polychromos | Prismacolor Premier | |---|---|---| | Binder | Oil | Wax | | Colors | 120 | 150 | | Core | 3.8 mm | 3–3.8 mm | | Made in | Germany | Mexico | | Price band per pencil | $ | $ | A review roundup credits Polychromos with creamy laydown and good point retention but notes the harder core needs more pressure for heavy coverage. Choose Polychromos for detail and layering, Premier for fast, rich coverage. ## How does Polychromos relate to the Castell 9000? **Both are Faber-Castell's artist pencils in dark green barrels: the [Castell 9000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-9000/) is the graphite line, Polychromos the colored one.** Use a light 9000 grade such as 2H for the underdrawing, so the graphite doesn't gray your colors. For an alternative graphite range with more grades, see the [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/). For ink lines under colored pencil, Faber-Castell's [PITT Artist Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pen/) uses lightfast, waterproof India ink. ## Where are Faber-Castell Polychromos made? **Officeworks lists Germany as the country of manufacture for the 120 tin.** Faber-Castell is based in Stein, near Nuremberg; its own pages that we could reach don't name the factory for Polychromos. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are Polychromos pencils oil-based? Yes. Retailers such as Cowling & Wilcox describe artists' pigments in an oil-based binder, which makes the core firmer than wax-based pencils and helps it hold a point. ### How many colors does Polychromos have? 120 in the largest tin and wooden case; tins of 12, 24, 36 and 60 are subsets, and Blick sells a 102-color set of the most lightfast colors. Faber-Castell's German site shows 138 color variants for single pencils, so the open-stock range may be larger. ### What do the stars on Polychromos pencils mean? They rate lightfastness. Cowling & Wilcox describes the grades as good, very good and maximum, and Blick says three-star colors resist fading for more than 100 years under museum conditions. ### Are Polychromos better than Prismacolor? They're different. Polychromos are oil-based, firmer and keep a point longer; Prismacolor Premier are wax-based, softer and cover faster. Many reviewers praise both, so choose by how you like to work. ### Are Polychromos pencils worth the money? For finished art you want to keep, usually: the oil-based cores are break-resistant, lightfast ratings are printed on each pencil, and the 120 tin works out to under $5 a pencil. For casual coloring, a cheaper set is enough. ### Can you blend Polychromos pencils? Yes, by layering. Reviewers say they blend well and lay down smoothly, though the harder core needs more pressure for heavy coverage than a wax-based pencil. ### Where are Faber-Castell Polychromos made? Officeworks lists Germany as the country of manufacture. Faber-Castell is headquartered in Stein, near Nuremberg. ## Sources - [Faber-Castell (Germany): Polychromos Farbstift, 120er Metalletui (colored pencils, metal tin of 120: item 110011, 3.8 mm core, smudge- and water-resistant, SV bonding)](https://www.faber-castell.de/produkte/PolychromosFarbstift120erMetalletui/110011) - [Faber-Castell (Germany): Polychromos Farbstift, 165 wacholdergrün (single pencil, juniper green: 138 color variants listed)](https://www.faber-castell.de/produkte/PolychromosFarbstift165wacholdergr%c3%bcn/110165) - [Galaxus: Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 metal case (176 mm length, 3.8 mm lead)](https://galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/faber-castell-polychromos-120-metal-case-multicoloured-120-x-pencils-8578778) - [eBay.de: Faber-Castell Polychromos 120 (110011, EAN 4005401100119, 3.8 mm lead)](https://www.ebay.de/p/7027179130) - [Officeworks: Faber-Castell Polychromos 120-pack (country of manufacture Germany)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/faber-castell-polychromos-coloured-pencils-120-pack-fa18110011) - [Freestyle Photo: Polychromos 120 in metal tin (oil-based binder, cedar)](https://www.freestylephoto.com/110011-Faber-Castell-Polychromos-Color-Pencil-Set-120-Pencils-in-Metal-Tin) - [T N Lawrence: Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils (lightfastness grading)](https://www.tnlawrence.com/faber-castell-polychromos-pencils) - [Art to Art: Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils](https://www.arttoart.net/faber-castell-polychromos-pencils) - [Merriartist: Polychromos 165 Juniper Green (3.8 mm, California cedar, SV bonding)](https://merriartist.com/products/fc110165) - [Blick: Polychromos set of 102, maximum lightfastness (3-star colors, 100+ years under museum conditions)](https://www.dickblick.com/items/faber-castell-polychromos-pencil-set-of-102-maximum-lightfastness-assorted-colors/) - [Guild Art Supply: Polychromos 24-color tin set](https://www.guildartsupply.com/shop/c/p/POLYCHROMOS-PENCILS-24-COLOR-TIN-SET-x51208295.htm) - [Walmart: Faber-Castell Polychromos tin set, 120 colors](https://www.walmart.com/ip/39104359) - [Mayfair Farms: best colored pencil sets, July 2026 (Polychromos 120 review)](https://www.mayfairfarms.com/?p=33718) - [Cowling & Wilcox: Polychromos colour pencil tin of 120 (first launched 1908, oil-based binder, 3.8 mm, FSC cedar, lightfastness grades)](https://cowlingandwilcox.com/coloured-pencils/112-faber-castell-polychromos-colour-pencil-tin-120) --- # Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro: The Light Drafting Pencil > The Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro is a lightweight drafting mechanical pencil Pentel has made since 1986. It comes in 0.3 to 0.7 mm in the US, plus 0.9 mm in Japan (PG1003 to PG1009), with a fixed 4 mm sleeve, metal grip, lead-grade indicator and short clip. Retailers list about 145 mm, 11 g and Japan as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro 0.5 mm drafting pencil drawn to scale at about 145 mm (5.7 in), with metal clip, lead-grade window, metal grip and 4 mm sleeve; inset: the small rubber pads in the metal grip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro-16x9.png) *The PG1005 at about 145 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro mechanical drafting pencil (PG1005, 0.5 mm) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | ABS plastic barrel, aluminum and silicone-rubber grip, brass tip and clutch, iron clip | 1986 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro mechanical drafting pencil (PG1005, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Hunter Paper Co. says the Graph 1000 for Pro (0.5 and 0.7 mm) is made in Japan. Pentel's Japanese product page and its 2025 news release don't state the country of manufacture. Source: https://hunterpaperco.com/products/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro-0-7mm-mechanical-pencil ## Key takeaways - Pentel's Japanese design archive dates the Graph 1000 for Pro to 1986; it won a Good Design Award that year and a Long Life Design Award in 1997. - US retailers list four lead sizes, PG1003 (0.3 mm) to PG1007 (0.7 mm); Pentel's Japanese site adds a fifth, the 0.9 mm PG1009. - Retailers list it at about 145–147 mm (5.7–5.8 in) and 11 g (0.38 oz), close to half the 20 g of a GraphGear 1000. - The 4 mm lead sleeve is fixed, unlike the GraphGear 1000's retractable sleeve. - Retailers list it as made in Japan, and it sells in our $$ band ($5–20) in the US. ## What is the Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro? **The Graph 1000 for Pro is Pentel's lightweight drafting mechanical pencil, made since 1986.** It has a fixed 4 mm lead sleeve for working along a ruler, a metal grip set with small rubber pads, a lead-grade indicator and a short clip. Pentel's Japanese design archive dates it to 1986, the year it won a Good Design Award; it won a Long Life Design Award in 1997. In 2025 Pentel chose it, alongside the GraphGear 500 and [GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/), for limited editions marking 60 years of its drafting pencils. Pentel Japan's October 9, 2025 release priced the black-body anniversary PG1005 at ¥1,650 (about US$10) including tax. ## Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo | | Models | PG1003 (0.3 mm), PG1004 (0.4 mm), PG1005 (0.5 mm), PG1007 (0.7 mm); PG1009 (0.9 mm) listed in Japan | | Released | 1986 (Pentel Japan) | | Lead sleeve | 4 mm, fixed | | Grip | Metal with rubber pads; not knurled | | Body | Plastic (recycled ABS on the 2025 anniversary edition), black | | Clutch | Brass | | Extras | Lead-grade indicator, short clip, eraser under the cap (refill Z2-1N) | | Length | About 145–147 mm (5.7–5.8 in) | | Weight | About 11 g (0.38 oz) | | Japan list price | ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) including tax, ¥1,200 (about US$7.60) before tax | | JAN (PG1005) | 4902506314031 | | Made in | Japan (per retailers) | Pentel's Japanese site lists the five model numbers, HB lead preloaded in each, a low center of gravity toward the point, a stepped tip for a clear view of the line, a matte black tip and a metal-and-rubber grip, and the list price above (October 2026). It gives no length or weight, so those and the materials come from Bungu Store's listing of the 2025 anniversary edition (PG1005-ANA: 10 × 8 × 145 mm, 11 g, recycled ABS barrel, aluminum and silicone-rubber grip, iron clip, brass tip) and from Hunter Paper Co. (14.7 cm). Mechanical Inclination notes the plastic body, full brass clutch and metal lead tube. ## Why does a drafting pencil have a 4 mm sleeve? **A long, thin sleeve lets the point reach the paper along the edge of a ruler or template.** With a short cone, the body would hit the straightedge and push the line away from it. The sleeve also makes the point easy to see while you draw. Pentel's 2025 anniversary release lists the 4 mm guide pipe, the stepped head, a short clip that stays clear of the hand and the lead-grade window as the hallmarks of its drafting pencils. Because it doesn't retract, the sleeve is also the part most likely to bend if the pencil is dropped on its point. A pencil case with a separate slot is worth the space. ## Which lead size should you choose? **Choose 0.5 mm (PG1005) for everyday writing and drafting; it is the most widely stocked.** ![Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro lead diameters to scale: PG1003 0.3 mm, PG1004 0.4 mm, PG1005 0.5 mm and PG1007 0.7 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro-lead-sizes.svg) *The last digit of the model number is the lead size.* - **0.3 mm (PG1003):** fine technical lines and small handwriting; thin lead breaks more easily. - **0.4 mm (PG1004):** a step between fine and standard, listed by JetPens and Japanese retailers. - **0.5 mm (PG1005):** the all-round size. - **0.7 mm (PG1007):** bolder and stronger, for heavy hands and sketching. - **0.9 mm (PG1009):** listed on Pentel's Japanese site; we didn't find it at US retailers, so expect to import it. The 0.3 mm PG1003 listing showed 4.5 stars from about 5,561 reviews in an Amazon mirror, and the PG1005 ranked around 175th in Mechanical Pencils. ## How does it compare to the GraphGear 1000? **The Graph 1000 for Pro is the lighter, simpler pencil; the [GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/) is heavier, metal and has a retractable tip.** | | Graph 1000 for Pro | GraphGear 1000 | |---|---|---| | Released | 1986 | 2002 | | Body | Plastic, metal grip | Metal, knurled grip | | Sleeve | 4 mm, fixed | 4 mm, retractable | | Lead sizes | 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7 mm (0.9 mm in Japan) | 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 mm | | Weight | About 11 g | About 20 g | | Price band | $$ | $$ | GraphGear specs come from our guide to it. In reviews mirrored from Amazon, one buyer calls it "lighter than the GraphGear 1000, which I personally prefer"; another found it too plastic next to the GraphGear. ## Is the Graph 1000 for Pro good for writing? **Yes, especially if you find metal drafting pencils heavy.** At about 11 g it weighs about the same as a [Pentel Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/), and the padded grip is softer than knurled metal. The fixed sleeve is the drawback for carrying. Keep it in a case, or choose a pencil with a retracting tip. If you want a heavier all-metal drafting pencil, see the [rOtring 600](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-600/); for a grippier Pentel with rubber blocks on a metal grip, see the [Pentel Smash](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-smash/). ## What lead does it use? **Any standard lead of the right diameter; it comes loaded with HB.** Set the grade indicator to match the lead you put in, so you know what's inside without writing a test line. For a stronger refill, see our guide to [Pentel Ain Stein lead](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-ain-stein-lead/). ## Where is the Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro made? **Hunter Paper Co. lists both the 0.5 and 0.7 mm versions as made in Japan.** Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state the country of manufacture in what we found. Pentel, now ASTRUM Corporation, is based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between the Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro and the GraphGear 1000? The Graph 1000 for Pro is a lighter, mostly plastic pencil with a fixed 4 mm sleeve, about 11 g. The GraphGear 1000 has a metal body, a knurled grip and a sleeve that retracts, at about 20 g. ### When did the Pentel Graph 1000 come out? In 1986, per Pentel's Japanese design archive. Pentel picked it, with the GraphGear 500 (2001) and GraphGear 1000 (2002), for its 2025 limited editions marking 60 years of drafting pencils. ### What lead sizes does the Graph 1000 for Pro come in? 0.3 mm (PG1003), 0.4 mm (PG1004), 0.5 mm (PG1005) and 0.7 mm (PG1007) at US retailers; Pentel's Japanese site also lists 0.9 mm (PG1009). The last digit of the model number is the lead size. ### Does the Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro have a retractable tip? No. The 4 mm lead sleeve is fixed, so it is best carried in a case rather than a shirt pocket. ### How heavy is the Graph 1000 for Pro? About 11 g (0.38 oz), according to retail listings and the 60th Anniversary edition's spec sheet. That's similar to a Pentel P205 and about half a GraphGear 1000. ### Is the Graph 1000 for Pro good for writing as well as drafting? Yes. At about 11 g with a padded grip it is light for a drafting pencil, and some reviewers prefer it to the heavier GraphGear 1000 for that reason. ### Where is the Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro made? Hunter Paper Co. lists it as made in Japan. Pentel's own pages don't state the country; the brand is based in Tokyo. ## Sources - [グラフ1000〈フォープロ〉 (Pentel Japan product page: PG1003 to PG1009, JAN codes, HB lead, ¥1,320 list price, Z2-1N eraser)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/graph1000/) - [グラフ1000 (Pentel Japan design archive: released 1986, Good Design Award 1986, Long Life Design Award 1997)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/about/design/61h0695/) - [ぺんてるが製図用シャープペンシル発売60周年を記念し、黒ボディ限定モデル3種と歴史年表付きセットを発売 (Pentel Japan news release, October 9, 2025: 60th-anniversary editions, 1986 release, 4 mm guide pipe)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/20251009/) - [Get Navi (Japanese): Pentel 60th-anniversary limited drafting pencils, including the Graph 1000 for Pro released 1986](https://getnavi.jp/variety/1066611/) - [Bungu Store: Graph 1000 for Pro 60th Anniversary Edition PG1005-ANA (10 × 8 × 145 mm, 11 g, materials)](https://bungu.store/products/limited-graph-1000-for-pro-mechanical-pencil-60th-anniversary-edition-pentel) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro 0.7 mm (fixed metal sleeve, lead-grade window, 14.7 cm, made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro-0-7mm-mechanical-pencil) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro 0.5 mm](https://hunterpaperco.com/collections/pentel/products/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro-0-5mm-mechanical-pencil) - [Yoseka Stationery: Pentel PG1005 professional drafting pencil (produced since 1986)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/pentel-pg1005-professional-drafting-mechanical-pencil) - [Yoseka Stationery: Pentel PG1003 professional drafting pencil](https://yosekastationery.com/products/pentel-pg1003-professional-drafting-mechanical-pencil) - [JetPens: Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro drafting pencils (0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7 mm)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-Graph-1000-Pro-Drafting-Pencils/ct/74) - [JetPens: Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro 0.7 mm (no knurled grip)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-Graph-1000-for-Pro-Drafting-Pencil-0.7-mm/pd/646) - [Sundrug Online: Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro 0.4 mm, PG1004](https://sundrug-online.com/en/products/4902506314024) - [eBay: Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro PG1007 0.7 mm](https://www.ebay.com/p/710145134) - [Swiss Post shop: Pentel Graph 0.5 mm PG1005-A, black](https://shop.post.ch/en/stationery/writing-utensils/pencils/pentel-druckbleistift-graph-0-5mm-pg1005-a-schwarz/p/802266) - [Desertcart (mirror of the Amazon listing): Pentel Graph for Pro 0.5 mm (rank, weight)](https://www.desertcart.uy/products/1736276) - [Desertcart (mirror of the Amazon listing): Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro PG1005 (0.384 oz)](https://www.desertcart.ma/products/1736276) - [Desertcart (mirror of the Amazon listing): Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro 0.3 mm, PG1003 (ratings)](https://www.desertcart.vn/products/7853766) - [Mechanical Inclination: Review of the GraphGear line (Graph 1000 for Pro construction)](https://mechanicalinclination.substack.com/p/review-graphgear-line) - [The Pen Addict: Pentel Graph 1000 0.5 mm review](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2021/8/2/pentel-graph-1000-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-red-gradation-review) --- # Prismacolor Premier: Soft-Core Colored Pencils > Prismacolor Premier pencils are soft-core colored pencils with a thick, wax-based core in a cedar case painted the color of the lead. The line has 150 colors, sold in sets from 12 to 150. Retailers list the core at 3 to 3.8 mm and Mexico as the country of origin; most sets work out under $5 a pencil. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/prismacolor-premier-colored-pencils/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Prismacolor Premier colored pencil in Crimson Red with a round red barrel matching its core, drawn in proportion with the point sharpened; inset: the pencil end-on, showing the thick soft core inside the cedar case](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/prismacolor-premier-colored-pencils-16x9.png) *A Premier in Crimson Red, drawn in proportion.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/prismacolor-premier-colored-pencils-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Prismacolor Premier soft-core colored pencils, 72-count set (3599TN) | Prismacolor (by Newell Brands) | United States | Mexico | Cedar wood case, wax-based soft core | 1938 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Prismacolor Premier soft-core colored pencils, 72-count set (3599TN)): Mexico. ADI Global Distribution's catalog entry for the 3599TN gives Mexico as the country of origin and Newell Brands as the maker, and says origin is subject to change (its spec tab is shown to signed-in dealers). A brand-guide write-up also reports that packaging says "Made in Mexico". Prismacolor's own site blocks automated readers, so we couldn't check it there. Source: https://www.adiglobaldistribution.us/Product/7D-3599TN ## Key takeaways - The Premier soft-core line has 150 colors; retailers and collectors list sets of 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 132 and 150. - The core is wax-based, not oil-based, and retailers list it at anything from 3 mm to 3.8 mm across. - Staples lists each pencil in the 72-count set (3599TN) at 7 in long and shows the set at 4.87 stars from 1,698 reviews (October 2026). - Retail listings give Mexico as the country of origin; the brand belongs to Newell Brands. - Prismacolor dates to 1938, when the Eagle Pencil Company introduced the name. ## What are Prismacolor Premier colored pencils? **Prismacolor Premier pencils are soft-core colored pencils: a thick, wax-based core in a round cedar case.** They are Prismacolor's main artist line, and each pencil's barrel is painted the color of its core, so a Crimson Red pencil has a Crimson Red barrel. The name goes back to 1938, when the Eagle Pencil Company introduced it, according to Wikipedia. Berol owned the brand from 1969 to 1995, and Newell Brands owns and makes it today. Prismacolor's own site blocks automated readers, so the specs below come from retailers. ## Prismacolor Premier specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand owner | Newell Brands | | Line | Premier Soft Core | | Colors | 150 | | Binder | Wax-based | | Core | 3–3.8 mm, depending on the listing | | Case | Cedar, round, painted in the core color | | Set sizes | 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 132, 150 | | 72-count set | 3599TN, UPC 070735035998 | | Pencil length | 7 in (178 mm), 0.7 in around (Staples) | | Made in | Mexico (per US distributors) | The color count and set sizes come from a collector's full color list and retailer listings. The binder comes from The Virtual Instructor and the history from Wikipedia. Core sizes come from three retailers that don't agree (Gordon Harris 3.8 mm, School Specialty 3.3 mm, Sigma Supply 3 mm), so we give the range. ## What set sizes can you buy? **Retailers and collectors list seven sizes, from 12 to 150 pencils; only the 150 holds the whole line.** ![Prismacolor Premier soft-core set sizes as bars: 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 132 and 150 pencils; the 150-count set holds every color](https://stationerytimes.com/images/prismacolor-premier-colored-pencils-set-sizes.svg) *Bar height is the number of pencils in each set.* For a first set, 24 or 36 colors cover a full color wheel with a few browns and grays. The 72 adds more skin tones, browns and muted colors, and it is the set Staples and Quill both stock. Buy the 150 only if you already know you'll use the line. Hip2Save readers who bought it praise the shading and blending, while others call the price steep for a hobby. ## Why do artists like the soft core? **Because the wax binder lays down a lot of color with little pressure and blends easily.** The Virtual Instructor compares the softness to "B" graphite grades, and an eBay reviewer of the 72 set says store-brand colored pencils are "chalkier" by comparison. The trade-off is wear and breakage. Reviewers say the soft cores dull quickly and need protecting from breakage, so expect to sharpen often and to lose some points along the way. ## How do Premier and Verithin pencils differ? **Verithin pencils use the same pigments as Premier but a harder binder, so they hold a fine point.** That's how a Colored Pencil Society researcher put it on WetCanvas, and The Virtual Instructor compares Verithin to "H" graphite grades. That makes them a natural pair: Premier to lay down and blend color, Verithin for sharp edges and small details. ## How does Prismacolor Premier compare with Polychromos? **Premier is softer and wax-based; [Faber-Castell Polychromos](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-polychromos/) is firmer and oil-based.** | | Prismacolor Premier | Faber-Castell Polychromos | |---|---|---| | Binder | Wax | Oil | | Colors | 150 | 120 | | Core | 3–3.8 mm | 3.8 mm | | Made in | Mexico | Germany | | Price band per pencil | $ | $ | Specs for Polychromos come from our guide to it. Pick Premier for fast, heavy coverage and blending; pick Polychromos if you want a point that lasts longer and a harder pencil for fine detail. ## How should you sharpen Prismacolor pencils? **Gently, with a sharp blade, because the soft core breaks under pressure.** A manual sharpener with a fresh blade gives you the most control. An electric sharpener such as the [X-ACTO School Pro](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/x-acto-school-pro-sharpener/) is fast, but stop as soon as the point forms. For a graphite underdrawing that won't muddy the colors, a light H or HB pencil such as the [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/) works well. ## Where are Prismacolor Premier pencils made? **ADI Global Distribution lists Mexico as the country of origin for the 72-count 3599TN, and notes that it may change.** A brand-guide write-up also reports that packaging says "Made in Mexico". The brand is owned by Newell Brands, which also owns Paper Mate and Sharpie. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are Prismacolor Premier pencils wax-based or oil-based? Wax-based. The Virtual Instructor describes the Premier core as soft wax, which is what makes it blend and cover paper quickly; that is the main difference from oil-based pencils such as Faber-Castell Polychromos. ### How many colors do Prismacolor Premier pencils come in? 150 in the soft-core line. The 150-count set holds all of them; smaller sets of 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 132 are also sold. ### Why do Prismacolor pencils break so often? The core is very soft, and reviewers note it needs protecting from drops and heavy sharpening pressure. A sharp, gentle sharpener and storing the pencils flat help. ### What is the difference between Prismacolor Premier and Verithin? A Colored Pencil Society researcher quoted on WetCanvas says Verithin uses the same pigments as Premier with a harder binder. Use Premier for laying down and blending color, and Verithin for crisp edges and fine detail. ### Where are Prismacolor Premier pencils made? ADI Global Distribution lists Mexico as the country of origin for the 72-count set and says it may change. The brand is owned by Newell Brands. ### Are Prismacolor Premier pencils good for beginners? Yes, if you want rich color with little pressure. Start with a 24- or 36-count set before buying the 150, since soft cores wear down quickly and you'll learn which colors you use most. ### How thick is the Prismacolor Premier core? Listings disagree: one retailer gives 3.8 mm, School Specialty lists a 3.3 mm tip and an office-supply distributor lists 3 mm. All are well over the 2.2 mm core of a No. 2 graphite pencil. ## Sources - [Wikipedia: Prismacolor (1938 Eagle Pencil Company, Berol 1969–95, Newell Brands; product lines)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prismacolor) - [ADI Global Distribution: Prismacolor 3599TN 72-count tin (Newell Brands; country of origin Mexico)](https://www.adiglobaldistribution.us/Product/7D-3599TN) - [Made Good Designs: Prismacolor brand guidelines (packaging reported to say Made in Mexico)](https://madegooddesigns.com/prismacolor-brand-guidelines/) - [Jenny's Crayon Collection: complete list of Prismacolor Premier colored pencils (set sizes)](https://www.jennyscrayoncollection.com/2020/04/complete-list-of-prismacolor-premier.html) - [Staples: Prismacolor Premier Soft Core, 72 pencils (3599TN; 7 in long, 0.7 in around; 4.87 stars, 1,698 reviews)](https://www.staples.com/product_2070334) - [Quill: Prismacolor Premier soft-core colored pencils, 72 pencils (3599TN)](https://Quill.com/prismacolor-premier-soft-core-colored-pencils-assorted-colors-72-pencils-pack-3599tn/cbs/52171741.html) - [DeSerres: Prismacolor Premier 72-pack (UPC 070735035998)](https://deserres.ca/collections/prismacolor/products/72-pack-premier-coloured-pencils) - [Gordon Harris: Prismacolor Premier colour pencils (3.8 mm core, cedar casing)](https://www.gordonharris.co.nz/category/3775-prismacolor-premier-colour-pencils) - [School Specialty: Prismacolor Premier set of 36 (3.3 mm tip size)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/colored-pencil-set-248944) - [Sigma Supply: Premier colored pencil, 3 mm, 24-pack (SAN3597THT)](https://devecomm-sigmasupply.vaicloud.net/item/SAN3597THT-ES/Premier-Colored-Pencil-3-mm-2B-1-Assorted-Lead-Barrel-Colors-24-Pack) - [MyWorkSupply: Premier colored pencil, Crimson Red lead, Crimson Red barrel](https://www.myworksupply.com/products/premier-colored-pencil-crimson-red-lead-crimson-red-barrel-12-pack) - [The Virtual Instructor: colored pencil product review, Prismacolor Premier (soft wax, like B graphite)](https://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/?p=827) - [WetCanvas: Derwent Studio vs Prismacolor Verithin (same pigments, harder binder)](https://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/topic/derwent-studio-vs-prismacolor-verithins) - [eBay: Prismacolor 3599TN Premier colored pencils, 72-piece set (reviews)](https://www.ebay.com/itm/376066297126) - [Hip2Save: Prismacolor 150-count soft-core set deal and reader comments](https://hip2save.com/?p=9018186) --- # Clever Fox Planner PRO: Undated 8.5 × 11 Planner > The Clever Fox Planner PRO is an undated, letter-size (8.5 × 11 in) weekly planner from Clever Fox, whose store is run from Riga, Latvia. Clever Fox lists a faux leather softcover, elastic band, pocket, three ribbons and three sticker sheets; reviews add goal pages, 52 Monday-start weeks and 120 gsm paper. It sells for US$39.99. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/clever-fox-planner-pro/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Clever Fox Planner PRO to scale: a Forest Green 8.5 × 11 in planner, 279 mm tall and 216 mm wide, with a black elastic, beside the planner opened on a Monday-start weekly spread with a habit tracker](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/clever-fox-planner-pro-16x9.png) *The PRO closed in Forest Green and open on a weekly spread, with the habit tracker magnified (1 mm = 0.8 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/clever-fox-planner-pro-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Clever Fox Planner PRO, undated weekly & monthly planner, 8.5 × 11 in | Clever Fox (by SV Digital, LLC (Clever Fox), Riga, Latvia) | Latvia | Not stated | 120 gsm paper; sewn binding; faux leather softcover | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Clever Fox Planner PRO, undated weekly & monthly planner, 8.5 × 11 in): Not stated. Clever Fox's own store and the Amazon, Walmart and eBay listings we found give no country of manufacture; Clever Fox says only that every print run is checked. Check the label on the back of the planner. Brand origin: Clever Fox's store terms name SV Digital, LLC, registered at Gustava Zemgala gatve 74, Riga, Latvia, under Latvian law and with a Latvian VAT number; its Faire wholesale profile lists Stockton, California, and its US orders ship from Amazon fulfillment centers. Source: https://cleverfoxplanner.com/products/pro-weekly ## Key takeaways - Clever Fox gives the PRO as 8.5 × 11 in (216 × 279 mm), US letter size, though its own page also calls it "A4", as some Australian sellers do. - It is undated: Walmart's listing describes 12 months up front followed by 52 separate weeks, so you can start any week of the year. - Reviewers report 120 gsm paper with little ghosting, and one counted 26 double-sided dot grid pages at the back. - An affiliate roundup from September 2026 cites a 4.7-star average from nearly 12,000 Amazon reviews; Walmart shows 4.7 stars from 239 ratings. - Clever Fox's store terms name SV Digital, LLC at a registered address in Riga, Latvia; its Faire profile lists Stockton, California, and an early-2018 first planner. ## What is the Clever Fox Planner PRO? **The Clever Fox Planner PRO is a large, undated weekly planner built around goal setting: you plan the year's goals first, then break them down month by month and week by week.** Clever Fox calls it the advanced version of its weekly planner and sells it on its own store, Amazon and Walmart, at US$39.99 on its own store. It is heavily reviewed. Clever Fox's store shows 4.8 stars from 244 reviews, a September 2026 affiliate roundup cites a 4.7-star average from nearly 12,000 Amazon reviews, and Walmart showed 4.7 stars from 239 ratings. ## Clever Fox Planner PRO specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Size | 8.5 × 11 in (216 × 279 mm), US letter (Clever Fox) | | Dating | Undated; one year of pages | | Calendar pages | 12 monthly spreads, 52 weekly spreads (Walmart) | | Start day | Weekly: Monday; monthly: Sunday (one review) | | Paper | 120 gsm (listings and reviews) | | Extras | Inner pocket, 3 ribbon bookmarks, 3 sticker sheets (Clever Fox); vision board, goal pages, habit tracker, 26 dot grid pages (review) | | Cover | Faux leather softcover (Clever Fox) | | Closure | Elastic band | | Binding | Sewn (one review) | | Thickness | About 0.75 in (19 mm), per All About Planners | | Made in | Not stated | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75 per planner) | Some listings say hardcover, but Clever Fox's own page settles it: an elegant faux leather soft cover. Its store lists 22 colours, including Forest Green, Blue, Dark Blue, Silver Black and Amber Yellow. ![To-scale drawing of the Clever Fox Planner PRO page, 216 × 279 mm (8.5 × 11 in), with an A5 outline of 148 × 210 mm for comparison, and a list of its sections: vision board, 12 monthly and 52 weekly spreads, dot grid pages, 120 gsm paper](https://stationerytimes.com/images/clever-fox-planner-pro-size.svg) *The PRO's letter-size page against A5, at 1 mm = 1.1 px.* ## What's inside the Clever Fox Planner PRO? **It opens with goal-setting pages, then runs through monthly and weekly spreads, and ends with dot grid pages.** A review of the PRO Weekly describes an unlined two-page vision board and future-planning pages by category for 1, 5, 10 and 20 years. Each month has a calendar and a monthly review. Each weekly spread has room for each day, weekly priorities and a habit tracker, which reviewers single out as the part they use most. ## Is the undated layout a good idea? **Yes, if you tend to abandon planners: undated pages mean a missed week doesn't waste a printed week.** You write the month and dates in yourself, so you can start in October, January or mid-year. The trade-off is set-up time. You fill in 12 monthly calendars by hand, which dated planners such as the [Hobonichi Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) do for you. ## How good is the paper? **Reviewers report 120 gsm paper that handles gel pens and most markers with little ghosting.** That is heavier than the 52 gsm paper in the [KOKUYO Jibun Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-jibun-techo-first-kit/) and in line with dot-grid journals. Two complaints recur. One reviewer found the dot grid printed tightly and in dark ink rather than light grey, and markers can still show slightly through the page. ## Is 8.5 × 11 in too big? **For a desk planner, no; for carrying every day, many people find it bulky.** Letter size gives each day a lot of room, but it won't fit a small bag. If you want the same system in a smaller book, Clever Fox sells A5 (5.8 × 8.3 in) weekly planners and a 2nd Edition planner, both listed with 120 gsm paper. ## How does it compare with other weekly planners? **It is the largest and most goal-focused of the weekly planners we cover.** | | Clever Fox Planner PRO | [Passion Planner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/passion-planner/) | [Erin Condren LifePlanner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/erin-condren-lifeplanner/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 8.5 × 11 in | Small to 7.8 × 11 in | 7 × 9 in (coiled) | | Dated | Undated | Dated or undated | Dated | | Paper | 120 gsm | 120 gsm | 80 lb | | Binding | Sewn | Bound | Metal coil | For stickers to decorate the weekly pages, see our guide to the [Avery planner stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/avery-planner-stickers-variety-pack/). ## Where is the Clever Fox Planner made, and what does it cost? **Neither Clever Fox nor the listings we found state where the PRO is printed.** Clever Fox's store terms name SV Digital, LLC, registered in Riga, Latvia, and the black PRO's barcode on its store (4752165002493) starts with 475, the GS1 prefix issued in Latvia, which shows where the code was registered, not where the planner was printed. Its Faire profile lists Stockton, California, and says the first Clever Fox Planner launched in early 2018. Clever Fox sells the PRO for US$39.99, in our $$$ band ($20–75 per planner). Sales and bundles with a gift box (the Premium edition) can move the price within that band. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Clever Fox Planner PRO dated? No. It is undated, so you write the dates in yourself. Walmart's listing describes 12 months up front and 52 separate weeks, which covers one year from whenever you start. ### What size is the Clever Fox Planner PRO? Clever Fox gives 8.5 × 11 in, which is 216 × 279 mm, US letter size. Its own page and some Australian sellers also call it "A4", but true A4 is narrower and taller at 210 × 297 mm. ### How long does a Clever Fox Planner PRO last? One year. It has 12 monthly spreads and 52 weekly spreads. Clever Fox's separate Daily Planner PRO, at the same 8.5 × 11 in size, covers only three months. ### What paper does the Clever Fox Planner PRO use? Reviewers and listings give 120 gsm paper. One reviewer says there is minimal ghosting or bleed-through, though markers show slightly; we haven't tested it ourselves yet. ### Does the Clever Fox Planner PRO start on Monday or Sunday? One review of the PRO Weekly describes Monday-start weekly spreads and Sunday-start monthly calendars. Some Clever Fox listings offer other start days, so check the title before buying. ### What is the difference between the Clever Fox Planner PRO and the regular Clever Fox Planner? The PRO is the large letter-size edition. Clever Fox's regular weekly planners and its 2nd Edition planner are listed in A5 (5.8 × 8.3 in), which is easier to carry. ### Where is Clever Fox based? Clever Fox's own store terms name SV Digital, LLC, with a registered address in Riga, Latvia. Its Faire wholesale profile lists Stockton, California, and US orders ship from Amazon warehouses. No source we found states where the PRO is printed. ## Sources - [Clever Fox: PRO Weekly, the life planner to achieve your goals (8.5 × 11 in, pocket, 3 sticker sheets, 3 ribbons, elastic, faux leather soft cover; US$39.99; 4.8 stars from 244 reviews)](https://cleverfoxplanner.com/products/pro-weekly) - [Clever Fox: Terms of service (SV Digital, LLC; registered address Riga, Latvia; Latvian law and VAT number)](https://cleverfoxplanner.com/policies/terms-of-service) - [Clever Fox: Shipping & returns (orders ship from Amazon fulfillment centers; US, Canada and UK only)](https://cleverfoxplanner.com/pages/shipping-returns) - [Clever Fox: About us (team of 30, 100+ planners and journals)](https://cleverfoxplanner.com/pages/about-us) - [Amazon.com: Clever Fox Planner PRO, Undated Weekly Planner, 8.5x11, Blue (B07HKDSTCN)](https://www.amazon.com/Clever-Fox-Planner-PRO-Productivity/dp/B07HKDSTCN) - [Amazon.com: Clever Fox Planner PRO, Weekly & Monthly Life Planner, 8.5x11, Amber Yellow](https://www.amazon.com/Clever-Fox-Planner-PRO-Productivity/dp/B07Q4Q3N94) - [Walmart: Clever Fox Planner PRO – Forest Green (undated, 12 months and 52 weeks)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1283550823) - [Walmart: Clever Fox Planner PRO – Blue (4.7 stars, 239 ratings)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1341919756) - [All About Planners: Clever Fox Planner Pro Weekly Review (8.5 × 11 in, softcover, sewn, 26 dot grid pages, 120 gsm, about 0.75 in thick)](https://allaboutplanners.com.au/clever-fox-planner-pro-weekly-review/) - [All About Planners: Clever Fox Weekly Planner Review (dot grid printing)](https://allaboutplanners.com.au/clever-fox-weekly-planner-review-pros-cons-a-video-walkthrough/) - [Mayfair Farms: 8 Best Passion Planners, September 2026 (Clever Fox PRO editor's choice, nearly 12,000 Amazon reviews)](https://www.mayfairfarms.com/best-passion-planners/) - [Melbent: Clever Fox Planner Pro – Dark Blue (listed as A4, 8.5 × 11 in)](https://melbentgroup.com.au/products/clever-fox-planner-pro-dark-blue/238461190/) - [Faire: Clever Fox Planners wholesale (Stockton, CA; first planner early 2018)](https://www.faire.com/brand/b_40jg8cbset) - [Walmart: Clever Fox Planner 2nd Edition (A5, 120 gsm, PU leather hardcover)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1548345579) - [Runs on Espresso: Does the Clever Fox Premium Planner Work for ADHD? (weekly dashboard, habit tracker)](https://runsonespresso.com/does-the-clever-fox-premium-planner-work-for-adhd/) --- # Erin Condren LifePlanner: 7 × 9 Coiled, Layouts > The Erin Condren LifePlanner is a dated, coil-bound weekly planner from the US brand. The classic size is 7 × 9 in (178 × 229 mm) with a plated aluminum coil, laminated cover and 80 lb paper, in vertical, horizontal, hourly or dashboard weekly layouts. Erin Condren says it is made in the USA; it sits in our $$$ band. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/erin-condren-lifeplanner/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Erin Condren Coiled LifePlanner to scale: a 7 × 9 in planner, 229 mm tall and 178 mm wide, with a confetti laminated cover and gold coil, beside the planner opened flat on a vertical weekly layout](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/erin-condren-lifeplanner-16x9.png) *The 7 × 9 in LifePlanner closed and open on its coil, with the coil magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/erin-condren-lifeplanner-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Erin Condren Coiled LifePlanner, 7 × 9 in (vertical, horizontal or hourly) | Erin Condren (by Erin Condren Design) | United States | United States | 80 lb paper; plated aluminum coil; laminated cover | 2007 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Erin Condren Coiled LifePlanner, 7 × 9 in (vertical, horizontal or hourly)): United States. Erin Condren's Collage LifePlanner product page says "Made in The USA: our planners are made right here at home". Its LifePlanner landing page says "Designed in the USA" instead, and some Amazon and retailer listings don't state an origin; note that Erin Condren's sticker books are labelled "Imported". Source: https://www.erincondren.com/collage-lifeplanner ## Key takeaways - Erin Condren lists the Coiled LifePlanner at 7 × 9 in (17.8 × 22.9 cm); a planner-size guide gives the page as 7 × 8.75 in. - Erin Condren lists 80 lb paper, a plated aluminum coil and a laminated cover; it includes 4 metallic sticker sheets, a double-sided pocket folder and a snap-in ruler. - Weekly layouts are vertical, horizontal, hourly and dashboard, each in Legacy, Toile or Minimal interiors; Erin Condren also sells A5 coiled and vegan leather versions. - Retail listings show 12-month (January–December) and 18-month (July–December of the next year) editions. - Erin Condren's LifePlanner product page says it is made in the USA; the brand dates itself to 2005, and press coverage dates the first LifePlanner to 2007. ## What is the Erin Condren LifePlanner? **The LifePlanner is Erin Condren's dated weekly planner: monthly calendars and weekly spreads bound on a metal coil, with a colourful laminated cover.** It is the product the Erin Condren brand is best known for in the US. Erin Condren says the company began in 2005 and that the LifePlanner has sold over 3 million copies; Northern Virginia Magazine dates the first LifePlanner to 2007. Erin Condren also sells stickers, inserts and accessories sized for it. ## Erin Condren LifePlanner specs | Spec | 7 × 9 in Coiled LifePlanner | |---|---| | Cover size | 7 × 9 in (17.8 × 22.9 cm) | | Page size | 7 × 8.75 in (planner-size guide) | | Paper | 80 lb (Erin Condren) | | Binding | Plated aluminum coil; gold and other coil colours by design | | Cover | Laminated, design varies | | Weekly layouts | Vertical, horizontal, hourly, dashboard | | Interior designs | Legacy, Toile or Minimal | | Calendar | 12–18 months, dated (Erin Condren); undated Amazon edition | | Inside | Year at a glance, monthly calendars and notes pages, weekly pages, lined notes, contacts page | | Extras | 4 metallic sticker sheets, double-sided pocket folder, snap-in ruler, tabs | | Add-ons | 40 lined, goal-setting or budget pages for US$10 | | Made in | United States (Erin Condren) | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75 per planner) | Erin Condren doesn't publish a page count, so we leave it out. Its 7 × 9 in LifePlanners were listed at US$57.50 to US$67.50 on October 20, 2026, depending on cover. ![To-scale drawing of the Erin Condren 7 × 9 in Coiled LifePlanner: cover 178 × 229 mm, page 178 × 222 mm (7 × 8.75 in), and an A5 outline of 148 × 210 mm for comparison](https://stationerytimes.com/images/erin-condren-lifeplanner-size.svg) *Cover, page and A5 compared at 1 mm = 1.3 px.* ## Vertical, horizontal or hourly: which layout should you choose? **Choose vertical for appointments and family schedules, horizontal for to-do lists, and hourly for time-blocking a workday.** The vertical layout splits each day into morning, day and evening boxes, as the drawing above shows. A 2023 review notes the vertical layout in the 7 × 9 in planner looks very different from the vertical layout in the A5 version. Not every layout is offered in every size and design, so check the listing. ## What size is the LifePlanner, and does it come in A5? **The classic size is 7 × 9 in, a little wider and taller than A5.** Erin Condren currently sells A5 coiled and vegan leather LifePlanners too, plus softbound, daily and A5 ring-agenda versions; some past years also had an 8 × 10 in softbound. The coil means the planner lies flat and folds back on itself. It also adds width, so measure your bag if you carry it. ## How good is the paper? **Erin Condren lists 80 lb paper and says it resists ink bleed.** If that is text weight, it is about 118 gsm, close to the 120 gsm in the [Passion Planner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/passion-planner/) and the [Clever Fox Planner PRO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/clever-fox-planner-pro/). ## 12-month or 18-month? **Buy the 18-month edition if you start in summer, and the 12-month edition if you start in January.** Retail listings show 18-month editions running July to December of the following year. In October to January, the 12-month January–December edition is the usual pick. Erin Condren has also sold an undated coiled LifePlanner through Amazon. ## How does it compare with other planners? **It is the only coil-bound planner in this group, and the only one sold dated by default.** | | Erin Condren LifePlanner | [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) | [Passion Planner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/passion-planner/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 7 × 9 in | A6 | Small to 7.8 × 11 in | | Format | Weekly | Page a day | Weekly | | Binding | Metal coil | Sewn | Bound | | Dated | Yes (undated on Amazon) | Yes | Dated or undated | Erin Condren also sells [sticker books](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/erin-condren-sticker-book/) sized for its planners. ## Where is the Erin Condren LifePlanner made, and what does it cost? **Erin Condren's Collage LifePlanner page says its planners are made in the USA, "right here at home".** Its LifePlanner landing page uses "Designed in the USA" instead, so the product page is the one to rely on. Erin Condren lists 7 × 9 in coiled LifePlanners at US$57.50 to US$67.50, in our $$$ band ($20–75); add-on pages, coil upgrades or third-party resellers (one lists a 2027 planner at US$105) can push it over $75. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Erin Condren LifePlanner? The classic Coiled LifePlanner is 7 × 9 in (17.8 × 22.9 cm), per Erin Condren. A planner-size guide gives the inside pages as 7 × 8.75 in, and Erin Condren has also sold A5 coiled and softbound versions. ### What is the difference between the vertical and horizontal LifePlanner? The vertical layout splits each day into a column with morning, day and evening boxes, good for appointments. The horizontal layout gives each day a lined row for lists; the hourly layout adds times down each day. ### What paper weight is the Erin Condren LifePlanner? Erin Condren lists 80 lb paper and says it resists ink bleed. It doesn't say whether that is text or cover weight; 80 lb text paper is about 118 gsm. ### Is the Erin Condren LifePlanner 12 or 18 months? Both are sold. Retail listings show 12-month editions running January to December and 18-month editions running July to December of the following year, plus an undated Amazon-exclusive version. ### What comes with the Erin Condren LifePlanner? Erin Condren lists 4 metallic sticker sheets, a double-sided pocket folder, a snap-in ruler and durable tabs. You can add 40 lined, goal-setting or budget pages for US$10. ### Where are Erin Condren planners made? Erin Condren's LifePlanner product page says the planners are made in the USA, "right here at home"; its landing page says designed in the USA. ### Is the Erin Condren LifePlanner worth it? It suits people who want a dated, colourful planner that lies flat on a coil and works with a large sticker ecosystem. It costs more than undated planners, and the 7 × 9 in size is bulkier than A5. ## Sources - [Erin Condren: Collage LifePlanner (7 × 9 in, 12–18 months dated, 80 lb paper, plated aluminum coil, laminate cover, 4 metallic sticker sheets, pocket folder, snap-in ruler, made in the USA)](https://www.erincondren.com/collage-lifeplanner) - [Erin Condren: Our story (founded in 2005; over 3 million LifePlanners sold)](https://www.erincondren.com/our-story) - [Erin Condren: Coiled Weekly LifePlanner (4 layouts, 3 interior designs, 7 × 9 and A5, designed in the USA, prices)](https://www.erincondren.com/lifeplanner) - [Erin Condren: LifePlanner Collection (stickers, double-sided pocket folder)](https://www.erincondren.com/lifeplanner-collection) - [Planners Avenue: Erin Condren Metallic Confetti 7x9 Coiled LifePlanner, Vertical, 12-Month Dated 2027 (reseller, US$105)](https://plannersavenue.com/products/erin-condren-design-7x9-coiled-lifeplanner-metallic-confetti-vertical) - [Amazon.com: Erin Condren 7x9 Coiled Life Planner, January–December 2024, vertical (laminate cover, pocket folder, perpetual calendar, snap-in ruler)](https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Condren-Coiled-Planner-January/dp/B09FNRVMSX) - [Amazon.com: Erin Condren 7x9 Coiled Life Planner, July 2024–December 2025 (18-month)](https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Condren-Coiled-Life-Planner/dp/B0CZ2QZS53) - [Amazon.com: Erin Condren Amazon Exclusive Coiled Undated LifePlanner](https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Condren-Exclusive-Undated-LifePlanner/dp/B0CZ2LC9DN) - [All About Planners: How to print printables at Erin Condren planner size (page 7 × 8.75 in)](https://allaboutplanners.com.au/how-to-print-printables-at-erin-condren-planner-size-from-your-home-printer-step-by-step-tutorial/) - [Almost Practical: 2023 Erin Condren Life Planner Review (sizes and formats)](https://almostpractical.com/?p=83060) - [Northern Virginia Magazine: Good on paper, Erin Condren's colorful calendars arrive at Mosaic District (June 12, 2019; first LifePlanner in 2007)](https://northernvirginiamag.com/style/shopping/2019/06/12/good-on-paper-erin-condrens-colorful-calendars-arrive-at-mosaic-district/) - [roo: Life planner 2026 comparison (LifePlanner coiled weekly price range)](https://roo.beehiiv.com/p/life-planner-2026-comparison-shipping-cost) --- # Passion Planner: Sizes, Roadmap & Weekly Layout > The Passion Planner is a goal-setting weekly planner from the US company Passion Planner, founded on Kickstarter in 2013. Its specs page lists Small (5.8 × 8.3 in), Medium (6.9 × 9.8 in) and Large (7.8 × 11 in) sizes with 221 pages of 120 gsm paper, a Passion Roadmap, monthly reflections and half-hour weekly blocks, in our $$$ band. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/passion-planner/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Passion Planner to scale: a black Large planner 279 mm (11 in) tall behind a black Small planner 210 mm tall, and the Small opened on a vertical weekly spread in half-hour blocks with two ribbons](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/passion-planner-16x9.png) *The Large and Small Passion Planners in Elite Black, and the Small open on a week (1 mm = 0.8 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/passion-planner-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Passion Planner Weekly (Small, Medium or Large; dated or undated) | Passion Planner | United States | China | 120 gsm bamboo (grass) paper; faux leather softcover | 2013-10 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Passion Planner Weekly (Small, Medium or Large; dated or undated)): China. Passion Planner's own store data tags every weekly and daily planner it sells (2026, 2027, mid-year and undated) with the country-of-origin code coo_china. The product pages don't print a 'made in' line, so check the label on the planner. Brand origin: founder Angelia Trinidad started the company in California. Source: https://passionplanner.com/products/weekly-2027-planner-elite-black.json ## Key takeaways - Passion Planner lists three sizes: Small 5.8 × 8.3 in (148 × 210 mm, A5), Medium 6.9 × 9.8 in and Large 7.8 × 11 in (198 × 279 mm). - The annual weekly planner has 221 pages of 120 gsm paper, including 20 dotted and 20 blank pages, per Passion Planner's specs page. - The weekly spread is vertical, with each day split into half-hour blocks. - It starts with the Passion Roadmap, a goal-mapping exercise, and each month ends with a reflection page. - Angelia Trinidad launched the first Passion Planner on Kickstarter in October 2013; Passion Planner says it raised US$48,000 from 2,000 backers, and the 2014 campaign about US$650,000. ## What is the Passion Planner? **The Passion Planner is a weekly planner designed to turn long-term goals into scheduled tasks: you map your goals in the Passion Roadmap, then plan each week in half-hour blocks.** It is sold dated and undated, in three sizes. Angelia Trinidad designed it after graduating from UCLA with an art degree in 2012, and launched it on Kickstarter in October 2013. Passion Planner says that campaign raised US$48,000 from 2,000 backers in 30 days, and that the Passion Planner Compact raised US$650,000 a year later; Colorlines put the 2014 total at more than US$650,000. ## Passion Planner specs | Spec | Small | Medium | Large | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 5.8 × 8.3 in (148 × 210 mm) | 6.9 × 9.8 in (176 × 250 mm) | 7.8 × 11 in (198 × 279 mm) | | Thickness | 0.75 in (19 mm) | 0.75 in (19 mm) | 0.75 in (19 mm) | | Pages (weekly) | 221 | 221 | 221 | | Paper | 120 gsm bamboo | 120 gsm bamboo | 120 gsm bamboo | | Weight | 0.98–1.13 lb | 1.43–1.61 lb | 1.8–2.12 lb | | GTIN (2027, Elite Black, Sunday start) | 810761039252 | 810761039276 | 810761039290 | Sizes, thickness, pages, paper and weights are from Passion Planner's specs page; GTINs from its own store. All sizes share the same contents: the Passion Roadmap, an annual calendar, monthly layouts and reflections, weekly spreads, and 20 dotted and 20 blank pages. The product pages add a faux leather softcover, two ribbons, a fabric back pocket, a reinforced elastic band and a ruler on the last page. Passion Planner's sizing chart labels the three sizes A5, B5 and A4, and gives the Large as 8.27 × 11.69 in, the A4 size. That is about 6% bigger than the 7.8 × 11 in on its specs page and product pages, so we use the specs-page figure. ![To-scale drawing of the three Passion Planner sizes: Large 198 × 279 mm (7.8 × 11 in), Medium 176 × 250 mm (6.9 × 9.8 in) and Small 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in), with 221 pages of 120 gsm paper](https://stationerytimes.com/images/passion-planner-sizes.svg) *The three sizes at 1 mm = 1.05 px, aligned at the bottom-left corner.* ## Which Passion Planner size should you buy? **Buy the Small to carry it every day, and the Large if it stays on a desk and you write large.** The Small is A5, the size of most journals, while the Large is close to US letter width. The Medium sits between them. Passion Planner's sizing chart calls it B5; its specs page gives 6.9 × 9.8 in (176 × 250 mm), the B5 size, while some Amazon titles round it to 7 × 10 in. ## What does the weekly layout look like? **Each week is a vertical two-page spread, with every day split into half-hour time blocks.** Almost Practical's review describes one column per day, running from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm with a line every half hour. Beside the schedule are boxes for weekly focus and to-do lists, and blank space for notes. It suits people who time-block, like users of the [KOKUYO Jibun Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-jibun-techo-first-kit/). ## What is the Passion Roadmap? **The Passion Roadmap is a guided goal-mapping exercise at the front of the planner.** You brainstorm goals over several time spans, choose the ones that matter, and break them into steps. Each month closes with a reflection page, so you check progress against the Roadmap. This is the main difference from a plain dated diary such as the [Hobonichi Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). ## How good is the paper? **Passion Planner lists 120 gsm paper, which reviewers describe as heavy for a planner.** Ask a Planner Nerd contrasts it with the 52 gsm Tomoe River paper in the Hobonichi Techo. Passion Planner says the pages are printed on sustainably sourced bamboo (grass) paper. We haven't tested it with fountain pens or markers yet. ## Dated or undated? **Choose dated to save set-up time, and undated if you might skip weeks.** Passion Planner sells annual editions that start in January, academic editions that start in July, and undated editions with a Sunday or Monday start. The [Clever Fox Planner PRO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/clever-fox-planner-pro/) is another undated goal planner, at 8.5 × 11 in. For a plain dated week with a ruled notes page and no goal pages, see the [Moleskine 12-Month Weekly Planner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-weekly-planner/). If you want a full page per day with an hourly schedule instead of a week, see the [Day Designer 2027 Daily Planner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/day-designer-daily-planner/). ## Where is the Passion Planner made, and what does it cost? **Passion Planner's own store data gives China as the country of origin for its paper planners, although the product pages don't print a "made in" line.** The brand is American, founded by Angelia Trinidad in California. Passion Planner's own store prices the 2027 weekly in our $$$ band ($20–75 per planner), with the Small cheapest and the Large dearest. ## Frequently asked questions ### What sizes does the Passion Planner come in? Passion Planner's specs page lists Small (5.8 × 8.3 in, 148 × 210 mm), Medium (6.9 × 9.8 in, 176 × 250 mm) and Large (7.8 × 11 in, 198 × 279 mm). Its sizing chart calls them A5, B5 and A4. ### How many pages are in a Passion Planner? The annual weekly Passion Planner has 221 pages, per its specs page, including 20 dotted and 20 blank pages at the back. ### What paper does the Passion Planner use? Passion Planner lists 120 gsm paper printed on sustainably sourced bamboo (grass) paper. We haven't tested how it handles ink yet. ### What is the Passion Roadmap? It is the goal-mapping exercise at the front of the planner: you brainstorm goals over different time spans and break them into steps that you then schedule in the weekly pages. ### Is the Passion Planner dated or undated? Both. Passion Planner sells dated annual (January) and academic (July) editions and undated editions with Sunday or Monday starts. ### Does the Passion Planner have a pocket and ribbons? Yes. Passion Planner's product pages list two ribbons (bright green and black), a fabric back pocket, a reinforced elastic band and a faux leather softcover, plus a ruler on the last page. ### Who makes the Passion Planner? Passion Planner, the company Angelia Trinidad founded after designing the planner as a UCLA art graduate. It launched on Kickstarter in October 2013. ## Sources - [Passion Planner: Specs (sizes, 221 pages, 120 gsm, contents)](https://passionplanner.com/pages/specs) - [Passion Planner: Planners Sizing Chart (A5, B5, A4)](https://passionplanner.com/pages/planners-sizing-chart) - [Passion Planner: Weekly 2027 Planner, Elite Black (features, sizes, GTINs)](https://passionplanner.com/products/weekly-2027-planner-elite-black) - [Passion Planner: Weekly Undated Planner, Elite Black (released 2025, features)](https://passionplanner.com/products/weekly-undated-planner-elite-black) - [Passion Planner store data: Weekly 2027 Planner, Elite Black (country-of-origin tag coo_china)](https://passionplanner.com/products/weekly-2027-planner-elite-black.json) - [Passion Planner: Our story (first Kickstarter, October 2013)](https://passionplanner.com/our-story) - [Amazon.com: Passion Planner Small Undated, A5 5.8 × 8.3 in, Monday Start, Elite Black (B07RP4SRTF)](https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Planner-Small-Undated-Appointment/dp/B07RP4SRTF) - [Amazon.com: Passion Planner Weekly Undated, Large 7.8 × 11 in, Elite Black (polyurethane cover, elastic, 2 ribbons, back pocket)](https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Planner-Goal-Oriented-Appointment-Reflection/dp/B0D8FNMHMH) - [Amazon.com: Passion Planner Weekly 2025–2026 Mid-Year, Large 7.8 × 11 in (120 gsm bamboo paper)](https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Planner-Goal-Oriented-Appointment-Reflection/dp/B0F32448QV) - [Amazon.com: Passion Planner Medium Undated (B5, 7 × 10 in)](https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Planner-Medium-Undated-Appointment/dp/B07G7VHM7W) - [Almost Practical: Passion Planner Review (120 gsm, half-hour weekly blocks)](https://almostpractical.com/passion-planner-review/) - [Ask a Planner Nerd: Planner profile, Passion Planner (weekly)](https://askaplannernerd.com/2023/10/15/passion-planner/) - [Wikipedia: Angelia Trinidad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelia_Trinidad) - [Colorlines: Meet the 24-Year-Old Filipina-American Who Raised $650K on Kickstarter](https://colorlines.com/articles/meet-24-year-old-filipina-american-who-raised-650k-kickstarter) --- # Hobonichi Pencil Board: A6 & A5 Sizes, Uses & Fit > The Hobonichi Pencil Board is a thin sheet of synthetic paper that you slip under the page you're writing on in a Hobonichi Techo. It gives a firm, smooth surface and keeps pen pressure from marking the thin pages below. The A6 board is 155 × 103 mm and 0.4 mm thick, with a millimetre scale and a Today tab. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-pencil-board/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Hobonichi Pencil Board for A6 drawn to scale at 155 × 103 mm, ice grey with a 5 mm grid, mm scale and yellow Today tab, beside an open A6 Techo Original with the board under the right page; inset: the scale and tab](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/hobonichi-pencil-board-16x9.png) *The A6 board alone and under a page of the Techo Original (drawn at 1 mm = 1.3 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-pencil-board-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Hobonichi Pencil Board for A6 size (Ice Gray × Yellow; also A5 and Weeks sizes) | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Synthetic paper (Yupo, polypropylene) | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Hobonichi Pencil Board for A6 size (Ice Gray × Yellow; also A5 and Weeks sizes)): Japan. Luiban lists the Gray × Yellow A6 board as made in Japan, and Minimaru gives Japan as the country of manufacture for an artist-designed A6 board. Hobonichi's Japanese and English store pages don't state the country. Source: https://luiban.com/en/Manufacturers/Hobonichi/HOB905-hobonichi-pencil-board-gray-x-yellow-a6 ## Key takeaways - The A6 board measures 155 × 103 × 0.4 mm and weighs about 6 g, per Hobonichi's store. - The A5 (Cousin) board is 215 × 147 × 0.4 mm and about 13 g; the Weeks board is 187 × 88 mm and about 7 g. - It's made of Yupo synthetic paper, with a 5 mm grid on the face and a 1 mm scale along the long edge. - Hobonichi's Japanese store lists the boards at ¥380 (about US$2.40) to ¥600 (about US$3.80) including tax, depending on size. - Luiban and Minimaru list it as made in Japan. ## What is the Hobonichi Pencil Board? **It's a thin, stiff sheet you slip under the page you're writing on, to give the pen a firm surface.** In Japan this kind of board is called a shitajiki; Hobonichi sells its own in sizes cut for its planners. Hobonichi says many people use it every year because it keeps ballpoints from slipping. It comes in two plain colorways, Ice Gray × Yellow and Navy × Pink, plus artist designs. ## Hobonichi Pencil Board specs | Spec | A6 (Original, A6 Planner) | A5 (Cousin) | Weeks | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 155 × 103 mm (6.1 × 4.1 in) | 215 × 147 mm (8.5 × 5.8 in) | 187 × 88 mm (7.4 × 3.5 in) | | Thickness | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm | | Weight | About 6 g | About 13 g | About 7 g | | Material | Synthetic paper (Yupo) | Synthetic paper (Yupo) | Synthetic paper (Yupo) | | Features | 5 mm grid, 1 mm scale, TODAY tab | Same | Same | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 per board) | $$ | $$ | | Made in | Japan (per retailers) | Japan (per retailers) | Japan (per retailers) | Sizes, weights and material come from Hobonichi's Japanese store page (ほぼ日の下敷き), which notes small differences between pieces. Little Craft Place gives the same 7.4 × 3.5 in for the Weeks board. ![Hobonichi Pencil Boards to scale at 1 mm = 1.3 px: A6 155 × 103 mm over a 148 × 105 mm Original page, and A5 215 × 147 mm over a 210 × 148 mm Cousin page; both 0.4 mm Yupo, about 6 g and 13 g](https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-pencil-board-sizes.svg) *Each board is sized to its planner page; the yellow tab is what shows above the page.* ## What does it actually do? **It firms up the page and stops your writing from denting the pages underneath.** Hobonichi's planners use thin Tomoe River paper, and the store says the board helps when pen pressure leaves marks, or when you've filled the cover's inner pockets with thick items. Hobonichi also says it keeps ballpoints from slipping. We haven't tested either claim yet. ## How do you use it? **Open the planner to today's page and slide the board under it, Today tab up.** The board stays in the book as you write, then marks the page when you close it. 1. Put the board behind the page you're about to write on, not behind the whole book. 2. Let the tab stick out above the top edge, so it works as a bookmark. 3. Move it forward a page each day; at 0.4 mm and about 6 g for the A6, it adds little bulk. If you use a cover with a pen holder or pockets, the board is the part that keeps a bulky pocket from pushing through as bumps under your pen. Hobonichi recommends it for exactly that case. ## Which size do you need? **Match the board to your planner: A6 for the Original and A6 planners, A5 for the Cousin, and the Weeks board for the Weeks.** | Planner | Page size | Board | |---|---|---| | [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) | 148 × 105 mm | A6 | | [Hobonichi Techo Cousin](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-cousin/) | 210 × 148 mm | A5 | | [Hobonichi Weeks](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-weeks/) | Slim, tall | Weeks | Hobonichi says the A6 and A5 boards also suit its HON, day-free, Planner and 5-Year Techo books in those sizes. Because the A6 board is 103 mm wide, it also fits under the pages of most other A6 (105 × 148 mm) notebooks, with the tab showing at the top. ## Is it also a ruler and bookmark? **Yes: Hobonichi says the long edge carries a scale in 1 mm steps and the TODAY tab in the corner marks today's page.** The face has a 5 mm grid, handy for lining up boxes or a quick table. For a metal option that clips onto the page instead, see the [Midori Clip Ruler](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-clip-ruler/), which has a 10 cm scale and a stencil. ## How much does it cost? **Hobonichi's Japanese store lists the plain boards at ¥380 (about US$2.40) to ¥600 (about US$3.80) including tax, depending on size.** In the US, shops that import it usually charge in our $$ band ($5–20 per board). Prices vary by size and design, so check the exact board you want. ## Where is the Hobonichi Pencil Board made? **Retailers list it as made in Japan.** Luiban says so for the Gray × Yellow A6, and Minimaru gives Japan as the country of manufacture for an artist-designed A6 board. Hobonichi is based in Tokyo. We didn't find the country on its Japanese or English store pages. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a Hobonichi Pencil Board for? It goes under the page you're writing on. Hobonichi says it suits people bothered by pen marks pressed into the thin Tomoe River pages, and that it stops ballpoints from slipping. ### What size is the Hobonichi Pencil Board? Hobonichi lists the A6 board at 155 × 103 mm (6.1 × 4.1 in) and 0.4 mm thick, the A5 Cousin board at 215 × 147 mm, and the Weeks board at 187 × 88 mm (7.4 × 3.5 in). ### Does the A6 pencil board fit the Hobonichi Techo Original? Yes. It's made for the A6 Original's 148 × 105 mm pages, and Hobonichi says the A6 board also suits its A6 HON, day-free, Planner and 5-Year Techo books. At 155 mm tall, the TODAY tab peeks out above the page. ### What is the Hobonichi Pencil Board made of? Hobonichi lists synthetic paper (合成紙, Yupo). Luiban describes Yupo as a water-resistant polypropylene sheet that wipes clean. ### Can I use the pencil board as a bookmark or ruler? Yes. Hobonichi says the TODAY tab in the corner marks today's page, and the long edge has a scale in 1 mm steps; the face has a 5 mm grid. ### How much does a Hobonichi Pencil Board cost? Hobonichi's Japanese store lists the Ice Gray × Yellow and Navy × Pink boards at ¥380 (about US$2.40) to ¥600 (about US$3.80) including tax. US shops usually charge in our $$ band, $5–20. ### Where is the Hobonichi Pencil Board made? Retailers including Luiban and Minimaru list it as made in Japan. Hobonichi is based in Tokyo and doesn't state the country on its store page. ## Sources - [ほぼ日の下敷き アイスグレー×イエロー/ネイビー×ピンク - ほぼ日手帳 2027 (Hobonichi Japanese store: A6 155 × 103 × 0.4 mm, 6 g; A5 215 × 147 mm, 13 g; Weeks 187 × 88 mm, 7 g; Yupo; ¥380–¥600)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_liner/) - [Hobonichi Store (English): Hobonichi Pencil Board, Ice Gray × Yellow / Navy × Pink](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_liner/) - [The Journal Shop: Hobonichi Pencil Board, Ice Gray × Yellow](https://thejournalshop.com/products/hobonichi-pencil-board-ice-gray-x-yellow) - [Yoseka Stationery: Hobonichi Pencil Board, Ice Gray × Yellow](https://yosekastationery.com/products/hobonichi-pencil-board-ice-gray-x-yellow) - [Little Craft Place: Hobonichi Pencil Board for Weeks (7.4 × 3.5 in)](https://littlecraftplace.com/products/hobonichi-pencil-board-for-weeks-ice-gray-x-yellow-navy-x-pink) - [Luiban: Hobonichi Pencil Board Gray × Yellow A6 (Yupo polypropylene; made in Japan)](https://luiban.com/en/Manufacturers/Hobonichi/HOB905-hobonichi-pencil-board-gray-x-yellow-a6) - [Minimaru: Hobonichi Pencil Board for A6 (country of manufacture Japan)](https://minimaru.com/products/hobonichi-techo-akiko-miyakoshi-hobonichi-pencil-board-for-a6-size-sunny-day-4580812710497) - [The Journal Shop: Hobonichi Pencil Board, Hiroko Kubota design](https://thejournalshop.com/products/hobonichi-pencil-board-hiroko-kubota-1) --- # KOKUYO Jibun Techo First Kit: A5 Slim 3-Book Planner > The KOKUYO Jibun Techo First Kit is a Japanese A5 Slim planner set: a 112-sheet DIARY with 24-hour weekly vertical pages, a LIFE booklet and an IDEA notebook in a clear PVC cover. KOKUYO lists the 2027 kit at 217 × 136 mm for ¥5,000 (about US$32) before tax, and its global store says it is made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-jibun-techo-first-kit/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the KOKUYO Jibun Techo First Kit 2027 to scale: the slim LIFE and IDEA booklets, the closed kit 218 mm tall in its clear vinyl cover, and the DIARY open on a weekly vertical spread with a 24-hour timeline](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kokuyo-jibun-techo-first-kit-16x9.png) *The LIFE and IDEA booklets, the closed kit and the DIARY's weekly spread (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-jibun-techo-first-kit-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | KOKUYO Jibun Techo First Kit 2027 (DIARY + LIFE + IDEA), A5 Slim | KOKUYO (by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Clear matte PVC cover with pen holder; KOKUYO THIN PAPER (DIARY, IDEA) and MIO PAPER (LIFE) | 2013 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (KOKUYO Jibun Techo First Kit 2027 (DIARY + LIFE + IDEA), A5 Slim): Japan. KOKUYO's global online store gives Country of Origin: Japan for the 2027 First Kit and the 2027 DIARY and Biz; The Journal Shop and Nomado also say Japan. KOKUYO's Japanese product page doesn't list the field. Source: https://www.kokuyostore.com/en_US/jibun_techo/jibun-techo-firstkit-%28diary%2Bidea%2Blife%29-2027-a5-slim/NI-JF1-27.html ## Key takeaways - KOKUYO's Japanese site lists the 2027 First Kit at 217 × 136 mm (A5 Slim), with a 112-sheet DIARY on KOKUYO's THIN PAPER. - KOKUYO's Japanese list price is ¥5,000 (about US$32) before tax for White and Pink, and ¥5,600 (about US$35) for the limited sheep covers by illustrator Seiji Matsumoto. - The IDEA notebook holds 40 sheets of 3 mm grid paper at 210 × 125 mm; the LIFE booklet uses KOKUYO's MIO PAPER. - The January-start 2027 DIARY has monthly pages from November 2026 to March 2028 and weekly pages from November 2026 into January 2028. - KOKUYO's global store gives Japan as the country of origin for the 2027 First Kit. ## What is the Jibun Techo First Kit? **The First Kit is KOKUYO's complete Jibun Techo set: three books (DIARY, LIFE and IDEA) held together in one clear PVC cover.** "Jibun techo" means "my own planner" in Japanese, and KOKUYO pitches the system as a planner you can use for life: the DIARY covers the year, while LIFE and IDEA carry over into the next one. KOKUYO's Japanese product page lists the set as the 2027 DIARY, an instruction booklet, LIFE, IDEA and a ruler with an elastic band. The cover is clear matte PVC with a wide pen holder and pockets and slits for cards; Tokyo Pen Shop adds a front slip pocket and two ribbon bookmarks. ## Jibun Techo First Kit 2027 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Size | A5 Slim, 217 × 136 mm (8.5 × 5.4 in) | | DIARY | 112 sheets, KOKUYO THIN PAPER | | Layouts | Weekly vertical with a 24-hour timeline, monthly block calendar, 2-month project schedule | | Dates (January start) | Monthly November 2026 to March 2028; weekly November 2026 to the 2nd week of January 2028 | | LIFE | Life-log booklet on MIO PAPER: life plan, 365-day anniversary list, family tree, emergency contacts | | IDEA | 40 sheets, 3 mm grid, THIN PAPER, 210 × 125 mm | | Cover | Clear matte PVC with pen holder | | 2027 colors | White, Pink; limited sheep covers by Seiji Matsumoto in Orange and Blue | | Japanese list price (before tax) | ¥5,000 (about US$32); ¥5,600 (about US$35) for the sheep covers | | Model, White | ニ-JF1W-27 (JAN 4901480443713) | | Made in | Japan (KOKUYO global store) | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75 per notebook) | All figures are from KOKUYO's Japanese product pages, except the country of origin, which comes from KOKUYO's global store. The sheep-cover kits are ニ-JF1L1-27 (Orange) and, per Nomado and JetPens, NI-JF1L2-27 (Blue); KOKUYO's global store calls the design "Fluffy Sheep Gathering". KOKUYO also makes a smaller B6 Slim First Kit (Jibun Techo mini) at ¥4,700 (about US$30). ![To-scale drawing of the Jibun Techo A5 Slim DIARY, 136 × 218 mm with a 3 mm grid, overlaid with the 125 × 210 mm IDEA booklet and a standard A5 page of 148 × 210 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-jibun-techo-first-kit-size.svg) *A5 Slim against the IDEA booklet and standard A5, at 1 mm = 1.3 px.* ## What is A5 Slim? **A5 Slim is KOKUYO's narrow A5: 136 mm wide and 217 mm tall, so 12 mm narrower than standard A5 and a little taller.** The slimmer shape keeps a thick planner easy to hold in one hand. It also means standard A5 covers won't fit. Buy a cover made for the Jibun Techo or for A5 Slim. ## How do the weekly pages work? **Each weekly spread has seven vertical day columns crossed by a 24-hour timeline, so you plan by time of day.** KOKUYO's 2027 press release describes the DIARY as recording plans and logs along a 24-hour axis, and its product page lists weekly vertical pages, a block monthly calendar and a two-month project schedule. The full day lets you log sleep, work and exercise as blocks of time. Nomado notes that the 6:00 to 7:00 hour gets two rows and that the tab color changes each month. Tokyo Pen Shop lists extras such as My Dream 2027, a money plan, book and movie lists and a look back at the year. For an English-language weekly planned in half-hour blocks instead, see the [Passion Planner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/passion-planner/). ## What are the LIFE and IDEA books for? **LIFE is for records that carry over from year to year, and IDEA is a 3 mm grid notebook.** KOKUYO lists LIFE's pages as a life plan, a 365-day anniversary book, a family tree and an emergency contact list, so you keep it when you start a new DIARY. IDEA holds 40 sheets of THIN PAPER and is sold separately as a two-pack refill (ニ-JCA3N) at ¥780 (about US$4.90) before tax; LIFE refills are ¥890 (about US$5.60). When IDEA fills up, you swap in a new one without replacing the planner. ## What is THIN PAPER? **THIN PAPER is KOKUYO's own planner paper, developed for the Jibun Techo to be thin and light but strong.** KOKUYO says it resists ink show-through and doesn't cockle when you rub out erasable ink. MIO PAPER, used in LIFE and the Biz, is a little thicker and smoother and dries quickly. KOKUYO doesn't publish a paper weight for either. ## How does it compare with the Hobonichi and STALOGY? **The Jibun Techo is the time-blocking planner of the three; the others are page-a-day books.** | | Jibun Techo First Kit | [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) | [STALOGY 365Days A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stalogy-365-days-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 217 × 136 mm (A5 Slim) | 148 × 105 mm (A6) | 148 × 210 mm (A5) | | Main layout | Weekly vertical, 24 hours | One page a day | One page a day, undated | | Paper | KOKUYO THIN PAPER | Tomoe River | 52 g/m² | | Books | 3 | 1 | 1 | Choose the Jibun Techo if you plan by the hour across a week. Choose a page-a-day book for journaling, or compare more planners in our [best 2027 journals](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/). ## When was the Jibun Techo created? **Impress Watch reported in 2019 that KOKUYO has sold the Jibun Techo since 2013; it was designed by Hideaki Sakuma, a creator at a major advertising agency.** KOKUYO's Japanese site says Sakuma developed the format on his own over many years, and that it won a Good Design Award in 2014. Some Japanese articles date its first appearance to 2011 or 2012. KOKUYO's August 7, 2026 press release put the 2027 range on sale from mid-September 2026, with list prices from ¥3,000 (about US$19) to ¥5,600 (about US$35) before tax. The range also includes the Biz, a 217 × 138 mm planner on MIO PAPER with 104 sheets, and the page-a-day DAYs. ## How much does it cost, and where is it made? **The First Kit sits in our $$$ band ($20–75), and limited editions can cost more abroad.** KOKUYO's Japanese list price is ¥5,000 (about US$32) before tax for White and Pink and ¥5,600 (about US$35) for the sheep covers; the DIARY alone is ¥3,800 (about US$24). Stilo e Stile lists all four A5 Slim kits at €59 (about US$66). KOKUYO's global store gives Japan as the country of origin for the 2027 First Kit, and The Journal Shop and Nomado also say Japan. ## Frequently asked questions ### What comes in the Jibun Techo First Kit? KOKUYO lists the 2027 DIARY, an instruction booklet, the LIFE booklet, the IDEA notebook and a ruler with an elastic band, all in one clear matte PVC cover with a pen holder. ### What size is the Jibun Techo? It is A5 Slim. KOKUYO gives 217 × 136 mm, about 8.5 × 5.4 in. That is 12 mm narrower and 7 mm taller than standard A5 (148 × 210 mm). ### What is the difference between the First Kit and the Jibun Techo DIARY? The First Kit adds the LIFE and IDEA booklets and the ruler to the DIARY. The DIARY on its own has the same 112 sheets and lists at ¥3,800 (about US$24) before tax for 2027. ### What paper does the Jibun Techo use? KOKUYO says the DIARY and IDEA use its own THIN PAPER, made to resist show-through and to stay flat when you rub out erasable ink, and the LIFE booklet uses its smoother MIO PAPER. KOKUYO doesn't publish a paper weight. ### When does the 2027 Jibun Techo start? It is sold as a January start, but KOKUYO says the monthly pages run from November 2026 to March 2028 and the weekly pages from November 2026 to the second week of January 2028. ### How much does the Jibun Techo First Kit cost? KOKUYO's Japanese list price for 2027 is ¥5,000 (about US$32) before tax, or ¥5,600 (about US$35) for the limited sheep covers. Abroad it costs more: Stilo e Stile lists €59 (about US$66), which puts it in our $$$ band. ### Where is the Jibun Techo made? In Japan. KOKUYO's global online store gives Japan as the country of origin for the 2027 First Kit, DIARY and Biz. ## Sources - [ジブン手帳2027（ファーストキット）A5スリム 1月始まり ホワイト (KOKUYO Japan product page: ニ-JF1W-27, ¥5,000 before tax, 217 × 136 mm, 112 sheets, THIN PAPER and MIO PAPER, PVC cover, contents, date range, JAN 4901480443713)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/diary/diary/23240/) - [ジブン手帳2027（ファーストキット）A5スリム 1月始まり 羊オレンジ (KOKUYO Japan product page: ニ-JF1L1-27, ¥5,600 before tax, Seiji Matsumoto sheep cover)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/diary/diary/23243/) - [ジブン手帳ファーストキット (KOKUYO Japan First Kit page: 2027 A5 Slim and B6 Slim kits, LIFE and IDEA refill prices, pen holder cover)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/series/jibun-techo/firstkit/) - [ジブン手帳 IDEA スタンダードサイズメモ帳 A5スリム 40枚 2冊入 (KOKUYO Japan product page: ニ-JCA3N, 210 × 125 mm, 40 sheets, 3 mm grid, THIN PAPER, ¥780)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/diary/diary/9068/) - [ジブン手帳 紙へのこだわり (KOKUYO Japan: THIN PAPER and MIO PAPER)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/series/jibun-techo/paper-quality) - [ジブン手帳｜文具｜コクヨ (KOKUYO Japan Jibun Techo lineup: creator Hideaki Sakuma, 2014 Good Design Award)](https://www.kokuyo-st.co.jp/stationery/jibun_techo/lineup/) - [一生つかえる手帳、「ジブン手帳」2027年版を発売 (KOKUYO press release on PR TIMES, August 7, 2026: on sale from mid-September 2026, Seiji Matsumoto sheep covers, ¥3,000–5,600)](https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001382.000048998.html) - [コクヨ、筆記量が多い人に対応する「ジブン手帳」2020年版 (Impress Watch, July 8, 2019: sold since 2013)](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1194765.html) - [KOKUYO Official Global Online Store: Jibun Techo First Kit (DIARY+IDEA+LIFE) 2027 A5 slim, Fluffy Sheep Gathering Orange (217 × 136 mm, 112 sheets, country of origin Japan)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en_US/jibun_techo/jibun-techo-firstkit-%28diary%2Bidea%2Blife%29-2027-a5-slim/NI-JF1-27.html) - [KOKUYO Official Global Online Store: Jibun Techo Diary 2027 A5 slim (217 × 136 mm, 112 sheets, made in Japan)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/jibun_techo/jibun-techo-diary-2027-a5-slim/NI-JCD1-27.html) - [KOKUYO Official Global Online Store: Jibun Techo Biz 2027 A5 slim (217 × 138 mm, 104 sheets, MIO PAPER)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en_ES/jibun_techo/jibun-techo-biz-2027-a5-slim-black/NI-JB1D-27.html) - [KOKUYO: Jibun Techo series](https://www.kokuyo.com/en/stationery/series/jibun-techo/) - [The Journal Shop: Kokuyo Jibun Techo First Kit 2027 A5 Slim (THIN PAPER, MIO PAPER, weekly vertical, November 2026 start, country of origin Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/en-us/products/kokuyo-jibun-techo-first-kit-2027-a5-slim-diary-life-idea) - [Tokyo Pen Shop: Jibun Techo First Kit 2027 A5 Slim (front slip pocket, card slots, pen loop, two ribbons, extra pages)](https://tokyopenshop.com/products/jibun-techo-first-kit-2027-a5-slim) - [Nomado Store: Jibun Techo First Kit 2027, 4 colours (LIFE contents, made in Japan)](https://www.nomadostore.com/collections/kokuyo/products/jibun-techo-first-kit-2027-4-colours) - [Stilo e Stile: Kokuyo Jibun Techo 2027 planners (First Kit A5 Slim €59)](https://www.stiloestile.com/en/planners/kokuyo-jibun-techo/) - [JetPens: KOKUYO Jibun Techo First Kit Standard Cover, A5 Slim, Seiji Matsumoto Blue, 2027 Jan Start (NI-JF1L2-27; blocked our reader when re-checked)](https://www.jetpens.com/KOKUYO-Jibun-Techo-First-Kit-Standard-Cover-A5-Slim-Seiji-Matsumoto-Blue-2027-Jan-Start/pd/53138) --- # LAMY Z28 Converter: Fit, Capacity & How to Fill > The LAMY Z28 is a twist-piston converter that lets LAMY's plastic pens, such as the safari, AL-star and vista, fill from a bottle instead of T10 cartridges. LAMY lists it at 72 mm long and about 2 g. It holds roughly 0.8 ml, has two guide lugs that lock into the pen's grip, and is made in Germany. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-z28-converter/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![LAMY Z28 converter drawn to scale at 72 mm (2.8 in) long: red twist knob, clear reservoir with the piston inside, metal band and black front with guide lugs; inset: the two lugs end-on](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/lamy-z28-converter-16x9.png) *The Z28 at 72 mm long (drawn at 1 mm = 8 px; part lengths by eye).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/lamy-z28-converter-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | LAMY Z 28 converter, red (item 1324763) | LAMY (by C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg (part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.)) | Germany | Germany | Plastic reservoir and piston with a metal band | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (LAMY Z 28 converter, red (item 1324763)): Germany. LAMY's own Z 28 product listing (Ireland storefront) describes it as "Made in Germany", and LAMY's site says Heidelberg has been its only production site since 1930. LAMY's India product page, which gave Germany as the country of origin, has since been taken down. Source: https://www.lamy.com/en-ie/p/lamy-z-28-converter ## Key takeaways - LAMY lists the Z28 at 8 × 8 × 72 mm (2.8 in long) and about 2 g. - Goulet Pens and Unsharpen put its ink capacity at about 0.8 ml, double the 0.4 ml Unsharpen lists for the Pilot CON-40. - LAMY's German site lists it for 8 LAMY pens: abc, safari, vista, joy, AL-star, Lx, nexx and nexx M, at €5.90 (about US$6.60). - Two guide lugs on the front lock into notches in those pens' grips; the black Z27 has no lugs. - LAMY's own Z 28 listing says "Made in Germany", and LAMY says Heidelberg is its only production site. ## What is the LAMY Z28 converter? **It's a small twist-piston reservoir that replaces a cartridge, so a LAMY fountain pen can fill from a bottle of ink.** You turn the red knob to draw the piston back and pull ink up through the pen's nib and feed. It's the converter for LAMY's plastic and aluminium pens, above all the [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/), a common first fountain pen in the US. It also fits the aluminium [LAMY AL-star](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-al-star/). LAMY's German shop lists it at €5.90 (about US$6.60) and its US shop at US$6.00. ## LAMY Z28 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg (Germany) | | Model | Z 28, red; item 1324763 (Germany), 11324763 (LAMY US); EAN 4014519661313 | | Type | Twist piston converter | | Size | 8 × 8 × 72 mm (about 2.8 in long), per LAMY | | Weight | About 2 g (LAMY) | | Capacity | About 0.8 ml (Goulet Pens, Unsharpen) | | Fits | abc, safari, vista, joy, AL-star, Lx, nexx, nexx M (LAMY) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 per converter) | | German list price | €5.90 (about US$6.60) | | Made in | Germany (LAMY) | Size, weight, fit and price come from LAMY's German shop; LAMY doesn't state a capacity in the sources we found. ![LAMY Z28 converter side view at 1 mm = 6 px: 72 mm long and 8 mm across, with twist knob, clear reservoir, metal band and guide lugs labelled; about 0.8 ml; fits safari, AL-star, vista, joy, Lx, nexx and abc](https://stationerytimes.com/images/lamy-z28-converter-parts.svg) *The Z28's parts at 1 mm = 6 px. Only the overall size is sourced; part lengths are by eye.* ## Which pens does the Z28 fit, and why? **It fits LAMY's pens with notched grips: LAMY lists the abc, safari, vista, joy, AL-star, Lx, nexx and nexx M.** Two small guide lugs on the Z28's front slot into those notches, so the converter sits square and doesn't wobble when you twist the knob. That also means it won't seat in pens without the notches. Unsharpen notes that the lugs limit it to safari-style pens, while the lug-free black Z27 is the more universal converter. The LAMY 2000 is a built-in piston filler and takes no converter at all. ## How much ink does it hold? **About 0.8 ml, according to Goulet Pens' Z28 listing and Unsharpen.** That is roughly double the 0.4 ml Unsharpen gives for the Pilot CON-40 twist converter used in the [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/). Goulet's LAMY pen pages print a higher converter figure, and LAMY doesn't publish one, so treat 0.8 ml as an estimate. Either way, it holds less than a piston-filler such as the [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/), at about 1.76 ml. ## Z28, Z27 or Z24: what's the difference? **The red Z28 has guide lugs, the black Z27 doesn't, and the Z24 is the Z28's old name.** | | Z28 | Z27 | Z24 | |---|---|---|---| | Knob color | Red | Black | Sources differ | | Guide lugs | Yes | No | Yes | | Fits | Notched-grip LAMY pens | Most LAMY cartridge pens | Same as Z28 | | Status | Current | Current | Replaced around 2016–17 | Goulet says the converters were renamed in a small 2016 redesign that added a metal band and a clearer reservoir; Unsharpen dates the Z24-to-Z28 change to 2017. Goulet also says any pen that takes a Z28 also takes a Z27, though LAMY packs the Z27 with its metal pens. ## How do you fill and clean it? **Push it onto the grip, dip the nib, and twist the knob back.** Line the lugs up with the notches before you press it home. 1. Twist the knob forward so the piston is at the front. 2. Dip the whole nib into the ink, past the breather hole. 3. Twist back slowly to fill, then forward a little to push out a few drops and air bubbles. 4. Wipe the nib and section. To clean it, flush water through it the same way until it runs clear, cycling the piston a few times so no ink stays behind it. ## Is it worth buying? **Yes, if you want bottled ink in a safari or AL-star.** The Z28 costs about the same as a few packs of T10 cartridges, and bottles give you far more colors than LAMY's cartridge range. For a document-safe black, a 3 oz bottle of [Noodler's Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/noodlers-black-ink/) holds roughly 110 Z28 fills. If you only use one ink and want the most ink per fill, cartridges are simpler. Keep a blunt syringe in mind too: many people refill empty T10 cartridges from a bottle. ## Where is the LAMY Z28 made? **In Germany, per LAMY.** LAMY's own Z 28 listing calls it "Made in Germany", and LAMY's site says Heidelberg has been its only production site since the company was founded in 1930. LAMY has been owned by Mitsubishi Pencil, the Japanese maker of uni-ball pens, since 2024. We didn't find a first release date for the Z28 itself. ## Frequently asked questions ### Which LAMY pens does the Z28 converter fit? LAMY lists the abc, safari, vista, joy, AL-star, Lx, nexx and nexx M. They all have notches in the grip that take the Z28's two guide lugs. ### How much ink does the LAMY Z28 hold? About 0.8 ml, per Goulet Pens' Z28 listing and Unsharpen. LAMY doesn't publish a capacity, and Goulet's LAMY pen pages give a higher converter figure (1.08 ml), so expect somewhere around 0.8 to 1 ml. ### What's the difference between the LAMY Z28 and Z27? The red Z28 has two guide lugs for the notched grips of LAMY's plastic pens; the black Z27 has no lugs and is the converter LAMY packs with its metal pens. Goulet says any pen that takes a Z28 also takes a Z27. ### Is the Z28 the same as the Z24? Effectively, yes. Goulet says the Z24 was renamed Z28 in a small 2016 redesign that added a metal band and a clearer reservoir; Unsharpen dates the change to 2017. Both fit the same pens. ### Does the LAMY safari come with a converter? Usually not. The safari normally ships with a T10 cartridge, and the Z28 is sold separately for bottled ink. ### How do you fill a LAMY Z28 converter? Push it onto the pen's grip section, lining the lugs up with the notches, dip the nib into the ink, and turn the red knob to draw the piston back. Turn it forward a little to push out a few drops and air, then draw up again. ### Where is the LAMY Z28 made? In Germany: LAMY's own listing calls it "Made in Germany", and LAMY says it produces only in Heidelberg. LAMY has been part of Mitsubishi Pencil since 2024. ## Sources - [LAMY (Germany): LAMY Z 28 Konverter (converter: €5.90, fits abc, safari, vista, joy, AL-star, Lx, nexx, nexx M; 8 × 8 × 72 mm, 2 g, article 1324763)](https://www.lamy.com/de-de/p/lamy-z-28-converter) - [LAMY (US): Z 28 converter red (item 11324763, EAN 4014519661313, US$6.00)](https://www.lamy.com/en-us/p/lamy-z-28-converter) - [LAMY (Ireland): Z 28 converter (compatible pens; 8 × 8 × 72 mm, 2 g; Made in Germany; Heidelberg its only production site)](https://www.lamy.com/en-ie/p/lamy-z-28-converter) - [Goulet Pens: LAMY Z27 & Z28 converters, what's the difference?](https://gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/lamy-converters-whats-the-difference) - [Goulet Pens: LAMY Z28 cartridge converter (0.8 ml)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/lamy-z28-cartridge-converter) - [Unsharpen: LAMY Z28 fountain pen converter (0.8 ml; replaced the Z24 in 2017)](https://unsharpen.com/refill/lamy-z28-fountain-pen-converter/) - [Unsharpen: Which LAMY fountain pen converter do I want?](https://unsharpen.com/which-lamy-fountain-pen-converter-do-i-want/) - [Larry Post: LAMY Z28 red converter for safari, nexx, AL-star, joy](https://www.larrypost.com.au/lamy-z28-red-converter-for-safari-nexx-al-star-joy.html) - [Walmart: LAMY Z28 fountain pen piston converter](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lamy-Z28-Fountain-Pen-Piston-Converter/783238976) --- # MUJI Recycled Paper Notebook: 30 Sheets, A5 & B5 > The MUJI recycled paper notebook is a thin, thread-stitched notebook from Japan's MUJI with 30 sheets of at least 55% recycled paper in a paperboard cover. It comes in A6, A5 and B5; the A5 measures 210 × 148 mm with 6 mm lines. MUJI lists it as made in Japan, at ¥100 (about US$0.60) there. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/muji-recycled-paper-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the MUJI recycled paper notebook to scale: a B5 notebook 252 mm tall behind an A5 notebook 148 mm wide, and an A5 opened flat on 6 mm ruled white pages with thread stitching in the fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/muji-recycled-paper-notebook-16x9.png) *The B5 and A5 sizes closed, and an A5 open on its stitched fold (1 mm = 0.85 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/muji-recycled-paper-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | MUJI Recycled Paper Notebook, 30 sheets (A6, A5 or B5; lined, grid or blank) | MUJI (by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Recycled paper, inner pages at least 55% recycled (古紙55%以上); paperboard cover | – | $: under $5 per notebook | - Made in (MUJI Recycled Paper Notebook, 30 sheets (A6, A5 or B5; lined, grid or blank)): Japan. MUJI Japan's online store gives 原産国・地域 (country of origin) 日本 (Japan) for the A6, A5 and B5 lined notebooks, and MUJI Canada and MUJI US also give Japan. Source: https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550182109405 ## Key takeaways - Every size has 30 sheets (60 pages); MUJI Japan lists the A5 at 210 × 148 mm with a 4 mm spine and 6 mm B-ruled lines. - The B5 measures 252 × 179 mm (9.9 × 7.1 in); MUJI also makes a separate B5 with 33 lines at 7 mm. - MUJI Japan calls the binding 糸綴じ (thread-stitched), and MUJI US says it is signature bound so it lies flat. - MUJI Japan gives the inner paper as at least 55% recycled and the country of origin as Japan. - MUJI Japan sells the A6 and A5 at ¥100 (about US$0.60) and the B5 at ¥120 (about US$0.80); US prices fall in our $ band, under $5. ## What is the MUJI recycled paper notebook? **It is MUJI's basic notebook: 30 sheets of recycled paper, stitched into a plain paperboard cover with no logo on the front.** MUJI sells it lined, grid and blank, and it is one of the cheapest notebooks in its stores. MUJI is the no-brand label of Ryohin Keikaku, a Japanese retailer. The plain design is the point: it suits people who want a quiet notebook to fill and replace. ## MUJI recycled paper notebook specs | Spec | A6 | A5 | B5 | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 148 × 105 mm (5.8 × 4.1 in) | 210 × 148 mm (8.3 × 5.8 in) | 252 × 179 mm (9.9 × 7.1 in) | | Spine | 4 mm | 4 mm | 4 mm (7 mm version) | | Sheets | 30 (60 pages) | 30 (60 pages) | 30 (60 pages) | | Lines | 6 mm | 6 mm | 6 mm, or 7 mm with 33 lines | | Binding | Thread-stitched | Thread-stitched | Thread-stitched | | Japan price | ¥100 (about US$0.60) | ¥100 (about US$0.60) | ¥120 (about US$0.80) | | JAN (6 mm lined) | 4550182109467 | 4550182109405 | 4550182109528 | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | All figures come from MUJI Japan's online store, where the lined notebooks are called ノート・6mm横罫 ("notebook, 6 mm lines"); prices include tax. The same barcodes appear on MUJI Canada's listing, and the US and Canadian stores agree on sizes, sheets and origin. MUJI Japan gives the inner paper as at least 55% recycled (古紙55%以上) and the cover as paperboard, but no paper weight; it also says the plain cover and pages have no fixed top or bottom, so you can start from either end. ![To-scale drawing of the MUJI recycled paper notebook sizes: B5 179 × 252 mm, A5 148 × 210 mm with 6 mm lines, and A6 105 × 148 mm, all with 30 sheets](https://stationerytimes.com/images/muji-recycled-paper-notebook-sizes.svg) *The three sizes at 1 mm = 1.2 px, aligned at the bottom-left corner.* ## What size should you buy? **Buy the A5 to carry and the B5 for class or desk notes.** The A5 is the size of most journals and fits a tote bag, while the B5 is close to a US composition book and gives more room per line. The A6 suits lists and pocket notes. At 30 sheets, every size is thin, so many people buy several and date them. ## What is the line spacing? **The standard notebooks have 6 mm lines, Japan's B-rule, which is tighter than US college rule (about 7.1 mm).** MUJI also sells a separate B5 with 7 mm A-rule lines, 33 to a page, so read the label if you write large. 6 mm suits small handwriting and Japanese-style notes. If you want wider lines, look for the 7 mm B5; the grid version has 5 mm squares. ## Does it lie flat, and how is it bound? **MUJI says the notebook is signature bound so that it lies flat.** All 30 sheets are folded into one section and stitched through the fold; MUJI's Japanese store calls the binding 糸綴じ, thread-stitched. It notes that the middle pages are slightly narrower than the outer ones, 145 mm against 148 mm on the A5, because of the fold. That is the same idea as the [Moleskine Cahier Journal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-cahier-journal/), and different from the glued spine of the [KOKUYO Campus](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-campus-notebook/). Pages don't tear out cleanly, because each sheet is joined to its partner across the fold. ## How does it handle pens? **Fountain pen users report that the recycled paper does better than MUJI's other papers, but results are mixed.** In an older Fountain Pen Network thread, one member found the recycled notebooks had no feathering or bleed-through while other MUJI papers feathered, and another saw only slight bleed-through with a very wet flex nib; a third found visible feathering on MUJI notebooks bought in Hong Kong. MUJI US's review summary praises the smooth paper of the grid notebook, while one MUJI Japan reviewer of the 7 mm B5 noticed show-through. For heavier ink, see our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## How does it compare with other thin notebooks? **It is the plainest and lightest of the thin notebooks we cover.** | | MUJI A5 | [KOKUYO Campus](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-campus-notebook/) | [Field Notes](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/field-notes-original-kraft/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 210 × 148 mm | 252 × 179 mm (Semi-B5) | 3.5 × 5.5 in | | Pages | 60 | 60 | 48 | | Lines | 6 mm | 6 mm or 7 mm | Graph, ruled or plain | | Binding | Stitched | Glued | Staple-bound | Choose the MUJI if you want a stitched, lay-flat book with no branding. Choose the Campus for more ruling options and dotted lines. ## Where is the MUJI notebook made, and what does it cost? **MUJI lists the recycled paper notebook as made in Japan.** MUJI Japan's store gives Japan as the country of origin for the A6, A5 and B5, and MUJI's Canadian and US listings agree. In Japan the A6 and A5 cost ¥100 (about US$0.60) and the B5 ¥120 (about US$0.80). US prices put every size in our $ band, under $5 per notebook. Amazon.com also sells MUJI notebooks in sets of five, such as the B5 ruled set 76316145. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many pages are in a MUJI notebook? The MUJI recycled paper notebook has 30 sheets, which is 60 pages, in every size MUJI lists. MUJI Australia lists a coloured-cover B5 five-pack with 36 sheets, so check multi-packs. ### What sizes does the MUJI recycled paper notebook come in? A6, A5 and B5. MUJI gives the A6 as 148 × 105 mm, the A5 as 210 × 148 mm (8.3 × 5.8 in) and the B5 as 252 × 179 mm (9.9 × 7.1 in). ### What is the line spacing in MUJI notebooks? The standard notebooks have 6 mm lines (Japan's B-rule), a little tighter than US college rule. MUJI also sells a B5 with 7 mm lines (A-rule, 33 lines), so check the label. ### Do MUJI notebooks lie flat? MUJI says the notebook is signature bound so that it lies flat, and MUJI Japan calls the binding thread-stitched (糸綴じ). With only 30 sheets in one stitched section, it opens flatter than a glued notebook. ### Is MUJI notebook paper good for fountain pens? Mixed. In an older Fountain Pen Network thread, members found the recycled paper feathered less than other MUJI papers, though one saw slight bleed-through with a very wet nib and another found feathering. We haven't tested it ourselves yet. ### Where are MUJI notebooks made? In Japan. MUJI's Japanese, US and Canadian stores all list the recycled paper notebook as made in Japan. MUJI is the store brand of Ryohin Keikaku, a Japanese retailer. ### Can you buy MUJI notebooks on Amazon? Yes. Amazon.com carries MUJI notebooks, for example a set of five 30-sheet B5 ruled notebooks (76316145), as well as MUJI's own US stores and website. ## Sources - [ノート・６ｍｍ横罫 Ａ５ (MUJI Japan online store: 210 × 148 mm, 4 mm spine, B-ruled, 30 sheets, thread-bound, at least 55% recycled, ¥100, origin Japan, JAN 4550182109405)](https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550182109405) - [ノート・６ｍｍ横罫 Ｂ５ (MUJI Japan online store: 252 × 179 mm, 30 sheets, thread-bound, ¥120, origin Japan, JAN 4550182109528)](https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550182109528) - [ノート・６ｍｍ横罫 Ａ６ (MUJI Japan online store: 148 × 105 mm, 30 sheets, ¥100, origin Japan, JAN 4550182109467)](https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550182109467) - [ノート・７ｍｍ横罫 Ｂ５ (MUJI Japan online store: 252 × 179 mm, 7 mm A-rule, 33 lines, ¥120, origin Japan, JAN 4550583766962)](https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550583766962) - [MUJI Canada: Recycled Paper Lined Notebook (A6, A5 and B5 sizes, 30 sheets, 6 mm, made in Japan, signature bound)](https://muji.ca/products/paper-notebook-lined) - [MUJI US: Recycled Paper Notebook 0.3" Lined B5 (25.2 × 17.9 cm, 7 mm, made in Japan)](https://www.muji.us/products/recycled-paper-notebook-lined-b5) - [MUJI US: Recycled Paper Lined Notebook B5 (6 mm, 30 sheets, made in Japan)](https://www.muji.us/products/bind-ruled-notebook-b5-9s62) - [MUJI US: Recycled Paper Lined Notebook (recycled paper, paperboard; 30 sheets)](https://www.muji.us/products/bind-ruled-notebook-9s62) - [MUJI US: Recycled Paper Bind Grid Notebook (5 mm grid, made in Japan, customer ratings)](https://www.muji.us/products/recycled-paper-bind-grid-notebook-9s62) - [MUJI Canada: Recycled Paper Blank Notebook](https://muji.ca/products/paper-notebook-plain) - [Amazon.com: MUJI Set of 5 Notebooks, 30 Sheets, Color Ruled B5 (76316145)](https://www.amazon.com/MUJI-Notebooks-Sheets-76316145-Multicolor/dp/B00GMJM2E0) - [MUJI Australia: Coloured cover set of 5 notebooks, B5, 6 mm lines (36 sheets)](https://muji.com.au/products/coloured-cover-set-of-5-notebooks-b5-lined-6mm-lines) - [Fountain Pen Network: MUJI notebooks and paper (forum thread; recycled paper vs other MUJI papers)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/266872-muji-notebooks-and-paper) --- # Scribbles That Matter Pro: A5 Dot Grid, 160 gsm > The Scribbles That Matter Pro is an A5 hardcover bullet journal from London-based Scribbles That Matter. The maker lists it at 14.5 × 21 cm with 160 gsm or 120 gsm bright white paper, a 5 mm dot grid, numbered pages, key, index and pen test pages, two ribbons, an elastic, a pen loop and a back pocket. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/scribbles-that-matter-pro-a5-dotted-journal/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Scribbles That Matter Pro A5 journal to scale: a grey faux-leather hardcover 210 mm tall with elastic, pen loop and two ribbons, closed and opened flat on numbered 160 gsm pages with a 5 mm dot grid](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/scribbles-that-matter-pro-a5-dotted-journal-16x9.png) *The Pro A5 closed and open, with the 5 mm dot grid magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/scribbles-that-matter-pro-a5-dotted-journal-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Scribbles That Matter Pro A5 Dotted Journal, 160 gsm | Scribbles That Matter (by Scribbles That Matter Ltd) | United Kingdom | China | Smooth matte vegan-leather hard cover; bright white FSC paper, 160 gsm (also 120 gsm); sewn binding (per Gathered) | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Scribbles That Matter Pro A5 Dotted Journal, 160 gsm): China. Scribbles That Matter's FAQ says its products are designed and prototyped in the UK and mass-manufactured in China. The company, Scribbles That Matter Ltd, gives an office address on Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London. Source: https://scribblesthatmatter.com/pages/faq ## Key takeaways - Scribbles That Matter lists the A5 Pro at 5.75 × 8.5 in (14.5 × 21 cm); a B5 at 17.8 × 25.4 cm is also sold. - The paper comes in 160 gsm for markers and paint or 120 gsm for fountain pens, both with a 5 mm dot grid; a reviewer counted 27 × 39 dots per page. - Amazon titles and Gathered give 150 pages for the 160 gsm A5; reviewers have counted 153 and 158 numbered pages, so expect about 150. - The box adds a 0.7 mm black fineliner, a layout divider guide and a storage box, per the maker. - Scribbles That Matter's FAQ says its products are designed and prototyped in the UK and made in China. ## What is the Scribbles That Matter Pro? **The Scribbles That Matter Pro is an A5 dotted hardcover journal made for bullet journaling, with heavy paper and printed planning pages.** Scribbles That Matter sells it from its own UK and US stores and on Amazon. The maker says the Pro and the Iconic are the same inside; the Pro simply has a plain cover. You choose 160 gsm or 120 gsm paper at the same price. An older review of the Iconic describes 201 pages of thinner 100 gsm ivory paper, so today's 160 gsm Pro trades page count for thicker sheets. ## Scribbles That Matter Pro specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Size | A5: 5.75 × 8.5 in, 14.5 × 21 cm (maker); just under 1 in thick (reviewer). B5: 17.8 × 25.4 cm | | Pages | About 150, numbered (Amazon, Gathered); reviewers counted 153 and 158 | | Paper | Bright white FSC paper, 160 gsm or 120 gsm (maker) | | Ruling | 5 mm dot grid with centre marks; 27 × 39 dots (counted by a reviewer) | | Printed pages | 3 index pages, key page, pen test pages | | Extras | 2 ribbons, elastic closure, pen loop, expandable back pocket; 0.7 mm fineliner, layout divider guide and storage box in the box | | Cover | Smooth matte vegan leather, hard, unembossed | | Made in | China (maker's FAQ) | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75 per notebook) | Scribbles That Matter sells ten cover colours, including Grey, the one drawn above. On October 20, 2026 its UK store listed the A5 at £24.97 (about US$33) and the B5 at £29.97 (about US$40); its US store listed the A5 at US$34.97 and the B5 at US$44.97. ![To-scale drawing of a 145 × 210 mm Scribbles That Matter Pro page with a 5 mm dot grid of 27 dots across and 39 down and a page number](https://stationerytimes.com/images/scribbles-that-matter-pro-a5-dotted-journal-dot-grid.svg) *One Pro page at 1 mm = 1.6 px: 27 × 39 dots, 5 mm apart, with a page number.* ## How thick is 160 gsm paper, and does it bleed? **160 gsm is about twice the weight of standard 80 gsm notebook paper, which is why bullet journalers buy it for markers and brush pens.** It is the same weight as the [Archer & Olive A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/archer-and-olive-a5-dot-grid-notebook/) and the [Notebook Therapy Tsuki](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-therapy-tsuki-bullet-journal/). Scribbles That Matter calls both papers bleed-proof. Reviewers mostly agree: All About Planners saw no ghosting or bleed from pens and highlighters, and Gathered saw only slight ghosting from a water-based brush pen. Waves of Pages found that regular and fine Sharpies showed through the page. ## What pages come printed in the Pro? **Scribbles That Matter lists a key page, index pages, numbered pages and a pen test page; reviewers count three index pages at the front.** The index and numbering follow the Bullet Journal method, so you can find a log by page number later. The pen test page sits at the back, next to the pocket, so you can try each pen before using it on a spread. Small centre marks on every page help you find the middle without counting dots. ## How does it compare with other 160 gsm journals? **The Pro sits between the Tsuki and the Archer & Olive on page count, and it is the one in this group with printed index and pen test pages.** | | Scribbles That Matter Pro | [Archer & Olive A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/archer-and-olive-a5-dot-grid-notebook/) | [Notebook Therapy Tsuki](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-therapy-tsuki-bullet-journal/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 145 × 210 mm | 146 × 210 mm | 145 × 210 mm | | Pages | About 150 | 192 | 176 | | Paper | 160 gsm | 160 gsm | 160 gsm | | Numbered pages | Yes | No | No | | Pen loop | Yes | Yes | No | If you want more pages of lighter paper with the official method pages, the [Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2/) has 206 numbered pages of 120 g/m² paper. ## How is the Pro different from the Iconic? **The two editions share the layout; the only difference is the cover.** Scribbles That Matter says the Iconic has expressive embossed artwork, while the Pro has a smooth vegan-leather cover with no embossing. All About Planners notes that the Pro's 160 gsm paper matches Archer & Olive's and that it sold at the same price. Since the Pro also comes in 120 gsm, check the paper option if weight matters to you. ## Where is Scribbles That Matter made? **Scribbles That Matter's FAQ says its products are designed and prototyped in the UK and mass-manufactured in China.** The brand is owned by Scribbles That Matter Ltd, which holds US trademark 6163887, registered September 29, 2020, and gives an office address on Shelton Street in Covent Garden, London. ## Is the Scribbles That Matter Pro worth it? **It suits bullet journalers who use markers and want the index, key and pen test pages printed for them.** UK magazine Gathered gave an RRP of £26.97 (about US$36), and the maker's US price of US$34.97 falls in our $$$ band ($20–75). If you mostly write with gel pens, a lighter, cheaper notebook will do. If you paint or use brush pens heavily, the 160 gsm paper is the reason to choose it. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between the Scribbles That Matter Pro and the Iconic? Scribbles That Matter says the two are exactly the same inside and differ only in the cover: the Iconic has embossed doodle artwork, while the Pro has a plain, unembossed vegan-leather cover. ### How many pages does the Scribbles That Matter Pro have? Amazon titles and Gathered's review give 150 pages for the 160 gsm A5. Reviewers have counted 153 and 158 numbered pages, which suggests the count changed between print runs; the maker doesn't state a count. ### What paper weight is the Scribbles That Matter Pro? You choose 160 gsm or 120 gsm bright white FSC paper at the same price. The maker recommends 160 gsm for markers and paint and 120 gsm for fountain pens and more pages. ### Does Scribbles That Matter paper bleed? The maker calls both papers bleed-proof. Reviewers mostly agree for pens and highlighters, but one found regular and fine Sharpies showed through, and Gathered saw slight ghosting from a water-based brush pen. We haven't tested it ourselves yet. ### What size is the Scribbles That Matter A5 journal? Scribbles That Matter lists the A5 at 5.75 × 8.5 in, or 14.5 × 21 cm. A reviewer measured it at just under 1 in thick. ### Does the Scribbles That Matter Pro have a pen loop? Yes. The maker lists a flexible pen loop, an elastic closure, two colour-coded ribbon bookmarks and an expandable back pocket, and includes a 0.7 mm black fineliner. ### Where is Scribbles That Matter made? Scribbles That Matter's FAQ says its products are designed and prototyped in the UK and mass-manufactured in China. The company is based in London. ## Sources - [Scribbles That Matter (UK): Dotted Journal (Pro) (size chart, 160/120 gsm, extras, £24.97 A5)](https://scribblesthatmatter.co.uk/products/dotted-journal-pro) - [Scribbles That Matter (US): Dotted Journal - Pro (cover, inside pages, box contents, FAQ, SKUs, US$34.97 A5)](https://scribblesthatmatter.com/products/dotted-journal-pro) - [Scribbles That Matter: FAQ (designed and prototyped in the UK, made in China; Iconic vs Pro)](https://scribblesthatmatter.com/pages/faq) - [Scribbles That Matter: About (office address, Scribbles That Matter Ltd, London)](https://scribblesthatmatter.com/pages/about) - [Amazon.com: Scribbles That Matter Bullet Dotted Journal, A5, 160 gsm, 150 pages (B0979J5222)](https://www.amazon.com/Scribbles-Matter-Bullet-Journal-Organizer/dp/B0979J5222) - [All About Planners: Scribbles That Matter Iconic versus the Pro Version with 160 GSM paper (153 pages, 27 × 39 dots, US$26.97)](https://allaboutplanners.com.au/scribbles-that-matter-iconic-versus-the-pro-version-with-160-gsm-paper-which-is-better/) - [Gathered: Scribbles That Matter bullet journal review (sewn binding, 150 pages, RRP £26.97)](https://www.gathered.how/buyers-guide/scribbles-that-matter-bullet-journal-review) - [Waves of Pages: Scribbles that Matter Pro A5 Notebook Review (158 numbered pages, Sharpie test)](https://wavesofpages.com/scribbles-that-matter-pro-a5-notebook-review/) - [Square Lime Designs: Scribbles That Matter Notebook Review (earlier Iconic edition: 100 gsm ivory paper, 201 pages)](https://squarelimedesigns.com/blog/scribbles-that-matter-notebook-review) - [USPTO TSDR: SCRIBBLES THAT MATTER, serial 88838454, registration 6163887 (September 29, 2020)](https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88838454&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch) --- # Westcott Titanium Bonded Scissors: 8 in Straight > The Westcott 8 in Straight Titanium Bonded scissors are all-purpose desk scissors from the US brand Westcott, part of Acme United. They measure 8 in (203 mm) with a 3.5 in (89 mm) cut, have titanium-bonded stainless steel blades and gray handles with yellow grips, and sell as the 13529 single or the 13901 two-pack. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/westcott-titanium-bonded-scissors/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Westcott 8 in Straight Titanium Bonded scissors drawn to scale at 203 mm (8 in) long with a 3.5 in cut: gray straight handles with yellow grips and steel blades; inset: the bonded blade edge](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/westcott-titanium-bonded-scissors-16x9.png) *The 13529 at 8 in long with its 3.5 in cut (drawn at 1 mm = 2.5 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/westcott-titanium-bonded-scissors-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Westcott 8 in Straight Titanium Bonded Scissors, gray/yellow (13529; 2-pack 13901) | Westcott (by Acme United Corporation) | United States | China | Titanium-bonded stainless steel blades (corrosion resistant, per Westcott); soft handles | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Westcott 8 in Straight Titanium Bonded Scissors, gray/yellow (13529; 2-pack 13901)): China. PartsSource lists China as the country of origin for the 13529, and an office-supply distributor lists CN for the same line (one field on a copy of that page says Chile, which looks like an error). Westcott's own 13529 and 13901 pages don't state it. Source: https://www.partssource.com/parts/westcott/13529 ## Key takeaways - Overall length is 8 in (203 mm) and the cut length 3.5 in (89 mm), per retailer listings of the 13529. - The 13901 two-pack's Amazon listing showed 4.7 stars from over 32,780 reviews in October 2024, per Slickdeals. - Westcott says its patented titanium bonding makes the blades 3 times stronger than classic stainless steel, and backs them with a limited lifetime warranty. - Westcott now sells the 13529 as a Glide model with tool-free adjustable blade tension, and says its straight soft handles suit either hand. - Distributor listings give China as the country of origin. ## What are Westcott Titanium Bonded scissors? **They're 8 in all-purpose scissors whose stainless steel blades have titanium bonded to them, sold for office, home and school.** Westcott, founded in 1872, is now a brand of Acme United Corporation in Connecticut, which also makes the [Westcott 12 in acrylic ruler](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/westcott-acrylic-ruler/). They're among the most-bought scissors in the US. Slickdeals reported the two-pack's Amazon listing at 4.7 stars from over 32,780 reviews in October 2024, and a copy of the listing ranks it 4th in Craft Scissors. ## Westcott 8 in Titanium Bonded specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Westcott (Acme United Corporation, US) | | Model | 13529 single (UPC 073577135291); 13901 two-pack (UPC 073577139015) | | Overall length | 8 in (203 mm) | | Cut length | 3.5 in (89 mm) | | Blades | Titanium-bonded stainless steel, pointed tip | | Handles | Straight, gray with yellow soft grips | | Tension | Glide: adjustable without tools (current version) | | Hand | Right or left (Westcott) | | Warranty | Limited lifetime (Westcott) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 for one pair) | | Made in | China (per distributors) | Sizes come from US and Canadian retailer listings; Westcott's page gives only package-style dimensions (10.88 × 0.75 × 4.38) and no weight for the bare scissors. In a two-pack, each pair usually works out under $5. ![Westcott 8 in Straight Titanium Bonded scissors at 1 mm = 2.2 px: 203 mm (8 in) overall and 89 mm (3.5 in) cut; titanium-bonded stainless steel blades, straight gray handles with yellow grips, right or left hand, made in China](https://stationerytimes.com/images/westcott-titanium-bonded-scissors-size.svg) *The 13529 to scale: almost half the length is blade.* ## What does titanium bonding do? **Westcott says it makes the blades stronger and keeps them sharp longer than plain stainless steel.** Its product page claims 3 times the strength of classic stainless steel blades, calls the blades corrosion resistant, and in its bullet list says 3 times harder. Those are maker claims. We haven't measured hardness or edge life, and Westcott doesn't publish a test method in the sources we found. ## How do they compare with Fiskars Original scissors? **They're the same size; the differences are the handles and the blade finish.** | | Westcott 13529 | [Fiskars Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fiskars-original-orange-handled-scissors/) | |---|---|---| | Length / cut | 8 in / 3.5 in | 8 in / 3.5 in | | Handles | Straight, symmetrical | Bent, shaped loops | | Blades | Titanium-bonded stainless | Stainless steel | | Hand | Right or left | Right-handed | | Made in | China (distributors) | China (retailers) | The Fiskars bent handles keep the lower blade flat on the table, which helps long cuts on a desk. The Westcott's straight handles suit in-the-air cutting and shared drawers where left-handed people use the same pair. ## Which version should you buy? **Get the 13529 for one pair, the 13901 two-pack for home plus office.** - **13529 / 13901:** the classic gray and yellow straight scissors covered here. Westcott now sells them as Glide models, with blade tension you can loosen for thin materials and tighten for thick ones without a tool. - **Non-Stick (for example the 16550 two-pack):** Westcott adds a coating it says resists tape and adhesive, useful for cutting tape and labels. - **Bent handle:** Westcott also sells 8 in bent versions; check the model before buying, because retailers mix their specs. ## Are they good for left-handed people? **They work in either hand, but they aren't true left-handed scissors.** The handles are straight and symmetrical, so the loops are comfortable in a left hand, and Westcott lists them for right- or left-hand use. The blades are still set the usual way, with the upper blade on the right-handed side. A left-handed user can cut with them, but sees the cut line less clearly than with dedicated left-hand scissors. In a shared office drawer, that trade-off is why straight handles are popular. ## Are they worth buying? **Yes, as a general desk pair: they're inexpensive, widely sold and well reviewed.** A two-pack has been listed on Amazon at under $20, which puts each pair under $5. If you mostly cut tape or sticky labels, step up to a Non-Stick model. If you cut long straight lines on a table, a bent-handle pair like the Fiskars may suit you better. ## How should you care for them? **Wipe the blades after cutting tape or labels, and keep them for paper, card and tape.** The plain 13529 has no non-stick coating; Westcott sells its Non-Stick models for cutting a lot of tape. For drawing a straight line first, the [Midori Clip Ruler](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-clip-ruler/) is a pocket-size guide. ## Where are Westcott Titanium Bonded scissors made? **In China, per distributor listings.** PartsSource lists China as the country of origin for the 13529, and another distributor lists CN for the same line. Westcott is an American brand: Henry Westcott founded it in Seneca, New York, in 1872, and Acme United, now in Fairfield, Connecticut, bought it in 1968, per Acme United. Westcott's own product pages don't state the country of manufacture. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long are Westcott 8 in Titanium Bonded scissors? They're 8 in (203 mm) long overall, with a 3.5 in (89 mm) cutting length from the pivot to the tip, per retailer listings of the 13529. ### What does titanium bonded mean on scissors? Westcott bonds titanium onto stainless steel blades. Westcott says its patented process makes them 3 times stronger (elsewhere on the same page, 3 times harder) than classic stainless steel and keeps them sharp longer; those are maker claims we haven't tested. ### Are Westcott Titanium Bonded scissors left-handed? They have straight, symmetrical handles, and Westcott says they suit right- or left-hand use. The blades are still set for right-handed cutting, so true left-hand scissors give a clearer view of the cut line. ### What's the difference between the Westcott 13529 and 13901? They're the same 8 in straight gray and yellow scissors, which Westcott now names Soft Handle Titanium Bonded Glide. The 13529 is one pair (UPC 073577135291), and the 13901 is a pack of two (UPC 073577139015). ### Are Westcott Titanium Bonded scissors non-stick? The plain 13529 isn't sold as non-stick. Westcott makes a separate Titanium Bonded Non-Stick line, such as the 16550 two-pack, with a coating meant to resist tape adhesive. ### Do Westcott scissors have a warranty? Yes. Westcott's pages for the 13529 and 13901 list a manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty, with the period stated on the package and certain limitations. ### Where are Westcott Titanium Bonded scissors made? Distributor listings give China as the country of origin. Westcott is an American brand owned by Acme United Corporation of Connecticut. ## Sources - [Westcott: 8 in Straight Soft Handle Titanium Bonded Glide Scissors, Grey/Yellow (13529) (patented titanium bonding, 3 times the strength of stainless steel, adjustable Glide tension, right or left hand, limited lifetime warranty)](https://westcottbrand.com/products/westcott-8-soft-grip-titanium-bonded-scissors-13529-13529-parent) - [Westcott: 8 in Straight Soft Handle Titanium Bonded Glide Scissors, Grey/Yellow, 2 Pack (13901)](https://westcottbrand.com/products/westcott-8-straight-titanium-bonded-scissors-grey-yellow-2-pack-13901-parent) - [Westcott: 8 in Straight Titanium Bonded Non-Stick scissors, 2-pack (16550; lifetime warranty)](https://westcottbrand.com/products/westcott-8-straight-titanium-bonded-non-stick-scissors-2-pack-16550-parent) - [Westcott: About us (founded 1872)](https://safety.westcottbrand.com/about-us/) - [Acme United: Westcott (founded 1872 in Seneca, New York; bought by Acme United in 1968)](https://acmeunited.com/westcott/) - [PartsSource: Westcott 13529 (country of origin China; titanium-bonded stainless steel)](https://www.partssource.com/parts/westcott/13529) - [On Time Supplies: Westcott 13529 titanium bonded scissors, 8 in long, 3.5 in cut, gray/yellow](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/acm13529-titanium-bonded-scissors-8-long-35-cut-length-gray-yellow-straight-handle.html) - [Staples Canada: Westcott 8 in Titanium Bonded straight scissors (3.5 in cut)](https://www.staples.ca/products/514254-en-westcott-8-titanium-bonded-straight-scissors) - [New Places To Be: Westcott 8 in straight Titanium Bonded scissors, 2-pack (13901; 3× stronger)](https://newplacestobe.com/Westcott-Westcott-8-Straight-Titanium-Bonded-Scissors-Grey-362-83306.html) - [Walmart: Westcott Titanium Bonded 8 in straight scissors, gray/yellow](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Westcott-Titanium-Bonded-2Pk-Straight-8-Scissor-Grey-Yellow-for-Office-and-School-High-School/15780832) - [Slickdeals: Westcott 8 in titanium scissors 2-pack on Amazon (4.7 stars, 32,780+ reviews), October 2024](https://slickdeals.net/f/17813049-2-pack-8-westcott-all-purpose-titanium-scissors-yellow-gray-7-89-free-shipping-w-prime-or-on-35-orders) - [desertcart: Westcott Titanium Bonded scissors 2-pack (Amazon B000P0LNRE; #4 in Craft Scissors)](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1721176) - [Best Buy Canada: Westcott 8 in Titanium Bonded scissors ACM13901, 2-pack](https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/acme-united-acme-westcott-8-titanium-bonded-scissors-acm13901-2-pack-acm13901/10264385) --- # Kamio Picture Book Stickers: Gold-Foil Nature Sheets > Kamio Japan's Adult Illustrated Picture Book Stickers are single sticker sheets drawn like a field-guide page, such as zoo animals, sea creatures or minerals, each with a short caption and gold-foil stamping on textured special paper. Yodobashi lists a 175 × 90 mm sticker sheet in a 205 × 95 mm pack at ¥330 (about US$2.10), in our under-$5 band. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kamio-picture-book-stickers/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Three Kamio Japan picture book sticker sheets drawn at the 95 × 205 mm package size on cream textured paper with a gold-foil title band: Goldfish, Freshwater Fish and Zoo, each specimen with a short caption](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kamio-picture-book-stickers-16x9.png) *Three sheets drawn at the 95 × 205 mm package size; the sticker sheet inside is 90 × 175 mm, and the art is representative.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kamio-picture-book-stickers-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Kamio Japan Adult Illustrated Picture Book Stickers (1 sheet) | Kamio Japan | Japan | Not stated | Special paper with gold foil (特殊紙+金箔) | 2017 | $: under $5 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Kamio Japan Adult Illustrated Picture Book Stickers (1 sheet)): Not stated. Yodobashi's full spec for the Cocktail sheet, and the Yoseka Stationery and Little Craft Place listings, give size, foil and paper but not the country of manufacture. Kamio Japan's own product pages sit behind a bot check we could not pass. Kamio Japan is a Japanese company; we found no source that says these sheets are made in Japan. Source: https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001009145051/ ## Key takeaways - Yodobashi's spec for the Cocktail sheet: a 175 × 90 mm sticker sheet in a 205 × 95 × 1 mm pack, about 8 g; US shops quote the 205 × 95 mm pack size. - Each listing is one sheet of stickers, with gold-foil stamping on a textured special paper. - Kamio Japan's Japanese list price is ¥330 (about US$2.10) including tax per sheet, per Yodobashi; US shops have sold Zoo, Warm Sea Creatures, Minerals and Stationery. - A September 2026 Kodansha press release says the Otona no Zukan (大人の図鑑) sticker series launched in 2017 and now has more than 100 designs. - One sheet sits in our $ band (under $5); no source we found states the sticker count or where it is made. ## What are Kamio picture book stickers? **They are single sticker sheets from Kamio Japan, illustrated like a page from a nature field guide, with captions and gold-foil accents.** US shops sell them as Adult Illustrated Picture Book Stickers, one sheet per pack. In Japan, Kamio sells them as 大人の図鑑シール (Otona no Zukan, "adult's picture book" stickers). The "adult" in the name refers to the grown-up, encyclopedia style, not the content. A September 2026 Kodansha press release, announcing a sticker book drawn from the series, says the first Otona no Zukan stickers appeared in 2017 and that the series now runs to more than 100 designs, far more than US shops stock. Yodobashi's listing describes it as a series that turns niche subjects into field-guide pages, meant to be collected and read as well as stuck down. Little Craft Place describes the sheets as illustrations with commentary on a textured special paper with gold-leaf accents. ## Kamio picture book sticker specs | Spec | Kamio Picture Book Stickers | |---|---| | Format | 1 sticker sheet in a bag | | Sticker sheet size | 175 × 90 × 1 mm (6.9 × 3.5 in), per Yodobashi | | Package size | 205 × 95 × 1 mm (8.1 × 3.7 in), per Yodobashi and Yoseka | | Weight | About 8 g, per Yodobashi | | Japanese list price | ¥330 (about US$2.10) including tax, per Yodobashi | | Material | Special paper with gold foil (特殊紙+金箔) | | Stickers per sheet | Not stated | | Price band | $ (under $5) | | Made in | Not stated | Yodobashi, the Japanese electronics and stationery chain, gives the fullest spec we could read, for the Cocktail (カクテル) sheet, item 226304: a 175 × 90 × 1 mm sticker sheet in a 205 × 95 × 1 mm package, about 8 g, special paper plus gold foil, and a list price of ¥330 (about US$2.10) including tax; it went on sale on May 31, 2025. US shops quote the package size: Yoseka Stationery gives H205 × W95 × D1 mm for the Zoo sheet and Little Craft Place 8 × 3.75 in for Warm Sea Creatures. None lists a sticker count, so we'll count a sheet before adding one. Kamio Japan's own product pages carry the same kind of spec, but they now sit behind a bot check we could not pass, so this guide relies on Yodobashi for the Japanese figures. Yodobashi also sells a Premium (PM) line of the series, such as Reading (読書) and Cheese (チーズ), at ¥330 (about US$2.10) each. ## How do you use picture book stickers? **Cut or peel each specimen with its caption and use it like a small museum label in a journal, a travel log or a letter.** The long, narrow sheet also works whole as a decorative strip on the side of a page. The captions make them good companions for nature journaling and collecting pages: a goldfish next to notes from a festival, or zoo animals beside a ticket stub. Pair them with [washi tape](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mt-washi-tape/) to frame a spread. ## Which picture book design should you choose? **Pick by subject: each sheet is one theme, so choose the one that matches what you journal about.** | Design | Sold by | Good for | |---|---|---| | Zoo | Yoseka Stationery (marked discontinued) | Zoo visits and children's letters | | Warm Sea Creatures | Little Craft Place | Beach trips and diving logs | | Minerals | Yoseka Stationery (marked discontinued) | Museum and rock-collecting pages | | Stationery | Yoseka Stationery (marked discontinued) | Stationery and planner pages | | Cocktail (カクテル) | Yodobashi (Japan) | Bar and party pages | US shops stock only a few designs at a time, and stock changes; Yoseka marks many of its listings as discontinued. If a sheet sells out, Kamio's other gold-foil sheets, such as Japanese Food, use a similar long format. ## How do they compare with other Kamio stickers? **The picture book sheet is Kamio's long field-guide format; its flake packs are loose, die-cut pieces in a bag.** The Japanese Food sheet, which Yoseka lists at 175 × 90 mm, is the same sheet size Yodobashi gives for the picture book stickers. | Kamio sticker | Format | Size | Count | |---|---|---|---| | Picture Book | 1 sheet, gold foil | 90 × 175 mm sheet (95 × 205 mm pack) | Not stated | | Japanese Food | 1 sheet, washi with gold foil | 90 × 175 mm | Not stated | | Flake Stickers, Kyoto | Loose flakes, washi, gold foil | About 45 mm and 25 mm | 30 | | Color Tracing Flake Stickers | Translucent circles | About 45 mm across | 35 (7 shades) | ![Kamio sticker formats drawn to scale: the 95 by 205 millimetre picture book sheet with goldfish and a gold-foil band, a 90 by 175 millimetre Japanese Food sheet, Kyoto flake stickers of about 45 and 25 millimetres, and 45 millimetre Color Tracing circles](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kamio-picture-book-stickers-sizes.svg) *The picture book pack is the longest Kamio format we found; the sticker sheet inside is 90 × 175 mm.* ## How do they compare with other Japanese journal stickers? **They are more illustrative than Mind Wave flakes and more decorative than Midori's functional Yuru Log stickers.** | Sticker | Format | Material | Count | |---|---|---|---| | Kamio Picture Book | 1 long sheet | Textured paper, gold foil | Not stated | | [Mind Wave Washi Flowers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mind-wave-washi-flowers-foil-stickers/) | Loose flakes in a bag | Washi, gold foil | 40 | | [Midori Yuru Log](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/) | Sheets | Washi | Varies by theme | Choose Kamio if you want a single, illustrated theme with captions. Choose flake packs if you want ready-cut pieces with no sheet to trim around. ## Who is Kamio Japan? **Kamio Japan is a Japanese stationery brand founded in 1987, which began as a retail shop called Fancy Variety Shop before making its own products, according to Yoseka Stationery.** Yoseka adds that the name joins kami (paper) and o (king). The Otona no Zukan series has since grown beyond stickers into stationery and goods, per Kodansha's 2026 press release. ## Where are Kamio picture book stickers made? **Neither Yodobashi's full Japanese spec nor the US retailer listings we read state where the sheets are made.** Kamio Japan is based in Japan, but we haven't confirmed the printing country; we'll add it once we've checked the packaging. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are Kamio picture book stickers? They are single sticker sheets from Kamio Japan illustrated like a nature encyclopedia page, with animals or fish, short captions and gold-foil accents. Retailers call them Adult Illustrated Picture Book Stickers. ### How big is a Kamio picture book sticker sheet? Yodobashi's spec for the Cocktail sheet gives a 175 × 90 mm sticker sheet inside a 205 × 95 × 1 mm package. US shops quote the package size: Yoseka Stationery lists 205 × 95 × 1 mm and Little Craft Place 8 × 3.75 in. Either way it is a long, narrow sheet, close to a bookmark. ### How many stickers are on a Kamio picture book sheet? The listings we found don't give a count, only that it is one sheet. We'll add a count once we've checked a sheet. ### What designs do Kamio picture book stickers come in? US shops have listed Zoo, Warm Sea Creatures, Minerals, Stationery, Shimaenaga and more, though Yoseka marks many as discontinued. A Kodansha press release counts more than 100 designs in Japan, from cats and dogs to ancient Egypt and minerals. ### Do Kamio picture book stickers have gold foil? Yes. Yodobashi lists the material as special paper plus gold foil (特殊紙+金箔), Yoseka describes gold-foil stamping, and Little Craft Place describes gold-leaf accents on a textured special paper. ### Who is Kamio Japan? Kamio Japan is a Japanese stationery brand founded in 1987, which began as a retail shop called Fancy Variety Shop and later started making its own products. In Japan these sheets belong to its Otona no Zukan (adult's picture book) series. ### Where are Kamio stickers made? Neither Yodobashi's full spec nor the US listings we read say. Kamio Japan is based in Japan, but we haven't confirmed where these sheets are printed. ## Sources - [大人の図鑑シール カクテル 226304 (Yodobashi.com product page: Kamio Japan list price ¥330 incl. tax, on sale May 31, 2025, package H205 × W95 × D1 mm, sticker H175 × W90 × D1 mm, about 8 g, special paper + gold foil)](https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001009145051/) - [『レプリカ版 大人の図鑑®シールブック ベストセレクション』 (Kodansha press release on PR TIMES, September 2026: Kamio Japan's Otona no Zukan stickers since 2017, more than 100 designs)](https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000008929.000001719.html) - [大人の図鑑 (Kamio Japan series page: Otona no Zukan; behind a bot check when we tried to re-read it)](https://kamiojapan.jp/brand-character/otonanozukan/) - [Yoseka Stationery: Kamio Adult Illustrated Picture Book Stickers, Zoo (1 sheet, H205 × W95 × D1 mm, gold foil; marked discontinued)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/kamio-adult-illustrated-picture-book-stickers-zoo) - [Yoseka Stationery: Kamio Illustrated Picture Book Stickers, Minerals](https://yosekastationery.com/products/kamio-illustrated-picture-book-stickers-minerals) - [Little Craft Place: Kamio Japan Picture Book Sticker Sheet, Warm Sea Creatures (H 8 × W 3.75 in, textured special paper, gold leaf)](https://www.littlecraftplace.com/products/kamio-japan-picture-book-sticker-sheet-warm-sea-creatures) - [Yoseka Stationery: Kamio Japanese Food Stickers (washi paper with gold foil, H175 × W90 × D1 mm)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/kamio-japanese-food-stickers) - [Yoseka Stationery: Kamio Flake Stickers, Kyoto (30 pieces, washi, gold foil, about 45 and 25 mm)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/kamio-flake-stickers-kyoto) - [Yoseka Stationery: Kamio Color Tracing Flake Stickers (35 pieces, 7 shades, about 4.5 cm; founded 1987)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/kamio-color-swatch-tracing-seal-flake-stickers) --- # Pipsticks So. Many. Stickers.: 2,500 in One Book > So. Many. Stickers. is a sticker book from Pipsticks, the US sticker subscription club, published by Workman in May 2019. It holds 2,500 little stickers, 50 on each of 50 pages, in a book of about 6 × 7.25 in. It is sold as a trade paperback in our $$ band and suits planners, letters and swaps. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pipsticks-so-many-stickers/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Pipsticks So. Many. Stickers. drawn to scale: the closed 6 × 7.25 in book beside two of its 50 pages, each a grid of 50 little stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pipsticks-so-many-stickers-16x9.png) *The 6 × 7.25 in book and two of its 50 pages of 50 stickers.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pipsticks-so-many-stickers-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pipsticks+Workman So. Many. Stickers.: 2,500 Little Stickers for Your Big Life | Pipsticks (by Workman Publishing) | United States | Not stated | – | 2019-05-28 | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Pipsticks+Workman So. Many. Stickers.: 2,500 Little Stickers for Your Big Life): Not stated. Hachette Book Group's title page, its Pipsticks+Workman line sheet and the Amazon and bookshop listings we read give the format, ISBN and price but not the country of printing. Check the copyright page of a printed copy. Source: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/pipsticksworkman/so-many-stickers/9781523507153 ## Key takeaways - The book has 50 pages of 50 stickers each, for 2,500 stickers in all, per Hachette Book Group's listing. - Retailers list it at 6 × 7.25 in (152 × 184 mm); Amazon gives the thickness as 0.44 in (11 mm). - Workman published it on May 28, 2019 as ISBN 9781523507153; Hachette lists it in our $$ band ($5–20). - Designer Mo Vazquez founded Pipsticks in 2014 as a subscription sticker club; it later began designing its own stickers in house. - Sister titles include So. Many. Planner Stickers. (2,600 stickers) and So. Many. Letter Stickers. (3,820 alphabet stickers). ## What is So. Many. Stickers.? **It is a 2,500-sticker book made by Pipsticks, a US sticker subscription club, and published by Workman.** The full title is *So. Many. Stickers.: 2,500 Little Stickers for Your Big Life*, and it came out on May 28, 2019, according to Hachette Book Group, which now owns Workman. Designer Mo Vazquez founded Pipsticks in 2014 as a sticker club; after a few years of sourcing stickers, it started designing its own, the company says, and it now calls itself the world's largest sticker subscription service. The Pipsticks+Workman books bring that art to bookstores. ## So. Many. Stickers. specs | Spec | So. Many. Stickers. | |---|---| | Stickers | 2,500 | | Pages | 50, with 50 stickers each | | Book size | 6 × 7.25 in (152 × 184 mm) | | Thickness | 0.44 in (11 mm) | | Format | Trade paperback | | Publisher | Workman Publishing (Pipsticks+Workman) | | Published | May 28, 2019 | | ISBN | 9781523507153 | | Price band | $$ ($5–20) | | Made in | Not stated | The counts, format and date come from Hachette's title page; the size comes from Atomic Books (6 × 7.25 in) and Amazon (6 × 0.44 × 7.25 in). Hachette doesn't publish a trim size, and we found no published size for a single sticker. ![One 6 by 7.25 inch page of So. Many. Stickers. drawn to scale with a grid of 50 little stickers, and a bar chart of sticker counts: ban.do 700, Hello Kitty and Friends 1,500, Blue Sky 2,200 and Pipsticks 2,500](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pipsticks-so-many-stickers-count.svg) *Fifty stickers a page, fifty pages; the grid is representative, the counts are listed ones.* ## How big are the stickers? **They are small: 50 share each 6 × 7.25 in page, so the average sticker is under 1 in across.** That page holds about 43.5 square inches, or under 0.9 square inch per sticker once spacing is counted. Small is the point of the book. Little stickers fit a planner's daily box, the corner of an envelope or a journal margin without covering your writing. ## How does it compare with other sticker books? **It has more stickers than most planner books but smaller ones, in a squarer, more portable book.** | Book | Size | Pages or sheets | Stickers | |---|---|---|---| | Pipsticks So. Many. Stickers. | 6 × 7.25 in | 50 pages | 2,500 | | [Blue Sky sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blue-sky-sticker-book/) | 4.49 × 9.06 in | 24 sheets | 1,150–2,200+ | | [ban.do sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bando-sticker-book/) | 3.75 × 6.5 in | 35 pages | 500–700+ | | [Hello Kitty and Friends](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sanrio-hello-kitty-and-friends-sticker-book/) | 5.75 × 8.13 in | 43 sheets | 1,500+ | Planner-brand books like Blue Sky's are built around functional labels, tabs and month headers. The Pipsticks book is decorative first, closer in spirit to the [ban.do book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bando-sticker-book/) but with roughly three times the count. For a few larger die-cut stickers on one strip, see [Mrs. Grossman's sticker strips](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mrs-grossmans-sticker-strips/). ## Which So. Many. book should you choose? **Pick the original for general decorating and the planner edition if you want functional stickers.** | Title | Stickers | Best for | |---|---|---| | So. Many. Stickers. | 2,500 | Decorating planners, mail and journals | | So. Many. Planner Stickers. (ISBN 9781523508150) | 2,600 | Organizing and brightening a planner | | So. Many. Letter Stickers. | 3,820 | Spelling words and headings | | So. Many. Planner Stickers. For Busy Parents | 2,650 | Family schedules | | So. Many. Feelings Stickers. | 2,700 | Moods and journaling | The counts come from Hachette's line sheet and title listings. Hachette also lists snail-mail (2,500 stickers) and astrology (2,565) editions in the series, and Pipsticks+Workman publish *Color Your Own Stickers* and three *A Little Book of Big…* sticker books. ## How do you use 2,500 little stickers? **Use them as small accents: one per day box, a few on an envelope, or a row along a journal heading.** Pipsticks suggests adding them to your stash, using them in a planner, decorating snail mail or sharing them with friends. At one or two a day, a single book lasts years. That makes it a good book for sticker swaps and pen-pal letters, where you give stickers away. ## Where is So. Many. Stickers. made? **Neither Hachette nor the Amazon and bookshop listings we read state where the book is printed.** Pipsticks is a US company and Workman is a US publisher; the copyright page of a printed copy usually names the printing country, and we'll add it once we've checked one. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in So. Many. Stickers.? 2,500. The publisher describes it as 50 pages with 50 stickers on each page. ### How big is the Pipsticks So. Many. Stickers. book? Retailers list it at 6 × 7.25 in (152 × 184 mm), and Amazon gives 0.44 in (11 mm) thick, a little shorter than a paperback novel. ### Who makes So. Many. Stickers.? It is a Pipsticks+Workman title: Pipsticks, a US sticker subscription club, designs the stickers and Workman Publishing, now part of Hachette Book Group, publishes the book. ### How big are the stickers in So. Many. Stickers.? The publisher doesn't give a size. Fifty stickers share each 6 × 7.25 in page, so they are small, on average under 1 in across, which suits planner boxes and envelopes. ### Is there a planner version of So. Many. Stickers.? Yes. So. Many. Planner Stickers. (ISBN 9781523508150) has 2,600 stickers aimed at planners, and So. Many. Planner Stickers. For Busy Parents has 2,650, per Hachette Book Group. ### When did So. Many. Stickers. come out? Hachette Book Group and Amazon list the publication date as May 28, 2019. The ISBN is 9781523507153 (ISBN-10 1523507152). ### Is So. Many. Stickers. for kids or adults? The marketing speaks to anyone with a sticker stash: use them in a planner, on snail mail or share them with friends. Its little stickers are a better fit for planners and journals than for young children's activity books. ## Sources - [Hachette Book Group: So. Many. Stickers. by Pipsticks+Workman (50 pages × 50 stickers, trade paperback, ISBN 9781523507153, May 28, 2019)](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/pipsticksworkman/so-many-stickers/9781523507153) - [Hachette Book Group Special Sales: So. Many. Stickers.](https://specialsales.hbgusa.com/titles/pipsticksworkman/so-many-stickers/9781523507153/) - [Atomic Books: So. Many. Stickers.: 2,500 Little Stickers for Your Big Life (50 pages × 50 stickers, 6 × 7.25 in)](https://atomicbooks.com/products/so-many-stickers-2-500-little-stickers-for-your-big-life) - [Amazon.com: So. Many. Stickers. (6 × 0.44 × 7.25 in, 50 pages, May 28, 2019)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1523507152) - [Hachette Book Group: Pipsticks+Workman line sheet (So. Many. titles, sticker counts, ISBNs)](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Pipsticks.pdf) - [Hachette Book Group: search results for So. Many. Stickers. (Busy Parents 2,650, Snail Mail 2,500, Astrology 2,565)](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/?s=so+many+stickers) - [Hachette Australia: Pipsticks+Workman](https://www.hachette.com.au/pipsticks-workman) - [Pipsticks: About Us (founded in 2014 by Mo Vazquez; designed in house)](https://pipsticks.com/pages/about) - [Pipsticks: Careers (company history since 2014)](https://pipsticks.com/pages/careers) - [Linden Tree Books: So. Many. Letter Stickers. (3,820 alphabet stickers, 50 sheets)](https://www.lindentreebooks.com/so-many-letter-stickers.html) --- # Hello Kitty and Friends Sticker Book: 1,500+ Stickers > The Hello Kitty and Friends sticker book is a licensed Sanrio sticker book from Horizon Group USA, sold at Amazon and Hobby Lobby (model 220701). It holds 1,500+ stickers on 43 sheets in a 5.75 × 8.13 in book, featuring Hello Kitty, My Melody, Keroppi, Pompompurin, Badtz-Maru and Chococat, plus alphabet and kawaii designs. It sits in our $$ band. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sanrio-hello-kitty-and-friends-sticker-book/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Hello Kitty and Friends sticker book drawn to scale: the closed 5.75 × 8.13 in pink book with Hello Kitty on the cover, beside a sheet of character stickers and a sheet of small faces and alphabet letters](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/sanrio-hello-kitty-and-friends-sticker-book-16x9.png) *The 5.75 × 8.13 in book and two of its 43 sheets (art simplified).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/sanrio-hello-kitty-and-friends-sticker-book-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Sanrio Hello Kitty and Friends 1500+ Sticker Book (43 sheets) | Sanrio (by Horizon Group USA) | Japan | Not stated | Paper stickers (Hobby Lobby lists plastic and paper) | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Sanrio Hello Kitty and Friends 1500+ Sticker Book (43 sheets)): Not stated. Horizon Group's own Amazon listing (ASIN B0B6GL6WJM) and the Hobby Lobby listing give size, sheet count, UPC and age but not the country of manufacture. Horizon Group's corporate site has no product page for it. Source: https://www.hobbylobby.com/crafts-hobbies/kids-crafts-activities/arts-crafts-supplies/hello-kitty-sticker-book/p/81184612 ## Key takeaways - Retailers list 1,500+ stickers on 43 sheets; that averages about 35 stickers a sheet. - Hobby Lobby lists the Horizon Group book at 8.13 × 5.75 in (206 × 146 mm); Horizon Group's Amazon listing gives 5.75 × 8 in. - Characters named in the Amazon listing include Hello Kitty, Chococat, My Melody, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru and Pompompurin. - Horizon Group's Amazon listing gives a manufacturer's minimum age of 6 years. - US listings put it in our $$ band ($5–20); no source we found names the country of manufacture. ## What is the Hello Kitty and Friends sticker book? **It is a licensed Sanrio sticker book from Horizon Group USA with more than 1,500 stickers of Hello Kitty and her friends on 43 sheets.** Amazon (through Horizon Group's own store) and Hobby Lobby sell it, under slightly different titles such as *Sticker Book, Hello Kitty and Friends, 1500+ Stickers*. Both list the same UPC, 194356207012, and Horizon Group's model number is 220701. Sanrio is the Japanese company that owns Hello Kitty; Horizon Group makes the book under license. That is why the brand on the cover is Sanrio, while the retailer's brand field says Horizon Group. ## Hello Kitty and Friends sticker book specs | Spec | Hello Kitty and Friends 1500+ | |---|---| | Stickers | 1,500+ | | Sheets | 43 | | Book size | 8.13 × 5.75 in (206 × 146 mm) | | Characters | Hello Kitty, Chococat, My Melody, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, Pompompurin | | Extras | Alphabet and kawaii designs | | Age | 6 and up (manufacturer's minimum, Amazon) | | Model / UPC | 220701 / 194356207012 | | Maker | Horizon Group USA, licensed by Sanrio | | Price band | $$ ($5–20) | | Made in | Not stated | Size and sheet count come from Hobby Lobby (SKU 2420446); the count and characters come from Horizon Group's Amazon listing, which gives 5.75 × 8 in, a rounding difference we treat as the same book. ![To-scale outlines of four sticker books: Hello Kitty and Friends 5.75 by 8.13 inches with 43 sheets and 1,500 stickers, Pipsticks 6 by 7.25 inches, ban.do 3.75 by 6.5 inches and Blue Sky 4.49 by 9.06 inches](https://stationerytimes.com/images/sanrio-hello-kitty-and-friends-sticker-book-size.svg) *The Hello Kitty book is the widest of the four but not the tallest.* ## Which characters are in the book? **The Amazon listing names six: Hello Kitty, Chococat, My Melody, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru and Pompompurin.** It also mentions alphabet stickers for spelling out messages and general kawaii designs, and Hobby Lobby notes a letter page of rainbow stickers. Newer Sanrio favorites such as Kuromi and Cinnamoroll appear in other sticker books, including imported Sanrio sticker sets. If those characters matter to you, check the listing photos before buying. ## How does it compare with other big sticker books? **It has fewer stickers than the Pipsticks book but larger, character-led ones, on a page close to half-letter size.** | Book | Size | Sheets | Stickers | |---|---|---|---| | Hello Kitty and Friends | 5.75 × 8.13 in | 43 | 1,500+ | | [Pipsticks So. Many. Stickers.](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pipsticks-so-many-stickers/) | 6 × 7.25 in | 50 | 2,500 | | [Blue Sky sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blue-sky-sticker-book/) | 4.49 × 9.06 in | 24 | 1,150–2,200+ | | [ban.do sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bando-sticker-book/) | 3.75 × 6.5 in | 35 | 500–700+ | Blue Sky's book is built for planners, with tabs, labels and month headers. The Hello Kitty book is decorative: faces, hearts and letters you place wherever you like. ## Is it the same as the Hello Kitty Giant Sticker Book? **No: three different Hello Kitty sticker books are easy to confuse.** | Book | Publisher | Stickers | Pages | Ages | |---|---|---|---|---| | Hello Kitty and Friends 1500+ | Horizon Group | 1,500+ | 43 sheets | 6+ | | Hello Kitty Giant Sticker Book | Priddy Books | 1,500 | 128 | 3–6 | | Hello Kitty and Friends Stickers | Thunder Bay Press | 500+ | 116 | Not stated | The Priddy book (ISBN 9780312518387) is an activity book for younger children. The Thunder Bay book (ISBN 9781667210667) has about a third of the stickers, and its Amazon listing names Kuromi and Cinnamoroll among the characters. ## Who is it for? **It suits Sanrio fans from about age 6 up, and adults who want character stickers for a planner or journal.** Horizon Group's Amazon listing gives a minimum age of 6 and pitches it as a gift for kids, teens and adults. At around 35 stickers a sheet, there are enough to share. It also works as a party favor split among friends. ## Where is the Hello Kitty sticker book made? **No retailer listing we found states the country of manufacture.** Horizon Group USA makes the book under license from Sanrio, a Japanese company; the printing country is usually on the back cover, and we'll add it once we've checked a copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in the Hello Kitty and Friends sticker book? More than 1,500, spread over 43 sheets, according to Horizon Group's Amazon listing. That works out to roughly 35 stickers per sheet. ### How big is the Hello Kitty and Friends sticker book? Hobby Lobby lists the Horizon Group book at 8.13 × 5.75 in (about 206 × 146 mm), and Horizon Group's Amazon listing gives 5.75 × 8 in. Either way it is close to a half-letter page. ### Which Sanrio characters are in the sticker book? The Amazon listing names Hello Kitty, Chococat, My Melody, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru and Pompompurin, and also mentions alphabet stickers and kawaii designs. ### What age is the Hello Kitty sticker book for? Horizon Group's Amazon listing gives a manufacturer's minimum age of 6 years and pitches it to kids, teens and adults. Many buyers also use it for planners and journals. ### Who makes the Hello Kitty and Friends 1500 sticker book? It is a licensed Sanrio product from Horizon Group USA, model 220701 (UPC 194356207012). Sanrio is the Japanese company behind Hello Kitty. ### Is the Hello Kitty Giant Sticker Book the same thing? No. The Priddy Books Hello Kitty Giant Sticker Book also claims over 1,500 stickers, but it is a 128-page, 8.5 × 11 in activity book for ages 3 to 6 with ISBN 9780312518387. ### Where is the Hello Kitty and Friends sticker book made? None of the retailer listings we found state it. Check the back of the book or the packaging for the country of origin. ## Sources - [Amazon (Horizon Group USA store): Sticker Book, Hello Kitty and Friends, 1500+ Stickers (model 220701, UPC 194356207012, 5.75 × 8 in, 43 sheets, minimum age 6)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6GL6WJM) - [Hobby Lobby: Hello Kitty Sticker Book, Horizon Group (SKU 2420446, UPC 194356207012, 8.13 × 5.75 in, 43 sheets)](https://www.hobbylobby.com/crafts-hobbies/kids-crafts-activities/arts-crafts-supplies/hello-kitty-sticker-book/p/81184612) - [Hip2Save: Hello Kitty & Friends sticker book on Amazon (1,500+ stickers, 43 pages)](https://hip2save.com/deals/hello-kitty-sticker-book/) - [Amazon: Hello Kitty: Giant Sticker Book, Priddy Books (ISBN 9780312518387, 128 pages, ages 3–6, 8.51 × 11.04 in)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0312518382) - [Amazon: Hello Kitty and Friends Stickers, Thunder Bay Press (500+ stickers, 116 pages, ISBN 9781667210667)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1667210661) --- # Ranger Clear Embossing Powder: Jar Size & How to Use > Ranger Embossing Powder in Clear (EPJ37330) is a heat-embossing powder: sprinkle it on a wet stamped image, tap off the extra and heat it until it melts into a raised, glossy layer that shows the ink color underneath. Ranger sells it in a 1 oz-by-volume jar; Simon Says Stamp says it holds about 0.60 oz by weight. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-clear-embossing-powder/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![A clear 1 oz jar of Ranger clear embossing powder, drawn in proportion, beside a hedgehog stamped in red ink and heat embossed to a raised, glossy finish](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/ranger-clear-embossing-powder-16x9.png) *Clear powder melts into a raised, glossy layer and lets the ink color show through.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/ranger-clear-embossing-powder-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Ranger Embossing Powder, Clear (EPJ37330, 1 oz jar) | Ranger (by Ranger Industries, Tinton Falls, New Jersey) | United States | United States | Clear embossing powder in a plastic jar with see-through lid | – | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Ranger Embossing Powder, Clear (EPJ37330, 1 oz jar)): United States. Ranger's About page, under "Made in USA", says it keeps all its inks and embossing powders manufactured in the USA at a facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey; its store tags the clear jar "Ranger Made". eBay listings for other Ranger 1 oz powders also say Made in USA. Source: https://rangerink.com/pages/about ## Key takeaways - Simon Says Stamp lists EPJ37330 as a 1 oz clear jar holding about 0.60 oz (17 g) of powder, acid-free and non-toxic, UPC 789541037330. - Ranger says the 1 oz is by volume and fill weights vary by color; other listings give 0.50 or 0.56 oz, so read the label. - ShopSavvy reports 4.8 out of 5 from 377 Amazon reviews for Ranger's clear embossing powder. - Ranger's April 2026 catalog lists clear in a regular jar (EPJ37330) and a Super Fine jar (EPJ37385), next to black (EPJ37347) and white (EPJ36685). - Ranger, founded in 1929, says it makes all its embossing powders in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. ## What is Ranger clear embossing powder? **It is a fine plastic powder that melts under heat into a raised, glossy, transparent layer.** Clear is the most versatile color because it takes on the color of the ink beneath it. Ranger Industries of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, sells it as model EPJ37330. It is one of three Ranger Basics, alongside black and white, and the jar is small enough to keep beside your ink pads. ## Ranger clear embossing powder specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Ranger Industries, Tinton Falls, New Jersey | | Model | EPJ37330 (UPC 789541037330) | | Jar | 1 oz by volume, clear, with see-through lid (Ranger) | | Contents | About 0.60 oz (17 g) by weight, per Simon Says Stamp | | Super Fine version | EPJ37385 | | Finish | Clear, glossy, raised | | Claims | Acid-free, non-toxic (Simon Says Stamp) | | Made in | United States (Tinton Falls, New Jersey) | Ranger says the 1 oz is a volume and that "individual fill weights vary by color", which explains why listings disagree: some give a 0.50 oz or 0.56 oz clear jar. The amount printed on your jar's label is the one to go by. ## How does heat embossing work? **Stamp in a slow-drying ink, cover the wet image with powder, tap off the extra, then heat until the powder melts.** The powder only sticks where the ink is wet, so the melted layer follows the stamp exactly. ![Heat embossing in four steps: stamp an image in slow-drying ink, pour clear embossing powder over it, tap the extra back into the jar, then heat until the powder melts into a raised, glossy layer](https://stationerytimes.com/images/ranger-clear-embossing-powder-steps.svg) *The four steps of heat embossing with clear powder.* 1. **Stamp** in pigment or embossing ink. 2. **Pour** the powder over the wet image, over a folded scrap of paper. 3. **Tap off** the extra and funnel it back into the jar. 4. **Heat** with a craft heat tool until the surface turns smooth and glossy. ## Which inks work with clear embossing powder? **Use an ink that stays wet for a while: a clear embossing ink or a pigment ink.** Over a colored pigment the powder adds shine and lift; over clear embossing ink it gives a tone-on-tone gloss. [VersaMagic chalk ink](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versamagic-chalk-ink-pad/) is sold as embossable, and [VersaFine Clair](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad/) is sold as staying embossable for several minutes after drying. Fast-drying dye inks such as [Memento](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad/) usually aren't sold for embossing. ## Clear, white or Super Fine: which should you buy? **Buy clear first, because it works over any ink color.** Add black or white if you want those exact colors regardless of ink, and a Super Fine powder for small text or detailed stamps. | Powder | Best for | |---|---| | Clear (EPJ37330) | Shine over any ink color; heat-setting pigment ink | | White (EPJ36685) | White images on dark or kraft card | | Black (EPJ37347) | Bold black outlines for coloring | | Super Fine Clear (EPJ37385) and other Super Fine colors | Fine lines and small sentiments | Forum members on Splitcoaststampers also recommend WOW and Hero Arts powders, often for their range of colors. ## Is Ranger a popular embossing powder brand? **Yes, it is one of the most widely stocked and reviewed brands in the US.** ShopSavvy reports 4.8 out of 5 from 377 Amazon reviews for the clear jar, and its 2025 roundup of heat embossing powders names Ranger its top pick for fine texture and range of finishes. Simon Says Stamp sells clear, black and white as a Ranger Basics bundle, which is a sensible starter set if you plan to emboss often. ## What goes wrong, and how do you fix it? **Stray powder and scorching are the two common problems.** Static can make grains cling to bare card, so stampers commonly wipe it with an anti-static pouch first. Reviewers summarized by ShopSavvy mention sticking or scorching when the heat isn't managed. Keep the heat tool moving and stop as soon as the surface turns glossy. ## Where is Ranger embossing powder made? **Ranger says it makes all its embossing powders in the USA, at its facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.** The same About page covers its inks, paints and glues, and eBay listings for other Ranger 1 oz powders also say Made in USA. To keep stamped images crisp under watercolor without embossing, [Ranger Archival Ink](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-archival-ink-jet-black/) is the permanent alternative. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much powder is in a Ranger embossing powder jar? Ranger calls it a 1 oz jar by volume and says fill weights vary by color. Simon Says Stamp gives about 0.60 oz of powder for the clear EPJ37330, and other listings 0.50 or 0.56 oz, so read the label. ### What ink do you use with clear embossing powder? Use a slow-drying ink that stays wet long enough to hold powder: an embossing (watermark) ink, or a pigment ink such as VersaMagic or VersaFine Clair. Dye inks usually dry too fast. ### What does clear embossing powder do? It melts into a clear, raised, glossy layer over whatever ink is underneath. Over colored pigment ink the color shows through; over clear embossing ink you get a tone-on-tone shine. ### Do you need a heat tool for embossing powder? Yes. Stampers melt embossing powder with a craft heat tool, held a few inches away and kept moving so the card doesn't scorch. ### Why does embossing powder stick where I didn't stamp? Static and oils from your fingers can make powder cling to bare paper. Stampers commonly wipe the card with an anti-static pouch first to keep stray grains off. ### What is the difference between regular and Super Fine embossing powder? Super Fine powders have smaller grains for detailed stamps and fine text. Ranger sells clear in both: EPJ37330 regular and EPJ37385 Super Fine. ### Can you use clear embossing powder to stop ink smearing? Yes, it is a common trick. Stampers on Splitcoaststampers report heat-setting pigment ink with clear powder so alcohol markers don't smear it. ### Where is Ranger embossing powder made? In the USA. Ranger says it keeps all its embossing powders, inks and paints manufactured at its facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. ## Sources - [Ranger: Embossing Powder Clear, 1 oz jar (EPJ37330; 1 oz by volume, fill weights vary)](https://rangerink.com/products/embossing-powder-clear) - [Ranger: Full Catalog, April 2026 (embossing powder codes, Super Fine Clear EPJ37385)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2159/8935/files/FullCatalog-April2026.pdf?v=1779197612) - [Ranger: About (founded 1929; inks and embossing powders made in USA in Tinton Falls, NJ)](https://rangerink.com/pages/about) - [Simon Says Stamp: Ranger Embossing Powder Clear EPJ37330 (1 oz jar, about 0.60 oz, acid-free, non-toxic, UPC)](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/ranger-embossing-powder-clear-epj37330) - [Simon Says Stamp: Ranger Basics Embossing Powders bundle (black EPJ37347, clear EPJ37330, white EPJ36685)](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/ranger-basics-embossing-powders-bundle) - [ShopSavvy: Ranger Embossing Powder, .50 Ounce Jar, Clear (4.8 from 377 Amazon reviews)](https://shopsavvy.com/products/ranger-clear-embossing-powder) - [ShopSavvy: Is Ranger Embossing Powder easy to use for beginners? (reviewer notes on scorching)](https://shopsavvy.com/answers/is-ranger-embossing-powder-easy-to-use-for-beginners) - [ShopSavvy: Best heat embossing powders for 2025 (Ranger top pick)](https://shopsavvy.com/best-picks/best-heat-embossing-powders) - [eBay: Ranger Embossing Powder, 0.56 Ounce Jar, Clear](https://www.ebay.de/itm/333676050092) - [eBay: Ranger Embossing Powder 1 oz jar Pink (Made in the USA)](https://www.ebay.com/itm/351180456339) - [Staples: Ranger Basics Embossing Powder Super Fine Silver (Super Fine powders for detailed images)](https://www.staples.com/Ranger-Basics-Embossing-Powder-Super-Fine-Silver-1oz-Jar-4-Pack-11277-PK4/product_1719251) - [Splitcoaststampers: Best embossing powder? (forum thread)](https://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-128/best-embossing-powder-638170-print/) --- # Tim Holtz Stamp Platform: Size, Magnets & Flip Lid > The Tim Holtz Stamp Platform is a stamp positioning tool made by Tonic Studios (model 1707E). A hinged acrylic lid picks up your stamp and brings it down in the same place each time. Vaessen Creative lists an 8.5 × 8.5 in base plate, inch and centimeter rulers, two magnets, and a lid you flip for clear or rubber stamps. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-stamp-platform/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Tim Holtz Stamp Platform opened flat, drawn to scale with its 8.5 by 8.5 in (216 mm) stamping area: a card held by two magnets on the ruled base, a clear stamp on the acrylic lid, and the finished card stamped in blue](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tim-holtz-stamp-platform-16x9.png) *The lid brings the stamp down in the same spot every time; two magnets hold the paper.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tim-holtz-stamp-platform-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tim Holtz Stamp Platform by Tonic Studios (1707E) | Tonic Studios (by Tonic Studios, designed with Tim Holtz) | United Kingdom | Not stated | Anti-slip magnetic base, acrylic lid, magnets | – | $$$: $20–75 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Tim Holtz Stamp Platform by Tonic Studios (1707E)): Not stated. Neither Tonic Studios' UK store, which no longer lists the platform, nor the retailer pages we could read state a country of manufacture; check the box. Tonic Studios' company profile says it was established in the UK in 2001 and controls manufacture through to distribution centres in the UK and USA, without naming factory countries. Source: https://dasauge.at/-tonic-studios ## Key takeaways - Vaessen Creative lists the base plate at 8.5 × 8.5 in (216 × 216 mm), with two rulers in inches and centimeters, and the whole platform at 30 × 24.5 × 2 cm. - Two strong magnets hold the paper on an anti-slip magnetic base; Gathered lists "magnets easy to lose" among its cons. - Tonic Studios sells it as item 1707E; the acrylic lid flips around to switch between clear stamps and rubber or cling stamps, per Vaessen Creative. - Gathered says the open-ended design takes paper up to 12 × 12 in; Vaessen Creative listed it at €46.75 (about US$52) on October 20, 2026. ## What is the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform? **It is a stamp positioning tool: a ruled base for your paper and a hinged acrylic lid that picks up the stamp and returns it to the same spot every time.** Tonic Studios makes it and sells it as model 1707E, designed with the mixed-media artist Tim Holtz. You use it to re-ink and stamp again when a print comes out patchy, to line up layered stamps, and to stamp the same sentiment on a stack of cards. It does the same job as the [MISTI stamping tool](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/misti-stamping-tool/), with a larger stamping area and a lid that flips. ## Tim Holtz Stamp Platform specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Tonic Studios, designed with Tim Holtz | | Model | 1707E | | Stamping area | 8.5 × 8.5 in (216 × 216 mm) base plate | | Platform | 30 × 24.5 × 2 cm (11.8 × 9.6 × 0.8 in) | | Base | Anti-slip, magnetic | | Rulers | Two, in inches and centimeters | | In the box | Platform and two magnets | | Stamps | Clear, and rubber or cling (flip the lid) | | Made in | Not stated | All figures come from Vaessen Creative's listing; Tonic Studios' own UK store no longer lists the platform. Gathered also gives the 8.5 × 8.5 in ruled area. ## How does the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform work? **Push the paper into the corner, hold it with the magnets, lay the stamp face down on it, then close the lid so the stamp sticks to the acrylic.** Open the lid, ink the stamp, close it and press; the hinge brings it down in register. - **Clear stamps** cling straight to the acrylic. - **Rubber or cling stamps:** Vaessen Creative says you flip the lid around to switch to the side for them. - **Re-stamp:** if the first print is patchy, re-ink and press again without moving the paper. ## How big is it compared with the MISTI? **The Tim Holtz platform has an 8.5 × 8.5 in stamping area, 2 in wider than the MISTI Original's 6.5 × 8.5 in.** Both hold an A2 card front (4.25 × 5.5 in) with room to spare. ![To-scale top views: Tim Holtz Stamp Platform, 9.5 by 11.5 in with an 8.5 by 8.5 in stamping area, beside the MISTI Original, 8 by 10 in with a 6.5 by 8.5 in stamping area; each holds an A2 card](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tim-holtz-stamp-platform-size.svg) *The two best-known stamp platforms, drawn to scale with an A2 card in each.* | | Tim Holtz Stamp Platform | MISTI Original | |---|---|---| | Maker | Tonic Studios | My Sweet Petunia | | Stamping area | 8.5 × 8.5 in | 6.5 × 8.5 in | | Board | 30 × 24.5 cm (11.8 × 9.6 in) | 8 × 10 in | | Magnets | Two | One bar magnet | | Lid | Acrylic, flips for rubber stamps | Hinged door | A Gathered review says the open-ended design takes paper up to 12 × 12 in, as long as the image falls inside the stamping area. ## Which should you choose? **Choose the Tim Holtz platform if you stamp large backgrounds or use mostly rubber stamps, and the MISTI if you want a smaller board or a Mini for travel.** Both cost in the $20–75 band. Gathered calls its construction extremely solid and lists the price and easy-to-lose magnets as its cons. Vaessen Creative listed it at €46.75 (about US$52) on October 20, 2026. ## Which inks and stamps work well with it? **Any ink works, because the platform only positions the stamp; re-stamping helps most with solid images.** For crisp outlines to color, see [Memento Tuxedo Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad/); for fine detail and heat embossing, see [VersaFine Onyx Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad/). For soft, blended backgrounds stamped through the platform, the matching Tim Holtz ink line is [Distress Oxide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad/). ## Where is the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform made? **Tonic Studios doesn't state a country of manufacture in the pages we found, and neither do the retailer listings we could read, so we list it as not stated.** Tonic Studios was established in the UK in 2001, per its company profile, which says it controls the supply process from raw materials and manufacture through to distribution centres in the UK and USA. To cut stamped images out with matching dies, see our [Sizzix Big Shot](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sizzix-big-shot/) guide. ## Frequently asked questions ### Who makes the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform? Tonic Studios makes it, a craft-tool company founded in the UK, which designs tools with Tim Holtz. His Distress inks are made by a different company, Ranger. ### What size is the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform? Vaessen Creative lists an 8.5 × 8.5 in base plate and gives the whole platform as 30 × 24.5 × 2 cm. Gathered says the open-ended design takes paper up to 12 × 12 in. ### Does the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform come with magnets? Yes, two strong magnets are included to hold the paper or cardstock on the magnetic base. Gathered lists "magnets easy to lose" as a con, so keep them on the base. ### Can you use rubber stamps with the Tim Holtz platform? Yes. Vaessen Creative says you flip the acrylic lid around to switch between clear stamps and rubber or cling-mounted stamps. ### Is the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform better than the MISTI? Neither is better on paper; they do the same job. The Tim Holtz has a larger 8.5 × 8.5 in area and a flip lid, while the MISTI Original has a 6.5 × 8.5 in area and comes in Mini and Memory sizes too. ### Does the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform need a foam pad? None of the listings we found mention a foam pad in the box. A foam sheet under the card can help a firm clear stamp print solidly, so test with your own stamps. ### What is the model number of the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform? Tonic Studios' item number is 1707E. A matching protective sleeve is item 1710E. ### Where is the Tim Holtz Stamp Platform made? Tonic Studios doesn't say in the pages we found, and the retailer pages we could read don't either, so check the box. ## Sources - [Vaessen Creative: Tonic Studios Tim Holtz Stamping Platform 1707E (8.5 × 8.5 in base plate, cm and inch rulers, two magnets, 30 × 24.5 × 2 cm, €46.75)](https://www.vaessen-creative.com/p/tonic-studios-tim-holtz-stamping-platform-1707e) - [Vaessen Creative: Tonic Studios protective sleeve for the Tim Holtz Stamping Platform (1710E)](https://www.vaessen-creative.com/en/p/tonic-studios-protective-sleeve-for-the-tim-holtz-stamping-platform-1710e) - [Gathered: Experts' guide to the best stamping platforms (12 × 12 in paper; pros and cons)](https://gathered.how/papercraft/best-stamping-platforms) - [dasauge: Tonic Studios company profile (established in the UK in 2001)](https://dasauge.at/-tonic-studios) - [Vaessen Creative: Tim Holtz designer page (tools designed with Tonic Studios)](https://www.vaessen-creative.com/designers/tim-holtz) --- # VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pad: Matte Ink for Dark Paper > VersaMagic is Tsukineko's chalk-finish, water-based pigment ink: an opaque, matte ink that shows up on dark cardstock and doesn't bleed through thin paper. Tsukineko lists the full-size VersaMagic L at 99 × 68 × 19 mm in 41 colors and the teardrop Dew Drop at 33 × 50 mm; retailers list both as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versamagic-chalk-ink-pad/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Full-size VersaMagic chalk ink pad in Cloud White with the lid lifted, drawn to scale at 99 mm (3.9 in) wide, beside a white flower stamped on dark card with a soft, powdery edge](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/versamagic-chalk-ink-pad-16x9.png) *VersaMagic's opaque chalk ink is sold for stamping light colors on dark cardstock.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/versamagic-chalk-ink-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pad (full size; Dew Drop also sold) | VersaMagic (by Tsukineko Co., Ltd. (Japan); sold in the US under its Imagine name) | Japan | Japan | Water-based pigment ink, inkpad, plastic case | – | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pad (full size; Dew Drop also sold)): Japan. Paperwhisper's spec sheet for a Dew Drop 4-color set says made in Japan. Officeworks (Australia) lists full-size pads such as Cloud White (VG-92) with Japan as the country of manufacture; its pages didn't load for us on October 20, 2026, so that is from its search listing. Tsukineko's own pages don't state the country, and Walmart's listing says only that it is imported. Check the packaging of the pad you buy. Source: https://paperwhisper.com/products/tsukineko-versamagic-dewdrop-stamp-ink-pad-4-color-set ## Key takeaways - Tsukineko lists the full-size VersaMagic L (VG-000) at 99 × 68 × 19 mm with a 76 × 47 mm (3 × 1.85 in) printing surface, in 41 colors. - The teardrop Dew Drop (GD-000) measures 33 × 50 × 22 mm with a 24 × 39 mm printing surface, per Tsukineko, and lists at ¥430 (about US$2.70) before tax in Japan. - Tsukineko gives a drying time of 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the surface, climate and ink color, and says the ink doesn't bleed through to the back of the page. - A Walmart listing calls it acid-free, colorfast, lightfast and archival, conforming to ASTM D4236. - Paperwhisper lists the Dew Drop as made in Japan, and Officeworks lists full-size pads such as Cloud White (VG-92) the same way. ## What is VersaMagic chalk ink? **VersaMagic is Tsukineko's opaque, water-based pigment ink with a matte, chalk-like finish.** Because it is opaque, light colors sit on top of dark cardstock instead of sinking in, which most dye inks can't do. Tsukineko says its main feature is that it doesn't bleed through, so it suits thin planner and notebook paper, and that it flows well enough to use like paint. In Japan, Tsukineko's site sells only the Dew Drop and refill inkers; the full-size VersaMagic L appears on its English site for export markets. Card makers use it for white or pastel stamping on kraft and black card, soft matte backgrounds, and sponged edges. Tsukineko also makes [VersaFine](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad/) for fine detail and [StazOn](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/) for non-porous surfaces. ## VersaMagic full-size pad specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Tsukineko (Japan), sold in the US under its Imagine name | | Model | VersaMagic L, VG-000-*** (e.g. VG-000-092 Cloud White) | | Ink | Opaque water-based pigment, chalk-like matte finish | | Pad size (case) | 99 × 68 × 19 mm (3.9 × 2.68 × 0.75 in), per Tsukineko | | Printing surface | 76 × 47 mm (3 × 1.85 in), per Tsukineko; Walmart lists 3 × 1-3/4 in | | Colors | 41 (full size); refill inkers in 36 | | Drying | 10 to 15 minutes, per Tsukineko | | Claims | Acid-free (Tsukineko); colorfast, lightfast, archival, ASTM D4236 (Walmart listing) | | Also sold as | Dew Drop teardrop pad, 33 × 50 × 22 mm | | Made in | Japan (retailer listings) | Sizes come from Tsukineko's English product page. Amazon product dimensions mirrored on a retailer page give a slightly thinner 99 × 68 × 17 mm, and Officeworks lists 100 × 70 × 20 mm. ## How does VersaMagic look on dark paper? **On dark cardstock it prints as a soft, matte, slightly powdery color, which is why it's called chalk ink.** Retailers describe it as covering dark papers, with the finish of chalk rather than the sheen of a standard pigment. Expect a gentler look than a white embossing powder or a bright white pigment. For the brightest white on black, heat emboss instead (see [Ranger clear embossing powder](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-clear-embossing-powder/) for how embossing works). ## What surfaces does VersaMagic work on? **Tsukineko lists cardstock, glossy and coated paper, vellum, photos, vegetable-tanned leather, unfinished wood, polymer clay, shrink plastic and terracotta.** It also says the ink air-dries even on glossy and coated paper. Tsukineko gives a drying time of 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the material, climate and ink color. Retailers sell it for embossing, but Tsukineko warns that on some papers it dries too fast to hold embossing powder, so test first. ## Full-size or Dew Drop: which should you buy? **Buy the full-size pad for stamps wider than about 2 in and for card backgrounds; buy Dew Drops for small stamps, planners and trying several colors.** ![To-scale top views: full-size VersaMagic chalk pad, 99 by 68 mm case with a 76 by 44 mm (3 by 1-3/4 in) inkpad, beside a teardrop Dew Drop pad, 2 by 1-1/2 in](https://stationerytimes.com/images/versamagic-chalk-ink-pad-size.svg) *The full-size pad and the teardrop Dew Drop, drawn to scale.* | | Full size | Dew Drop | |---|---|---| | Shape | Rectangle | Teardrop | | Case | 99 × 68 × 19 mm | 33 × 50 × 22 mm | | Printing surface | 76 × 47 mm | 24 × 39 mm | | Best for | Cards, backgrounds, larger stamps | Small stamps, planners, direct-to-paper color | | Sold as | Single colors (41) | Single colors and 4- or 12-color sets; ¥430 (about US$2.70) before tax in Japan | Hobonichi sells VersaMagic Dew Drops with its planners, which is one reason the small size is so familiar to journalers. Walmart lists the Dew Drop at 2 × 1-1/2 in, close to Tsukineko's 50 × 33 mm case. ## How does VersaMagic compare with other inks? **Choose VersaMagic for an opaque matte look, especially on dark paper; choose a dye ink for crisp outlines you'll color.** For a black line under markers, [Memento Tuxedo Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad/) is the usual pick. | | VersaMagic | VersaFine Onyx Black | Memento Tuxedo Black | |---|---|---|---| | Ink | Pigment, chalky matte | Pigment, fine detail | Dye | | Sold for | Opaque color, dark paper | Crisp detail | Outlines to color with markers | | Heat embossing | Sometimes; can dry too fast on plain paper | On glossy and coated surfaces | Not sold for it | ## Which VersaMagic color should you buy first? **Start with Cloud White if you want the effect VersaMagic is known for: light stamping on dark card.** Officeworks numbers it 92 in the range, and Walmart's listing for the Multi Surface pad offers Cloud White and Midnight Black. After that, pick colors that match your cardstock. Because the ink is opaque, a pastel stamped on kraft keeps its own color instead of sinking into the brown, as retailers describe for dark papers. ## How do you clean VersaMagic off stamps? **A retailer listing says it cleans off with StazOn stamp cleaner.** Clean stamps soon after use, because dried pigment ink can be harder to remove from fine detail. ## Where is VersaMagic made? **Retailers list VersaMagic as made in Japan.** Paperwhisper's spec sheet for a Dew Drop set says made in Japan, and Officeworks lists full-size pads such as Cloud White with Japan as the country of manufacture. Tsukineko's pages don't state it, and Walmart's US listing says only that the pad is imported, so check the packaging. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is VersaMagic chalk ink? It is Tsukineko's opaque, water-based pigment ink with a soft, matte, chalk-like finish. Tsukineko recommends it for black and dark paper, and says it doesn't bleed through thin paper. ### Does VersaMagic show up on black cardstock? Tsukineko says its high opacity makes it usable on black and dark papers, which is its main selling point. Light colors like Cloud White show best; dark colors lose contrast, as any ink does. ### Is VersaMagic the same as VersaFine? No. Both are Tsukineko pigment inks, but VersaFine is sold for fine detail and crisp lines, while VersaMagic is sold for an opaque, chalky, matte finish. ### How long does VersaMagic take to dry? Tsukineko gives 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the material, climate and ink color; its Japanese page gives that figure for drawing paper. It air-dries even on glossy and coated paper, so allow longer there. ### Can you heat emboss with VersaMagic? Sometimes. Retailers sell it for embossing, but Tsukineko warns that on some papers, including plain paper, it dries too quickly to hold embossing powder well. Try it on your card first. ### What is a VersaMagic Dew Drop? A small teardrop-shaped VersaMagic pad, 33 × 50 × 22 mm with a 24 × 39 mm printing surface per Tsukineko (Walmart lists 2 × 1-1/2 in). Its point lets you ink small stamps or apply color directly; Tsukineko sells it singly and in 4- and 12-color sets. ### How do you clean VersaMagic off stamps? A retailer listing says it cleans off with StazOn stamp cleaner. Water-based stamp cleaners and a damp cloth also work on most pigment ink, so test on your own stamps. ### Where is VersaMagic made? Paperwhisper lists the Dew Drop as made in Japan and Officeworks lists full-size pads the same way. Tsukineko doesn't say, and Walmart's US listing says only that it is imported. ## Sources - [バーサマジック｜紙用水性顔料インク (Tsukineko Japan product page, read in full: water-based pigment, no bleed-through, 10–15 minutes, Dew Drop GD ¥430 + tax, 33 × 50 × 22 mm)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/products/versa-magic/) - [Versa Magic | Water-Based Pigment Ink for Paper (Tsukineko, English edition, read in full: VersaMagic L VG-000 99 × 68 × 19 mm, 41 colors; Dew Drop GD-000; inker; UPCs; embossing caution)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/en/products/versa-magic-series/) - [Paperwhisper: Tsukineko VersaMagic Dew Drop 4-color set (water-based pigment, 33 × 50 × 22 mm, made in Japan)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/tsukineko-versamagic-dewdrop-stamp-ink-pad-4-color-set) - [Walmart: VersaMagic Multi Surface Chalk Inkpad (3 × 1-3/4 in inkpad, acid-free, ASTM D4236, sold by Tsukineko/Imagine)](https://walmart.com/ip/VersaMagic-Multi-Surface-Chalk-Inkpad/24853261) - [Bigamart (Amazon product details): Full-Size VersaMagic Chalk-Finish, Oasis Green (3.896 × 2.664 × 0.68 in, EAN 0712353320796)](https://bigamart.com/?p=11525174) - [Bigamart: Full-Size VersaMagic Chalk-Finish, Thatched Straw (opaque on dark paper, cleans with StazOn cleaner)](https://bigamart.com/?p=11525159) - [Officeworks: Tsukineko VersaMagic Ink Pad 92 Cloud White (country of manufacture Japan, per its search listing)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tsukineko-versamagic-ink-pad-92-cloud-white-tsj703992) - [Walmart: VersaMagic Dew Drop Multi-Surface Chalk Ink, Jumbo Java (2 × 1-1/2 in)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/VersaMagic-Dew-Drop-Multi-Surface-Chalk-Ink-Jumbo-Java/25308732) - [JetPens: Tsukineko VersaMagic Dew Drop Ink Pad 12 Color Set](https://www.jetpens.com/Tsukineko-VersaMagic-Dew-Drop-Ink-Pad-12-Color-Set/pd/25518) - [Hobonichi: VersaMagic Dew Drop ink pads (made by Tsukineko; 50 × 33 × 22 mm)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2026/sp/detail_toolstoys/s_vmdewdropink/) - [Alexandra Renke: VersaMagic Dew Drop Sea Breeze (surfaces, drying)](https://alexandra-renke.com/en/products/kreide-stempelkissen-dew-drop-sea-breeze) - [Ecru Forest: VersaMagic Dew Drop ink (surfaces, embossing)](https://ecru-forest.com/en-fr/products/ink-versamagic-dewdop) --- # Arches Watercolor Block: 140 lb Cotton Cold Press > The Arches Aquarelle watercolor block is a stack of 20 sheets of 140 lb (300 gsm), 100% cotton watercolor paper glued on all four sides, so the top sheet stays flat while you paint. The cold-press block comes in US sizes from 9 × 12 in to 18 × 24 in, and the paper is made in France. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/arches-watercolor-block/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Arches Aquarelle watercolor block, 9 × 12 in, 229 mm wide, closed with black-glued edges and seen from above with a painting on the top sheet and a palette knife under one corner; inset: glued on 4 sides](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/arches-watercolor-block-16x9.png) *The 9 × 12 in block, closed and from above, drawn to scale; the label artwork is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/arches-watercolor-block-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Block, 140 lb Cold Press, 9 x 12 in, 20 sheets | Arches (by Arches (F.I.L.A. group)) | France | France | 100% cotton, gelatin-sized 140 lb (300 g/m²) cold-pressed watercolor paper, natural white, glued on four sides | – | $$$: $20–75 per ream or pad | - Made in (Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Block, 140 lb Cold Press, 9 x 12 in, 20 sheets): France. Arches' French site says Arches Aquarelle blocks were already made in the company's Vosges workshops in the 1950s and still are, and that the paper is made on a cylinder mould at the Arches mill. Jackson's Art and other retailers date papermaking at the mill to 1492. Source: https://arches-papers.com/fr/moulin-a-papier-arches-qui-sommes-nous/arches-des-papiers-dexcellence/ ## Key takeaways - Each 140 lb (300 g/m²) block holds 20 sheets; the 300 lb (640 g/m²) blocks hold 10. - Arches says the paper is 100% cotton, made on a cylinder mould (which it has used since 1895) and gelatin-sized to the core. - Jerry's Artarama sells the cold-press block in 9 × 12, 10 × 14, 12 × 16, 14 × 20 and 18 × 24 in, plus smaller metric sizes. - Arches' French site lists the 9 × 12 in block as 23 × 31 cm, 300 g/m² cold press (grain fin), 20 sheets, reference A1795060. - Arches paper has been made at the same mill in the Vosges, France, since 1492; the brand now belongs to Italy's F.I.L.A. group. ## What is the Arches watercolor block? **It is a stack of 20 sheets of Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper, 140 lb (300 g/m²), glued together on all four edges.** The glue keeps the top sheet flat while it is wet, so you can paint straight away without taping or stretching the paper. Arches is the cotton watercolor paper many painters move to after student pads. Retailers from Jerry's Artarama to Blick stock the block in a full run of sizes and three surfaces, and buyers rate it highly: Walmart's 16 × 20 in block shows 4.9 stars from 67 reviews. ## Arches watercolor block specs | Spec | 9 × 12 in cold-press block | |---|---| | Paper | Arches Aquarelle, 100% cotton | | Weight | 140 lb (300 g/m²) | | Surface | Cold pressed (NOT in the UK) | | Sheets | 20 | | Size | 23 × 31 cm per Arches (9 × 12 in, 229 × 305 mm, in the US) | | Color | Natural white (blanc naturel) | | Binding | Glued on all four sides, clean-cut edges | | Reference | A1795060 (Arches); Jerry's item 15844 | | Archival | Acid-free with alkaline reserve, no optical brighteners; ISO 9706 (per Arches) | | Made in | France (Vosges) | Size, sheet count, reference, cotton and gluing come from Arches' French catalog page, checked October 20, 2026; Jerry's Artarama gives the same block as 9 × 12 in. Barcodes differ between listings (Jerry's gives 3011480511228, eBay 3700417114617), so match the size and surface on the label rather than a code. ## What sizes do Arches blocks come in? **In the US the 140 lb cold-press block runs from 9 × 12 in to 18 × 24 in, all with 20 sheets; Arches' French catalog lists 13 cold-press sizes from 10 × 25 cm to 46 × 61 cm.** ![To-scale drawing of five Arches 140 lb cold-press watercolor block sizes from a shared corner: 9×12, 10×14, 12×16, 14×20 and 18×24 inches, each with 20 sheets](https://stationerytimes.com/images/arches-watercolor-block-sizes.svg) *The five main US block sizes drawn to scale from one corner.* Jerry's Artarama lists those five sizes, and Walmart also sells a 16 × 20 in block. Arches' own range is metric: the 9 × 12 in block is 23 × 31 cm, and other four-side blocks include 20 × 20, 26 × 36, 31 × 41, 36 × 51 and 46 × 61 cm. Jerry's also sells 8 × 10 in (20 × 26 cm) and 12 × 12 in (31 × 31 cm) blocks. ## What makes Arches paper different from student watercolor paper? **It is 100% cotton and heavily sized, so it takes repeated washes, lifting and scrubbing without the surface breaking down.** Arches' French site says the slow-turning cylinder mould spreads fibers evenly in every direction, so the paper relaxes evenly when wet, and that Arches is the only mill to gelatin-size its watercolor paper to the core. School Specialty calls it tub sized instead. A wood-pulp student pad such as the [Canson XL Watercolor](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-watercolor-pad/) is the same 140 lb weight, but it isn't sold as cotton paper. The difference shows when you rework an area: cotton paper lets pigment flow and lift more evenly. ## How do you use and remove a sheet? **Paint on the top sheet while it is still on the block, let it dry completely, then free it with a dull knife run around all four edges.** Starting the knife at a corner and working it under the sheet avoids tearing the paper. Taking a sheet off wet risks tearing it and lets it cockle as it dries. Because the next sheet is already glued down underneath, the block is ready for the next painting as soon as the top one is off. ## Cold press, hot press or rough: which should you choose? **Cold press is the all-rounder, and it is the surface most people mean by an Arches block.** It has a medium texture that holds washes and still takes detail. | Surface | Texture | Good for | |---|---|---| | Cold press (NOT) | Medium | Most watercolor, washes and detail | | Hot press | Smooth | Fine detail, botanical work, ink and wash | | Rough | Strong | Loose landscapes, granulating pigments | Arches calls them grain fin, grain satiné and grain torchon in French, and lists four-side blocks in all three. The 300 lb (640 g/m²) blocks, with 10 sheets, are stiffer still. ## Who makes Arches, and where is it made? **Arches paper is made in France, at a mill in the Vosges that retailers say has made paper since 1492.** Arches' French site says the blocks were already made in its Vosges workshops in the 1950s "and still are today", and that the mill has used a cylinder mould since 1895. The company is FILA-ARCHES, part of F.I.L.A. (Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini), the Italian group that also owns Canson. City Stationery Group notes that the mill supplied paper for the Nuremberg Chronicle, and that in 1826 Arches kept traditional gelatin sizing when other mills switched to cheaper methods. For lighter-weight paper to pair with it, see the [Canson Mi-Teintes pastel pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-mi-teintes-pastel-pad/) or the [Strathmore 400 Series Sketch pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a watercolor block? A block is a stack of watercolor sheets glued together on all four edges. The glue holds the top sheet flat while it is wet, so you can paint without taping or stretching it first, then remove the sheet once it is dry. ### How many sheets are in an Arches watercolor block? Arches' French catalog lists its 300 g/m² (140 lb) blocks glued on four sides with 20 sheets, and its 640 g/m² (300 lb) blocks with 10. Blocks glued on one short side have 12 sheets. ### Is Arches watercolor paper 100% cotton? Yes. Arches says Aquarelle is 100% long-fiber cotton, made on a cylinder mould and gelatin-sized to the core, which is why it handles heavy washes, lifting and scrubbing better than wood-pulp student pads. ### How do you remove a sheet from an Arches block? Let the painting dry completely, then slide a dull knife or palette knife into the edge of the block and run it around all four sides to free the top sheet. Cutting while the paper is wet can tear it. ### What sizes do Arches watercolor blocks come in? Jerry's Artarama lists 140 lb cold-press blocks in 9 × 12, 10 × 14, 12 × 16, 14 × 20 and 18 × 24 in, and Walmart sells a 16 × 20 in block. Smaller metric sizes, such as 8 × 10 in and square blocks, are also sold. ### Is Arches cold press, hot press or rough? All three. Cold press (called NOT in the UK) has a medium texture and is the most common; hot press is smooth and rough has the strongest texture. Check the label, because blocks of the same size come in each. ### Where is Arches paper made? In France. Arches says its blocks are made in its own workshops in the Vosges, as they have been since the 1950s; retailers date the mill to 1492. The company is now FILA-ARCHES, part of Italy's F.I.L.A. group. ### Is the Arches block worth the price? It costs several times more per sheet than a student pad such as Canson XL Watercolor. What you pay for is cotton paper that takes repeated washes and lifting without the surface breaking down, and a glued block that saves taping. ## Sources - [Arches (French): Papier ARCHES Aquarelle (100% coton, forme ronde, gélatiné à cœur; block sizes and references, e.g. A1795060)](https://arches-papers.com/fr/la-gamme-papiers-arches/papiers-arches-pour-aquarelle-et-les-techniques-humides/papier-arches-aquarelle/) - [Arches (French): ARCHES, des papiers d'excellence (cylinder mould since 1895; blocks made in the Vosges workshops since the 1950s)](https://arches-papers.com/fr/moulin-a-papier-arches-qui-sommes-nous/arches-des-papiers-dexcellence/) - [Jerry's Artarama: Arches Watercolor Block 9 x 12 in, 140 lb Cold Press, 20 sheets (item 15844; 100% cotton, glued on all four sides)](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/arches-watercolor-blocks-140-lb-cold-press-block-9x12in-20-sheets-natural-white-15844) - [Jerry's Artarama: Arches Watercolor Block 10 x 14 in, 140 lb Cold Press, 20 sheets](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/arches-watercolor-blocks-140-lb-cold-press-block-10x14in-20-sheets-natural-white-15845) - [Jerry's Artarama: Arches Watercolor Block 12 x 16 in, 140 lb Cold Press, 20 sheets](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/arches-watercolor-blocks-140-lb-cold-press-block-12x16in-20-sheets-natural-white-15846) - [Jerry's Artarama: Arches Watercolor Block 14 x 20 in, 140 lb Cold Press, 20 sheets](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/arches-watercolor-blocks-140-lb-cold-press-block-14x20in-20-sheets-natural-white-15847) - [Jerry's Artarama: Arches Watercolor Block 18 x 24 in, 140 lb Cold Press, 20 sheets](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/arches-watercolor-blocks-140-lb-cold-press-block-18x24in-20-sheets-natural-white-15848) - [Jerry's Artarama: Arches Watercolor Block 8 x 10 in, 140 lb Cold Press, 20 sheets](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/arches-watercolor-block-8x10in-140lb-cold-press-20sheet-natural-white-v29115) - [eBay catalog: Arches A1795060 9 in x 12 in Watercolor Block, White, 20 sheets](https://www.ebay.com/p/5054550808) - [Walmart: Arches 140 lb Watercolor Block, Cold-Pressed, 16 x 20 in](https://www.walmart.com/ip/320915691) - [Blick: Arches Watercolor Block, 9 x 12 in, 300 lb, Cold Press, 10 sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/items/arches-watercolor-block-9-x-12-300-lb-cold-press-10-sheets/) - [School Specialty: Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper block, 12 x 16 in, 140 lb, 20 sheets (100% cotton, tub sized)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/arches-watercolor-paper-block-off-white-452111) - [Gordon Harris: Arches watercolour blocks (100% cotton, cylinder mould, gelatin-sized to the core)](https://www.gordonharris.co.nz/collections/arches-watercolour-blocks) - [Heaton Cooper Studio: Arches Aquarelle blocks (rough, NOT and hot pressed)](https://www.heatoncooper.co.uk/products/arches-aquarelle-blocks) - [Jackson's Art: Arches brand page (mill history since 1492; owned by F.I.L.A.)](https://www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/brands/arches) - [City Stationery Group: Arches paper history (Nuremberg Chronicle; gelatin sizing kept in 1826)](https://www.citystationerygroup.com/?p=13251) --- # Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad: 160 gsm Toned Paper > The Canson Mi-Teintes pastel pad holds 24 sheets of 98 lb (160 gsm) toned drawing paper with two textures: a honeycomb side and a fine-grain side. The 9 × 12 in assorted pad has four sheets each of six colors. It suits soft pastel, pastel pencil, charcoal and colored pencil, and retailers list it as French-made. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-mi-teintes-pastel-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Canson Mi-Teintes 9 × 12 in pastel pad, 229 mm wide, closed with its tape-bound head and with six sheets in white, champagne, buff, moonstone, steel gray and light blue fanned out; inset: honeycomb side, 160 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/canson-mi-teintes-pastel-pad-16x9.png) *The 9 × 12 in assorted pad and its six sheet colors, drawn to scale; sheet colors are representative tints.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/canson-mi-teintes-pastel-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad, 9 x 12 in, 98 lb (160 gsm), 24 sheets, assorted colors (100510864) | Canson (by Canson (Annonay, France)) | France | France | 160 g/m² (98 lb) acid-free, mass-dyed toned drawing paper with high cotton content, tape bound | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad, 9 x 12 in, 98 lb (160 gsm), 24 sheets, assorted colors (100510864)): France. Canson's French site says its papers are made in France at the historic Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay site (ISO 14001). School Specialty describes the Mi-Teintes paper in this pad as French made, and an Australian Canson retailer says Mi-Teintes is made in France. Canson doesn't say where the US 9 × 12 in pad is assembled; check the back of the pad. Source: https://fr.canson.com/qui-sommes-nous ## Key takeaways - Paper: 160 g/m² (98 lb), acid-free with an alkaline reserve, mass-dyed for lightfastness and high in cotton, per Canson's French site. - The 9 × 12 in assorted pad (Canson 100510864) holds 24 sheets: four each of six colors. - Each sheet has two usable sides: a honeycomb texture on one and a finer grain on the other. - On marketplace pages that mirror Amazon data, the 9 × 12 in black and multicolor pads each show about 4,000 ratings at 4.7 stars, ranking No. 3 and No. 4 in Pastel Paper. - Canson, founded in 1557, says its papers are made in France at its historic Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay mill; School Specialty also describes the paper as French made. ## What is the Canson Mi-Teintes pastel pad? **It is a tape-bound pad of 98 lb (160 g/m²) colored drawing paper made for pastel and other dry media.** Mi-Teintes means "half tones" in French: the paper is toned, so light and dark marks both show against it. It is the best-known toned pastel paper in the US. On marketplace pages that mirror Amazon data, the 9 × 12 in black and multicolor pads each show about 4,000 ratings at 4.7 stars and rank No. 3 and No. 4 in Pastel Paper. ## Canson Mi-Teintes pad specs | Spec | 9 × 12 in assorted pad | |---|---| | Weight | 98 lb (160 g/m²) | | Sheets | 24 (four each of six colors) | | Size | 229 × 305 mm (9 × 12 in) | | Surfaces | Honeycomb texture on one side, fine grain on the other | | Archival | Acid-free, neutral pH with alkaline reserve, mass-dyed for lightfastness (Canson) | | Cotton | "High cotton content", no figure (Canson) | | Binding | Tape bound | | Item number | 100510864 | | Made in | France (Canson papers; School Specialty) | Weight, surfaces and archival details come from Canson's French Mi-Teintes page; count and binding from School Specialty; the item number from Quill and My Work Supply. My Work Supply also lists gelatin sizing. Canson's French range lists 30 fine-art and 6 bright colors, sold there as sheets, rolls and pads glued on one side, so the tape-bound 24-sheet pad is a US format. ## Which side of the paper should you use? **Both sides work: the honeycomb side for bold pastel texture, the fine-grain side for detail.** Drafting Supplies Dew describes the honeycomb pattern as the paper's signature side and the reverse as fine grain. The honeycomb catches pastel on its ridges and leaves the valleys showing the paper color, which gives a broken, sparkly finish. Pastel pencils and colored pencils often look cleaner on the finer side, where the texture doesn't show through. ## What colors are in the assorted pad? **Six colors, four sheets each, but listings disagree on which six.** Jerry's Artarama and School Specialty list white, champagne, buff, moonstone, steel gray and light blue; Quill lists white, sand, red earth, dawn pink, flannel gray and light blue for the same item number. Canson also sells single-color and themed pads, such as black, earth tones and gray tones, and loose sheets about 50 × 65 cm and 56 × 76 cm. Mid-tone colors are the usual choice for portraits and still lifes, because you can work both highlights and shadows. ## What media work on Mi-Teintes? **Dry media: soft pastel, pastel pencil, charcoal, conté and colored pencil.** At 160 g/m² it is heavier than a sketch pad, which helps it take layers without wrinkling. ![Bar chart of paper weights to scale: Canson XL Marker 70 g/m², Strathmore 400 Sketch 89, Canson Mi-Teintes 160, Neenah cardstock 176 and Arches Aquarelle 300 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/canson-mi-teintes-pastel-pad-weight.svg) *Mi-Teintes sits between sketch paper and cardstock in weight.* It isn't made for water. For light washes the [Canson XL Mix Media](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) is the same 160 g/m² but white, and for heavy washes use a cotton block such as the [Arches watercolor block](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/arches-watercolor-block/). For graphite studies before you commit to color, the [Strathmore 400 Series Sketch pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/) is lighter and cheaper per sheet. ## How much cotton is in Mi-Teintes paper? **It contains cotton, but sources disagree on how much, so we don't give a single figure.** Canson's French site says "forte teneur en coton" (a high cotton content) without a number, Wikipedia gives 60%, and one review of the 160 g pad gives 33%. What retailers agree on is that it is acid-free and lightfast; one says it meets the ISO 9706 standard for permanent paper. That matters for pastel work you intend to frame. ## Where is Canson Mi-Teintes made? **Canson's French site says its papers are made in France, at its historic Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay site, and School Specialty describes this pad's paper as French made.** Canson says it was founded in 1557 by the Montgolfier family and joined Italy's F.I.L.A. group in 2016. The Canson name dates from 1801, when Barthélemy Barou de la Lombardière de Canson married into the Montgolfier family. For a smooth paper for ink drawing instead, see the [Strathmore 300 Series Bristol pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-300-bristol-pad/). ## Frequently asked questions ### Which side of Canson Mi-Teintes paper should I use? Either. One side has Canson's honeycomb texture, which grabs pastel and shows a visible pattern; the other has a finer grain that suits detailed pastel pencil and colored pencil work. ### What weight is Canson Mi-Teintes paper? 98 lb, which is 160 g/m². That is heavier than a 60 lb (89 gsm) sketch pad but far lighter than 140 lb (300 gsm) watercolor paper. ### What colors are in the Mi-Teintes assorted pad? Listings disagree. Jerry's Artarama and School Specialty list white, champagne, buff, moonstone, steel gray and light blue, four sheets each; Quill lists white, sand, red earth, dawn pink, flannel gray and light blue for the same item number. Check the cover. ### Can you use watercolor on Mi-Teintes? Only lightly. At 160 g/m² it is made for dry media; a wash will cockle it. For pastel over a wet underpainting, use a heavier pastel card or watercolor paper. ### Is Canson Mi-Teintes paper acid-free? Yes. Canson says Mi-Teintes is made acid-free, at neutral pH with an alkaline reserve, and dyed in the mass for good lightfastness; one retailer says it meets the ISO 9706 permanence standard. ### How much cotton is in Mi-Teintes? Canson's French site says only that Mi-Teintes has a high cotton content ('forte teneur en coton'), with no figure. Wikipedia gives 60% and one review of the 160 g pad gives 33%, so we don't state a single number. ### What other Mi-Teintes pads are there? Single-color and themed 9 × 12 in pads (black, earth tones, gray tones), larger 12 × 16 in pads, and loose sheets about 50 × 65 cm and 56 × 76 cm for framing-size work. ## Sources - [Canson (French): Mi-Teintes (160 g/m², honeycomb and fine grain, high cotton, acid-free, 30 fine-art and 6 bright colors)](https://fr.canson.com/mi-teintesr) - [Canson (French): Qui sommes-nous ? (founded 1557; papers made in France at Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay; part of F.I.L.A. since 2016)](https://fr.canson.com/qui-sommes-nous) - [School Specialty: Canson Mi-Teintes drawing pad, 9 x 12 in, 98 lb, assorted colors, 24 sheets (411704; tape bound, French made)](https://schoolspecialty.com/paper-pad-411704) - [School Specialty: Canson Mi-Teintes drawing pad, 9 x 12 in, 98 lb, black, 24 sheets (411705)](https://select.schoolspecialty.com/canson-mi-teintes-drawing-pad-9-x-12-inches-98-lb-black-24-sheets-411705) - [Quill: Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Assorted Pad, 9 x 12 in (100510864)](https://images.quill.com/canson-mi-teintes-pastel-assorted-pad-9-x-12-100510864/cbs/52956400.html) - [My Work Supply: Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Assorted Pad 9 x 12 in (100510864; double-sided, acid free, lightfast, gelatin sizing)](https://myworksupply.com/products/canson-mi-teintes-pastel-assorted-pad-9-in-x-12-in-100510864) - [Jerry's Artarama: Canson Mi-Teintes pastel pads and books (assorted pad colors)](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/canson-mi-teintes-pads) - [Blick: Canson Mi-Teintes drawing papers, 9 x 12 in, gray tone pad, 24 sheets (98 lb)](https://www.dickblick.com/items/canson-mi-teintes-drawing-papers-9-x-12-gray-tone-pad-24-sheets/) - [Drafting Supplies Dew: Canson Mi-Teintes paper pad, earthtones (honeycomb and fine-grain sides)](https://www.draftingsuppliesdew.com/canson-mi-teintes-paper-pad-earthtones) - [Cass Art: Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper pad 160 gsm, grey tones](https://www.cassart.co.uk/canson-mi-teintes-pastel-paper-pad-160gsm-grey/) - [Cass Art: Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper sheet, 160 gsm, 56 x 76 cm](https://www.cassart.co.uk/canson-mi-teintes-pastel-paper-sheet-160gsm-56-x-76cm-pearl/) - [Desertcart: Canson Mi-Teintes 9 x 12 in pad listing (4.7 stars, about 4,058 reviews, No. 3 in Pastel Paper)](https://www.desertcart.tw/products/15790535) - [Desertcart: Canson Mi-Teintes 9 x 12 in multicolor pad listing (4.7 stars, about 4,055 ratings, No. 4 in Pastel Paper)](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/13092155) - [Wikipedia: Canson (founded 1557 in Annonay; Mi-Teintes paper)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canson) - [Art Savings Club: Get the most out of your pastels with Canson Mi-Teintes paper](https://artsavingsclub.co.za/get-the-most-out-of-your-pastels-with-canson-mi-teintes-paper-pastel-pads-and-touch-pads/) --- # Clairefontaine Triomphe Pad: 90 g Letter Paper > The Clairefontaine Triomphe pad is a glue-bound tablet of 50 sheets of very smooth, bright white 90 g/m² paper made in France for letters and fountain pens. The A5 pad measures 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in); the blank version includes a lined guide sheet to slip underneath, and the lined version has 8 mm ruling. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/clairefontaine-triomphe-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Clairefontaine Triomphe A5 blank pad, 148 mm wide, closed with its glued head and open to a letter written over the faint lines of the guide sheet; inset: 8 mm guide sheet, 90 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/clairefontaine-triomphe-pad-16x9.png) *The A5 pad, closed and open, drawn to scale; the cover artwork is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/clairefontaine-triomphe-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Clairefontaine Triomphe A5 Tablet, Blank, 90 g, 50 sheets (6120C) | Clairefontaine (by Clairefontaine Rhodia (Exacompta Clairefontaine group); sold in the US by Exaclair) | France | France | 90 g/m² acid-free, pH-neutral smooth white paper, glue bound | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Clairefontaine Triomphe A5 Tablet, Blank, 90 g, 50 sheets (6120C)): France. The Gentleman Stationer, Goulet Pens and Hunter Paper Co. list the Triomphe pads as made in France. Clairefontaine's French site doesn't list the tablet (it sells Triomphe there as sewn notebooks), but says the Triomphe white Vélin Velouté 90 g paper is 'fabriqué en France par Clairefontaine'. Source: https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/the-curated-shop/bqhcrau294n9gjfcdfprlb0gfw6r3v ## Key takeaways - Each Triomphe tablet holds 50 sheets of 90 g/m² acid-free, pH-neutral paper, per Goulet Pens. - Sizes: A5, 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in), and A4, 210 × 297 mm (8.3 × 11.7 in). - The lined versions have 8 mm ruling; the blank A5 (6120C) comes with a lined guide sheet to put under the page. - At 90 g/m² it is about 12% heavier than the 80 g/m² paper in a Rhodia pad. - Clairefontaine's French site says its Triomphe Vélin Velouté 90 g paper is made in France by Clairefontaine; Goulet Pens and The Gentleman Stationer list the pads as made in France. ## What is the Clairefontaine Triomphe pad? **It is a glue-bound tablet of 50 sheets of smooth, bright white 90 g/m² paper, made in France for letter writing.** The sheets tear cleanly off the glued head, so each page can be sent as a letter. Fountain pen users have long treated Triomphe as a reference paper. The Pen Addict has reviewed it in 2016, 2020 and 2024, Goulet Pens calls it some of the smoothest paper in the world, and The Gentleman Stationer stocks it in its curated shop. ## Clairefontaine Triomphe A5 pad specs | Spec | A5 blank tablet (this guide) | |---|---| | Paper | 90 g/m², acid-free, pH-neutral, white | | Sheets | 50 | | Size | 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in) | | Ruling | Blank, with a lined guide sheet (8 mm) | | Binding | Glued at the head | | Item number | 6120C (Goulet: CF-6120C), EAN 3329680612004 | | Made in | France | Goulet Pens lists the paper, sheet count and an 8.3 × 5.8 in size; The Gentleman Stationer gives 5.75 × 8.25 in for the same A5 pad. A5 is 148 × 210 mm by definition. ## What sizes and rulings can you buy? **Two sizes, A5 and A4, each blank or with 8 mm lines, all with 50 sheets.** | Version | Size | Ruling | Item | |---|---|---|---| | A5 blank | 148 × 210 mm | Blank + guide sheet | 6120C | | A5 lined | 148 × 210 mm | 8 mm lines | 6124C | | A4 blank | 210 × 297 mm | Blank + guide sheet | Not stated | | A4 lined | 210 × 297 mm | 8 mm lines | 6174C | Item numbers come from Goulet Pens listings. Pick A5 for personal letters and journaling pages; A4 is the standard European letter size and close to US letter (216 × 279 mm). ## How does the guide sheet work? **You slip the lined guide sheet under a blank page, and its 8 mm lines show through enough to keep your writing straight.** The finished letter has no printed lines, which many people prefer for correspondence. Yoseka Stationery says the guide sheet can be torn out and moved from page to page. Goulet's listings mention it for the blank tablets only; the lined ones don't need it. ## How does Triomphe handle fountain pen ink? **Reviewers say it is very smooth and resists feathering and bleed-through, though wet or broad nibs can ghost a little.** The Pen Addict called it a fantastic experience with fountain pens, rollerballs, gel pens, ballpoints and pencils. There are caveats. One Pen Addict reviewer found plastic-tipped pens felt waxy, and Goulet customers report some ghosting with a medium nib or larger written slowly, and one found ink went down less easily than on Rhodia. ## How does it compare to other fountain pen papers? **Triomphe is the heaviest of the well-known fountain pen papers, at 90 g/m².** ![Bar chart of paper weights to scale: Tomoe River S 52 g/m², Hammermill Copy Plus 75, Rhodia No. 16 80, Midori MD Paper about 80 and Clairefontaine Triomphe 90 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/clairefontaine-triomphe-pad-weight.svg) *Triomphe's 90 g/m² against other writing papers.* | | Triomphe | [Rhodia No. 16](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/) | [Tomoe River S](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tomoe-river-paper/) | [Midori MD Paper Pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-paper-pad/) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Weight | 90 g/m² | 80 g/m² | 52 g/m² | About 80 g/m² | | Color | Bright white | White | White or cream | Cream | | Binding | Glued head | Stapled head | Loose sheets | Glued | | Made in | France | France | Japan | Japan | Heavier paper shows less through, which suits letters written on both sides. If you want the same paper in a notebook, the [Clairefontaine 1951 staplebound notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/clairefontaine-1951-staplebound-notebook/) uses Clairefontaine's 90 g/m² paper too. ## Where is Clairefontaine Triomphe made? **Retailers list the Triomphe pads as made in France, and Clairefontaine says the Triomphe paper is made in France by Clairefontaine.** The Gentleman Stationer, Goulet Pens and Hunter Paper Co. all say made in France; Clairefontaine is part of the French Exacompta Clairefontaine group, which also makes Rhodia. Clairefontaine's French site doesn't list the tablets; there, Triomphe is sold as thread-sewn notebooks (carnet piqué 14.5 × 21 cm, 48 sheets, and a larger cahier) with white bristol covers and gold or silver marking. The 50-sheet tablets are mainly sold through export distributors such as Exaclair in the US. Matching Triomphe envelopes are sold separately. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Clairefontaine Triomphe good for fountain pens? Yes. Reviewers at The Pen Addict and Goulet Pens describe it as very smooth paper that resists feathering and show-through with fountain pens. Very wet or broad nibs, written slowly, can still ghost a little. ### What is the difference between Triomphe and regular Clairefontaine paper? Triomphe is Clairefontaine's letter-writing line: loose-tearing tablets of 90 g/m² paper with matching envelopes, rather than bound notebooks. Clairefontaine's notebooks such as the 1951 use the same family of smooth 90 g/m² paper. ### How many sheets are in a Triomphe pad? 50 sheets in both the A5 and A4 tablets, blank or lined. ### What is the guide sheet in the blank Triomphe pad? A lined sheet with 8 mm spacing that you slip under the blank page so its lines show through and keep your writing straight. Yoseka Stationery says you can tear it out and move it from page to page. ### Does Triomphe paper come with envelopes? The pads don't, but Clairefontaine sells matching Triomphe envelopes separately in small and large sizes, so you can write and send a letter on the same paper. ### Is Triomphe paper smooth? Very. Goulet Pens calls it some of the smoothest paper in the world. One reviewer found plastic-tipped pens felt waxy on it, and one Goulet customer said their fountain pens laid down ink less easily than on Rhodia. ### Where is Clairefontaine Triomphe made? In France. The Gentleman Stationer and Hunter Paper Co. list the pads as made in France; Clairefontaine is a French brand in the Exacompta Clairefontaine group. ## Sources - [Clairefontaine (French): Carnet piqué Triomphe (Triomphe range: white Vélin Velouté 90 g paper made in France by Clairefontaine, PEFC; 14.5 × 21 cm sewn notebook)](https://www.clairefontaine.com/fr/4248-21391-carnet-pique-triomphe-36120c.html) - [Goulet Pens: Clairefontaine Triomphe A5 Tablet, Blank (CF-6120C; 50 sheets, 90 g acid-free, pH neutral; 8.3 x 5.8 in; guide sheet)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/clairefontaine-triomphe-a5-tablet-blank) - [Goulet Pens: Clairefontaine Triomphe A5 Tablet, Lined (CF-6124C; 8 mm lines)](https://gouletpens.com/products/clairefontaine-triomphe-a5-tablet-lined) - [Goulet Pens: Clairefontaine Triomphe A4 Tablet, Lined (CF-6174C; 50 sheets, 90 g, 8 mm lines)](https://gouletpens.com/products/clairefontaine-triomphe-a4-tablet-lined) - [Goulet Pens: Clairefontaine Triomphe A4 Tablet, Blank (guide sheet included)](https://gouletpens.com/products/clairefontaine-triomphe-a4-tablet-blank) - [Goulet Pens: Clairefontaine Triomphe Small Envelopes](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/clairefontaine-triomphe-small-envelopes) - [Goulet Pens blog: Clairefontaine Triomphe stationery review](https://www.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/clairefontaine-triomphe-review) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Clairefontaine Triomphe writing pads (made in France; A5 5.75 x 8.25 in)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/the-curated-shop/bqhcrau294n9gjfcdfprlb0gfw6r3v) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Clairefontaine Triomphe A5 lined paper pad (made in France)](https://hunterpaperco.com/collections/a5-notebooks/products/clairefontaine-triomph-a5-lined-paper-pad) - [Yoseka Stationery: Clairefontaine Triomphe pad A5 (lined guide sheet, 8 mm)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/clairefontaine-triomphe-pad-a5-1) - [The Pen Addict: Clairefontaine Triomphe A5 notepad review (2016)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2016/2/21/clairefontaine-triomphe-a5-notepad-review) - [The Pen Addict: Clairefontaine Triomphe A5 notepad review (2020)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2020/3/18/clairefontaine-triomphe-a5-notepad-review) - [The Pen Addict: Clairefontaine Triomphe A5 blank notebook review (2024)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2024/10/16/clairefontaine-triomphe-a5-blank-notebook-review) --- # Canson XL Marker Pad: 70 gsm Semi-Translucent Paper > The Canson XL Marker pad holds 100 sheets of light 18 lb (70 gsm), bright white, acid-free marker paper. The sheets are semi-translucent, so you can trace a sketch from the sheet below, and Canson pitches it for all markers, including alcohol and solvent-based ones. The common US size is 9 × 12 in. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-marker-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Canson XL Marker pad, 9 × 12 in, 229 mm wide, closed with its black fold-over cover and opened to a grey marker drawing with a second sheet laid over half of it so the drawing shows through; inset: semi-translucent, 70 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/canson-xl-marker-pad-16x9.png) *The 9 × 12 in pad, closed and open, drawn to scale; the cover artwork is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/canson-xl-marker-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Canson XL Marker Pad, 9 x 12 in, 18 lb (70 gsm), 100 sheets | Canson (by Canson (Annonay, France)) | France | Not stated | 18 lb (70 g/m²) acid-free, semi-transparent, very white and very smooth layout paper; FSC certified (French range) | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Canson XL Marker Pad, 9 x 12 in, 18 lb (70 gsm), 100 sheets): Not stated. Sources conflict or are missing. Canson's French site says its papers are made in France at Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay, but it doesn't say where the US XL Marker pad is made or assembled. One marketplace listing for the 9 × 12 in pad gives France; other Canson XL pads are listed as made in the USA. Check the back of the pad. ## Key takeaways - Each pad holds 100 sheets of 18 lb (70 g/m²), acid-free, very white marker paper; Canson lists the weight and says the paper has a barrier that keeps ink on the surface. - The 9 × 12 in pad (229 × 305 mm) is the common US size; Europe sells A4 and A3 pads of 100 sheets. - The sheets are semi-translucent, so a drawing on the sheet below shows through for tracing. - An Amazon snapshot shows about 3,140 ratings averaging 4.6 stars for the 9 × 12 in pad. - At 70 gsm, a sheet weighs about a quarter of a 270 gsm Strathmore 300 Bristol sheet. ## What is the Canson XL Marker pad? **It is a pad of 100 sheets of light, bright white, semi-translucent 18 lb (70 gsm) paper made for markers.** Canson, the French paper maker based in Annonay, sells it in its XL line beside the [Canson XL Mix Media](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) and [Canson XL Watercolor](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-watercolor-pad/) pads. It is also widely reviewed: an Amazon snapshot shows the 9 × 12 in pad with about 3,140 ratings averaging 4.6 stars, and Dick Blick shows 4.4 stars. ## Canson XL Marker pad specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | Canson (XL line) | | Paper weight | 18 lb (70 gsm) | | Color and surface | Very white, very smooth (Canson) | | Opacity | Semi-transparent (Canson) | | Ink barrier | Water-resistant, keeps ink on the surface (Canson claim) | | Archival | Acid-free | | Sheets | 100 | | US size | 9 × 12 in (229 × 305 mm) | | Other sizes | A4 and A3 (Europe) | | Binding | Glue bound (Blick) or fold-over cover with tape binding (Jerry's) | | Made in | Not stated | Weight, surface, opacity and the ink barrier come from Canson's US and French pages; sheet count from Dick Blick and Jerry's Artarama; the A4 and A3 pads from Cult Pens and Artway. In France the paper is sold as "XL Marqueur Layout", in pads glued on one side. ## Why is marker paper so thin? **Thin, smooth paper lets you trace earlier drafts and lay marker color evenly.** At 70 gsm the Canson XL Marker sheet is semi-translucent, so a sketch on the sheet below shows through well enough to redraw it cleanly. ![Bar chart of art paper weights to scale: Canson XL Marker 70 g/m², Strathmore 400 Sketch 89, Canson XL Mix Media 160, Strathmore 300 Bristol 270 and Canson XL Watercolor 300 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/canson-xl-marker-pad-weight.svg) *Marker paper is the lightest of the common art pads.* Canson says the paper is water-resistant and has a barrier that keeps ink on the surface, so it doesn't go through the sheet. That's a maker claim we haven't tested: alcohol markers soak into most light papers, so keep a scrap sheet under the page until you know how yours behaves. ## Which markers work on it? **Canson says it takes all types of felt pen, including spirit- or solvent-based markers.** That covers alcohol markers as well as water-based markers and fineliners; Canson adds that it gives even flat tints. For water-based washes or heavy layering, a thicker sheet such as 98 lb (160 gsm) mixed-media paper holds up better. ## How does it compare to Bristol and mixed-media paper? **Marker paper is the lightest and most translucent; Bristol and mixed-media paper are heavier and opaque.** | Pad | Weight | See-through | Best for | |---|---|---|---| | Canson XL Marker | 18 lb (70 gsm) | Semi-translucent | Marker roughs, tracing, design sketches | | [Strathmore 400 Sketch](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/) | 60 lb (89 gsm) | No | Dry-media sketching | | [Canson XL Mix Media](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) | 98 lb (160 gsm) | No | Markers, ink, light washes | | [Strathmore 300 Bristol](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-300-bristol-pad/) | 100 lb (270 gsm) | No | Finished ink and marker art | Pound figures use different basis sheets for different paper types, so compare by gsm. ## Which size should you choose? **In the US, the 9 × 12 in pad is the size retailers list; in Europe, choose A4 or A3.** All hold 100 sheets. - **9 × 12 in (229 × 305 mm):** desk-sized pages for character sheets, product sketches and lettering practice. - **A4 (210 × 297 mm):** close to the US pad, sold by UK and European shops such as Cult Pens. - **A3 (297 × 420 mm):** twice the area of A4, for larger layouts and presentation roughs. ## Does Canson make another marker pad? **Yes: Canson also sells an Artist Series Pro Layout marker pad, a 50-sheet 9 × 12 in pad with a fold-over binding.** Zoro lists it with France as the country of origin. We haven't compared the two papers side by side, and the listing we found doesn't give the Pro Layout paper's weight. ## Is it glue bound or tape bound? **Listings disagree: Dick Blick describes a glue-bound pad, and Jerry's Artarama a fold-over cover with tape binding and a chipboard back.** Either way the sheets come off the head of the pad, so check the label if you prefer one binding. ## Where is the Canson XL Marker pad made? **Canson doesn't say for this pad.** Its French site says Canson papers are made in France at the historic Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay mill, but one marketplace listing gives France for the 9 × 12 in pad while other Canson XL pads are listed as made in the USA. Check the back of the pad you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is marker paper? Marker paper is a light, smooth, bright white paper made for markers, often semi-translucent so you can trace an earlier drawing. Canson's XL Marker paper is 18 lb (70 gsm). ### Can you use alcohol markers on the Canson XL Marker pad? Yes. Canson says it suits all types of felt pen, including spirit- or solvent-based markers, and that a barrier keeps the ink on the surface rather than going through. Until we've tested it, slip a scrap sheet under the page anyway. ### Is Canson XL Marker paper see-through? It is semi-translucent: you can see a drawing on the sheet beneath well enough to trace it, which helps when you refine a sketch over several sheets. ### How many sheets are in a Canson XL Marker pad? 100 sheets. Retailers list 100 sheets for the US 9 × 12 in pad and for the A4 and A3 pads sold in Europe. ### Is the Canson XL Marker pad glue bound or tape bound? Listings differ. Dick Blick describes a glue-bound pad, while Jerry's Artarama describes a fold-over cover with tape binding and a chipboard back. Either way, sheets tear off the head of the pad. ### Is Canson XL Marker paper acid-free? Yes. Canson's US and French pages list it as acid-free, as do Dick Blick and Jerry's Artarama. ### Where is the Canson XL Marker pad made? Canson doesn't say for this pad. It says its papers are made in France at its Annonay-area mill, but one marketplace listing gives France while other Canson XL pads are listed as made in the USA, so check the back of the pad. ## Sources - [Canson (French): XL Marqueur Layout (70 g/m², semi-transparent, very smooth, ink barrier, pads glued one side, FSC, acid-free)](https://fr.canson.com/xlr-marker) - [Canson USA: XL Marker (18 lb / 70 g, very smooth, for spirit- or solvent-based markers, pads)](https://us.canson.com/xl-marker-usa) - [Canson (French): Qui sommes-nous ? (papers made in France at Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay)](https://fr.canson.com/qui-sommes-nous) - [Dick Blick: Canson XL Marker Pads (18 lb / 70 gsm, 100 sheets, glue bound, bright white, acid-free)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-marker-pads/) - [Jerry's Artarama: Canson XL Marker Pad, 9 x 12 in, 100 sheets (fold-over cover, tape binding, chipboard back)](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/canson-xl-marker-pad-9x12in-100sheet-v16730) - [DeSerres: Canson XL Marker pad](https://www.deserres.ca/products/xl%C2%AE-marker-pad) - [Cult Pens: Canson XL Marker Pad, A4 (70 gsm, 100 sheets, for all types of marker)](https://cultpens.com/products/canson-xl-marker-pad-a4) - [Artway: Canson XL A3 Marker Pad, 100 sheets](https://artway.co.uk/canson-xl-a3-marker-pad-100-sheets) - [Zoro: Canson Artist Series Pro Layout Marker Pad, 9 x 12 in, 50 sheets, fold-over binding (origin France)](https://www.zoro.com/canson-artist-series-pro-layout-marker-pad-foldover-binding-50-sheet-9x12-inch-2pk-c100511047/i/G721733680/) - [Desertcart: Canson XL Marker pad 9 x 12 in (Amazon B00BN9PFRK snapshot: 4.6 stars, 3,142 ratings; origin France)](https://www.desertcart.uy/products/50792668) --- # Strathmore 300 Bristol Pad: Smooth vs Vellum Paper > The Strathmore 300 Series Bristol pad is a tape-bound pad of 20 sheets of heavy 100 lb (270 gsm), acid-free Bristol. Smooth suits ink, markers and comics; vellum has more texture for pencil and dry media. The main pads run from 9 × 12 in to 19 × 24 in, and retailers label them made in the USA. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-300-bristol-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Strathmore 300 Series Bristol pad, smooth, 9 × 12 in, 229 mm wide, closed with its binding tape across the head and opened to a sheet inked with comic panels; inset: smooth surface, 100 lb (270 g/m²)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/strathmore-300-bristol-pad-16x9.png) *The 9 × 12 in smooth pad, closed and open, drawn to scale; the cover artwork is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/strathmore-300-bristol-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Pad, Smooth, 9 x 12 in, 100 lb, 20 sheets | Strathmore (by Strathmore Artist Papers, a division of Dixon Ticonderoga (F.I.L.A. Group); owned by Pacon Corporation from 2006) | United States | United States | 100 lb (270 g/m²) acid-free Bristol, smooth surface, tape binding | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Pad, Smooth, 9 x 12 in, 100 lb, 20 sheets): United States. Fred Meyer's listing for the 9 × 12 in pad says made in the USA, and Staples labels 300 Series Bristol and vellum pads made in America. Strathmore's product page and Dixon's 2025 price list don't state the country. Source: https://www.fredmeyer.com/p/strathmore-bristol-300-series-art-paper/0001201736509 ## Key takeaways - Each pad holds 20 sheets of 100 lb (270 gsm) acid-free Bristol, per School Specialty, Dick Blick and Fred Meyer listings. - Strathmore lists 20-sheet pads at 4 × 6, 9 × 12, 11 × 14, 14 × 17 and 19 × 24 in in smooth or vellum, plus a 10-sheet 22 × 30 in vellum pad. - The 9 × 12 in pad has about 13,100 Amazon ratings averaging 4.8 stars and ranks first in Bristol Paper, per AS INSIGHT and retailer snapshots. - At 270 gsm, a sheet is about three times the weight of the 89 gsm Strathmore 400 Series sketch paper. - Fred Meyer and Staples label the 300 Series Bristol pads made in the USA; Strathmore is now a division of Dixon Ticonderoga, which bought Pacon, Strathmore's owner since 2006. ## What is the Strathmore 300 Series Bristol pad? **It is a tape-bound pad of 20 sheets of heavy, acid-free Bristol, 100 lb (270 gsm), in a smooth or a vellum surface.** Bristol is a stiff drawing paper for finished pieces: comics, illustration, technical drawing and marker work. It is the best-known Bristol pad in the US. AS INSIGHT's Amazon data shows the 9 × 12 in pad with about 13,100 ratings averaging 4.8 stars, and a retailer snapshot ranks it first in Bristol Paper. ## Strathmore 300 Series Bristol specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | Strathmore (300 Series) | | Paper weight | 100 lb (270 gsm); basis 500 sheets of 20 × 26 in | | Surfaces | Smooth or vellum | | Archival | Acid-free | | Binding | Tape bound | | Sheets | 20 per pad | | Sizes | 4 × 6, 9 × 12, 11 × 14, 14 × 17, 19 × 24 in; 22 × 30 in (vellum, 10 sheets) | | Item (9 × 12 in) | 342-9 smooth · 342-109 vellum | | UPC (smooth, 9 × 12 in) | 012017365096 | | Made in | United States (retailer labels) | Weight, surfaces, binding, sizes and item numbers come from Strathmore's product page; the UPC from Dixon's 2025 price list, which matches School Specialty and Fred Meyer. Acid-free is from retailers such as Dick Blick. ## Smooth or vellum: which surface should you choose? **Choose smooth for ink, markers and comics, and vellum for pencil, colored pencil and other dry media.** Both are the same 100 lb (270 gsm) weight. | | Smooth | Vellum | |---|---|---| | Surface | Slick, even | Medium texture | | Best for | Pen and ink, markers, comics, technical pens | Graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, pastel | | Why | Crisp lines, little tooth to catch the nib | Strathmore: "peaks and valleys" grab dry media | If you mostly draw with fineliners such as the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/), smooth is the usual choice. ## What sizes does the pad come in? **Four main sizes from 9 × 12 in to 19 × 24 in, each with 20 sheets.** Strathmore also lists a small 4 × 6 in pad (20 sheets) and a 22 × 30 in vellum pad (10 sheets). ![To-scale drawing of four Strathmore 300 Series Bristol pad sizes from a shared corner: 9×12, 11×14, 14×17 and 19×24 inches, each with 20 sheets of 100 lb Bristol](https://stationerytimes.com/images/strathmore-300-bristol-pad-sizes.svg) *The four pad sizes drawn to scale from one corner.* | Size (in) | Size (cm) | Sheets | |---|---|---| | 9 × 12 | 22.9 × 30.5 | 20 | | 11 × 14 | 27.9 × 35.6 | 20 | | 14 × 17 | 35.6 × 43.2 | 20 | | 19 × 24 | 48.3 × 61.0 | 20 | Sizes come from Strathmore's product page; centimeters are converted from inches. For comic pages, Dick Blick also sells a 300 Sequential Series Bristol pad: 11 × 17 in, smooth, 24 sheets. ## How heavy is Bristol compared with other art papers? **At 270 gsm, Strathmore 300 Bristol is about three times the weight of sketch paper and close to watercolor paper.** | Pad | Weight | Best for | |---|---|---| | [Strathmore 400 Sketch](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/) | 60 lb (89 gsm) | Dry-media sketching | | [Canson XL Mix Media](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) | 98 lb (160 gsm) | Markers, ink, light washes | | Strathmore 300 Bristol | 100 lb (270 gsm) | Ink, markers, finished drawings | | [Canson XL Watercolor](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-watercolor-pad/) | 140 lb (300 gsm) | Watercolor | The pound figures aren't comparable across paper types, because each type uses a different basis sheet. That is why 100 lb Bristol outweighs 98 lb mixed-media paper by so much; compare grams per square meter instead. ## What does "300 Series" mean? **Strathmore grades its papers in series from 100 to 500, and the 300 Series sits one step below the 400 Series.** Strathmore says it created the 300 Series in 1974 and describes it as better-quality paper for beginning or student artists; our [Strathmore 400 Series guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/) covers the grading in more detail. The top grade, the [500 Series Bristol](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-500-bristol-pad/), is 2-ply, 100% cotton board in 15-sheet pads. ## Where is Strathmore 300 Bristol made? **Retailers label the 300 Series Bristol pads made in the USA.** Fred Meyer's listing for the 9 × 12 in pad says so, and Staples shows a Made in America label on 300 Series pads. Strathmore's own page doesn't state the country. Pacon Corporation bought Strathmore in 2006, and Strathmore's site now calls it a division of Dixon Ticonderoga, based in Appleton, Wisconsin. Check the back of the pad. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is Bristol paper used for? Bristol is a heavy, stiff drawing paper for finished work. Strathmore recommends its smooth 300 Series Bristol for pen and ink, mechanical pencil, airbrush and markers, and the vellum surface for graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, pastel and crayon. ### What is the difference between smooth and vellum Bristol? Smooth Bristol has a slick surface for crisp ink lines and markers. Vellum has what Strathmore calls peaks and valleys that grab dry media such as graphite. Both are 100 lb (270 gsm) in the 300 Series. ### How heavy is Strathmore 300 Series Bristol? 100 lb, which is 270 gsm. That is heavier than mixed-media paper such as the 160 gsm Canson XL Mix Media and close to 140 lb (300 gsm) watercolor paper. ### How many sheets are in a Strathmore 300 Bristol pad? 20 sheets in the 4 × 6, 9 × 12, 11 × 14, 14 × 17 and 19 × 24 in pads, and 10 sheets in the 22 × 30 in vellum pad, per Strathmore. A 300 Series Sequential Art Bristol pad has 24 sheets at 11 × 17 in for comics. ### Can you use alcohol markers on Bristol board? Retailers list the smooth surface for markers. Alcohol markers soak deep into any paper, so expect some color on the back; we haven't tested how much on this pad yet. ### Is Strathmore 300 Bristol acid-free? Yes, per Dick Blick, Drafting Supplies Dew, Fred Meyer and School Specialty, and Dixon's 2025 price list calls the matching 300 Series Bristol sheets acid free. Strathmore's own pad page doesn't mention it. ### Where is Strathmore Bristol made? Fred Meyer and Staples label the 300 Series Bristol pads made in the USA. Strathmore itself doesn't say on its product page; it is now a division of Dixon Ticonderoga, based in Appleton, Wisconsin. ## Sources - [Strathmore: 300 Series Bristol (100 lb, 20 × 26 in × 500 basis, 270 g/m²; smooth and vellum; pad items 342-4 to 342-22)](https://www.strathmoreartist.com/draw-bristol/300-series-bristol) - [Strathmore: History (1892 mill; 1974 300 Series; Pacon purchase 2006)](https://www.strathmoreartist.com/about) - [Strathmore: The Strathmore Series (300 Series: better quality paper for beginning or student artists)](https://www.strathmoreartist.com/series-landing) - [Dixon Ticonderoga / F.I.L.A.: Fine Art price list 2025 (Strathmore P342-9, UPC 012017365096, MSRP US$13.15; Strathmore mark used under license from Mohawk)](https://dixonticonderogacompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Fila-FINE-ART-PRICE-LIST-2025.pdf) - [Ticonderoga: Tracing Our Roots (Dixon's acquisitions include Pacon and Strathmore)](https://weareticonderoga.com/history) - [Fred Meyer: Strathmore Bristol 300 Series art paper (100 lb / 270 gsm, smooth and vellum, acid-free, made in the USA; UPC 012017365096)](https://www.fredmeyer.com/p/strathmore-bristol-300-series-art-paper/0001201736509) - [School Specialty: Strathmore 300 Series Smooth Bristol Pad, 9 x 12 in, 100 lb, 20 sheets, tape bound](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/bristol-pad-1289297) - [Dick Blick: Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Board Pads (100 lb / 270 gsm, smooth and vellum)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/strathmore-300-series-bristol-board-pads/) - [Dick Blick: Strathmore 300 Sequential Series Bristol Pad, 11 x 17 in, smooth, 24 sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/items/13323-1037/) - [Drafting Supplies Dew: Strathmore 300 Series Bristol, vellum surface (100 lb, 270 g/m², tape bound, 20 sheets)](https://www.draftingsuppliesdew.com/strathmore-342-300-series-vellum-bristol-pad-roll) - [Staples: Strathmore 300 Series 11 x 17 in tape-bound vellum pad (made in America label)](https://staples.com/strathmore-300-series-11-x-17-tape-bound-vellum-sketch-pad-24-sheets-pad-sttp3421171/product_24625362) - [Walmart: Bristol paper (Strathmore 300 Series smooth pads, 11 x 14, 14 x 17 and 19 x 24 in, 20 sheets)](https://www.walmart.com/browse/arts-crafts-sewing/bristol-paper/1334134_5899871_9677556_9433801) - [Kaartist: Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, smooth surface](https://kaartist.com/collections/vendors/products/strathmore-300-series-bristol-paper-pad-smooth-surface) - [AS INSIGHT: Best-selling Strathmore products on Amazon US (300 Series Bristol 9 x 12 in, about 13,100 ratings, 4.8 stars)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/strathmore) - [AS INSIGHT: Best-selling Strathmore Bristol on Amazon US (July 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/strathmore-bristol) - [Desertcart: Strathmore 300 Series Bristol pad listing (first in Bristol Paper)](https://www.desertcart.co.th/products/3763358) - [Parka Blogs: Strathmore series grading, 100 to 500](https://www.parkablogs.com/content/review-strathmore-400-series-sketch-pad-recycled) - [Universities of Wisconsin: Strathmore, a division of Pacon Corporation, Appleton](https://www.wisconsin.edu/all-in-wisconsin/story/partnership-rolls-out-uw-stevens-points-riverpoint-paper-nationwide/) --- # Tomoe River Paper: 52 gsm, Sanzen & Fountain Pens > Tomoe River is a very thin Japanese paper prized by fountain pen users. Tomoegawa stopped making it in 2021, and Sanzen Paper of Kanazawa now makes it as Tomoe River S (also sold as Tomoe River FP). A typical pack holds 100 loose A5 sheets of 52 gsm paper in white or cream, made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tomoe-river-paper/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a 100-sheet pack of Tomoe River S 52 gsm A5 paper, 148 mm wide, beside a sheet written in black ink with faint writing from its back showing through; inset: 52 g/m², shows through](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tomoe-river-paper-16x9.png) *An A5 pack of 100 loose sheets and one written sheet, drawn to scale; the packaging is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tomoe-river-paper-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tomoe River S 52 gsm Loose-Leaf Paper, A5, Blank, White, 100 sheets (Sanzen) | Tomoe River (by Sanzen Paper Co., Ltd. (三善製紙, Kanazawa, Ishikawa)) | Japan | Japan | 52 g/m² Tomoe River S paper, blank, white | 2022-02 | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Tomoe River S 52 gsm Loose-Leaf Paper, A5, Blank, White, 100 sheets (Sanzen)): Japan. Papeterie Makkura lists this A5 white pack (EAN 4909171851502) as made in Japan, and Pulp Addiction says the same for the A5 and A4 sheets. Yamamoto Paper's Japanese wholesale listing says Sanzen (三善製紙) makes the paper in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, and gives 生産地 (place of production) Japan for its Tomoe River S pad. We found no official Sanzen website. Source: https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/writing-paper/5009-tomoe-river-sanzen-paper-100-a5-sheets-52gsm-white-4909171851502.html ## Key takeaways - Tomoe River S loose-leaf paper is 52 gsm; one A5 pack holds 100 blank sheets of 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in). - At 52 gsm it is about 35% lighter than the 80 gsm paper in a Rhodia pad or a Leuchtturm1917 notebook. - Tomoegawa, founded in 1914 in what is now Shimizu, Shizuoka, ended production in 2021; Sanzen began full production of Tomoe River S in February 2022. - Yamamoto Paper says the Sanzen paper is about 5 microns thicker and stiffer; a 2022 review found it toothier but still free of feathering and bleed-through. - Retailers list the Sanzen sheets, pads and notebooks as made in Japan, in white or cream (ivory). ## What is Tomoe River paper? **Tomoe River is a very thin, lightweight Japanese writing paper known for handling fountain pen ink well.** It is sold as loose sheets, notepads and notebooks, and it is the paper inside the [Hobonichi Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). Its reputation comes from fountain pen users. Galen Leather calls it the number one fountain pen paper, and JetPens gives Tomoe River its own category of loose sheets, pads and notebooks. ## Who makes Tomoe River paper now? **Sanzen Paper (三善製紙) of Kanazawa, Ishikawa, makes it; the original maker, Tomoegawa, no longer does.** Tomoegawa's own history says the company (巴川製紙所, literally "Tomoe River paper mill") was founded in 1914 in what is now Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka. Yamamoto Paper, a Japanese paper seller, says Tomoegawa ended production in 2021 after a change in business policy and passed the brand to Sanzen, which has made 52 g/m² planner paper since 1976. Sanzen began full-scale production of Tomoe River S in February 2022, and The Gentleman Stationer reported in May 2022 that Sanzen had bought the formula and naming rights. Retailers now sell it as Sanzen Tomoe River, Tomoe River FP or Tomoe River S. ## Tomoe River S loose-leaf paper specs | Spec | A5 pack (this guide) | |---|---| | Name | Tomoe River S 52 gsm Loose-Leaf Paper (also sold as Tomoe River FP) | | Maker | Sanzen Paper Co., Ltd. | | Weight | 52 gsm | | Sheet size | 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in), A5 | | Sheets | 100, loose | | Ruling | Blank | | Color | White (also sold in cream) | | JAN (white A5) | 4909171851502 (cream: 4909171851557) | | Item code | SR-A5P-W (cream SR-A5P-C) | | Made in | Japan | Size, count, JAN and origin come from Papeterie Makkura; the item codes from The Journal Shop. No source we found gives a sheet thickness in millimeters, but Yamamoto Paper says the Sanzen sheet is about 5 microns thicker than the original. ## How thin is 52 gsm? **52 gsm is about two thirds of the 80 gsm used in most quality notebooks, which makes Tomoe River among the lightest writing papers sold by the sheet.** It is also lighter than 20 lb (75 gsm) [Hammermill copy paper](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hammermill-copy-paper/). ![Bar chart of paper weights to scale: Tomoe River S 52 g/m², Hammermill Copy Plus 75, Rhodia No. 16 80, Leuchtturm1917 80 and Midori MD Paper about 80 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tomoe-river-paper-weight.svg) *Tomoe River weighs about 35% less than an 80 gsm notebook page.* Thin paper has two practical effects. More sheets fit in a slim notebook, and writing shows through from the other side. Galen Leather says the sheet is coated on both sides so ghosting is minimal, and that feathering generally isn't a problem; bleed-through, where ink passes right through, is rarer than show-through. ## How does Tomoe River paper handle fountain pen ink? **Retailers and reviewers say it resists feathering and bleed-through, and that ink sits on the surface.** Galen Leather says pools of color stay on top of the sheet, which suits inks that show shading and sheen. Mountain of Ink, for example, saw the faint green sheen of [Diamine Oxblood](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/diamine-oxblood/) only on large swabs on Tomoe River. Ink that sits on the surface usually takes longer to dry, but no source we found gives a drying time, and we haven't timed it yet. The Gentleman Stationer found the Sanzen version stiffer and with more tooth than the original Tomoegawa paper, with darker ink and less shading and sheen, and said it still met the main promise: lightweight paper that takes fountain pen ink without feathering or bleeding. Yamamoto Paper explains why: Sanzen reworked the mix of eucalyptus and softwood pulp, which made the fibers more uniform, the surface smoother and the paper firmer. It also says the sheet no longer cockles when you rub out FriXion ink, and that in its own tests even low-viscosity J. Herbin inks dried quickly without bleeding through. ## What sizes and formats can you buy? **The loose sheets come in A5 and A4 packs of 100; the same paper is sold in notepads and A5 notebooks.** | Format | Size | Count | |---|---|---| | Loose sheets | A5, 148 × 210 mm | 100 sheets | | Loose sheets | A4, 210 × 297 mm | 100 sheets | | Notepad | A5 or A4 | 100 sheets | | Softcover notebook | A5 | 64 or 160 pages | | Hardcover notebook | A5 | 368 pages | Formats come from Pulp Addiction and Papeterie Makkura listings. Rulings vary: Makkura also lists dot grid and grid notebooks. ## How does it compare to other fountain pen papers? **Tomoe River is the thinnest of the well-known fountain pen papers; MD Paper and Rhodia are heavier and show less through.** | | Tomoe River S | [Midori MD Paper Pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-paper-pad/) | [Rhodia No. 16](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/) | |---|---|---|---| | Weight | 52 gsm | About 80 gsm | 80 gsm | | Color | White or cream | Cream | White | | Format | Loose sheets, pads, notebooks | Glued pad | Stapled top pad | | Made in | Japan | Japan | France | For a full comparison of notebooks, see our guide to the [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## Where is Tomoe River paper made? **In Japan: Sanzen makes the paper in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, according to Yamamoto Paper.** Papeterie Makkura gives the origin as Japan on its Sanzen listings, and Pulp Addiction lists the A5 and A4 sheets the same way. We found no official Sanzen website to confirm the mill. ## Frequently asked questions ### Who makes Tomoe River paper now? Sanzen Paper (三善製紙) of Kanazawa, Japan, which Yamamoto Paper says has made 52 g/m² planner paper since 1976. The original maker, Tomoegawa, ended production in 2021, and Sanzen bought the formula and naming rights and began full production in February 2022. ### What is the difference between Tomoe River S and Tomoe River FP? They are names for the same Sanzen paper. Yamamoto Paper in Japan calls it 三善トモエリバーS (Sanzen Tomoe River S), while European retailers such as Papeterie Makkura list the same loose sheets as Tomoe River FP, for fountain pen. ### Is the new Sanzen Tomoe River paper the same as the old one? Not exactly. Yamamoto Paper says Sanzen redesigned the pulp mix, making the paper about 5 microns thicker and stiffer. The Gentleman Stationer's 2022 review found it toothier, with darker ink and less sheen, though it still handled fountain pen ink without feathering or bleeding. ### Does Tomoe River paper show through? Yes. At 52 gsm the sheets are thin, so writing shows from the other side, though Galen Leather calls the ghosting minimal and The Gentleman Stationer found less of it on the Sanzen paper. Ink bleeding right through the sheet is a separate, rarer problem. ### What sizes does Tomoe River paper come in? Sanzen's loose sheets come in A5 (148 × 210 mm) and A4 (210 × 297 mm), 100 sheets per pack. The same paper is sold in A5 and A4 notepads and in A5 notebooks of 64, 160 and 368 pages. ### Is Tomoe River paper white or cream? Both. Sanzen sells white and cream versions; Papeterie Makkura describes the cream A5 sheets as ivory. ### Why do fountain pen users like Tomoe River paper? Galen Leather says pools of ink sit on the surface, which shows off shading and sheen, and retailers say it resists feathering and bleed-through despite being thin. It also packs many pages into a slim notebook, which is why the Hobonichi Techo uses it. ## Sources - [Writing pad /A5 Sanzen Tomoe River S 52gsm (山本紙業 / Yamamoto Paper, Japanese wholesale listing on SUPER DELIVERY: 三善製紙 of Kanazawa took over the brand after Tomoegawa ended production in 2021, full production from February 2022, about 5 microns thicker, made in Japan)](https://www.superdelivery.com/p/r/pd_p/11205278/) - [沿革・歩み (Tomoegawa Corporation history: founded 1914 in present-day Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka)](https://www.tomoegawa.co.jp/corporation/history/) - [JetPens: Tomoe River S 52 gsm Loose-Leaf Paper, A5, Blank, White, 100 Sheets](https://www.jetpens.com/Tomoe-River-S-52-gsm-Loose-Leaf-Paper-A5-Blank-White-100-Sheets/pd/34674) - [JetPens: Tomoe River paper category](https://www.jetpens.com/Tomoe-River-Paper/ct/1944) - [Papeterie Makkura: Tomoe River (Sanzen) paper, 100 A5 sheets, 52 gsm, white (EAN 4909171851502, made in Japan)](https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/writing-paper/5009-tomoe-river-sanzen-paper-100-a5-sheets-52gsm-white-4909171851502.html) - [The Journal Shop: Tomoe River (Sanzen Paper) loose leaf writing paper, 52 g/m² (SKUs SR-A5P-W, SR-A5P-C, SR-A4P-W, SR-A4P-C)](https://thejournalshop.com/products/tomoe-river-sanzen-paper-loose-leaf-fountain-pen-friendly-writing-paper-52g-m2) - [Papeterie Makkura: Tomoe River FP 52 gsm, 100 loose sheets, A5, cream (ivory)](https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/writing-paper/5010-tomoe-river-fp-52gsm-100-loose-sheets-a5-cream-4909171851557.html) - [Papeterie Makkura: Tomoe River (Sanzen) A5 notebook, 368 pages (origin: made in Japan)](https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/notebooks/5459-tomoe-river-sanzen-a5-notebook-368-pages-blank-52gsm-white-4909171853506.html) - [Pulp Addiction: Sanzen Tomoe River loose sheets, A5, white, 100 sheets, 52 gsm (Tomoegawa no longer makes it)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/sanzen-tomoe-river-loose-sheets-a5-white-100-sheet-52gsm-plain) - [Pulp Addiction: Sanzen Tomoe River loose sheets, A4, white, 100 sheets, 52 gsm](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/sanzen-tomoe-river-loose-sheets-a4-white-100-sheet-52gsm-plain) - [Pulp Addiction: Sanzen Tomoe River hardcover notebook, A5, 368 pages](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/sanzen-tomoe-river-hardcover-notebook-a5-white-368pages-52gsm-plain) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Sanzen Tomoe River review (2022)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/tag/Sanzen+Tomoe+River) - [Galen Leather: Why Tomoe River paper is the #1 fountain pen paper](https://galenleather.com/blogs/news/tomoe-river-paper) --- # ban.do Sticker Books: 35 Pages and 700+ Stickers > A ban.do sticker book is a pocket-size book of paper stickers from the Los Angeles brand ban.do, released in numbered issues. ban.do lists Issue Ten at 3.75 × 6.5 in with 35 pages and 700+ stickers; Issue Twelve has 500+ over 35 pages. Each issue has new art, and retailers mark the books as imported. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bando-sticker-book/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![ban.do sticker book drawn to scale: the closed 3.75 × 6.5 in book with a raspberry cover, and the book open on two of its 35 pages of word, smiley, rainbow and day-label stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/bando-sticker-book-16x9.png) *A 3.75 × 6.5 in ban.do book, closed and open on two of its 35 pages.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/bando-sticker-book-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | ban.do Sticker Book (35 pages, 3.75 × 6.5 in) | ban.do (by ban.do (Los Angeles)) | United States | Not stated | Paper stickers in a cardstock cover | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (ban.do Sticker Book (35 pages, 3.75 × 6.5 in)): Not stated. ban.do's own product pages don't give a country of manufacture, and Urban Outfitters lists the Issue Twelve sticker book as "Imported" without naming one. An eBay seller's listing with UPC 825466980587, which ban.do's site assigns to Issue Five, gives China; seller-entered origins aren't reliable, so we don't use it. Source: https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/bando-issue-12-sticker-book ## Key takeaways - ban.do lists the Issue Ten trim at 3.75 × 6.5 in (about 95 × 165 mm), with 35 pages of 700+ paper stickers. - Issues Five, Seven, Ten and Eleven are each listed with 35 pages and 700+ stickers; Issue Twelve has 500+ over 35 pages. - Amazon lists Issue Eleven at 6.45 × 3.8 × 0.4 in, so the book is about 1 cm thick. - ban.do lists Issue Ten at US$13.95 with UPC 825466177093, which Amazon pairs with model BDSB. - Urban Outfitters lists the Issue Twelve book as imported, made of cardstock, paper and adhesive. ## What is a ban.do sticker book? **It is a small, numbered book of colorful paper stickers from ban.do, a Los Angeles lifestyle brand.** Each issue packs 35 pages of bold words, smileys, rainbows, florals and small planner labels into a book about the size of a phone. Jen Gotch started ban.do in 2008 as a hair-accessories business, and it grew into a brand of gifts, stationery and planners. The sticker books carry the same bright, cheerful art as its planners and agendas. ## ban.do sticker book specs | Spec | ban.do sticker book (Issue Ten) | |---|---| | Trim size | 3.75 × 6.5 in (about 95 × 165 mm) | | Thickness | About 0.4 in (10 mm), per Amazon's Issue Eleven listing | | Pages | 35 | | Stickers | 700+ (500+ in Issue Twelve) | | Material | Paper stickers; cardstock cover | | Model / UPC | BDSB (Amazon) / 825466177093 (ban.do and Amazon) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20) | | Made in | "Imported"; country not named | Trim, page and sticker counts and the UPC come from ban.do's product pages, which give the same 3.75 × 6.5 in size for Issues Five, Ten, Eleven and Twelve; thickness and the model number come from Amazon listings. On October 20, 2026 ban.do listed Issues Five and Ten at US$13.95 and Issues Eleven and Twelve at US$12.95. Amazon also gives Issue Ten as 6.5 × 4 × 0.5 in, which likely includes packaging, so we use ban.do's trim size. ![ban.do sticker book drawn to scale at 3.75 by 6.5 inches beside an Erin Condren sticker book at 5 by 7.8 inches and a Blue Sky sticker book at 4.49 by 9.06 inches, with their page and sticker counts](https://stationerytimes.com/images/bando-sticker-book-size.svg) *The ban.do book is the smallest of three popular US sticker books.* ## How many stickers are in each issue? **Recent issues list 700+ stickers on 35 pages; Issue Twelve lists 500+.** | Issue | Pages | Stickers | Source | |---|---|---|---| | Issue One (Goal Setting) | 35 sheets, 7 designs | Not stated | Amazon | | Planner Sticker Book Issue One | 40, at 6 × 4 in | Hundreds | ban.do | | Issue Five | 35 | 700+ | ban.do | | Issue Seven | 35 | 700+ | Amazon | | Issue Ten | 35 | 700+ | ban.do | | Issue Eleven | 35 | 700+ | ban.do | | Issue Twelve | 35 | 500+ | ban.do | A second Amazon listing for Issue One says 40 sheets, so its count is uncertain. A collector's review describes the early issues as more planner-oriented, with repeated designs, and later issues as more varied. ## Do ban.do stickers fit a planner? **Yes for most stickers: they are sized for planner boxes, journal margins and phone cases, not cut for one planner layout.** A 3.75 × 6.5 in book also fits a bag pocket, which is why many people keep one with a pocket planner. The bold word stickers are the largest pieces. Measure a weekly box first if you use a small planner such as the [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). ## What are ban.do stickers made of? **They are paper stickers, according to ban.do, in a cardstock-covered book.** Urban Outfitters lists the Issue Twelve book's materials as cardstock, paper and adhesive. Neither ban.do nor its retailers say whether the stickers are removable or which pens write on them. Treat them as permanent until you have tested one on a back page. ## How does a ban.do sticker book compare with other sticker books? **It is the smallest and most decorative of the popular US books; others give you more functional stickers per page.** | Book | Size | Pages | Stickers | |---|---|---|---| | ban.do (Issue Ten) | 3.75 × 6.5 in | 35 | 700+ | | [Erin Condren sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/erin-condren-sticker-book/) | 5 × 7.8 in | 12 | 254–624 | | [Blue Sky sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blue-sky-sticker-book/) | 4.49 × 9.06 in | 24 | 1,150–2,200+ | | [Happy Planner value pack](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers/) | 4.75 × 9 in | 30 | About 500–1,400 | Choose ban.do for bright words and doodles in a pocketable book. For checklists and date stickers sized to a planner, the Happy Planner and Blue Sky books are a closer fit. If you want the same decorative style in bulk, [Pipsticks So. Many. Stickers.](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pipsticks-so-many-stickers/) packs 2,500 little stickers into 50 pages. ## Where are ban.do sticker books made? **ban.do doesn't say, and Urban Outfitters lists Issue Twelve as imported without naming the country.** ban.do is based in Los Angeles. An eBay seller lists the book with UPC 825466980587, which ban.do assigns to Issue Five, as made in China; because sellers enter that field themselves, we treat the origin as not stated. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in a ban.do sticker book? Most recent issues list 700+ stickers on 35 pages, including Issues Five, Seven, Ten and Eleven. Issue Twelve lists 500+ stickers over its 35 pages. ### What size is a ban.do sticker book? ban.do gives the Issue Ten trim as 3.75 × 6.5 in, about 95 × 165 mm. Amazon lists Issue Eleven at 6.45 × 3.8 × 0.4 in, so the format stays about the same from issue to issue. ### What is the difference between ban.do sticker book issues? Each numbered issue is a new set of artwork in the same small format. A reviewer who collects them found the early issues more planner-oriented, with repeated designs, and later ones more varied. ### Are ban.do stickers paper or vinyl? ban.do describes its sticker books as paper stickers, and Urban Outfitters lists the Issue Twelve book as cardstock, paper and adhesive. We found no issue described as vinyl or waterproof. ### Do ban.do stickers fit a planner? The stickers are cut small enough for planner boxes and journal margins, and Amazon sells the books as planner and journal stickers. Measure your planner's daily boxes before relying on the larger word stickers. ### How much is a ban.do sticker book? ban.do sticker books sit in our $$ band, $5–20 per book. Prices vary by issue and retailer, so check before buying. ### Where are ban.do sticker books made? ban.do doesn't say, and Urban Outfitters marks Issue Twelve as imported without naming a country. ban.do itself is a Los Angeles brand founded in 2008. ## Sources - [ban.do: Stickers collection](https://www.bando.com/collections/stickers) - [ban.do: Sticker Book Issue Ten (3.75 × 6.5 in, 35 pages, 700+ paper stickers, UPC, US$13.95)](https://www.bando.com/products/sticker-book-issue-ten) - [ban.do: Sticker Book Issue Twelve (500+ stickers, 35 pages)](https://www.bando.com/products/sticker-book-issue-twelve) - [ban.do: Sticker Book Issue Five (700+ paper stickers, 35 pages, UPC 825466980587)](https://www.bando.com/products/sticker-book-issue-five) - [ban.do: Sticker Book Issue Eleven (35 pages, 700+ stickers, 3.75 × 6.5 in)](https://www.bando.com/products/sticker-book-issue-eleven) - [ban.do: Planner Sticker Book Issue One (6 × 4 in, 40 pages)](https://www.bando.com/products/planner-sticker-book-issue-one) - [Amazon: ban.do Aesthetic Planner Sticker Book, Issue 10 (model BDSB, UPC 825466177093)](https://www.amazon.com/ban-do-Assorted-Stickers-Aesthetic-Scrapbooking/dp/B0D2FSCNXB) - [Amazon: ban.do Aesthetic Planner Sticker Book, Issue 11 (6.45 × 3.8 × 0.4 in, 35 pages, 700+)](https://www.amazon.com/ban-do-Assorted-Stickers-Aesthetic-Scrapbooking/dp/B0F7CCYJHT) - [Amazon: ban.do Sticker Book, Issue 7 (35 pages, 700+ stickers)](https://www.amazon.com/ban-do-Assorted-Stickers-Colorful-Calendars/dp/B093WXVCL4) - [Amazon: ban.do Sticker Book of Goal Setting Stickers, Issue 1 (35 sticker sheets)](https://www.amazon.com/ban-do-Stickers-Colorful-Positive-Journals/dp/B0B23BDTHS) - [Urban Outfitters: ban.do Issue 12 Sticker Book (6.5 × 3.75 in, 500+ stickers, imported, cardstock and paper)](https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/bando-issue-12-sticker-book) - [90s in my heart (Substack): ban.do sticker issues review](https://90sinmyheart.substack.com/p/bando-sticker-issues) - [Crunchbase: ban.do company profile (Los Angeles)](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/ban-do) - [CreativeMornings: Jen Gotch (founder of ban.do)](https://creativemornings.com/talks/jen-gotch) --- # Blue Sky Sticker Books: 24 Sheets, 2,200+ Stickers > A Blue Sky sticker book is a non-dated book of planner stickers from Blue Sky, the planner and calendar brand sold at Walmart, Staples, Michaels and Amazon. The Every Day & Every Occasion book has 24 sheets of 4.49 × 9.06 in with 2,200+ full-color and gold-foil stickers. Other editions hold 1,150 to 1,870+. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blue-sky-sticker-book/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Blue Sky sticker book drawn to scale: the closed 4.49 × 9.06 in book with a floral cover, beside a month sheet of gold-foil tabs and a sheet of checklists, icons and foil labels](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/blue-sky-sticker-book-16x9.png) *A 4.49 × 9.06 in Blue Sky book beside two of its 24 sheets.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/blue-sky-sticker-book-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Blue Sky Every Day & Every Occasion Sticker Book (2,200+ stickers, 24 sheets) | Blue Sky | United States | Not stated | Paper stickers in full color, with gold foil | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Blue Sky Every Day & Every Occasion Sticker Book (2,200+ stickers, 24 sheets)): Not stated. Blue Sky's sticker book pages (Floral, Holidays and Seasons) and the Amazon, Walmart and Staples listings we found don't state where the sticker books are made. Blue Sky says only that the Floral book is printed with soy-based ink. One eBay listing gives China for a different Blue Sky product, a 24-piece birthday-cake sticker set, so we don't use it. Source: https://www.bluesky.com/products/floral-every-day-every-month-sticker-book-1870-stickers ## Key takeaways - Amazon lists Blue Sky sticker sheets at 4.49 × 9.06 in (about 114 × 230 mm); Blue Sky rounds it to 4.5 × 9 in. - The Every Day & Every Occasion book (item 144438-23) has 24 sheets and 2,200+ stickers, with gold-foil markers and write-in stickers. - The Everygirl edition has 24 sheets and 1,870+ stickers with a bungee closure; Holidays & Seasons has 24 sheets and 1,200+. - Holidays & Seasons splits its sheets in two: 12 monthly sheets, then 12 sheets of icons for birthdays, travel, plants and more. - Blue Sky's own store sells its current books at US$12 each, in our $$ band ($5–20); no source we found names the country of manufacture. ## What is a Blue Sky sticker book? **It is a non-dated book of planner stickers from Blue Sky, the US planner and calendar brand sold in office-supply and big-box stores.** Each book mixes monthly and seasonal decorations with functional stickers: checklists, write-in labels, markers and small icons. Blue Sky sells the books alongside its own planners, and its listings pitch them for marking up a planner for at-a-glance reminders. They are just as usable in any planner with similar boxes. ## Blue Sky sticker book specs | Spec | Every Day & Every Occasion | |---|---| | Sheet size | 4.49 × 9.06 in (about 114 × 230 mm) | | Sheets | 24 | | Stickers | 2,200+ | | Finish | Full color and gold foil | | Dated | No | | Item number | 144438-23 | | Price band | $$ ($5–20) | | Made in | Not stated | The item number and non-dated status come from Blue Sky's product page, which Blue Sky had taken down by October 20, 2026; sheet size, sheet count and finish come from the Amazon listing. Blue Sky's pages round the size to 4.5 × 9 in, and its store now sells the Floral and Holidays & Seasons books at US$12 each. ![Blue Sky sticker sheet drawn to scale at 4.49 by 9.06 inches, and a bar chart of stickers per edition: Bespoke 1,150, Holidays and Seasons 1,200, Sincerely Jules 1,200, Floral 1,460, The Everygirl 1,870, Every Day and Every Occasion 2,200](https://stationerytimes.com/images/blue-sky-sticker-book-editions.svg) *One sheet size, six editions: the foil 2,200+ book holds the most.* ## Which Blue Sky sticker book should you choose? **Pick by what you plan most: Every Day & Every Occasion for the most functional stickers, Holidays & Seasons for monthly decoration, The Everygirl for a styled edition with a closure.** | Edition | Sheets | Stickers | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Every Day & Every Occasion | 24 | 2,200+ | Gold foil, write-in stickers | | The Everygirl | 24 | 1,870+ | Bungee closure; UPC 699931519196 | | Floral | 24 | 1,460+ | Top-bound, bungee, matte stickers; item 153222-AMZ | | Holidays & Seasons | 24 | 1,200+ | 12 monthly, 12 icon sheets; top-bound; item 144437-23 | | Sincerely Jules | Not stated | 1,200+ | Staples item 162403 | | Bespoke | 12 | 1,150 | Four designs, three sheets each | Walmart shows Holidays & Seasons with a 4.7-star average from 24 reviews. Edition names and counts change each year, so check the count on the listing. ## Will Blue Sky stickers fit my planner? **They fit most US planners with standard weekly boxes, because the sheets are sized like other planner sticker books.** A 4.49 × 9.06 in sheet is almost the same as a [Happy Planner Classic sheet](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers/), at 4.75 × 9 in. The month header stickers are the widest pieces. In a small planner, the icons and dots work best. ## Are the stickers paper or foil, and can you write on them? **They are full-color paper stickers, and the Every Day & Every Occasion book adds gold foil.** Amazon lists gold-foil embossed markers and write-in stickers, which are blank labels for your own notes. Blue Sky doesn't publish the adhesive type or say which pens work on foil. Foil is slick, so expect water-based ink to smear until it dries. ## Where can you buy Blue Sky sticker books? **The listings we found are at Walmart, Staples, Michaels, Amazon and Blue Sky's own site.** Amazon listings for the 24-sheet packs are sold by Day Designer, and Michaels carries the Holidays & Seasons pack. Editions rotate each year, so a store may carry only one or two. The item number (144438-23 for the 2,200+ book) is the easiest way to match a listing. ## How does a Blue Sky sticker book compare with other sticker books? **It gives the most stickers of the big US brands, in a planner-sized book with fewer, smaller foil pieces than Erin Condren.** | Book | Size | Sheets | Stickers | |---|---|---|---| | Blue Sky Every Day & Every Occasion | 4.49 × 9.06 in | 24 | 2,200+ | | [Recollections Calendar](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/recollections-planner-sticker-book/) | 5 × 9 in | Not stated | 2,234 | | [Erin Condren sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/erin-condren-sticker-book/) | 5 × 7.8 in | 12 | 254–624 | | [ban.do sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bando-sticker-book/) | 3.75 × 6.5 in | 35 pages | 700+ | For character stickers rather than planner functions, the [Hello Kitty and Friends sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sanrio-hello-kitty-and-friends-sticker-book/) has 1,500+ stickers on 43 sheets. ## Where are Blue Sky sticker books made? **Blue Sky and the retailers we checked don't name the country of manufacture.** Blue Sky is a US brand of planners and calendars. We will update this when a listing or the packaging states it. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in a Blue Sky sticker book? It depends on the edition: Every Day & Every Occasion has 2,200+, The Everygirl 1,870+, Floral 1,460+, Holidays & Seasons and Sincerely Jules 1,200+, and Bespoke about 1,150. ### What size are Blue Sky sticker sheets? Amazon lists the sheets at 4.49 × 9.06 in, about 114 × 230 mm, and Blue Sky rounds it to 4.5 × 9 in. That is close to the 4.75 × 9 in Happy Planner Classic sheet. ### How many sheets are in a Blue Sky sticker book? The main editions have 24 sheets; Blue Sky says the Floral book has 12 monthly sheets plus 12 more. Staples describes the Bespoke pack as four designs with three sheets of each, or 12 sheets. ### Are Blue Sky sticker books dated? No. Blue Sky lists them as non-dated, so the month and occasion stickers work in any year and any planner. ### Do Blue Sky sticker books have gold foil? The Every Day & Every Occasion book does: Amazon lists it as full color and gold foil, with gold-foil markers. Holidays & Seasons is listed as full color only. ### Do Blue Sky sticker books have a closure? The Everygirl and Floral editions have a bungee (elastic) closure; Blue Sky calls the Floral book top-bound. Holidays & Seasons is top-bound with no closure listed, and we didn't find one listed for the 2,200+ book. ### Where are Blue Sky sticker books made? Blue Sky and its retailers don't state the country of manufacture for the sticker books in the sources we found. Blue Sky is a family-owned planner and calendar company in Southern California. ## Sources - [Blue Sky: Floral Every Day & Every Month Sticker Book 1460+ Stickers (item 153222-AMZ, 24 sheets, top-bound, bungee, matte stickers, soy-based ink, US$12)](https://www.bluesky.com/products/floral-every-day-every-month-sticker-book-1870-stickers) - [Blue Sky: Holidays and Seasons Sticker Book 1200+ Stickers (item 144437-23, top bound, 4.5 × 9 in, US$12)](https://www.bluesky.com/products/holidays-and-seasons-sticker-pack-1200-stickers) - [Blue Sky: About us (Southern California, family-owned planner company)](https://www.bluesky.com/pages/about-us) - [Blue Sky: Every Day and Every Occasion Sticker Book 2200+ Stickers (item 144438-23, non-dated, 4.5 × 9 in; page removed from bluesky.com by October 20, 2026)](https://www.bluesky.com/products/every-day-and-every-occasion-sticker-pack-2200-stickers) - [Blue Sky: The Everygirl Every Day & Every Month Sticker Book 1870+ Stickers (page removed by October 20, 2026)](https://www.bluesky.com/products/every-day-and-every-occasion-sticker-book-2200-stickers) - [Blue Sky: Sticker Books collection (two books at US$12, October 2026)](https://www.bluesky.com/collections/sticker-books) - [Amazon: Blue Sky Every Day & Every Occasion 2200+ Sticker Pack (4.49 × 9.06 in, full color and gold foil, 24 sheets)](https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sky-Occasion-Sticker-Calendar/dp/B0C2WYVL4F) - [Amazon: Blue Sky The Everygirl Sticker Book (24 sheets, 1,870+, bungee, UPC 699931519196)](https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sky-Everygirl-Sticker-Calendar/dp/B0D9N1NFYG) - [Amazon: Blue Sky Holidays & Seasons 1200+ Sticker Pack (24 sheets, full color)](https://www.amazon.com/clp/B0C2WKS58B) - [Amazon: Blue Sky Sticker Book, Floral (4.5 × 9 in, 1,460+, bungee)](https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sky-Everyday-Non-Dated-Calendars/dp/B0DYGBWZCW) - [Walmart: Blue Sky Holidays & Seasons 1200+ Sticker Pack (12 monthly + 12 icon sheets, ratings)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Blue-Sky-Holidays-Seasons-1200-Sticker-Pack-Planner-and-Calendar-Pack-4-49-x-9-06-Full-Color-24-Sheets/5558514856) - [Staples: Blue Sky Bespoke Stickers, 1,150 pack (155578)](https://www.staples.com/blue-sky-bespoke-stickers-1150-pack-155578/product_24658460) - [Staples: Blue Sky Sincerely Jules Stickers, 1,200+ (162403)](https://www.staples.com/blue-sky-sincerely-jules-stickers-multicolored-1-200-stickers-162403/product_24694132) - [Michaels: Blue Sky Holiday & Seasons Sticker Pack](https://www.michaels.com/product/blue-sky-holiday-seasons-sticker-pack-10772055) - [Office Depot: Blue Sky calendars and planners](https://www.officedepot.com/b/calendars-and-planners/Brand--Blue_Sky/N-1131206?page=2) --- # Mind Wave Washi Flowers Stickers: 40 Foil Flakes > Mind Wave's Washi Flowers foil-stamp stickers are flake stickers: loose, pre-cut washi-paper stickers sold in a small bag rather than on a sheet. Each pack holds 40 flakes, 4 of each of 10 flower designs, about 1 × 1 in each, with foil stamping. Amazon lists them as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mind-wave-washi-flowers-foil-stickers/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Mind Wave Washi Flowers foil-stamp stickers drawn to scale: the clear 10 cm pack of flower flakes beside ten loose 1 in flakes, one of each design, with gold-foil outlines](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/mind-wave-washi-flowers-foil-stickers-16x9.png) *The 10 cm pack and its ten designs; each comes four times.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/mind-wave-washi-flowers-foil-stickers-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Mind Wave Washi Flowers Foil Stamp Stickers (pack of 40) | Mind Wave (by Mind Wave Inc.) | Japan | Japan | Washi paper with foil stamping | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Mind Wave Washi Flowers Foil Stamp Stickers (pack of 40)): Japan. Amazon listings for the Pink (78541) and Warm Pink (78545) packs say made in Japan, and Paper Whisper lists other Mind Wave flake stickers as made in Japan. Neither Mind Wave's Japanese company site nor its Japanese online store lists this product, so we couldn't check the origin with the maker. Source: https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Wave-Japanese-Flowers-Stickers/dp/B0773FLVLV ## Key takeaways - A pack holds 40 flakes: 10 designs, 4 of each, per the Pink (78541) and Warm Pink (78545) listings. - Each flake is about 1 × 1 in (25 mm), and the pack is 10 × 10 cm (3.9 in) square. - The flakes are washi paper with foil stamping, and Amazon lists them as made in Japan. - The related Write-On packs hold 39 stickers: six big designs (4 each) up to 1.85 in and three small ones (5 each) up to 0.78 in. - US stationery shops sell Mind Wave flower flake packs in our $$ band ($5–20). ## What are Mind Wave Washi Flowers stickers? **They are flake stickers: 40 loose, pre-cut flower stickers of washi paper with foil stamping, sold in a small bag.** Each flake has its own backing, so you can tuck one into a journal margin, a letter or a planner box. Mind Wave is a Japanese stationery company known for stickers, washi tape and memo pads. Its Japanese company profile says it was founded in Osaka's Naniwa ward on February 6, 1990 and is now based in Osaka's Chuo ward, with a Tokyo branch. It sells dozens of flake-sticker series; the Washi Flowers foil packs are sold on Amazon US in several colorways, but Mind Wave's own Japanese online store no longer lists them. ## Mind Wave Washi Flowers specs | Spec | Washi Flowers foil stamp stickers | |---|---| | Stickers per pack | 40 | | Designs | 10, four of each | | Sticker size | About 1 × 1 in (25 mm) | | Pack size | 10 × 10 cm (3.9 × 3.9 in) | | Material | Washi paper, foil stamping | | Item numbers | 78541 (Pink), 78545 (Warm Pink) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20) | | Made in | Japan | Counts, pack size, material and origin come from the Amazon listing for Pink 78541; the sticker size comes from the Warm Pink 78545 listing. Mind Wave doesn't publish a size for every design, so treat 1 in as typical. ![Mind Wave Washi Flowers stickers drawn to scale: a 10 by 10 cm pack of 40 flakes in 10 designs, one flake at about 1 inch, and the 39-piece write-on packs with big stickers up to 1.85 inches and small ones up to 0.78 inch](https://stationerytimes.com/images/mind-wave-washi-flowers-foil-stickers-sizes.svg) *The pack, one flake, and the larger write-on stickers, all at one scale.* ## What is the difference between the 40-piece and 39-piece packs? **The 40-piece Foil Stamp packs are small decorative flowers; the 39-piece Write-On packs add larger stickers with room for a note.** | Pack | Pieces | Sizes | Colorways listed | |---|---|---|---| | Washi Flowers Foil Stamp | 40 (10 designs × 4) | About 1 × 1 in | Pink 78541, Warm Pink 78545 | | Washi Flowers Foil Stamping Write-On | 39 | Six big designs × 4 up to 1.85 in; three small × 5 up to 0.78 in | Yellow 78961, Purple 78963 | Both are washi with foil, so they look alike on the page. Pick the Write-On packs if you want labels and headers, and the 40-piece packs for borders and corners. ## How do you use flake stickers in a journal? **Use them one at a time as accents: a flower at a heading, a cluster in a corner, or a border along a page edge.** Because each flake is already cut, there is no sheet to trim and no waste around the designs. Washi is a thin paper, the same family of material as [washi tape](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mt-washi-tape/), so the two pair naturally on a page. Mind Wave doesn't say whether these flakes are removable; test one on a back page before placing it over writing. ## How many packs do you need? **One pack decorates roughly one month of a journal if you use one or two flakes a day.** With 40 flakes and only four copies of each design, a matching motif runs out quickly, so buy two packs of one colorway if you want a repeating border. Mixing colorways works too: Pink and Warm Pink share the same flower shapes in different tints. Keep unused flakes in their bag so the designs stay together. ## How do Mind Wave flake stickers compare with other Japanese stickers? **They are more decorative than Hobonichi's dot stickers and come loose rather than on sheets like Midori's.** | Sticker | Format | Count | Material | |---|---|---|---| | Mind Wave Washi Flowers | Loose flakes in a bag | 40 | Washi, foil | | [Midori Yuru Log](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/) | Sheets | Varies by theme | Washi | | [Hobonichi Transparent Dot Stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-transparent-dot-stickers/) | 2 sheets | 48–576 dots | Clear PET | Other Mind Wave flake series use the same bag format with different counts, per Paper Whisper: Amie has 40 pieces in 10 designs, Yori-Dori 48 in 12, and Grand Jour 27 larger pieces in 9 designs. For gold foil on a single illustrated sheet instead of loose flakes, see [Kamio Japan's picture book stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kamio-picture-book-stickers/). For smaller, plainer washi flakes at 20 to a pack, see [Furukawashiko washi flake stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/furukawashiko-washi-flake-stickers/). ## Where are Mind Wave stickers made? **Amazon lists the Washi Flowers packs as made in Japan.** Retailers selling other Mind Wave flake series, such as Paper Whisper and Fountwrite, also label them made in Japan, and Mind Wave is an Osaka company. Neither its Japanese company site nor its online store lists the Washi Flowers packs, so we couldn't check the origin with the maker. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are flake stickers? Flake stickers are individually die-cut stickers sold loose in a small bag, each on its own backing, instead of on one sheet. They are popular for journaling and scrapbooking because each one can be placed anywhere. ### How many stickers are in a Mind Wave Washi Flowers pack? 40: ten flower designs, four of each, according to the Amazon listings for the Pink 78541 and Warm Pink 78545 packs. The Write-On version has 39. ### How big are Mind Wave Washi Flowers stickers? About 1 × 1 in (25 mm) each, per the Warm Pink listing, in a 10 × 10 cm pack. In the 39-piece Write-On packs, big stickers are up to 1.85 in and small ones up to 0.78 in. ### Are Mind Wave stickers washi paper? Yes, the Washi Flowers flakes are listed as made from washi paper, with foil stamping. Washi is a thin, fibrous Japanese paper, so the stickers look soft and slightly textured. ### What colors do Mind Wave Washi Flowers stickers come in? Each pack has one colorway. Amazon listings include Pink (78541) and Warm Pink (78545) in the 40-piece packs, and Yellow (78961) and Purple (78963) in the 39-piece Write-On packs. ### Can you write on Mind Wave washi stickers? The Write-On packs are designed for it, with space for short notes. We haven't yet tested which pens work on the foil or the washi. ### Where are Mind Wave stickers made? Amazon lists the Washi Flowers packs as made in Japan. Mind Wave is a Japanese stationery company founded in Osaka on February 6, 1990 (平成2年2月6日), according to its Japanese company profile. ## Sources - [会社概要｜株式会社マインドウェイブ (Mind Wave company profile, Japanese: founded February 6, 1990 in Naniwa ward, Osaka; head office in Chuo ward, Osaka)](https://www.mindwave.co.jp/about/) - [マインドウェイブオンラインストア (Mind Wave's Japanese online store: current flake stickers; Washi Flowers packs not listed)](https://www.mindwave-store.com/) - [Amazon: Mind Wave Japanese Washi Flowers Foil Stamp Stickers, Pack of 40, Pink 78541 (10 designs × 4, 3.9 × 3.9 in, washi, made in Japan)](https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Wave-Japanese-Flowers-Stickers/dp/B0773FLVLV) - [Amazon: Mind Wave Japanese Washi Flowers Foil Stamp Stickers, Pack of 40, Warm Pink 78545 (about 1 × 1 in each, made in Japan)](https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Wave-Japanese-Flowers-Stickers/dp/B087SHZZB1) - [Amazon: Mind Wave Washi Flowers Foil Stamp Stickers, Warm Pink 78545 (second listing)](https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Wave-Japanese-Flowers-Stickers/dp/B0773F172G) - [Amazon: Mind Wave Washi Flowers Foil Stamping Write-On Stickers, Pack of 39, Purple 78963 (6 big designs × 4 up to 1.85 in, 3 small × 5 up to 0.78 in, made in Japan)](https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Wave-Japanese-Stamping-Stickers/dp/B07BRVPFWV) - [Amazon: Mind Wave Washi Flowers Foil Stamping Write-On Stickers, Pack of 39, Yellow 78961](https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Wave-Japanese-Stamping-Stickers/dp/B07BRSLJPV) - [Amazon: Mind Wave brand store](https://www.amazon.com/s?srs=3035640011) - [JetPens: Mind Wave brand page](https://www.jetpens.com/Mind-Wave/bd/283) - [Paper Whisper: Mind Wave Grand Jour flake sticker (27 pieces, 9 designs × 3; made in Japan)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/mind-wave-grand-jour-flake-sticker-cake) - [Paper Whisper: Mind Wave Amie flake sticker, Suisai Girl (40 pieces, 10 designs × 4; made in Japan)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/mind-wave-amie-flake-sticker-suisai-girl) - [Paper Whisper: Mind Wave Yori-Dori flake sticker, Bread Basket (48 pieces, 12 designs × 4; made in Japan)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/mind-wave-yori-dori-flake-sticker-bread-basket) - [Fountwrite: Mind Wave Salon de Fleur Mint Flower Wreath Flake Sticker (40 pieces, washi and paper mix, made in Japan)](https://www.fountwrite.com/product/mint-flower-wreath-flake-sticker-40pcs) --- # Pentel Hi-Polymer Eraser ZEH10: Size, Sleeve & Uses > The Pentel Hi-Polymer ZEH10 is a white block eraser in a paper sleeve, sold by Japan's Pentel and made in Taiwan, per Pentel of America. Retailers give its size as 65 × 24.5 × 12.5 mm (about 2.6 × 1 × 0.5 in). It's latex-free, AP certified nontoxic and sold for pencil, singly or in 3-packs. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-hi-polymer-eraser/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![White Pentel Hi-Polymer ZEH10 eraser in its blue and black sleeve, drawn to scale at 65 mm (2.6 in) long, beside pencil writing with a clean erased gap; inset: graphite beside clean paper](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-hi-polymer-eraser-16x9.png) *The ZEH10 at 65 mm long, in its sleeve (drawn at 1 mm = 4 px; sleeve artwork simplified).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-hi-polymer-eraser-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser, large (ZEH10) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Taiwan | Polymer (PVC per a distributor listing for the 3-pack); latex-free | – | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser, large (ZEH10)): Taiwan. Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide lists the origin of the Hi-Polymer block erasers (ZEH05, ZEH10, ZEH20, ZEH99) as Taiwan, with the eraser caps made in China. PartsSource also lists Taiwan for the single ZEH10, and On Time Supplies gives the country code TW for the single, the 3-pack and the box of 10. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/77/ ## Key takeaways - Swiss Post and Cromwell list the ZEH10 at 65 × 24.5 × 12.5 mm (about 2.6 × 1 × 0.5 in). - Retailers describe it as non-abrasive, latex-free and AP certified nontoxic. - Staples' 3-pack (ZEH10BP3) shows 4.84 stars from 1,187 customer reviews. - Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide gives Taiwan as the origin of its Hi-Polymer block erasers; PartsSource and On Time Supplies agree. - The single ZEH10's UPC is 072512027660; the 3-pack's is 072512045206. ## What is the Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser? **It's a white block eraser in a paper sleeve, and the ZEH10 is the size most US stores stock.** Pentel, the Tokyo maker of the [Pentel Twist-Erase III](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-twist-erase-iii/), sells it for pencil marks on paper. It is one of the best-rated erasers at US office stores. Staples' 3-pack listing shows 4.84 stars from 1,187 customer reviews, and AsinSight's June 2026 Amazon eraser report placed a Hi-Polymer listing third, behind a Staedtler pack and the Tombow MONO Zero. ## Pentel Hi-Polymer ZEH10 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pentel (ASTRUM Corporation, Tokyo) | | Model | ZEH10; 3-pack ZEH10BP3K6; box of 10 ZEH10PC10 | | Size | 65 × 24.5 × 12.5 mm (2.6 × 1 × 0.5 in) | | Color | White, in a blue and black sleeve | | Free of | Latex (AP certified nontoxic) | | For | Pencil on paper | | UPC | Single 072512027660 · 3-pack 072512045206 | | Price band | $ (under $5 per eraser) | | Made in | Taiwan (Pentel of America) | The codes, UPCs and origin are from Pentel of America; the size is from Swiss Post and Cromwell, and US distributors give the same in inches. Pentel doesn't publish a size or weight in the sources we found. ![Pentel Hi-Polymer ZEH10 eraser in top, side and end views to scale: 65 mm (2.6 in) long, 24.5 mm (1 in) wide and 12.5 mm thick, with a dashed outline of the Staedtler Mars plastic 526 50 at 65 × 23 × 13 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-hi-polymer-eraser-size.svg) *The ZEH10 from three sides at 1 mm = 5 px, with a Mars plastic outline for comparison.* ## Is the ZEH10 sold in Japan? **Not under that code, as far as we found: Pentel's Japanese site doesn't list a ZEH10 or a Hi-Polymer eraser.** In Japan, Pentel's block erasers are sold under the Ain brand. Pentel's Japanese product page lists the Ain eraser for light erasing in small (ZEAH06) and large (ZEAH10) sizes, at ¥77 (about US$0.50) and ¥132 (about US$0.80) including tax, plus black versions and multipacks. The Ain is a different product from the ZEH10, so its codes, size and origin don't carry over to the Hi-Polymer. ## Is the ZEH10 large or medium? **Pentel of America calls the ZEH10 large: it sits between the small ZEH05 and the extra-large ZEH20, with a super extra-large ZEH99 above that.** Walmart and a Singapore retailer also say large, while PartsSource and Cromwell say "medium" for the same 65 mm block, so go by the code. Pentel of America also sells a pink ZEH10. The pack codes add letters to the same base: BP3 for a blister of three and PC10 for a box of ten. ## What is it made of? **Pentel calls it a "Hi-Polymer" eraser; one US distributor lists the 3-pack's material as PVC.** That puts it in the same vinyl family as most white block erasers. Pentel of America describes it as non-abrasive and latex-free and says it won't crack or harden with age, a maker claim we haven't tested. Walmart says it is AP certified nontoxic. ## How does it compare with the Staedtler Mars plastic? **They're near twins: the same 65 mm length, with the Hi-Polymer slightly wider and thinner.** | | Pentel Hi-Polymer ZEH10 | [Staedtler Mars plastic 526 50](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-plastic-eraser/) | |---|---|---| | Size | 65 × 24.5 × 12.5 mm | 65 × 23 × 13 mm | | Sleeve | Blue and black paper | Blue | | Latex-free | Yes (per retailers) | Yes (per retailers) | | Made in | Taiwan (Pentel of America) | Germany (per retailers) | | Price band | $ (under $5) | $ (under $5) | Both suit graphite on paper. For a single letter, a pen-style eraser such as the [Tombow MONO Zero](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-zero-eraser/) is more precise. ## How do you get the cleanest erase? **Press lightly and let the eraser do the work.** Pentel of America says it removes lead cleanly with very little pressure, and pressing hard on thin paper is what scuffs the surface and leaves a shiny patch. Rub in one direction, brush the crumbs off rather than wiping them across the page, and wipe a dirty eraser on scrap paper first. A grey eraser face carries graphite back onto the sheet. ## Which pencils is it good with? **Any graphite pencil, from school #2 to soft drawing grades.** For everyday writing it pairs with a [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) or a [Pentel Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/); soft grades leave more graphite to lift. Use a clean corner for small areas. Pentel says to keep it in the sleeve, which also keeps the eraser from picking up dirt that would smear. ## Where is the Pentel Hi-Polymer made? **In Taiwan: Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide gives Taiwan as the origin of its Hi-Polymer block erasers (the eraser caps are made in China).** PartsSource and On Time Supplies list Taiwan for the single, the 3-pack and the box of 10. Pentel is a Japanese brand; since April 1, 2026, the company behind it is called ASTRUM Corporation. Pentel's Japanese site doesn't list the ZEH10 at all. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser? The ZEH10 is listed at 65 × 24.5 × 12.5 mm, about 2.6 × 1 × 0.5 in. A Singapore retailer gives 66 × 20 × 13 mm, so expect small differences between listings. ### Is the Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser latex-free? Yes. US listings describe it as latex-free and AP certified nontoxic, and a Staples reviewer with a latex allergy reported using it. ### Is the ZEH10 large or medium? Large, according to Pentel of America, which sells the ZEH10 as its large block between the small ZEH05 and the extra-large ZEH20. PartsSource and Cromwell call it medium, so go by the code. ### What is the sleeve on a Hi-Polymer eraser for? Pentel of America says block erasers should be used and stored in their protective sleeve. It keeps the eraser clean in a bag or case, and you slide it back as the eraser wears. ### Is the Pentel Hi-Polymer better than the Staedtler Mars plastic? They're close: both are white vinyl-type block erasers of the same 65 mm length. The Hi-Polymer is 1.5 mm wider and 0.5 mm thinner; we haven't tested them side by side yet. ### Does the Hi-Polymer eraser get hard over time? Pentel of America says it won't crack or harden with age. That's a maker claim; keeping it in the sleeve away from heat and plastic pencil cases helps any eraser last. ### Where is the Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser made? In Taiwan, according to Pentel of America's product guide. Pentel itself is based in Tokyo, Japan. ## Sources - [Pentel Ain 消しゴム (Pentel Japan product page: Ain erasers ZEAH06 and ZEAH10, ¥77 and ¥132; no ZEH10 listed)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/correctionproducts/ain_eraser/) - [Pentel of America: Hi-Polymer Eraser, Large (ZEH-10, UPC, sleeve, won't harden)](https://www.pentel.com/products/hi-polymer-eraser-large) - [Pentel of America: Hi-Polymer Block Eraser Large White, 3 Pack (ZEH10BP3-K6, UPC)](https://www.pentel.com/products/hi-polymer-block-eraser-large-white-3-pack) - [Pentel of America: 2023–2024 product guide, erasers (Hi-Polymer block sizes, origin Taiwan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/77/) - [Swiss Post shop: Pentel Hi-Polymer ZEH10ST eraser, white, 65 × 24.5 × 12.5 mm](https://shop.post.ch/en/stationery/writing-utensils/correctors/pentel-radierer-hi-polymer-zeh10st-weiss-65x24-5x12-5mm/p/802280) - [Cromwell: Pentel ZEH10 eraser (medium, 65 × 24.5 × 12.5 mm)](https://cromwell.co.uk/shop/irodaszerek/erasers/zeh10-eraser/p/PNL8461140K) - [Stationery World: Pentel Hi-Polymer large eraser ZEH10 (6.6 × 2.0 × 1.3 cm)](https://stationeryworld.com.sg/pentel-hi-polymer-large-eraser-zeh10) - [PF Star: ZEH10 Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser, white block, 2.6 inches](https://pfstar.com/ZEH10-Pentel-Hi-Polymer-Eraser-White-Block-2.6-inches) - [On Time Supplies: Pentel ZEH10 Hi-Polymer eraser (2.6 × 0.5 × 1 in, UPC, country TW)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penzeh10-hi-polymer-eraser-white-block-26-width-x-05-height-x-1-depth-x-1-each-non-abrasive-latex-free.html) - [PartsSource: Pentel of America ZEH10 (country of origin Taiwan)](https://partssource.com/parts/pentel-of-america/ZEH10) - [Aztec: Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser 3-pack ZEH10BP3K6 (UPC 072512045206, PVC)](https://www.aztekc.com/eraserhi-polymer3-pk-pentel-of-america/p) - [Walmart: Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser, large, nonabrasive, white (ZEH10)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/22846993) - [Staples: Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser, white (ZEH10)](https://www.staples.com/pentel-hi-polymer-eraser-white-zeh10/product_500512) - [Staples: customer reviews, Pentel Hi-Polymer latex-free block eraser, 3-pack (ZEH10BP3)](https://www.staples.com/ptd/review/253203) - [UBC Bookstore: Pentel white Hi-Polymer eraser, large](https://the.bookstore.ubc.ca/Catalogue/ubc-bookstore/supplies/general-stationery/writing-supplies/pencils--erasers/pentel-white-hi-polymer-eraser-large) - [AsinSight: best-selling polymer erasers on Amazon (US)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/polymer-eraser) --- # Pentel Quicker Clicker: The Side-Button Mechanical Pencil > The Pentel Quicker Clicker is a mechanical pencil with a button on the side of the barrel, so you advance lead without moving your hand from the writing position. Pentel of America sells it in 0.5 mm (PD345), 0.7 mm (PD347) and 0.9 mm (PD349). Retailers list it at 5.7 in long and made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-quicker-clicker/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black Pentel Quicker Clicker 0.5 mm mechanical pencil drawn to scale at 5.7 in (about 145 mm) long, with eraser cap, clip, side button and grip; inset: the side button feeds the lead](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-quicker-clicker-16x9.png) *The Quicker Clicker at its listed 5.7 in, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-quicker-clicker-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Quicker Clicker mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (PD345A black) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel, latex-free grip, brass clutch, metal tip | – | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel Quicker Clicker mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (PD345A black)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2022 catalog gives the origin of the Quicker Clicker line (PD345, PD347, PD349) as Japan, and McKesson gives Japan as the country of origin for the 0.5 mm 2-pack (PD345BP2-K6). Pentel's Japanese site doesn't list the pencil. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/116 ## Key takeaways - Three lead sizes: 0.5 mm (PD345, fine line), 0.7 mm (PD347, medium) and 0.9 mm (PD349, thick), per Pentel of America's 2022 catalog. - US retailer listings give the PD345 a length of 5.70 in (about 145 mm). - The side button feeds lead mid-sentence; the end of the pencil holds a capped eraser that takes PDE-1 refills. - It ships with Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB lead, and Staples shows the 0.5 mm 2-pack at 4.8 stars from 259 reviews. - Pentel's catalog and a McKesson listing give Japan as the origin. ## What is the Pentel Quicker Clicker? **The Pentel Quicker Clicker is a mechanical pencil whose lead is advanced by a button on the side of the barrel instead of at the top.** Pentel of America's catalog says the side button propels lead for continuous writing without changing your writing position. It appears to be an export model: Pentel's Japanese site doesn't list it in our searches, while Pentel of America sells it on its own US site. It is an old design. The Gentleman Stationer remembers it as a favorite of the 1990s and says it is still sold today, mostly unchanged. Retailer copy calls it the original side-advance mechanical pencil; we found no launch date from Pentel. ## Pentel Quicker Clicker specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo; US seller Pentel of America | | Models | PD345 (0.5 mm), PD347 (0.7 mm), PD349 (0.9 mm) | | Lead | Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB, preloaded | | Lead advance | Side button | | Eraser | At the end, under a cap; PDE-1 refills | | Grip | Latex-free | | Clutch | Brass, per Pentel of America | | Sleeve | Fixed | | Length | 5.70 in (about 145 mm) | | Made in | Japan (catalog and McKesson) | Models and features come from Pentel of America's catalog, its product page and retailer listings; the length comes from Walmart and OnTimeSupplies. Pentel's Japanese site has no page for the pencil, so there is no Japanese list price or model code to add. Weight figures in listings disagree, so we leave weight out. ## How does the side button work? **You press the button with your index finger while you hold the pencil, and it pushes out a little more lead.** There is no need to turn the pencil around or move your grip to click the top, which is what the name refers to. Retailers also mention a protective tip that steadies the lead to reduce breakage. The trade-off is that the button sits where some people grip, so a heavy hand can click it by accident; Staples reviews are mostly positive, but a few say the mechanism broke. ## Which lead size should you choose? **Pick 0.5 mm (PD345) for everyday notes, 0.7 mm (PD347) if you press hard, and 0.9 mm (PD349) for bold, break-resistant lines.** Pentel's catalog calls them fine, medium and thick line. ![Pentel Quicker Clicker lead sizes to scale at 1 mm = 60 px: PD345 0.5 mm fine line, PD347 0.7 mm medium line, PD349 0.9 mm thick line](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-quicker-clicker-lead-sizes.svg) *The 0.9 mm lead is 1.8 times as wide as the 0.5 mm lead.* The 0.7 mm size matches the lead of the [BIC Xtra-Smooth](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil/), the cheap school pencil it most often competes with. ## How does the Quicker Clicker compare to other pencils? **It is the side-button option among inexpensive Pentels; the [Twist-Erase III](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-twist-erase-iii/) has the bigger eraser and the [Pentel Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/) is the drafting pencil.** | | Quicker Clicker | Twist-Erase III | Sharp P205 | BIC Xtra-Smooth | |---|---|---|---|---| | Lead advance | Side button | See guide | Top button | Eraser cap | | Lead sizes | 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 | 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 | 0.5 (0.7, 0.9 as P207/P209) | 0.7 | | Eraser | Capped, PDE-1 | Jumbo twist-up | Under cap | Top eraser | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | Mexico (most listings) | Specs for the others come from our guides to each, which cite their own sources. For a capped pocket pencil from the same maker, see the [Pentel Sharp Kerry](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-kerry/). ## What refills does the Quicker Clicker take? **It takes any lead of its size and Pentel's large PDE-1 refill eraser, according to Pentel of America.** The pencil ships with Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB lead, which shops label #2 or #2.5. As with most mechanical pencils that load from the back, you refill the lead under the eraser; check the instructions on the card for your model. A softer lead such as B gives darker writing; a harder one such as H stays sharp longer on smooth paper. The PDE-1 is a separate part from the E10 eraser of the Twist-Erase pencils, so check the code before you buy refills. Pentel of America sells the pencils singly and in 2-packs and larger multi-packs, which bring the price per pencil down. ## Where is the Pentel Quicker Clicker made? **In Japan: Pentel of America's 2022 catalog gives Japan as the origin of the Quicker Clicker, and McKesson lists Japan as the country of origin for the 0.5 mm 2-pack.** Pentel's Japanese site doesn't sell the pencil, so there is no Japanese page to check. Pentel is based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is the button on a Pentel Quicker Clicker? On the side of the barrel, just behind the grip, where your index finger rests. Pressing it advances the lead without changing your grip. ### Can you also click the top of the Quicker Clicker? The end of the pencil holds the eraser under a cap rather than a top click button. Lead is fed with the side button. ### What do PD345, PD347 and PD349 mean? They are the 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm models: the last digit is the lead size. Letters after the number give the barrel color, such as PD345A for black. ### What eraser refill fits the Quicker Clicker? Pentel of America says it takes the large PDE-1 refill eraser. The eraser sits under a cap that keeps it clean. ### What lead comes in the Quicker Clicker? It comes loaded with Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB lead, which shops label #2 or #2.5. Any lead of the matching size will fit. ### Is the Quicker Clicker good for school? Yes. It is cheap, sold in multi-packs at US office stores, and the side button lets students keep writing without shifting their grip. ### Where is the Pentel Quicker Clicker made? Pentel of America's catalog marks the line as from Japan, and a McKesson listing gives Japan as the country of origin. ## Sources - [Pentel of America: Quicker Clicker Mechanical Pencil (with grip) product page (side advance, brass clutch, PDE-1 eraser, UPCs)](https://www.pentel.com/products/quicker-clicker-mechanical-pencil-with-grip) - [商品を探す (Pentel Japan product index; no Quicker Clicker listed)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: Quicker Clicker PD345, PD347, PD349 (side button, PDE-1 eraser, origin Japan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/116) - [Staples: Pentel Quicker Clicker 0.5 mm, PD345](https://www.staples.com/product_499715) - [Staples: reviews of the Pentel Quicker Clicker 0.5 mm 2-pack](https://www.staples.com/ptd/review/253211) - [McKesson: Pentel PD345BP2-K6 (country of origin Japan)](https://mms.mckesson.com/product/594535/Pentel-PEN-PD345BP2K6) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pentel Quicker Clicker PD345A, black barrel](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penpd345a-quicker-clicker-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-hb-25-black-lead-black-barrel.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pentel Quicker Clicker PD345TC (5.70 in long)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penpd345tc-quicker-clicker-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-hb-25-black-lead-transparent-blue-barrel.html) - [Walmart: Pentel PD345TC Quicker Clicker 0.5 mm (5.70 in)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/15064170) - [OfficeCrave: Pentel PD345BP2K6 (side button, eraser cap, latex-free grip, PDE-1 eraser)](https://www.officecrave.com/pentel-pd345bp2k6.html) - [Aztek: Pentel PD345A (UPC 072512004203)](https://www.aztekc.com/pencilclicker5mmbk-pentel-of-america/p) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Essential stationery items, Pentel PD345 Quicker Clicker](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2021/5/5/essential-stationery-items-pentel-pd345-quicker-clicker) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) --- # Pentel Sharp Kerry: The Capped Pocket Pencil Since 1971 > The Pentel Sharp Kerry (P1035) is a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil with a cap, first released in 1971 to be carried like a fountain pen. JetPens lists it at 12.4 cm capped and 13.2 cm with the cap posted; posted, the cap's top button clicks the lead. Pentel of America gives Japan as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-kerry/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.5 mm mechanical pencil with its cap on, drawn to scale at 12.4 cm (4.9 in) long, with metal clip and cap button; inset: the posted cap's button clicks the lead](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-sharp-kerry-16x9.png) *The Kerry at 12.4 cm capped, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-sharp-kerry-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Sharp Kerry mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P1035A black) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Resin body, metal cap | 1971 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel Sharp Kerry mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P1035A black)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the Sharp Kerry's origin (P1035 and P1037) as Japan. Yoseka Stationery and OnTimeSupplies (for the black P1035A) also say Japan. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/102 ## Key takeaways - Pentel's Japanese company history lists the Kerry under 1971; in Japan it lists at ¥2,750 (about US$17) from October 1, 2026, up from ¥2,200 (about US$14). - JetPens lists it at 12.4 cm (4.9 in) capped and 13.2 cm (5.2 in) with the cap posted. - A refillable eraser sits under the button at the top of the cap, which is also the lead knock when the cap is posted. - Retail listings give a weight of about 18 g (0.64 oz), close to twice the 10 g of a Pentel Sharp P205. - Pentel of America's catalog gives Japan as the origin; most US listings for the black P1035A fall in our $$ band of $5 to $20, though Pentel's own store charges a little more. ## What is the Pentel Sharp Kerry? **The Pentel Sharp Kerry is a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil with a snap-on cap, made to be carried in a pocket like a fountain pen.** Pentel first released it in 1971, according to Pentel's Japanese company history and retailers including Yoseka Stationery and JetPens, and the cap is engraved "SINCE 1971". Pentel Japan marked its 50th year with a limited plated anniversary model, on sale from November 15, 2021 at ¥4,400 (about US$28). In Japan it is sold as the 万年CIL《ケリー》 (Mannencil Kerry), a name built on the Japanese word for fountain pen; Pentel's Japanese site calls it a fountain-pen-style mechanical pencil whose cap posts on the back to work the knock. In the US, Pentel of America sells it as the Sharp Kerry, model P1035 (black P1035A), plus a 0.7 mm P1037 that Japan doesn't get. ## Pentel Sharp Kerry specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo; US seller Pentel of America | | Model | P1035 (0.5 mm; P1035A = black in the US, P1035-AD in Japan); P1037 (0.7 mm, US only) | | Lead | HB preloaded (Pentel Japan and Pentel of America) | | Sleeve | Fixed | | Length, capped | 12.4 cm (4.9 in) | | Length, cap posted | 13.2 cm (5.2 in) | | Weight | About 18 g (0.64 oz) | | Materials | Resin body, metal cap | | Eraser | Under the cap button; Z2-1N refill | | Japan colors | Black, blue, olive green, smoky gray and rosé (Pentel Japan) | | Japan list price | ¥2,750 (about US$17) including tax, ¥2,500 (about US$16) before tax, from October 1, 2026 | | JAN (black, Japan) | 4902506311801 | | Made in | Japan (Pentel of America catalog) | Lengths and materials come from JetPens; the weight comes from retail listings, which agree at 18 g and 0.64 oz. Pentel's pages don't give dimensions. The Japanese list price is from the product page as of October 2026; Pentel Japan's price revision raised it from ¥2,000 (about US$13) to ¥2,500 (about US$16) before tax on October 1, 2026. ## How does the Kerry's cap work? **With the cap posted on the back, the button at the top of the cap becomes the lead knock, so you click through the cap.** Pentel's Japanese site explains that the knock button pops out automatically when you fit the cap on the back, so you can click and erase without taking the cap off, and that you can also click the bare back end. The Pen Addict calls the Kerry a "postable" pencil for that reason. ![Pentel Sharp Kerry drawn to scale at 1 mm = 4 px: 12.4 cm (4.9 in) capped and 13.2 cm (5.2 in) with the cap posted on the rear](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-sharp-kerry-lengths.svg) *Posting the cap adds only 0.8 cm, because most of the cap slides over the body.* Capped, the point is covered, so the pencil can go in a shirt pocket without poking holes. The eraser hides under the cap's button, which keeps it clean. ## Is the Kerry a good everyday pencil? **Yes for carrying, less so for drafting.** The cap makes it the Pentel to keep in a jacket or bag, and at about 18 g with the cap posted it feels closer to a pen than to a light school pencil. For ruler and template work, the [Pentel Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/) has a long 4 mm sleeve made for straight edges. If you snap lead often, the [Zebra DelGuard](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-delguard/) is built to stop breakage. ## How does the Kerry compare to other Pentel pencils? **The Kerry is the capped, pocket Pentel; the P205 is the light drafting pencil and the [GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/) is the heavy metal-grip drafter.** | | Pentel Sharp Kerry | Pentel Sharp P205 | Pentel GraphGear 1000 | |---|---|---|---| | Lead sizes | 0.5 (0.7 as P1037 in the US) | 0.5 (0.7, 0.9 as P207/P209) | 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 | | Cap | Yes, posts | No | No | | Sleeve | Fixed | 4 mm, fixed | 4 mm, retracts | | Length | 12.4 cm capped | 14.5 cm | ≈149 mm | | Weight | ≈18 g | 10 g | ≈20 g | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | Specs for the other two come from our guides to each, which cite their own retailer sources. For a cheap side-button pencil instead, see the [Pentel Quicker Clicker](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-quicker-clicker/). ## How much does the Pentel Kerry cost? **Most US listings for the black P1035A fall in our $$ band of $5 to $20, but prices vary widely by shop.** In October 2026 we saw listings both under and over $20, and Pentel of America's own store sits just above $20, so it pays to compare. Pentel's Japanese site lists five barrel colors (black, blue, olive green, smoky gray and rosé), while Pentel of America lists black, red, blue and pink, so some colors are market-only. Special editions cost more. A black-and-gold Kerry from a Japanese eBay seller was listed far above the standard model. ## Where is the Pentel Sharp Kerry made? **In Japan: Pentel of America's 2022 catalog gives Japan as the Sharp Kerry's origin.** Yoseka Stationery and OnTimeSupplies (for the P1035A) also say Japan. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why does the Pentel Kerry have a cap? Pentel designed it in 1971 as a mechanical pencil to carry and use like a fountain pen. The cap protects the point in a pocket and posts on the back while you write. ### How do you click the lead on a Pentel Kerry? Post the cap on the back of the pencil and press the button at the top of the cap. Pentel Japan says the knock button pops out automatically when the cap is posted, and you can also click the bare back of the pencil without the cap. ### Where is the eraser on the Pentel Kerry? Under the button at the top of the cap. It is refillable with Pentel's Z2-1N eraser, per Pentel of America and Pentel Japan. ### How long is the Pentel Kerry? JetPens lists 12.4 cm (4.9 in) with the cap on and 13.2 cm (5.2 in) with the cap posted. That makes it about 1 cm shorter than a standard 14.5 cm Pentel P205 when capped. ### What lead size does the Kerry take? The P1035 takes 0.5 mm lead and comes loaded with HB. Pentel of America also lists a 0.7 mm P1037 in black and blue, while Pentel Japan sells only the 0.5 mm. ### Is the Pentel Kerry worth it compared to a P205? Choose the Kerry if you carry a pencil in a pocket or bag and want the point covered. For drafting with a ruler, the cheaper, lighter P205 with its 4 mm sleeve is the better tool. ### Where is the Pentel Sharp Kerry made? In Japan, according to Pentel of America's catalog; Yoseka Stationery and OnTimeSupplies agree. ## Sources - [万年CIL《ケリー》 (Pentel Japan product page: P1035, 0.5 mm, five barrel colors, JAN codes, ¥2,750 list price, cap-knock mechanism)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/mannencil_kerry/) - [沿革 (Pentel Japan company history: fountain-pen-style mechanical pencil Kerry, 1971)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/about/history/) - [愛されて半世紀、万年筆型シャープペンシル「ケリー」 (Pentel Japan news release, October 19, 2021: 50th-anniversary plated model, Kerry released 1971)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/20211019/) - [ぺんてる: 製品価格改定のお知らせ (Pentel Japan: price revision from October 1, 2026; P1035 ¥2,000 to ¥2,500 before tax)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/202600806/) - [Pentel of America: Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil (0.5 mm P1035, 0.7 mm P1037, Z2-1N eraser, UPCs)](https://www.pentel.com/products/sharp-kerry-mechanical-pencil) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: Sharp Kerry (P1035, P1037, Z2-1N, origin Japan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/102) - [JetPens: Pentel Sharp Kerry mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (capped and posted lengths, metal cap, resin body)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-Sharp-Kerry-Mechanical-Pencil-0.5-mm-Gray-Body/pd/1777) - [Yoseka Stationery: Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.5 mm (released 1971, made in Japan)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/pentel-sharp-kerry-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm) - [Yoseka Stationery blog: Pentel Kerry mechanical pencil](https://yosekastationery.com/blogs/news/pentel-kerry-mechanical-pencil) - [The Pen Addict: Pentel Kerry, a postable mechanical pencil with an unchanging design since 1971](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2019/2/27/pentel-kerry-a-postable-mechanical-pencil-with-an-unchanging-design-since-1971) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pentel Sharp Kerry P1035A (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penp1035a-sharp-kerry-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-hb-25-black-lead-black-barrel.html) - [Quill: Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.5 mm, P1035A](https://Quill.com/pentel-sharp-kerry-mechanical-pencil-05mm-2-medium-lead-penp1035a/cbs/444613.html) - [ClassWallet Supply Essentials: Sharp Kerry 0.5 mm, black barrel (UPC 072512004753, fixed sleeve)](https://supply-essentials.classwallet.com/pencils/30223-sharp-kerry-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-black-barrel-072512004753.html) - [Blue Dog Ink: Pentel Sharp Kerry P1035A](https://www.bluedogink.com/pentel-sharp-kerry-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-hb-25-black-lead-black-barrel-p1035a.html) - [Staples: Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.5 mm, P1035A](https://staples.com/pentel-sharp-kerry-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm-2-medium-lead-penp1035a/product_1131025) - [eBay: Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.5 mm olive green (item weight 0.64 oz)](https://ebay.com/p/2254477900) - [Yodobashi (Japanese): Pentel 万年CIL KERRY 0.5 mm, P1035-AD](https://www.yodobashi.com/community/product/100000001000082607/index.html) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) --- # Pilot Hi-Tec-C: Needle Tips from 0.25 mm Explained > The Pilot Hi-Tec-C is a capped gel pen from Pilot Corporation of Japan, known for needle tips as fine as 0.25 mm. Pilot launched it in Japan in 1994. Its Japanese catalog now lists 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm (model LH-20C) at 136 mm long and 10.2 g; retailers list Japan as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-hi-tec-c/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the capped Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.4 mm gel pen with black ink, drawn to scale at 136 mm (5.4 in) long and 9.0 mm across: clear barrel showing the long black refill, black end plug and black cap with a clip, with a close-up of the 0.4 mm needle tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-hi-tec-c-16x9.png) *The Hi-Tec-C 0.4 mm, drawn to scale from JetPens' 13.6 cm capped length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-hi-tec-c-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen (0.25 / 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 mm; LH-20C) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan)) | Japan | Japan | Resin barrel and cap (Pilot); metal pipe tip | 1994 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot Hi-Tec-C Gel Pen (0.25 / 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 mm; LH-20C)): Japan. Unsharpen lists Japan as the country of origin. Pilot's Japanese catalog pages for LH-20C3, LH-20C4 and LH-20C5 (read in full on October 20, 2026) don't state a country of manufacture. Simple Paper, which earlier listed Japan, blocked our access on that date. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-hi-tec-c/ ## Key takeaways - Pilot's Japanese catalog lists three sizes, 0.3 mm (LH-20C3), 0.4 mm (LH-20C4) and 0.5 mm (LH-20C5); the 0.25 mm (LH-20C25) is no longer in it but is still sold by some shops. - Pilot lists every size at 136 mm (5.4 in) long, 11.6 mm at the widest and 10.2 g, for ¥220 (about US$1.40) including tax. - Pilot's Japanese site dates the Hi-Tec-C to 1994, when it says its 0.3 mm ball was the smallest of any gel pen in the world. - Pilot Japan says it offers no refill for the Hi-Tec-C, though export refills are sold outside Japan. - Yoseka counted 19 colors in the 0.4 mm size in 2019, out of about 35 made since 1994, with the current range cut to about 10. ## What is the Pilot Hi-Tec-C? **The Hi-Tec-C is a capped gel pen from Pilot Corporation of Japan, famous for its long, thin needle tips as fine as 0.25 mm.** An article on Pilot's Japanese site dates it to 1994 and says its 0.3 mm ball was then the smallest of any gel pen in the world. It adds that the three-point-supported pipe tip came from Pilot's 1980 Hi-Tecpoint water-based pen. JetPens says the Hi-Tec-C was the first pen the store ever sold. In the US, the Hi-Tec-C is mostly bought as an import from shops like JetPens, so this guide covers the Japanese model, LH-20C. Pilot's catalog notes that the Hi-Tec-C has won Japan's Good Design Long Life Design Award. Outside Japan the 0.4 mm is sold as the G-Tec-C4. ## Pilot Hi-Tec-C specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation (Japan) | | Type | Capped gel pen with a needle tip | | Tip sizes | 0.3 · 0.4 · 0.5 mm in Pilot's current catalog; 0.25 mm still sold by some shops | | Line width (Pilot) | 0.15 mm (0.3) · 0.2 mm (0.4) · 0.25 mm (0.5) | | Model codes | LH-20C25 · LH-20C3 · LH-20C4 · LH-20C5 (add a color letter, e.g. -B black) | | JAN (black) | 4902505126208 (0.3) · 4902505126321 (0.4) · 4902505162763 (0.5) | | Length | 136 mm (5.4 in), per Pilot; JetPens: 13.6 cm capped, 12.6 cm (5.0 in) uncapped | | Diameter | 11.6 mm at the widest point, per Pilot; 9.0 mm, per JetPens | | Weight | 10.2 g, per Pilot (all three sizes); 10 g with ink, per JetPens | | Barrel and cap | Resin, per Pilot | | Ink | Water-based biopolymer gel ink, per Pilot | | Refill | None offered in Japan, per Pilot | | Launched | 1994 in Japan (per Pilot's site) | | Japan list price | ¥220 (about US$1.40) including tax | | Made in | Japan (per retailer listings) | Pilot's Japanese catalog pages for the 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm black pens each give 136 mm, 11.6 mm at the widest and 10.2 g, at ¥220 (about US$1.40) including tax. Pilot's 11.6 mm is the widest point, which probably includes the clip; JetPens' 9.0 mm is the barrel. JetPens' figures match Pilot's to within 0.2 g. ## Which Hi-Tec-C size should you choose? **Choose 0.4 mm for most small writing, 0.3 or 0.25 mm for the tiniest lines, and 0.5 mm if the finer tips skip for you.** ![To-scale drawing of the four Pilot Hi-Tec-C ball sizes at 280 times: 0.25 mm (LH-20C25), 0.3 mm (LH-20C3), 0.4 mm (LH-20C4) and 0.5 mm (LH-20C5)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-hi-tec-c-tip-sizes.svg) *The four Hi-Tec-C sizes at 280×; the 0.5 mm ball is twice the diameter of the 0.25 mm.* Pilot's Japanese catalog describes the 0.3 mm as 激細 (extra-fine), the 0.4 mm as 超極細 (ultra-fine) and the 0.5 mm as 極細 (fine); retailers call the 0.25 mm 超激細 (ultra-extra-fine). Pilot catalogs the 0.5 mm as "Hi-Tec 05" without the C, and its article explains that the C is used only for the finest sizes. - **0.25 mm:** the size the pen is known for, now sold off from remaining stock in Japan. The finest line and the least ink, so it also skips most. - **0.3 mm:** nearly as fine, a little more forgiving. - **0.4 mm:** the size Yoseka lists in the most colors. - **0.5 mm:** the widest Hi-Tec-C line; the larger ball puts down more ink, so it's the one to try if finer tips skip. The number is the ball diameter; the line on paper depends on paper and pressure. ## Why does the Hi-Tec-C skip? **Its tips are so fine that ink flow can be inconsistent, which JetPens notes in its guide to the pen.** JetPens says it may skip or flow too much at times, and that scribbling on scrap paper usually fixes it. A needle tip is a thin metal tube, so heavy pressure or a drop can bend it. Write lightly, keep the cap on, and try the 0.4 or 0.5 mm if a 0.25 mm keeps stopping. ## What ink and colors does the Hi-Tec-C have? **Pilot calls the ink a water-based biopolymer ink, and JetPens says it is more viscous than usual and less likely to feather or bleed.** That suits thin planner paper. In August 2019 Yoseka counted about 35 Hi-Tec-C colors made since 1994 and stocked 19 in the 0.4 mm size, from black, blue and red to shades such as Blue Black and Lavender. The same shop said Pilot had cut the range to about 10 colors, so availability varies by size. ## Is the Pilot G-Tec-C4 the same pen? **Yes, the G-Tec-C4 is Pilot's export name for the 0.4 mm Hi-Tec-C.** Unsharpen calls the Hi-Tec-C the Japanese original of the G-Tec pens sold in Europe, and the University of Waterloo store sells the G-Tec C4 as a 0.4 mm ultra-fine needle-point gel pen with a cap and a clear barrel. The Hi-Tec-C Maica (G-Tec-C Maica in export markets) is a variant that keeps the standard needle tip and ink. ## Can you refill a Hi-Tec-C? **Not in Japan: Pilot's Japanese catalog says it offers no refill for the Hi-Tec-C, so it is sold as a disposable pen there.** Outside Japan, Unsharpen says the stick-type Hi-Tec-C, G-Tec and Maica share one standard refill, and JetPens sells Hi-Tec-C refills by size. The Hi-Tec-C Coleto multi pen uses a different refill with the same ink. ## How does the Hi-Tec-C compare to other fine pens? **It's finer than most retractable gel pens, but less forgiving.** | | Pilot Hi-Tec-C | [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) | [Zebra Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/) | |---|---|---|---| | Finest size | 0.25 mm | 0.38 mm | 0.3 mm | | Tip | Needle | Cone | Cone | | Body | Capped | Retractable | Retractable | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | For a liquid-ink needle tip, see Pilot's [Precise V5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-precise-v5/). For fine pigment lines in drawing, many people use a fineliner like the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/). Our [best gel pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/) picks the Hi-Tec-C for the finest line. ## Where is the Pilot Hi-Tec-C made? **Retailer listings give Japan as the country of origin.** Unsharpen lists Japan for the line. Pilot's Japanese catalog pages for the 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm pens don't state a country of manufacture. ## How much does a Hi-Tec-C cost? **It falls in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen).** Imported single pens cost more than a Pilot G2 in a multi-pack, but still sit in the same band. In Japan, Pilot's list price is ¥220 (about US$1.40) including tax. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the finest Pilot Hi-Tec-C tip? The 0.25 mm, model LH-20C25, among the finest gel pen tips widely sold in the US. Pilot's current Japanese catalog no longer lists it, and a Japanese retailer sells it while stock lasts, so the 0.3 mm (LH-20C3) is the finest size Pilot still catalogs. ### Why does my Hi-Tec-C skip? JetPens notes that Hi-Tec-C ink flow can be inconsistent, especially in the finest tips, and suggests scribbling on scrap paper to restart it. Store it capped and avoid pressing hard, which can bend a needle tip. ### Is the Pilot G-Tec-C4 the same as the Hi-Tec-C? It's the export name for the 0.4 mm Hi-Tec-C. Unsharpen calls the Hi-Tec-C the Japanese version of the G-Tec pens sold elsewhere, and a Canadian store sells the G-Tec C4 as a 0.4 mm needle-point gel pen with a cap and clear barrel. ### Can you refill a Pilot Hi-Tec-C? Not officially in Japan: Pilot's Japanese catalog says it offers no refill for the Hi-Tec-C. Outside Japan, Unsharpen says one standard refill fits the stick-type Hi-Tec-C, G-Tec and Maica, and JetPens sells Hi-Tec-C refills by size. ### How long is the Pilot Hi-Tec-C? Pilot's Japanese catalog lists 136 mm (5.4 in), 11.6 mm at the widest and 10.2 g for the 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm. JetPens lists 13.6 cm capped, 12.6 cm (5.0 in) uncapped, a 9.0 mm barrel and 10 g. ### Where is the Pilot Hi-Tec-C made? Retailer listings give Japan as the country of origin, and Pilot Corporation is based in Tokyo. US shops import the Japanese version rather than a US-made model. ### Is the Hi-Tec-C good for drawing and small writing? Its needle tips suit small handwriting, planners, annotations and fine line work. Pilot calls the ink a water-based biopolymer ink, and JetPens says it is thicker than usual, so it is less likely to feather or bleed on thin paper. ## Sources - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「ハイテックC03」LH-20C3-B (Pilot Japan catalog: 0.3 mm; 136 mm, 11.6 mm, 10.2 g, JAN, ¥220, no refill offered)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000889) - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「ハイテックC04」LH-20C4-B (Pilot Japan catalog: 0.4 mm, JAN 4902505126321)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000892) - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「ハイテック05（ゼロゴ）」LH-20C5-B (Pilot Japan catalog: 0.5 mm)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000895) - [パイロット「0.3mmという激細時代を切り開いた「ハイテックC」（1994年発売）」(Pilot Japan article: launched 1994, world's smallest 0.3 mm gel ball, pipe tip from the 1980 Hi-Tecpoint)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/media/knowledge/020.html) - [価格.com「hi-tec-c」検索 (kakaku.com Japanese price search: LH-20C25 sold while stock lasts)](https://search.kakaku.com/hi-tec-c/) - [JetPens: Pilot Hi-Tec-C, a comprehensive guide (0.25 mm tip, biopolymer ink, inconsistent flow)](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/Pilot-Hi-Tec-C-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/629) - [JetPens: Pilot Hi-Tec-C gel pen 0.3 mm red, LH-20C3-R (13.6 cm capped, 12.6 cm uncapped, 10 g)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Hi-Tec-C-Gel-Pen-0.3-mm-Red/pd/47) - [JetPens: Pilot Hi-Tec-C gel pen 0.4 mm black, 10-pack (LH-20C4-B, 9.0 mm, clear body, snap-on cap)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Hi-Tec-C-Gel-Pen-0.4-mm-Black-10-Pen-Pack/pd/452) - [JetPens: Pilot Hi-Tec-C BLS gel ink refills](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Hi-Tec-C-BLS-Gel-Ink-Refills/ct/57) - [Unsharpen: Pilot Hi-Tec-C (sizes, launched 1994, country of origin Japan)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-hi-tec-c/) - [Unsharpen: Pilot Hi-Tec-C gel pen refill (fits Hi-Tec-C, G-Tec and Maica)](https://unsharpen.com/refill/pilot-hi-tec-c-gel-pen-refill/) - [Yoseka Stationery: Hi-Tec-C 0.4 mm (dates back to 1994)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/hi-tec-c-0-4mm) - [Yoseka Stationery: Classic Hi-Tec-C and its 19 colors (August 29, 2019)](https://yosekastationery.com/blogs/news/classic-hi-tec-c-by-pilot-and-it-s-19-colors-at-yoseka) - [University of Waterloo store: Pilot G-Tec C4 pen (0.4 mm needle point)](https://wstore.uwaterloo.ca/products/m00690-pilot-g-tec-c4-pen) - [The Pen Addict: Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.4 mm Utsuzumi Grey review (June 17, 2008)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2008/6/17/review-pilot-hi-tec-c-04mm-utzuzumi-grey.html) --- # Staedtler Noris 120: The Yellow-and-Black HB Pencil > The Staedtler Noris 120 is a hexagonal wood-cased graphite pencil with yellow and black stripes and a colored end cap that marks its grade. HB, close to a US #2, has the red cap. Staedtler's German site lists five grades from 2H to 2B and marks it made in Germany; retailers give a core of about 2 mm. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-noris/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Staedtler Noris 120 HB pencil with yellow and black striped hexagonal barrel, red dipped end and sharpened point, drawn in proportion; inset: the red end cap that marks HB](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/staedtler-noris-16x9.png) *The Noris 120 HB, drawn in proportion.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/staedtler-noris-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Staedtler Noris 120 graphite pencil, HB (120-2) | Staedtler (by Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG (Nuremberg)) | Germany | Germany | Upcycled Wood case (recycled wood chips; wood share PEFC-certified), hard-bonded graphite core | 1955 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Staedtler Noris 120 graphite pencil, HB (120-2)): Germany. Staedtler's German product page for the Noris 120 carries a "Made in Germany" mark, and the German office supplier Office Partner lists "Made in Germany" for the HB 12-pack (EAN 4007817105047) and the 2H. Source: https://www.staedtler.com/de/de/produkte/bleistifte-und-zubehoer/bleistifte/noris-120-bleistift-m120/ ## Key takeaways - Staedtler registered the Noris trademark in 1901; the yellow-and-black Noris arrived in 1955, then numbered 1100, per the German pencil blog Lexikaliker. - Staedtler lists five grades: 2B, B, HB, H and 2H; the HB (item 120-2, EAN 4007817105047) has the red end cap. - The graphite core is about 2 mm across, four times the width of 0.5 mm mechanical pencil lead. - Staedtler's German site says today's Noris 120 is made from Upcycled Wood, recycled wood chips, with the wood share from PEFC-certified forests. - Staedtler's German product page carries a Made in Germany mark; the Norica, Staedtler's US school pack pencil, is listed as made in Thailand. ## What is the Staedtler Noris? **The Staedtler Noris 120 is a hexagonal wood-cased graphite pencil with yellow and black stripes, made for school and everyday writing.** Staedtler, based in Nuremberg, Germany, registered the Noris name as a trademark in 1901. The German pencil blog Lexikaliker says the yellow-and-black Noris came out in 1955, then numbered 1100, after an earlier striped Noris in 1934. The colored end is part of the design: each grade has its own cap color, and the common HB grade has a red cap. Lexikaliker notes the HB cap was yellow at first, and that Staedtler UK long used orange. ## Staedtler Noris 120 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG, Nuremberg, Germany | | Article number | 120 (HB = 120-2, EAN 4007817105047) | | Grades | 2B, B, HB, H, 2H (Staedtler) | | Core | Graphite, hard-bonded; about 2 mm (retailers) | | Shape | Hexagonal | | Colors | Yellow and black stripes; colored end by grade (HB red) | | Eraser | None (Noris 122 has one) | | Wood | Upcycled Wood (recycled wood chips), PEFC-certified wood share (Staedtler) | | Length | Not published by Staedtler; eBay.de catalog 176 mm | | Sharpeners | Noris tubs 511 004 or 511 120, or 510 50 (Staedtler) | | Made in | Germany (Staedtler) | Grades, wood and origin come from Staedtler's German product page, which also credits a special lead recipe and hard bonding for break resistance. The 2 mm core comes from European retailers such as Bruneau. ## What grades does the Noris come in? **Staedtler's German site lists five grades for the Noris 120: 2B, B, HB, H and 2H.** HB is the middle, everyday grade, close to a US #2. Japan's equivalent everyday pencil, the [Tombow 8900](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-8900/), adds an F grade for six in all. ![Staedtler Noris 120 grades 2H, H, HB, B and 2B with HB highlighted as about a US #2, and the 2 mm Noris core drawn to scale next to 0.5 mm mechanical pencil lead](https://stationerytimes.com/images/staedtler-noris-grades.svg) *The Noris core is about four times as wide as 0.5 mm mechanical lead.* For shading, try 2B; for light lines that erase cleanly, try H or 2H. If you need more grades, the [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/) runs from 12B to 10H. ## What is the Noris 122, and which should you buy? **The Noris 122 is the same striped HB pencil with an eraser tip, which retailers describe as PVC- and latex-free.** Buy the 122 for school and note-taking, where an eraser on the pencil saves time. Pick the 120 if you sharpen from both ends, draw, or prefer a separate eraser that won't dry out or smudge. The 120 is also the one sold in all five grades in the listings we found. Staedtler's German site now describes the Noris 120 as "Made from Upcycled Wood", produced from recycled wood chips, so a new Noris isn't cut from a solid slat. Some UK listings, such as Hunt Office, still call it cedar. ## Noris or Norica: which Staedtler pencil is sold in the US? **Both are sold in the US; the Noris is the one with the striped design and the one we cover.** The Norica is Staedtler's budget HB pencil with an eraser, sold at Staples, Walmart and in class packs from School Specialty. Monk Office lists it as made in Thailand. ## How does the Noris compare to other #2 pencils? **The Noris is the German, eraser-free alternative to the classic American [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) and the [Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-mirado-black-warrior/).** | | Staedtler Noris 120 HB | Ticonderoga #2 HB | Mirado Black Warrior | |---|---|---|---| | Barrel | Hexagonal, yellow and black | Hexagonal, yellow | Round, matte black | | Eraser | No (122 has one) | Yes | Yes | | Grades | 2H to 2B | HB (#2) | HB (#2) | | Core | ≈2 mm | 2.2 mm | 2.2 mm | | Made in | Germany | China | Mexico | Specs for the other two come from our guides to each. If you want an eraser, buy the Noris 122, or keep a [Staedtler Mars plastic eraser](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-plastic-eraser/) on the desk. ## Where is the Staedtler Noris made? **In Germany: Staedtler's German product page marks the Noris 120 "Made in Germany".** The German office supplier Office Partner lists the same for the HB and 2H. Staedtler, the brand, is based in Nuremberg; the US Norica, by contrast, is listed as made in Thailand. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Staedtler Noris HB the same as a #2 pencil? Close to it. HB is the letter grade most US #2 pencils correspond to, and US listings sell the Noris HB as a #2. Makers don't share one exact standard, so darkness varies by brand. ### What does the red end on a Staedtler Noris mean? It shows the grade: each of the five grades has its own cap color, and HB is the red one in most markets. Lexikaliker notes that Staedtler UK long used an orange cap on its HB. ### Does the Staedtler Noris have an eraser? The Noris 120 doesn't. The Noris 122 is the same pencil with a PVC- and latex-free eraser tip, according to retailers. ### What is the difference between Staedtler Noris and Norica? The Noris is Staedtler's yellow-and-black pencil listed as made in Germany. The Norica is a cheaper eraser-tipped HB pencil sold in US school and class packs, listed as made in Thailand. ### How many grades does the Noris come in? Staedtler's German site lists five: 2B, B, HB, H and 2H. For a wider range for drawing, Staedtler's Mars Lumograph has 24 grades. ### How long is a Staedtler Noris pencil? Staedtler doesn't publish it. eBay Germany's catalog listing for the HB 12-pack gives 176 mm (6.9 in), but we haven't measured it ourselves. ### Where is the Staedtler Noris made? In Germany: Staedtler's German product page marks the Noris 120 "Made in Germany". Staedtler is based in Nuremberg. ## Sources - [STAEDTLER (DE): Noris 120 Bleistift (Staedtler's German page: Upcycled Wood, 5 Härtegrade, PEFC, Made in Germany)](https://www.staedtler.com/de/de/produkte/bleistifte-und-zubehoer/bleistifte/noris-120-bleistift-m120/) - [Lexikaliker: Vorne schwarz, hinten bunt (German pencil blog: Noris 1100 in 1955, stripes 1934, cap history)](https://www.lexikaliker.de/2008/11/vorne-schwarz-hinten-bunt/) - [Office Partner (DE): STAEDTLER Bleistift Noris 120 HB 12er (EAN 4007817105047, Made in Germany)](https://www.office-partner.de/bleistift-noris-120-hb-12er-n1000047119) - [Staedtler: 125 years of Noris, an icon celebrates its anniversary](https://www.staedtler.com/intl/en/discover/125-years-of-noris-an-icon-celebrates-its-anniversary/) - [Staedtler UK: Celebrating 125 years of Noris](https://www.staedtler.com/uk/en/discover/celebrating-125-years-of-noris/) - [Hunt Office: Staedtler 120 Noris pencil HB, red cap, pack of 12 (lists cedar wood)](https://huntoffice.co.uk/staedtler-120-noris-pencil-cedar-wood-hb-red-cap-ref-120-hb-pack-12-018272.html) - [Bruneau: Staedtler Noris H pencil (lead about 2 mm)](https://www.bruneau.be/en/product/staedtler-noris-h-pencil/605628) - [Cromwell: Staedtler Noris 122 HB, eraser tip, pack of 12](https://cromwell.co.uk/shop/office-supplies/pencils/122-hb-noris-122-pencil-hb-eraser-tip-pk-12/p/STD8461545L) - [eBay.de: 12x Staedtler Noris 120-2 HB yellow-black (catalog length 176 mm)](https://www.ebay.de/p/737826663) - [Monk Office: Staedtler Norica pencils HB, 12/box (country of origin Thailand)](https://commercial.monk.ca/office-products/writing-correction/woodcase-pencils/std13246cb12-staedtler-norica-hb-12box) - [Staples: Staedtler Norica #2 HB woodcased pencils, black, 36-pack](https://www.staples.com/Staedtler-Norica-2-HB-Woodcased-Pencils-Black-36-Pack/product_949327) --- # Tombow MONO Zero Eraser: 2.3 mm Round Tip & Refills > The Tombow MONO Zero is a refillable pen-style eraser from Japan's Tombow. The round version (US item 57305) has a 2.3 mm eraser tip that clicks out less than 1 mm at a time, in a pen about 120 mm (4.7 in) long. It refills with ER-KUR sticks and erases single letters without touching nearby lines. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-zero-eraser/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Silver Tombow MONO Zero round eraser with its blue, white and black MONO stripe and clip, drawn to scale at 120 mm (4.7 in) long beside handwriting with one letter erased; inset: the 2.3 mm round tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tombow-mono-zero-eraser-16x9.png) *The MONO Zero round at 120 mm long (drawn at 1 mm = 4 px; clip and print by eye).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-mono-zero-eraser-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tombow MONO Zero eraser, round 2.3 mm tip (57305 / EH-KUR) | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel (at least 40% recycled) with metal guide pipe; synthetic rubber eraser, non-PVC, phthalate-free (Tombow) | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Tombow MONO Zero eraser, round 2.3 mm tip (57305 / EH-KUR)): Japan. STL Art Supply says the MONO Zero 2.3 mm eraser is made in Japan, and Officeworks in Australia lists Japan as the country of manufacture for its black round MONO Zero. Tombow's Japanese page doesn't state a country, and we found no reliable origin for the ER-KUR refills. Source: https://shop.stlartsupply.com/en-ca/collections/japanese-stationery/products/mono-zero-2-3-mm-eraser ## Key takeaways - The round tip is 2.3 mm across; the rectangular MONO Zero's tip is 2.5 × 5 mm, per Tombow. - Tombow says each click advances the eraser by less than 1 mm, using its own indirect-chuck mechanism. - The Hobonichi store lists the pen at 8.5 × 120 mm (4.7 in), and each refill stick at 2.3 × 50 mm. - Tombow Japan lists the pen at ¥495 (about US$3.10) and a 2-stick ER-KUR refill at ¥231 (about US$1.50), with tax. - It won a Good Design Award in 2008, and Red Dot and iF design awards in 2010, per Tombow. ## What is the Tombow MONO Zero? **It's a refillable eraser shaped like a mechanical pencil: a thin eraser stick clicks out of a long metal guide pipe.** Tombow, the Tokyo maker of the [MONO 100](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-100/) pencil, sells it with two tip shapes, round and rectangular, and says the round one can correct details as small as a decimal point. Tombow's Japanese page lists a Good Design Award in 2008 and Red Dot and iF design awards in 2010. In the US, Tombow USA sells the silver round pen as item 57305. ## Tombow MONO Zero round specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd. (Japan) | | Model | EH-KUR (Tombow Japan); 57305 in the US (silver barrel) | | Tip | Round, 2.3 mm (0.09 in) | | Advance | Less than 1 mm per click (Tombow) | | Pen size | 8.5 × 120 mm (4.7 in), per the Hobonichi store | | Eraser | Light-touch synthetic rubber; non-PVC, phthalate-free | | Barrel | At least 40% recycled plastic, metal guide pipe | | Refill | ER-KUR, 2 sticks per pack, each 2.3 × 50 mm | | Price in Japan | ¥495 (about US$3.10) pen; ¥231 (about US$1.50) refill pack, with tax | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 per eraser in the US) | | Made in | Japan (per retailers) | Tips, the click mechanism, materials and prices come from Tombow's Japanese page; the pen and refill sizes come from the Hobonichi store. Tombow doesn't publish a weight in the sources we found. ## How small is the 2.3 mm tip? **Small enough to take out one letter, a dot or a stray hatch line while leaving the rest.** A block eraser like the [Staedtler Mars plastic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-plastic-eraser/) is 23 mm wide, ten times wider. ![Tombow MONO Zero eraser tips end-on to scale: the round tip is 2.3 mm across and the rectangular tip 2.5 × 5 mm; 0.7 mm advance per click, ER-KUR refills 2 to a pack, 50 mm long](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-mono-zero-eraser-tips.svg) *The two MONO Zero tips end-on, at 1 mm = 20 px.* Because the stick is thin, it bends if you push hard. Tombow's short-pitch knock feeds less than 1 mm per click, so two or three clicks are usually enough; retract the eraser into the holder when you're done. ## Round or rectangular: which MONO Zero should you get? **Get the round one for precision; get the rectangular one for straight edges.** The rectangular EH-KUS has a 2.5 × 5 mm tip, about twice the area, which clears a whole word or a strip of a drawing faster. | | MONO Zero round | MONO Zero rectangular | |---|---|---| | Tombow code | EH-KUR | EH-KUS | | Tip | 2.3 mm round | 2.5 × 5 mm | | Refill | ER-KUR | ER-KUS | | Best for | Single letters, dots, highlights in drawings | Edges, lines, small areas | Refills aren't shared: each shape takes its own stick. If you draw, owning both is common; for note-taking, the round one is enough. ## How do you refill it? **Hold down the knock button and push the new ER-KUR stick, still in its plastic rod, into the front of the tip.** That is Tombow Japan's instruction; some retailers, such as STL Art Supply, describe loading from the back instead, so follow the leaflet in your pack. Each refill pack holds 2 sticks, and the Hobonichi store lists each at 2.3 × 50 mm. We haven't counted how many letters one stick erases; it depends on the paper and the pencil grade. ## What should you pair it with? **Pair it with a fine mechanical pencil or a hard-grade wood pencil.** Fine lines from a [Pentel Twist-Erase III](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-twist-erase-iii/) or a MONO 100 in H are where a pinpoint eraser saves the most work. If you'd rather carry one tool, the [Tombow MONO Graph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-graph/) is a shaker mechanical pencil with a twist-out MONO eraser in its top. For clearing large areas, keep a block eraser too. The [Pentel Hi-Polymer](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-hi-polymer-eraser/) and the Staedtler Mars plastic are the two best-selling block erasers we cover. ## Where is the Tombow MONO Zero made? **Retailers list the pen as made in Japan.** STL Art Supply says so for the 2.3 mm eraser, and Officeworks in Australia lists Japan as the country of manufacture for its black round MONO Zero. Tombow's Japanese page doesn't name a country, and we didn't find a reliable origin for the refills. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Tombow MONO Zero eraser tip? Tombow lists the round MONO Zero's tip at 2.3 mm (0.09 in) and the rectangular version's at 2.5 × 5 mm, which covers more paper per stroke but is less pinpoint. ### Round or rectangular MONO Zero: which should I buy? Buy the round one for single letters, decimal points and fine detail in drawings. Choose the rectangular one if you want a straight edge for cleaning up lines and slightly larger areas. ### What refill does the round MONO Zero take? It takes Tombow ER-KUR round refills, 2 sticks to a pack; the Hobonichi store lists each stick at 2.3 × 50 mm. The rectangular pen takes ER-KUS instead, and the two aren't interchangeable. ### How do you refill a Tombow MONO Zero? Tombow Japan says to hold down the knock button and push the new stick, still in its plastic rod, into the front of the tip. Some retailers describe loading from the back, but Tombow's own instructions say the tip. ### Does the MONO Zero erase ink? No, it's sold as a pencil eraser. Tombow describes a light-touch synthetic rubber that erases with little pressure, and we haven't tested it on ink or colored pencil yet. ### Is the Tombow MONO Zero PVC-free? Yes. Tombow Japan lists the eraser as non-PVC and free of phthalates, and says the barrel is at least 40% recycled plastic. ### Where is the Tombow MONO Zero made? STL Art Supply and Officeworks list it as made in Japan. Tombow is based in Tokyo, and its own page doesn't state a country, so check the packaging if origin matters. ## Sources - [モノゼロ (Tombow Japan product page, "MONO Zero": 2.3 mm round and 2.5 × 5 mm tips, under 1 mm per click, refill from the tip, EH-KUR and ER-KUR codes and prices, 40% recycled plastic, awards)](https://www.tombow.com/products/mono_zero/) - [Tombow USA: MONO Zero Eraser, Silver, Round (SKU 57305, 2.3 mm)](https://www.tombowusa.com/products/mono-zero-erasers-silver-round) - [Tombow USA: Refill 2-Pack, MONO Zero Eraser, Round Tip (SKU 57316)](https://www.tombowusa.com/products/refill-2-pack-mono-zero-eraser-round-tip) - [Tombow Europe: MONO zero eraser pen, classic round tip (EH-KUR; 2.3 mm round and 2.5 × 5 mm rectangular tips)](https://www.tomboweurope.com/en/products/product/EH-KUR) - [Hobonichi Techo store: MONO zero (8.5 mm × 120 mm; refill 2.3 × 50 mm)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/pc/en/2017/detail_toolstoys/s_mono.html) - [Vaessen Creative: Tombow MONO zero precision eraser, square tip 2.5 mm (EH-KUS11)](https://www.vaessen-creative.com/p/tombow-mono-zero-precision-eraser-square-tip-2-5mm-19-eh-kus11) - [STL Art Supply: MONO Zero 2.3 mm eraser (made in Japan)](https://shop.stlartsupply.com/en-ca/collections/japanese-stationery/products/mono-zero-2-3-mm-eraser) - [Officeworks: Tombow MONO Zero black round eraser (country of manufacture Japan)](https://officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tombow-mono-zero-black-round-eraser-ja7067811) - [Fred Aldous: MONO Zero eraser, round tip](https://www.fredaldous.co.uk/products/mono-zero-eraser-round-tip-white) --- # uni-ball Signo 207: Fraud-Resistant Gel Pen Guide > The uni-ball Signo 207 is a retractable, refillable gel pen from Mitsubishi Pencil of Japan. Its pigment-based Super Ink is sold as water-, fade- and fraud-resistant, which makes it a common pick for signing checks. It comes in 0.38, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm, measures about 142 mm long, and takes the UMR-87 refill in 0.7 mm. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-signo-207/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the uni-ball Signo 207 0.7 mm retractable gel pen with the tip out, drawn to scale at 142 mm (5.6 in) long: translucent smoky black barrel showing the black refill, black rubber grip, silver metal clip and chrome tip cone, with a close-up of the 0.7 mm ball](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/uni-ball-signo-207-16x9.png) *The Signo 207 0.7 mm Medium, drawn to scale from uni-ball UK's 142.1 mm length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-ball-signo-207-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | uni-ball Signo 207 Retractable Gel Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; UMN-207) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Translucent PC/PP plastic barrel, rubber grip, stainless steel clip, chrome-finished plastic tip cone | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (uni-ball Signo 207 Retractable Gel Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; UMN-207)): Japan. OnTimeSupplies gives country of origin Japan (JP) for the 0.7 mm black 8-pack and a 0.5 mm 4-pack. uni-ball UK and Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese pages don't state it. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc1756584-signo-207-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-black-ink-translucent-black-barrel-8-pack.html ## Key takeaways - Four ball sizes: 0.38, 0.5, 0.7 mm Medium and 1.0 mm Bold; uni-ball UK lists a tungsten carbide ball for the 0.7 mm. - uni-ball UK lists the 0.7 mm Signo 207 (UMN-207) at 142.1 mm (5.6 in) long and 11.5 mm across the body. - The 0.7 mm refill is the UMR-87; US office suppliers sell it as 70207PP (black) and 71207PP (blue) 2-packs. - Unlike the later Signo 307, the 207 has a stainless steel clip and a chrome-finished tip cone; the 307 has a plastic clip and a black cone. - US business-supplier spec sheets list Japan as the country of origin. ## What is the uni-ball Signo 207? **The Signo 207 is uni-ball's retractable, refillable gel pen, made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. of Japan and sold in the US mostly in multi-packs.** Its selling point is the ink: uni-ball's pigment-based Super Ink, which the maker markets as resistant to water, fading and fraud such as check washing. US packaging often shortens the name to "uni-ball 207" or "uniball 207". Outside the US the same pen is the Signo 207 or Signo RT, model UMN-207. Office distributors tag it a best seller, and The Pen Addict has reviewed it in several sizes since 2011. In Japan it's no longer current: Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese refill page notes that the Signo 207 body (UMN-207-05) is no longer made, though it still lists refills for it. US packs remain on sale. ## uni-ball Signo 207 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (Japan), brand uni-ball | | Model | UMN-207 | | Type | Retractable gel pen, pigment-based Super Ink | | Ball sizes | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 mm Medium · 1.0 mm Bold | | Length | 142.1 mm (5.6 in), per uni-ball UK; 14.21 cm, per Stationery World | | Diameter | 11.5 mm body, 15.4 mm across the clip, per uni-ball UK | | Weight | 13.5 g (uni-ball UK) or 10.6 g (Stationery World), 0.7 mm | | Ball | Tungsten carbide, per uni-ball UK | | Refill (0.7 mm) | UMR-87; US 2-packs 70207PP (black), 71207PP (blue). Japan's 0.5 mm UMN-207-05 took the UMR-85N | | Clip and tip cone | Stainless steel clip; chrome-finished plastic cone | | Made in | Japan (per US supplier spec sheets) | The two weights don't agree, and neither source says whether it weighed the pen with its packaging. We use uni-ball UK's 142.1 mm length for our drawing. ## Is the Signo 207 good for signing checks? **Yes, it's one of the pens most often recommended for checks, because uni-ball sells its ink as fraud-resistant.** Check washing uses solvents to lift ink so a check can be rewritten. uni-ball UK calls Super Ink tamper-proof, and US retailers such as Staples sell the 207 as having fraud-resistant ink. That is the maker's claim; we haven't tested it. Avoid erasable pens such as the [Pilot FriXion Clicker](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-frixion-clicker/) for checks altogether. ## Which Signo 207 size should you choose? **Pick 0.7 mm for everyday writing and signatures, 0.5 or 0.38 mm for small handwriting, and 1.0 mm for bold signatures.** ![To-scale drawing of the four uni-ball Signo 207 ball sizes at 150 times: 0.38 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm Medium (UMR-87 refill) and 1.0 mm Bold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-ball-signo-207-tip-sizes.svg) *The four Signo 207 ball sizes at 150×; the 1.0 mm Bold is about 2.6 times the diameter of the 0.38 mm.* - **0.38 mm:** the finest line, for small handwriting and planners. - **0.5 mm:** a crisp line for notes and planners. - **0.7 mm Medium:** the standard 207, with the most colors and the easiest refills to find. - **1.0 mm Bold:** the darkest, wettest line, sold in the US in dozens such as item 1790895. The size is the ball diameter; the line on paper is usually a little finer than the number suggests. ## What refill does the Signo 207 use? **The 0.7 mm Signo 207 takes the UMR-87 gel refill.** In the US, office suppliers sell 2-packs as 70207PP (black) and 71207PP (blue), listed as fitting the Signo 207, 207 Premier and Gel RT. In Japan, Mitsubishi Pencil's refill page lists only the 0.5 mm UMN-207-05, with the UMR-85N refill at ¥88 (about US$0.60) including tax. Unsharpen notes that uni-ball upgraded the refill to the UMR-87E, used in the Signo 307 and the 207 Plus+, and retailers list the UMR-87E as fitting the UMN-207 too. ## What is the difference between the Signo 207 and 307? **The Signo 307 is a later update of the 207 with a plastic clip in place of the 207's steel one and a black tip cone in place of its chrome-finished one.** | | Signo 207 | Signo 307 | |---|---|---| | Clip | Stainless steel | Plastic | | Tip cone | Chrome-finished plastic | Black plastic | | Sizes | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | Mainly 0.5 and 0.7 mm | | Refill | UMR-87 (or UMR-87E) | UMR-87E | Mitsubishi Pencil announced the 307 for Japan in a March 3, 2016 press release, with the UMR-87E refill. The Pen Addict called the 307 an upgrade in its July 2015 review. Choose the 207 if you want the steel clip or the 0.38 and 1.0 mm sizes. ## How does the Signo 207 compare to other gel pens? **The 207 is the gel pen to pick for security; the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) has more colors and the [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) dries faster.** | | uni-ball Signo 207 | Pilot G2 | Zebra Sarasa Clip | |---|---|---|---| | Ink | Pigment gel (Super Ink) | Gel | Pigment gel | | Sizes | 0.38 to 1.0 mm | 0.38 to 1.0 mm | 0.3 to 1.0 mm | | Fraud-resistance claim | Yes | No | No | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | The [Zebra Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/) also uses pigment ink and adds a binder clip. If you want uni-ball's Super Ink in a ballpoint that dries almost instantly, see the [uni-ball Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/). Our [best gel pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/) names the 207 as its pick for checks. ## Where is the uni-ball Signo 207 made? **US business-supplier spec sheets list the Signo 207 as made in Japan.** OnTimeSupplies gives country of origin JP for the 0.7 mm black 8-pack and a 0.5 mm 4-pack. uni-ball UK and Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese pages don't state it. ## How much does a Signo 207 cost? **It falls in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen), in a typical US multi-pack.** Single pens and large color sets cost a little more or less per pen, and refills are sold in 2-packs. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the uni-ball Signo 207 good for signing checks? It's one of the pens most often recommended for checks. uni-ball markets its pigment Super Ink as fraud-resistant, meaning it resists check washing, and also water- and fade-resistant. We haven't run a check-washing test ourselves. ### What refill does the Signo 207 use? The 0.7 mm pen takes the UMR-87 gel refill. In the US, office suppliers sell it in 2-packs as item 70207PP (black) and 71207PP (blue), listed as fitting the Signo 207, 207 Premier and Gel RT. ### What is the difference between the uni-ball 207 and 307? The Signo 307 is a later, near copy of the 207 with a plastic clip instead of a steel one and a black tip cone instead of a chrome-finished one. It comes mainly in 0.5 and 0.7 mm, while the 207 also has 0.38 and 1.0 mm. ### How long is the uni-ball Signo 207? uni-ball UK lists the 0.7 mm Signo 207 (UMN-207) at 142.1 mm, about 5.6 in, retracted. It's 11.5 mm across the body and 15.4 mm measured across the clip. ### Is Signo 207 ink waterproof? uni-ball calls Super Ink water-resistant rather than waterproof. The ink is pigment-based, so once dry it should hold up to a spill better than dye-based gel ink, but we haven't tested it. ### Where is the uni-ball Signo 207 made? US business-supplier spec sheets list Japan as the country of origin for several Signo 207 packs. The uni-ball brand belongs to Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. of Tokyo. ### What sizes does the Signo 207 come in? Four ball sizes: 0.38 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm (Medium) and 1.0 mm (Bold). The 0.7 mm is the standard size and the one most multi-packs and colors come in. ## Sources - [ゲルインクボールペン替芯 (Mitsubishi Pencil Japan gel refill page, read in full: Signo 207 UMN-207-05 body no longer made; UMR-85N and UMR-87E at ¥88)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/refill_gel.html) - [ユニボール シグノ 307 (Mitsubishi Pencil press release, March 3, 2016: Signo 307 with UMR-87E refill)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20160303-36822.html) - [uni-ball UK: Signo 207 UMN-207 (0.7 mm, 11.5 × 15.4 × 142.11 mm, 13.542 g, tungsten carbide ball, stainless steel clip, Super Ink)](https://uniball.co.uk/brands/signo/uni-ball-signo-207-umn-207/) - [Stationery World (Singapore): uni-ball Signo gel pen 0.7 mm UMN-207F (14.21 cm, 10.6 g)](https://stationeryworld.com.sg/uni-ball-signo-gel-pen-07mm-umn-207f) - [OnTimeSupplies: Signo 207 gel pen, 0.7 mm black 8-pack (country of origin JP)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc1756584-signo-207-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-black-ink-translucent-black-barrel-8-pack.html) - [Staples: uni-ball 207 retractable gel pens, medium point, 4-pack (fraud-resistant ink)](https://www.staples.com/uni-ball-207-Retractable-Gel-Pens-Medium-Point-Black-4-pk-33960/product_555024) - [Walmart: uni-ball Signo 207 0.7 mm (Super Ink, translucent ink window, stainless steel tip)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1637021085) - [Walmart: uni-ball Signo 207 Bold 1.0 mm, black, dozen (1790895)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1PACK-Uni-Ball-1790895-Retractable-Rollerball-Gel-Pen-1-0-mm-Black-PK12/1255590109) - [OnTimeSupplies: Refill for Signo Gel 207, 0.7 mm black, 2-pack (70207PP)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc70207pp-refill-for-signo-gel-207-pens-medium-07-mm-conical-tip-black-ink-2-pack.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Refill for Signo Gel 207, blue, 2-pack (71207PP; fits 207, 207 Premier, Gel RT)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc71207pp-refill-for-signo-gel-207-pens-medium-conical-tip-blue-ink-2-pack.html) - [Stationery World (Singapore): uni refill 0.7 mm UMR-87 (for UMN-207/152)](https://stationeryworld.com.sg/uni-pen-refill-07mm-umr-87-for-umn-207152) - [OfficeMax NZ: Signo UMR-87 refill for 207](https://officemax.co.nz/Office-Products/Pens/Pen-Refills/Signo-UMR-87-Black-Rollerball-Pen-Refill-for-207-Fine-Tip-2260905) - [Unsharpen: uni-ball UMR-87 refill (UMR-87E upgrade used in the 307 and 207 Plus+)](https://unsharpen.com/refill/uni-ball-umr-87/) - [Unsharpen: uni-ball 207 vs uni-ball 307 (metal vs plastic clip; chromed vs black tip)](https://unsharpen.com/uni-ball-207-vs-uni-ball-307-gel-pen-comparison/) - [The Pen Addict: uni-ball Signo 307 review (July 6, 2015; Super Ink in the 207)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2015/7/6/uni-ball-signo-307-gel-ink-pen-review) - [The Pen Addict: uni-ball Signo 207 0.38 mm black review (August 19, 2011)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2011/8/19/uni-ball-signo-207-038mm-black-review.html) - [The Pen Addict: uni-ball Signo 207 Bold review (April 27, 2012)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2012/4/27/uni-ball-signo-207-bold-review.html) - [Unsharpen: The best gel pens (Signo 207 archival ink)](https://unsharpen.com/the-best-gel-pens/) - [Kurtz Bros: uni-ball brand page (Signo Gel 207 tagged best seller)](https://www.kurtzbros.com/categories/Brands/uni-ball) --- # X-ACTO School Pro Sharpener: Six-Size Dial & Bin > The X-ACTO School Pro (model 1670) is a heavy-duty electric pencil sharpener built for classrooms. A six-size dial fits most pencil sizes, the cutter stops once the point is sharp, and the SafeStart motor won't run while the extra-large shavings bin is out. Distributors list it at 4 × 7.5 × 7.5 in and 3.67 lb. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/x-acto-school-pro-sharpener/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black and gray X-ACTO School Pro electric pencil sharpener drawn to scale, 191 mm (7.5 in) deep and tall, with a pencil in the front dial and a smoke shavings bin; inset: the six-size dial](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/x-acto-school-pro-sharpener-16x9.png) *The School Pro from the side and front, 7.5 × 7.5 in (drawn at 1 mm = 0.9 px; details by eye).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/x-acto-school-pro-sharpener-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | X-ACTO School Pro Electric Pencil Sharpener (1670) | X-ACTO (by Newell Brands) | United States | China | Plastic housing; helical steel cutter | – | $$$: $20–75 per item | - Made in (X-ACTO School Pro Electric Pencil Sharpener (1670)): China. Newell's product-data record for the 1670X gives CN as the country of origin, as PartsSource did when we first checked; both pages have since stopped showing the field to us. McKesson's listing gives "Unknown", and xacto.com doesn't state it, so check the box if it matters. Source: https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_1670X/X-ACTO(r)-Pencil-Sharpener-School-Pro(r)-Electric-Pencil-Sharpener-With-Six-Size-Dial-XL-Shavings-Bin-Black-1-Count/ ## Key takeaways - Distributors list the School Pro at 4 × 7.5 × 7.5 in (about 102 × 191 × 191 mm); Staples gives 5.5 × 9 × 8.5 in. - Staples lists its weight as 3.67 lb (about 1.66 kg); the cord is 5 ft (1.5 m). - A six-size dial sets the opening, and the fly-away cutter stops when the point is formed. - SafeStart stops the motor when the shavings bin is removed; Auto-Reset guards against overheating. - A copy of its Amazon listing showed 4.5 stars from 10,682 reviews in January 2026. ## What is the X-ACTO School Pro? **It's an electric desk pencil sharpener made for heavy classroom use, with a six-size dial and an extra-large shavings bin.** X-ACTO, the American brand known for its craft knives, sells it as model 1670; retailers list the black unit as 1670X. X-ACTO says its sharpener line was originally marketed under the Boston brand, which is why some listings still say "X-ACTO by Boston". It is among the most-reviewed electric sharpeners in the US. A January 30, 2026 copy of its Amazon listing showed 4.5 stars from 10,682 reviews, and Teach Starter calls it a fan favorite that teachers helped design. ## X-ACTO School Pro specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | X-ACTO (Newell Brands) | | Model | 1670 (part number 1670X) | | Size (W × D × H) | 4 × 7.5 × 7.5 in (about 102 × 191 × 191 mm) | | Weight | 3.67 lb (about 1.66 kg) | | Power | AC, 5 ft (1.5 m) cord | | Pencil sizes | Six-size dial | | Cutter | Helical steel, fly-away (stops at the point) | | Safety | SafeStart: no power with the bin removed; Auto-Reset against overheating | | Color | Black, gray and smoke | | UPC | 079946271669 | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75) | | Made in | China (per PartsSource) | The size is from distributors Azor, McKesson and PartsSource; Staples lists 5.5 × 9 × 8.5 in, which may include packaging. Weight is from Staples. ![X-ACTO School Pro drawn to scale from the side and front: 191 mm (7.5 in) deep, 102 mm (4 in) wide and 191 mm (7.5 in) tall; 3.67 lb, six-size dial, 5 ft cord, stops when the bin is out](https://stationerytimes.com/images/x-acto-school-pro-sharpener-size.svg) *The School Pro at 1 mm = 1.1 px, from the distributor size; outline details are drawn by eye.* ## How does the six-size dial work? **You turn the dial on the front to match the opening to the pencil you're sharpening.** Newell's product data says the six-size dial fits nearly every pencil, and retailers mention printed size indicators that make it easy to set. Listings say it handles colored pencils too. X-ACTO doesn't publish the diameter of each setting in the sources we found, so try a jumbo or triangular pencil before relying on it. Soft-core pencils such as [Prismacolor Premier](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/prismacolor-premier-colored-pencils/) break easily, so stop as soon as the point forms. ## Why does it stop on its own? **Two safety features stop it: SafeStart and the fly-away cutter.** SafeStart cuts power whenever the shavings bin is removed, so fingers can't reach a running blade. The fly-away cutter stops sharpening once the pencil reaches its point, so it doesn't keep cutting the pencil away. The manual adds an Auto-Reset feature that pauses the motor if it overheats. If it goes quiet after a run of class sets, unplug it and let it cool. ## How does it compare with a hand-crank sharpener? **The School Pro is for volume; a hand-crank gives more control over the point.** | | X-ACTO School Pro | [CARL Angel-5 Royal 3](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/carl-angel-5-royal-sharpener/) | |---|---|---| | Power | Electric (AC) | Hand crank | | Size | 102 × 191 × 191 mm | 73 × 121 × 132 mm | | Weight | 3.67 lb (1.66 kg) | 484 g (1.07 lb) | | Pencil sizes | Six-size dial | Round, triangular, hexagonal | | Point control | Fixed point, auto-stop | 0.5 or 0.9 mm lead tip | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | For a long point in a pocket-size tool, the [KUM Automatic Long Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kum-long-point-sharpener/) does wood and graphite in two steps. ## Who should buy it? **Teachers, homeschool families and offices that sharpen many pencils a day.** One dial covers most school pencils, and the bin holds a lot of shavings between emptyings. This Old House picks it for classrooms but notes some buyers reported uneven sharpening and early failures; a [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) or a [Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-mirado-black-warrior/) with a well-centred core is the fairest test. ## Where is the X-ACTO School Pro made? **Newell's own product data gives China (CN), and PartsSource listed China when we first checked.** McKesson's listing gives "Unknown", and xacto.com doesn't state it. X-ACTO is an American brand owned by Newell Brands. Check the box or the label under the base if origin matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size pencils fit the X-ACTO School Pro? Its six-size dial adjusts the opening from standard to larger pencils, and listings say it works with colored pencils. X-ACTO doesn't publish the diameter of each setting in the sources we found, so check jumbo or carpenter pencils first. ### Why won't my X-ACTO School Pro turn on? Check the shavings bin first: the SafeStart motor won't run unless the bin is fully in place. If it stopped after heavy use, the manual says an Auto-Reset feature pauses it to prevent overheating, so unplug it and let it cool. ### Does the X-ACTO School Pro over-sharpen pencils? It's designed not to. X-ACTO says the fly-away cutter stops sharpening once the pencil reaches its ideal sharpness. ### How big is the X-ACTO School Pro? Distributors list it at 4 × 7.5 × 7.5 in, about 102 × 191 × 191 mm, and 3.67 lb. Staples gives 5.5 × 9 × 8.5 in, which may include packaging. ### Is the X-ACTO School Pro quiet? Listings call the motor quiet, and teacher site Teach Starter praises it for classrooms. We haven't measured its noise yet; This Old House notes some buyers reported uneven sharpening. ### What is the difference between the 1670 and the 1670X? Both refer to the School Pro. Listings name it model 1670 and use 1670X as the part number for the black unit sold in the US. ### Where is the X-ACTO School Pro made? Newell's product data and PartsSource have listed China as the country of origin. X-ACTO is an American brand owned by Newell Brands, and its sharpeners were first sold under the Boston brand. ## Sources - [X-ACTO: About us (pencil sharpeners originally marketed under the Boston brand; owned by Newell Brands)](https://www.xacto.com/about-us.html) - [Staples: X-ACTO School Pro electric pencil sharpener (1670)](https://www.staples.com/product_436632) - [Staples: X-ACTO School Pro customer reviews](https://www.staples.com/ptd/review/436632) - [Staples Canada: X-ACTO SchoolPro electric pencil sharpener (5.5 × 9 × 8.5 in, 3.67 lb)](https://www.staples.ca/products/3001487-en-x-acto-schoolpro-electric-pencil-sharpener) - [Newell Brands product data (Salsify): X-ACTO School Pro with six-size dial, XL shavings bin, black (1670X; country of origin CN)](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_1670X/X-ACTO(r)-Pencil-Sharpener-School-Pro(r)-Electric-Pencil-Sharpener-With-Six-Size-Dial-XL-Shavings-Bin-Black-1-Count/) - [Azor: Model 1670 School Pro classroom electric pencil sharpener, 4 × 7.5 × 7.5, black/gray/smoke](https://shop.azorinc.com/Product/EPI/1670X/EPI1670X) - [McKesson: X-ACTO EPI1670X](https://mms.mckesson.com/product/1268069/X-ACTO-EPI1670X) - [PartsSource: X-ACTO 1670X (country of origin China when first checked)](https://www.partssource.com/parts/x-acto/1670X) - [ClassWallet: X-ACTO School Pro pencil sharpener (UPC 079946271669)](https://classroom-resources.classwallet.com/pencils-accessories/37588-school-pro-pencil-sharpener-079946271669.html) - [manuals.plus: X-ACTO 1670X manual (Auto-Reset)](https://manuals.plus/asin/B00006IEI4) - [Teach Starter: best pencil sharpeners for the classroom](https://www.teachstarter.com/us/blog/best-pencil-sharpener-classroom/) - [This Old House: best pencil sharpeners](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-offices/best-pencil-sharpener) - [Rocketium Sentinel: copy of the Amazon listing B086P836K4 (rating and reviews, January 30, 2026)](https://sentinel.rocketium.com/products/amazon/B086P836K4) - [Wikipedia: X-Acto (owned by Newell Brands)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Acto) --- # Zebra F-701: The Stainless Steel EDC Ballpoint > The Zebra F-701 is a retractable ballpoint with a stainless steel barrel and a knurled metal grip, popular as a cheap everyday-carry pen. It's about 133 mm (5.25 in) long and about 21 g, and takes Zebra's F-Refill (0.7 mm) or the 0.8 mm All Metal F-Refill. The pens themselves are marked made in Indonesia. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-701/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the Zebra F-701 ballpoint with the tip out, drawn to scale at 133 mm (5.25 in) long: stainless steel barrel and clip, knurled metal grip, steel plunger and black knock section, with a close-up of the diamond knurling](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/zebra-f-701-16x9.png) *The F-701, drawn to scale from its published 133 mm length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/zebra-f-701-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Zebra F-701 Retractable Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (0.7 mm) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Indonesia | Stainless steel barrel, tip and clip; knurled coated-brass grip; thin plastic inner sleeve | – | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Zebra F-701 Retractable Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (0.7 mm)): Indonesia. Three Points of the Compass reports Indonesia printed on the pens themselves (on the end collar of the original, on the barrel of the latest version), with packaging made in Mexico, and US business-supplier spec sheets list Indonesia. Unsharpen lists Japan. Zebra Pen's US product page doesn't state it, and Zebra's Japanese site doesn't list the F-701. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb10519-m-f-701-pen-and-pencil-set-07-mm-pen-point-size-07-mm-lead-size-refillable-2-set.html ## Key takeaways - Unsharpen lists the F-701 at 13.3 cm (5.25 in) retracted, and a reviewer measured 133.5 mm. - Unsharpen lists 21 g, and a reviewer weighed the bare pen, without its refill, at 19.7 g (first generation) to 22.6 g (latest version). - A reviewer measured the steel barrel at 9.75 mm and the knurled grip, which is coated brass, at 10 mm. - It takes the 0.7 mm Zebra F-Refill (black 2-pack 85512), and Zebra Pen sells a 0.8 mm All Metal F-Refill (item 89112) designed for it. - A reviewer reports Indonesia printed on the pens, and US supplier spec sheets agree; Unsharpen lists Japan. ## What is the Zebra F-701? **The F-701 is Zebra's retractable ballpoint with a stainless steel barrel and a knurled metal grip, sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation as the F-701 All Metal Retractable Ballpoint.** Zebra Pen's US store sells a single black pen as item 29411 and describes a stainless steel tip, barrel and clip, a knurled grip and a silent plunger. It's a long-time favorite in everyday-carry (EDC) circles because it's cheap for a metal pen and refillable. It appears to be an export model: Zebra's Japanese site doesn't list the F-701 in its product catalog in our searches, so there is no Japanese list price, model code or JAN to add. The Pen Addict found it light for a metal pen, with a click it called "incredibly smooth and quiet". Three Points of the Compass called it "just about, almost, perfect" for EDC use. ## Zebra F-701 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Zebra Co., Ltd. (Japan); US seller Zebra Pen Corporation | | Type | Retractable ballpoint, oil-based ink | | Point | 0.7 mm (F-Refill); 0.8 mm with Zebra's All Metal F-Refill, which Unsharpen lists | | Length | 133 mm (5.25 in) retracted, per Unsharpen; 133.5 mm measured by a reviewer | | Diameter | 9.75 mm barrel, 10 mm grip (measured by a reviewer) | | Weight | 21 g, per Unsharpen; 19.7–22.6 g without refill, measured by a reviewer | | Refill | Zebra F-Refill 0.7 mm (black 2-pack 85512); All Metal F-Refill 0.8 mm (89112) | | US item number | 29411 (black ink), UPC 045888294110 | | Made in | Indonesia (marked on the pen, per a reviewer; Unsharpen lists Japan) | Zebra doesn't publish the length or weight. Some US listings give 1.12 oz (about 32 g) and 8.3 in, which look like packaged figures, so we use Unsharpen's 133 mm and 21 g. Three Points of the Compass weighed the pens without a refill at 19.7 g (first generation) and 22.6 g (latest version). ![Labeled to-scale side view of the Zebra F-701: 133 mm (5.25 in) long, steel plunger, black knock section, stainless steel barrel 9.75 mm across, knurled grip 10 mm across and steel tip cone with a 0.7 mm ball](https://stationerytimes.com/images/zebra-f-701-parts.svg) *The F-701's parts at 1 mm = 4.6 px. Part lengths are in proportion; the overall length and diameters are sourced.* ## Is the Zebra F-701 all metal? **Not entirely: the barrel, tip, clip and grip are metal, but there is plastic inside.** Zebra Pen sells it as "All Metal". Three Points of the Compass found that the knurled grip is coated brass, not steel, that a thin plastic sleeve sits inside the barrel, and that first-generation pens have a black plastic collar and plastic clicker parts; the latest version has a metal collar and a coated-brass clicker. The Pen Addict's 2017 review describes the older pen, all stainless steel except that plastic top section. Check which version you are buying if all-metal matters. ## What refill does the Zebra F-701 use? **It takes Zebra's F-Refill in 0.7 mm, the same refill as the F-301 and F-402.** Zebra Pen says the F-Refill fits every F-series steel ballpoint, and Staples lists the black 2-pack, item 85512, for the F-301, F-301 Ultra, F-301 Compact, A-301A, F-402 and F-701. Zebra Pen also sells an All Metal F-Refill (item 89112), 0.8 mm black, designed for the F-701 and sold as metal-detectable for factory use. Because the F-Refill is sold in most US office stores, the F-701 is easy to keep going for years. ## Does the Zebra F-701 write well? **It writes like a standard oil-based ballpoint, and reviewers rate it as dependable rather than especially smooth.** The Pen Addict found the stock 0.7 mm refill a bit light and splotchy. If you want a smoother line, a hybrid ballpoint such as the [uni-ball Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/) or the [Pilot Acroball](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/) is the usual comparison. ## How does the F-701 compare to the F-301? **Both take the same 0.7 mm F-Refill; the F-701 is the model with the knurled metal grip.** Staples' refill listing names both pens, along with the F-402 and the F-301 Ultra and Compact. | | Zebra F-701 | Zebra F-301 | |---|---|---| | Barrel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | | Grip | Knurled metal | Not knurled | | Refill | F-Refill 0.7 mm | F-Refill 0.7 mm | | Weight | About 21 g (Unsharpen) | 11 g (JetPens) | Our [Zebra F-301 guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-301/) covers the lighter model, which JetPens lists at 11 g, and its 1.0 and 1.6 mm points. For the cheapest, lightest disposable option, a [BIC Cristal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/) sits in a lower price band. ## Is the F-701 a good pocket or EDC pen? **It's a good EDC pen, but not a short one: at 133 mm it's full length.** Our [best pocket pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pocket-pens/) lists it among popular "pocket" pens that are longer than a typical 89 to 114 mm pocket pen. Its steel clip suits a shirt pocket or a bag loop, and the knurled grip gives a sure hold. For a metal pen that really is pocket length, the [Fisher Space Pen Bullet](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fisher-space-pen-bullet/) is 96 mm closed. ## Where is the Zebra F-701 made? **The pens are marked made in Indonesia, according to Three Points of the Compass, and US supplier spec sheets agree.** The reviewer found Indonesia printed on the end collar of the original pen and on the barrel of the latest version, with the packaging done in Mexico; OnTimeSupplies gives Indonesia for the M/F-701 pen and pencil set. Unsharpen lists Japan, and Zebra Pen's US page doesn't say. The Zebra brand is from Japan. ## How much does a Zebra F-701 cost? **It sits in our $$ band ($5–20 per pen).** Refills cost far less than a new pen, so it's cheap to keep using. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Zebra F-701 all metal? Mostly, but not entirely. Zebra Pen sells it as the F-701 All Metal, with a stainless steel tip, barrel and clip, but a reviewer found a thin plastic sleeve inside, and first-generation pens have a plastic collar and clicker parts. ### What refill does the Zebra F-701 use? The Zebra F-Refill in 0.7 mm; Zebra Pen says it fits every F-series steel ballpoint, including the F-301, F-402 and F-701. Zebra Pen also sells an All Metal F-Refill (item 89112), 0.8 mm black, designed for the F-701. ### How heavy is the Zebra F-701? About 21 g, per Unsharpen. Three Points of the Compass weighed the pen without its refill at 19.7 g for the first generation and 22.6 g for the latest version. Some US listings give 1.12 oz, which looks like a packaged weight. ### Where is the Zebra F-701 made? A reviewer reports Indonesia printed on the pens, with the packaging done in Mexico, and US retailer spec sheets list Indonesia; Unsharpen lists Japan. Zebra itself is based in Tokyo. ### What is the difference between the Zebra F-301 and F-701? Both take the same 0.7 mm F-Refill, per Zebra Pen. The F-701 has a knurled metal grip and weighs about 21 g; the F-301 has a plastic textured grip and JetPens lists it at 11 g. Zebra doesn't publish weights. ### Is the F-701 a good everyday-carry pen? It's a popular one: it's cheap, metal-bodied and refillable, and reviewers praise its smooth, quiet click. At 133 mm it's full length, not a short pocket pen. ### Does the Zebra F-701 write well? It writes like a standard 0.7 mm oil-based ballpoint. The Pen Addict found the stock refill a bit light and splotchy, so some owners swap in a smoother refill that fits. ## Sources - [Zebra Pen (US): F-701 All Metal Retractable Ballpoint (stainless steel tip, barrel and clip; knurled grip; item 29411, UPC 045888294110; read in full)](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-701-all-metal-retractable-ballpoint) - [Zebra Pen (US): All Metal F-Refill, 0.8 mm black, item 89112 (designed for the F-701)](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/all-metal-f-refill) - [Zebra Pen (US): F-Refill (fits F-301, F-301A, F-301 Compact, F-402, F-701)](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-refill) - [商品情報｜ゼブラ株式会社 (Zebra Japan product catalog; no F-701 listed)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/index.html) - [Staples: Zebra steel F-Refill, 0.7 mm black, 2-pack 85512 (fits F-301, F-402, F-701)](https://www.staples.com/zebra-steel-f-refill-ballpoint-pen-refill-fine-tip-black-ink-2-pack-85512/product_270967) - [MyWorkSupply: Zebra steel F-Refill, blue, 2-pack 85523](https://myworksupply.com/products/zebra-steel-f-refill-ballpoint-pen-refill-fine-point-blue-ink-2-pack-85523) - [Zebra Pen: A guide to Zebra pen refills](https://www.zebrapen.com/blogs/explore-different/a-guide-to-zebra-pen-refills) - [Unsharpen: Zebra F-701 ballpoint pen (13.3 cm, 21 g, 0.8 mm, country of origin Japan)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/zebra-f-701-ballpoint-pen/) - [Three Points of the Compass: Is the Zebra F-701 the perfect EDC pen? (February 9, 2022; 133.5 mm, 9.75 mm barrel, 10 mm brass grip, Indonesia on the pen)](https://threepointsofthecompass.com/2022/02/09/gear-talk-the-zebra-f-701-is-this-the-perfect-edc-pen/) - [The Pen Addict: Zebra F-701 ballpoint pen review (September 27, 2017)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2017/9/27/zebra-f-701-ballpoint-pen-review) - [OnTimeSupplies: Zebra M/F-701 pen and pencil set 10519 (country of origin Indonesia)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb10519-m-f-701-pen-and-pencil-set-07-mm-pen-point-size-07-mm-lead-size-refillable-2-set.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Zebra F-701 ballpoint, fine 0.7 mm, black ink (29411)](https://docker1-www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb29411-f-701-ballpoint-pen-retractable-fine-07-mm-black-ink-stainless-steel-black-barrel.html) - [Gateway Printing & Office Supply: Zebra steel 7 series F-701, box of 6 (Indonesia)](https://www.gatewayp.com/zebra-pen-steel-7-series-f-701-retractable-ballpoint-pen-0-7-mm-pen-point-size-refillable-retractable-black-stainless-steel-barrel-6-box--1) - [Walmart: Zebra F-701 ballpoint pens, stainless steel with knurled grip, 3-pack](https://www.walmart.com/ip/3-Zebra-F-701-Ballpoint-Pens-Stainless-Steel-with-Knurled-Grip-Pk-of-3-Pens/153325112) - [Tools and Toys: Zebra F-701 stainless steel pen](https://toolsandtoys.net/zebra-f-701-stainless-steel-pen/) --- # MISTI Stamping Tool: Sizes, Magnets & How It Works > The MISTI is a stamp positioning tool from My Sweet Petunia: a board with a hinged door that picks up your stamp and brings it down in the same spot every time. The Original measures 8 × 10 in with a 6.5 × 8.5 in stamping area, and comes with a foam pad, a neodymium bar magnet and grid paper. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/misti-stamping-tool/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Original MISTI stamp positioning tool opened flat, drawn to scale at 8 by 10 in: a card held in the corner by a bar magnet on the gridded base, a clear stamp on the hinged door, and the finished card stamped in red](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/misti-stamping-tool-16x9.png) *The hinged door brings the stamp down on the card in the same place every time.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/misti-stamping-tool-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | MISTI Original Stamp Positioning Tool (8 × 10 in, laser etched) | MISTI (by My Sweet Petunia) | United States | Not stated | – | – | $$$: $20–75 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (MISTI Original Stamp Positioning Tool (8 × 10 in, laser etched)): Not stated. My Sweet Petunia says each MISTI is laser etched, saw cut and hand assembled, but none of the maker or retailer pages we found names a country of manufacture. Brand origin is given as the United States because My Sweet Petunia sells the MISTI from a US store in US dollars through US craft retailers; we found no page stating the company's city. Check the box. Source: https://www.mysweetpetunia.com/MISTI-p/original-misti.htm ## Key takeaways - My Sweet Petunia lists the Original MISTI at 8 × 10 in (203 × 254 mm) with a stamping area of 6.5 × 8.5 in (165 × 216 mm). - The Mini MISTI is listed at 6 × 7 in with a 6 × 4.75 in stamping area; the Memory MISTI stamps up to 12.25 × 12.25 in. - The box holds the tool, a foam pad, one neodymium bar magnet and sample grid paper; My Sweet Petunia gives a 2-year limited warranty but excludes the magnets. - My Sweet Petunia says each MISTI is laser etched, saw cut and hand assembled, with a tolerance of ±1/8 in (about 3 mm). - An Amazon listing mirrored by Desertcart shows the Original at 4.8 out of 5 from 2,371 reviews. ## What is a MISTI stamping tool? **The MISTI is a stamp positioning tool: a flat board with a raised corner for your paper and a hinged door that picks up the stamp and brings it down in the same place each time.** The name stands for Most Incredible Stamp Tool Invented, and the maker is My Sweet Petunia. Card makers use it to re-ink and stamp again when a print comes out patchy, to line up layered stamps, and to stamp the same sentiment on a batch of cards. A 2017 Nally Studios roundup says the original MISTI "took the stamping world by storm" in 2015 and 2016, and that My Sweet Petunia first applied for a patent on January 13, 2015. For a multi-layer set to practice on, see our [Altenew Peony Bouquet](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/altenew-peony-bouquet-stamp-set/) guide. ## MISTI Original specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | My Sweet Petunia | | Board size | 8 × 10 in (203 × 254 mm), per the maker | | Measured closed | 8 1/8 × 10 × 1/2 in (My Sweet Petunia and Simon Says Stamp); 8.125 × 10.5 in (Scrapbook.com) | | Warranty | 2-year limited, excluding magnets (My Sweet Petunia) | | Stamping area | 6.5 × 8.5 in (165 × 216 mm) | | In the box | Tool, foam pad, neodymium bar magnet, grid paper | | Construction | Laser etched, saw cut, hand assembled; ±1/8 in tolerance | | Stamps | Clear stamps and red rubber cling stamps | | Made in | Not stated | The board size and stamping area come from My Sweet Petunia's own page. Retailer measurements run about 1/8 in larger, which fits within the maker's stated tolerance. ## How does a MISTI work? **You fix the paper in the corner, place the stamp face down on it, then close the door so the stamp sticks to the door's inside.** Open the door, ink the stamp, close it and press; the hinge returns the stamp to exactly the same spot. - **Paper:** push it into the raised corner and hold it with the bar magnet. - **Foam pad:** My Sweet Petunia says it raises the cardstock for clear stamps. - **Re-stamp:** if the first print is patchy, re-ink and press again without moving anything. ## Which MISTI size should you buy? **Buy the Original for cards and panels up to 6.5 × 8.5 in, the Mini for card fronts, and the Memory MISTI for 12 × 12 in scrapbook pages.** ![To-scale drawing of three MISTI boards: Memory MISTI about 14.5 by 14.125 in with a 12.25 by 12.25 in stamp area, Original 8 by 10 in with a 6.5 by 8.5 in stamp area, and Mini 6 by 7 in with a 6 by 4.75 in stamp area](https://stationerytimes.com/images/misti-stamping-tool-sizes.svg) *The three MISTI sizes with their stamping areas, drawn to scale.* | | Mini | Original | Memory | |---|---|---|---| | Board | 6 × 7 in | 8 × 10 in | 13.75 × 14 in per the maker; about 14.5 × 14.125 × 1 in closed per Simon Says Stamp | | Stamping area | 6 × 4.75 in | 6.5 × 8.5 in | 12.25 × 12.25 in | | Fits an A2 card front (4.25 × 5.5 in) | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Good for | Cards, travel | Cards and panels | Scrapbook pages | Mini and Original figures are from My Sweet Petunia; the Memory figures are from Simon Says Stamp. The Mini costs less than the Original but still falls in the same $20–75 band. ## What changed in the newer MISTI? **Reviewers describe the current version as having metal hinges, a lid that stays open and a slot for the magnet, which the first version lacked.** Amazon sells it as the 2020 version, and Simon Says Stamp calls it the MISTI Precision Stamper Version 2.0. My Sweet Petunia's listings now say the boards are laser etched, so they don't need the separate vinyl cling grid older MISTIs used. If you buy secondhand, check which version you are getting. ## What are the downsides? **The magnets are the weak point.** My Sweet Petunia warns that neodymium magnets are brittle and very strong, and does not cover them under warranty; Scrapbook.com reviewers report magnets breaking when kept stuck together. Price is the other complaint. Splitcoaststampers reviewers mention hesitating over the cost before it became their go-to tool, and one Scrapbook.com commenter points to cheaper positioners from other brands. The best-known alternative is the [Tim Holtz Stamp Platform](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-stamp-platform/), with a larger 8.5 × 8.5 in stamping area. ## Which inks work well with a MISTI? **Any stamp ink works, because the MISTI only positions the stamp.** Its re-stamping helps most with solid images that print patchy on the first pass. For crisp line art to color with alcohol markers, see our [Memento Tuxedo Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad/) guide; for fine detail and heat embossing, see [VersaFine Onyx Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad/). For a permanent black under watercolor, see the [Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-archival-ink-jet-black/) pad. ## Where is the MISTI made? **My Sweet Petunia doesn't state a country of manufacture in the pages we found.** It says only that each MISTI is laser etched, saw cut and hand assembled. For a return-address stamp that needs no positioning at all, a self-inking stamp such as the [Trodat Printy 4912](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/trodat-printy-4912/) is the simpler tool. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does MISTI stand for? MISTI stands for Most Incredible Stamp Tool Invented. It is the name My Sweet Petunia gives its line of hinged stamp positioning tools. ### What size is the original MISTI? My Sweet Petunia lists the Original at 8 × 10 in with a 6.5 × 8.5 in stamping area. Retailers measure it slightly larger closed, such as 8.125 × 10 × 0.5 in at Simon Says Stamp. ### Is the Mini MISTI big enough for cards? The maker lists a 6 × 4.75 in stamping area, which covers the front of a standard A2 card (4.25 × 5.5 in). Choose the Original if you also stamp on larger panels or full 8.5 × 11 in sheets folded in half. ### Do you need magnets with a MISTI? One neodymium bar magnet comes in the box to hold the paper in place. My Sweet Petunia warns that these magnets are brittle and very strong, and does not cover them under warranty. ### Can you use rubber stamps in a MISTI? Yes. My Sweet Petunia says the MISTI works with clear stamps and red rubber cling stamps. Unmounted rubber needs a cling backing or temporary adhesive so it sticks to the door. ### What is the foam pad for? My Sweet Petunia says the included foam pad raises the cardstock when you stamp with clear stamps. The softer surface helps a firm clear stamp make full contact for a solid print. ### What is the difference between the old and new MISTI? Reviewers describe the newer version as having metal hinges, a lid that stays open and a slot for the magnet, which the first version lacked. Current versions are laser etched, so they don't need the vinyl cling grid older boards used. ### Where is the MISTI made? My Sweet Petunia doesn't state a country in the pages we found. It says only that each MISTI is laser etched, saw cut and hand assembled. ## Sources - [My Sweet Petunia: Original MISTI Laser Etched (8 × 10, 6.5 × 8.5 stamp area, price)](https://www.mysweetpetunia.com/MISTI-p/original-misti.htm) - [My Sweet Petunia: Mini MISTI Laser Etched (6 × 7, 6 × 4.75 stamp area; laser etched, saw cut, hand assembled)](https://www.mysweetpetunia.com/NEW-MINI-MISTI-p/mini-misti.htm) - [My Sweet Petunia: Memory MISTI](https://www.mysweetpetunia.com/MISTI-p/memory-misti.htm) - [Scrapbook.com: MISTI Stamping Tool (foam pad, bar magnet, grid paper; 8.125 × 10.5 in closed)](https://www.scrapbook.com/store/msp-64124.html) - [Simon Says Stamp: MISTI Precision Stamper (about 8.125 × 10 × 0.5 in)](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/MISTI-Precision-Stamper-Stamping-Tool-mistimsp) - [Simon Says Stamp: Memory MISTI 12.25 × 12.25 stamping tool kit](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/misti-memory-misti-precision-stamper-version-2-0-12-25x12-25-stamping-tool-kit-mistimem) - [Hero Arts: My Sweet Petunia MISTI 8 × 10](https://heroarts.com/products/my-sweet-petunia-misti-most-incredible-stamp-tool-invented-8-x-10) - [Spellbinders: Black MISTI (magnets brittle, not under warranty)](https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/products/black-misti-most-incredible-stamp-tool-invented) - [Amazon: MISTI 2020 version bundle (8 × 10 × 3.5 in package, 3 lb)](https://www.amazon.com/Stamping-Platform-Version-Creative-Corners/dp/B093CJ5NJ6) - [Amazon: Mini MISTI (2020 version)](https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Misti-Stamp-Tool-Incredible/dp/B01FWQUQIW) - [Desertcart (Amazon listing mirror): Pink MISTI Original, 4.8 stars from 2,371 reviews](https://www.desertcart.co/products/30763967) - [Splitcoaststampers: MISTI by My Sweet Petunia (user reviews)](https://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/products/misti_by_my_sweet_petunia/) - [Nally Studios: craft-industry update, April 11, 2017 (MISTI patent history)](https://nallystudios.com/blog/2017/04/11/update-misti-project-life-etsy-jobs-events-more) --- # Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black: Permanent Stamp Pad > Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black (AIP31468) is a permanent, waterproof, acid-free stamp pad from Ranger Industries of New Jersey. Card makers use it for outlines they will paint with watercolor or color with markers. Ranger gives the case as 3 7/8 × 2.75 in, a 0.5 fl oz re-inker refills it, and Ranger makes it in the USA. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-archival-ink-jet-black/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black pad with the lid lifted, drawn to scale at 99 mm (3.9 in) wide, beside a fine-line flower stamped in black over a pale blue watercolor wash](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/ranger-archival-ink-jet-black-16x9.png) *Archival Ink is sold for black outlines that stay crisp under watercolor and markers.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/ranger-archival-ink-jet-black-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Ranger Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black (AIP31468) | Ranger (by Ranger Industries, Tinton Falls, New Jersey) | United States | United States | Dye ink in a felt pad, plastic case | 2017-07 | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Ranger Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black (AIP31468)): United States. Ranger's About page, under "Made in USA", says it keeps all its inks manufactured in the USA at a facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and its store tags the Jet Black pad "Ranger Made" and "USA". The retailer Ninny Snapkins also lists it as made in USA. Source: https://rangerink.com/pages/about ## Key takeaways - Ranger gives the case as 3 7/8 × 2.75 in (98 × 70 mm) and the felt pad as 3 1/8 × 2 in (79 × 51 mm); Amazon adds a 0.75 in (19 mm) height. - Ranger's catalog calls Archival a fade-resistant, waterproof dye ink that is permanent on matte and gloss papers. - ASINsight estimated Amazon US sales at about 1,000 pads a month in July 2026, with a 4.6 rating from 455 reviews. - The matching Jet Black re-inker (ARR30799) is a 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) bottle; a jumbo 4.25 × 6.25 in pad (A3P06701) is also sold. - Ranger says all its inks are made in the USA at its plant in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. ## What is Ranger Archival Ink? **Ranger Archival Ink is a permanent dye stamp ink sold in pads and re-inkers, and Jet Black (AIP31468) is its best-known color.** Ranger's catalog calls it fade resistant, waterproof and permanent on matte and gloss papers; retailers add acid-free and non-toxic. Card makers buy it for black outlines they will color in afterward, with watercolor, markers or ink blending. Ranger Industries, its maker, is based in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Ranger says it was founded in 1929 making commercial inks for the US banking industry, and developed its first art stamp pads in 1979. ## Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Ranger Industries (Tinton Falls, New Jersey) | | Model | AIP31468 (also written AIP-31468) | | UPC | 789541031468 | | Ink type | Dye (Ranger catalog) | | Ink properties | Permanent on matte and gloss papers, waterproof, fade resistant (Ranger); acid-free, non-toxic (retailers) | | Drying | Air-dries on matte paper; heat-set on glossy (Walmart listing) | | Case size | 3 7/8 × 2.75 in (98 × 70 mm); 0.75 in (19 mm) tall, per Amazon | | Inking pad | 3 1/8 × 2 in (79 × 51 mm) | | Re-inker | ARR30799, 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) | | Jumbo pad | A3P06701, 4.25 × 6.25 in | | Made in | United States (Tinton Falls, New Jersey) | Ranger's product page gives the case and pad sizes; its April 2026 catalog gives the codes and ink type. Retailers' own figures differ: Ninny Snapkins lists 2.75 × 4 in and Simon Says Stamp about 3.5 × 2.5 in. ![To-scale drawing of three black ink pad cases: Ranger Archival Jet Black 99 by 70 mm, StazOn Jet Black 99 by 67 mm and Memento Tuxedo Black 97.5 by 67.8 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/ranger-archival-ink-jet-black-size.svg) *Archival Ink is about the same footprint as the other full-size black pads we cover.* ## Is Archival Ink waterproof under watercolor and markers? **Yes, once it is dry, according to Ranger.** Ranger says the image doesn't bleed over water-based inks, markers, acrylic paint and watercolors, and Spellbinders' listing adds alcohol inks; that is the main reason stampers choose it. Let it dry fully first. On matte cardstock it air-dries; on glossy paper the Walmart listing says to heat-set it with a heat tool. ## How long does it take to dry? **It dries quickly on matte cardstock, but Ranger's retailers say glossy paper needs heat-setting.** Reviewers on Spellbinders mention that it dries fast and doesn't smear. Neither Ranger nor the retailers we found give a drying time in seconds. Because humidity and paper change the result, test on a scrap before coloring a finished piece. ## How does Archival Ink compare to StazOn, VersaFine and Memento? **Archival Ink is the paper-first permanent black; the others each suit a different job.** | | Archival Ink | StazOn | VersaFine | Memento | |---|---|---|---|---| | Maker | Ranger (USA) | Tsukineko (Japan) | Tsukineko (Japan) | Tsukineko (Japan) | | Sold for | Paper, under watercolor and markers | Glass, metal, plastic, leather | Fine detail on paper | Coloring with alcohol markers | | Ink base | Dye (Ranger) | Solvent | Oil-based pigment | Water-based dye | | Water over it | Waterproof (Ranger) | Yes, per stampers | Yes, once dry | Runs | See our guides to [StazOn](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/), [VersaFine Onyx Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad/) and [Memento Tuxedo Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad/) for their sources. ## How do you re-ink an Archival pad? **Use the Ranger Archival re-inker, a 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) bottle sold in each pad color; Jet Black is ARR30799.** Walmart's listing says the re-inkers work on all Ranger Archival pads. Spread a few drops across the pad and let them soak in before stamping. Spellbinders sells the Jet Black pad and re-inker as a bundle. ## How popular is it? **Archival Jet Black is one of the steady sellers in its niche on Amazon US.** An ASINsight report from July 2026 estimates about 1,000 units a month, ranks it 5th among archival ink pads, and shows a 4.6 rating from 455 reviews. These are third-party estimates, not Amazon figures. Its typical US price sits in the $5–20 band. ## Where is Ranger Archival Ink made? **Ranger says all its inks are made in the USA at its facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.** Its About page says the same of its embossing powders, paints and glues, and the US retailer Ninny Snapkins also lists the Jet Black pad as made in USA. Ranger also makes the [Tim Holtz Distress Oxide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad/) pads in the same plant. For lining up a stamp so you can print it twice in exactly the same place, see our [MISTI stamping tool](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/misti-stamping-tool/) guide. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Ranger Archival Ink waterproof? Ranger's catalog calls it waterproof and permanent on matte and gloss papers. That is why stampers use it for outlines they paint over with watercolor. ### Can you use alcohol markers over Archival Ink? Ranger says it doesn't bleed under water-based inks, markers, acrylic paint and watercolors, and Spellbinders' listing adds alcohol inks. Let the ink dry fully first, and test on your own paper and markers. ### Is Archival Ink a dye or pigment ink? Dye. Ranger's catalog describes the mini pads as "the same unique, fade resistant dye ink formula as full size Archival Ink Pads", so it isn't a pigment ink. ### How long does Archival Ink take to dry? A Walmart listing says it air-dries on matte paper and should be heat-set on glossy paper. Reviewers report it drying quickly on cardstock without smearing. ### What size is a Ranger Archival Ink pad? Ranger gives the case as 3 7/8 × 2.75 in (98 × 70 mm) and the inking pad as 3 1/8 × 2 in (79 × 51 mm). Amazon lists the closed case as 0.75 in tall. ### How do you re-ink an Archival Ink pad? Use the Ranger Archival re-inker in the matching color, a 0.5 fl oz bottle (ARR30799 for Jet Black). Add a few drops across the pad and let them soak in before stamping. ### Is Ranger Archival Ink better than StazOn? They suit different jobs. Archival Ink is sold for paper and stays crisp under watercolor, while StazOn is a solvent ink made for glass, metal, plastic and other non-porous surfaces. ### Where is Ranger Archival Ink made? Ranger says all its inks are made in the USA at its facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. A US retailer also lists the Jet Black pad as made in USA. ## Sources - [Ranger: Archival Ink Pads Jet Black (AIP31468; case 3 7/8 × 2.75 in, pad 3 1/8 × 2 in; UPC 789541031468)](https://rangerink.com/products/archival-ink-pads-jet-black) - [Ranger: Full Catalog, April 2026 (Archival dye ink, permanent on matte and gloss, 0.5 fl oz re-inker ARR30799, jumbo A3P06701)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2159/8935/files/FullCatalog-April2026.pdf?v=1779197612) - [Ranger: About (founded 1929; all inks made in USA in Tinton Falls, NJ)](https://rangerink.com/pages/about) - [Faire: Ranger Ink brand profile (all inks made in USA, Tinton Falls, NJ)](https://faire.com/brand/b_uj5jqbw7qu) - [Ninny Snapkins: Ranger Archival Ink Pad Jet Black (2-3/4 × 4 in, made in USA)](https://ninnysnapkins.com/products/ranger-archival-ink-pad-jet-black) - [Simon Says Stamp: Ranger Archival Ink Pad Jet Black AIP31468 (about 3.5 × 2.5 in)](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/ranger-archival-ink-pad-jet-black-aip31468) - [Desertcart (Amazon product information): Ranger Archival Jet Black (1.91 × 9.91 × 6.99 cm)](https://www.desertcart.co.th/products/48242169) - [Bigamart: Ranger AIP-31468 Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black, 6.86 × 9.91 × 1.78 cm](https://bigamart.com/?p=327384) - [A Fine Time for Hobbies: Ranger Archival Ink Pad Jet Black (permanent on matte and gloss, acid-free, waterproof)](https://www.afth.co.uk/ranger---archival-ink-pad---jet-black-6365-p.asp) - [Walmart: Ranger Archival Ink Pad No. 0 Jet Black (air dry matte, heat set glossy)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ranger-Archival-Ink-Pad-Jet-Black-Permanent-Waterproof-Acid-Free-Non-Toxic-Wont-Bleed-Smudge-Provides-Vivid-Crisp-Stamping-Results-Air-Dry-Matte-Heat/965314345) - [Spellbinders: Ranger Archival Jet Black bundle (pad and 0.5 oz re-inker; crisp over markers and watercolor)](https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/products/ranger-archival-jet-black-bundle) - [Walmart: Ranger Archival re-inker 0.5 oz (works on all Archival pads)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/978236279) - [ASINsight: best-selling archival ink pads on Amazon US (July 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/archival-ink-pads) --- # Speedball Speedy-Carve Block: Sizes & Carving Tips > Speedball Speedy-Carve is a soft pink carving block for making your own rubber stamps and relief prints. Speedball sells it in five sizes from 3 × 4 in to 11.75 × 11.75 in, about 1/4 in (6.5 mm) thick, and says it carves more easily than linoleum. Dharma Trading has listed it as made in the USA. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/speedball-speedy-carve-block/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Pink Speedball Speedy-Carve block, 4 by 6 in and 1/4 in thick, drawn to scale with a leaf carved in relief, beside its mirror-image print in black ink](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/speedball-speedy-carve-block-16x9.png) *Carve the design in reverse: the print comes out as its mirror image.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/speedball-speedy-carve-block-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Speedball Speedy-Carve Block, Pink (4 × 6 in) | Speedball (by Speedball Art Products, Statesville, North Carolina) | United States | United States | Pink PVC-based plastic with calcium carbonate filler (per Speedball's safety data sheet); latex-free | – | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Speedball Speedy-Carve Block, Pink (4 × 6 in)): United States. Dharma Trading's former product page listed Speedy-Carve blocks as made in the United States; its current page doesn't state it. Speedball describes Statesville, North Carolina as its US manufacturing and distribution headquarters, and its Speedy-Carve safety data sheet names Speedball in Statesville as the supplier, but no Speedball page names the factory for Speedy-Carve. Check the packaging. Source: https://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/2042-AA.shtml ## Key takeaways - Speedball's safety data sheet gives the plates as 6.5 mm thick; retailers round it to 1/4 in (6.35 mm). - Speedball lists 5 sizes: 3 × 4, 4 × 6, 6 × 12, 9 × 11.75 and 11.75 × 11.75 in. - Retailers describe the surface as soft and putty-like, easier to cut than linoleum and able to hold fine lines without crumbling. - Speedball says the blocks are latex-free and gluten-free but contain PVC, so they aren't for laser cutters. - An Amazon listing mirrored by Desertcart shows the 4 × 6 in block at 4.7 out of 5 from 1,630 reviews. ## What is Speedball Speedy-Carve? **Speedy-Carve is a soft pink block you carve with lino tools to make your own stamps or relief prints.** You cut away everything you don't want to print, ink the raised surface left behind, and press it onto paper. Retailers sell it for both stamp carving and block printing, and an Amazon reviewer mentions using it for letterboxing stamps. It is made by Speedball Art Products, the Statesville, North Carolina company that began as the C. Howard Hunt Pen Company in 1899. ## Speedy-Carve specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Speedball Art Products, Statesville, North Carolina | | Color | Pink | | Thickness | 6.5 mm (Speedball data sheet); about 1/4 in | | Sizes | 3 × 4, 4 × 6, 6 × 12, 9 × 11.75, 11.75 × 11.75 in | | Material | PVC-based plastic with calcium carbonate; latex-free | | Inks | Water-soluble or oil-based block printing ink | | Tools | Lino cutters (V and U gouges) | | Laser cutting | Not recommended (contains PVC) | | Made in | United States (Dharma Trading, former page) | Sizes, inks and the PVC warning come from Speedball's product page; thickness and composition from its safety data sheet. Retailers round the thickness to 1/4 in, and an Amazon listing gives the 4 × 6 in block as 6 × 0.25 × 4 in. ## What sizes does Speedy-Carve come in? **Speedball lists five sizes, from a 3 × 4 in stamp-sized block to an 11.75 × 11.75 in sheet.** The 4 × 6 in block is the common starter size, and Walmart also sells it in 6-packs. ![To-scale drawing of four Speedball Speedy-Carve block sizes stacked from one corner: 3 by 4 in, 4 by 6 in, 9 by 11.75 in and 11.75 by 12 in, plus a side view of the 1/4 in (6.35 mm) thickness](https://stationerytimes.com/images/speedball-speedy-carve-block-sizes.svg) *All four sizes share the same 1/4 in thickness.* | Size | Metric | Good for | |---|---|---| | 3 × 4 in | 76 × 102 mm | Small stamps, a first practice carve | | 4 × 6 in | 102 × 152 mm | Several small stamps or one postcard print | | 6 × 12 in | 152 × 305 mm | Long borders and banners | | 9 × 11.75 in | 229 × 298 mm | Cutting into many stamps; larger prints | | 11.75 × 11.75 in | 298 × 298 mm | Large relief prints | Our drawing above follows the retailer catalog we first used: it shows the largest block as 11.75 × 12 in and leaves out the 6 × 12 in size that Speedball also lists. You can cut any block into pieces with a craft knife, and a retailer notes this makes multi-color registration easier. ## How does Speedy-Carve compare to linoleum? **Retailers describe it as much easier to cut than traditional linoleum while still holding fine lines.** Wyndham Art Supplies calls the surface soft and putty-like, and Dharma Trading says the blocks won't crack, crumble or break. The softness has a cost. ShopSavvy's summary of reviews says some buyers find it too soft for very fine detail and see shaggy edges on cuts, and that a wooden backing helps when printing. Reviewers also compare it favorably with Speedball's ivory Speedy-Cut, which one called crumbly. ## What tools do you need? **You need a lino cutter, a pencil and a craft knife; inking depends on what you make.** 1. **Transfer the design** in pencil or from a printout; ShopSavvy's review summary says buyers like how printed designs transfer. 2. **Carve** with V gouges for lines and U gouges for clearing; carve the design in reverse. 3. **Trim** the block with a craft knife, and mount large stamps on wood or acrylic. 4. **Ink** small stamps on a pad, or roll block printing ink with a brayer for larger prints. For a permanent black on paper, try the [Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-archival-ink-jet-black/) pad; for glossy or non-porous surfaces, a solvent ink such as [StazOn](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/). ## Is it worth buying? **For a first carved stamp, yes: it is inexpensive, forgiving and widely sold.** A single 4 × 6 in block typically falls in the $5–20 band, and per-block prices in 6-packs drop below $5. An Amazon listing mirrored by Desertcart shows the 4 × 6 in block at 4.7 out of 5 from 1,630 reviews, and ranks it in the top few hundred of Amazon's relief and block printing materials. If you want very fine detail and crisp edges for prints, traditional linoleum may suit you better. ## Where is Speedy-Carve made? **Dharma Trading has listed it as made in the United States, though its current page no longer says so.** Speedball says it moved manufacturing to Statesville, North Carolina, in 1957 (the local chamber of commerce says 1958) and calls Statesville its US manufacturing and distribution headquarters; a PBS segment shows over 3,000 products made there. We found no Speedball page naming the factory for Speedy-Carve itself, so check the packaging. To print a hand-carved stamp exactly in place twice, a [MISTI stamping tool](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/misti-stamping-tool/) helps. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is Speedy-Carve made of? Speedball's safety data sheet describes pink plastic plates made from a blend of PVC, calcium carbonate, a plasticizer (an alkyl sulphonic ester of phenol), zinc and calcium stearate, titanium dioxide and pink pigment. Speedball says it is latex-free. ### How thick is a Speedy-Carve block? Speedball's safety data sheet gives 6.5 mm; Jerry's Artarama and Dharma Trading round that to 1/4 in (6.35 mm). Reviewers say a thin block benefits from mounting on wood or acrylic for large stamps. ### What sizes does Speedy-Carve come in? Speedball lists 3 × 4, 4 × 6, 6 × 12, 9 × 11.75 and 11.75 × 11.75 in. Some retailers give the largest as 11.75 × 12 in, and the 4 × 6 in size is also sold in 6-packs. ### What do you carve Speedy-Carve with? Retailers say it is designed for lino-cutting tools: a handle with interchangeable V and U gouges. A craft knife helps trim the block to size. ### Is Speedy-Carve easier than linoleum? Retailers say yes: its soft surface is easier to cut than traditional linoleum and takes fine lines without crumbling. Some reviewers find it too soft for very fine detail and report shaggy cut edges. ### Can you cut Speedy-Carve with a laser cutter? No. Speedball says Speedy-Carve contains PVC and is not recommended for laser cutters. ### What ink do you use with a Speedy-Carve stamp? Small carved stamps print with ordinary stamp pads. For larger prints, retailers sell it as a printmaking block to roll with block printing ink and a brayer. ### Where is Speedy-Carve made? Dharma Trading has listed it as made in the United States, though its current page doesn't say. Speedball's manufacturing and distribution headquarters is in Statesville, North Carolina. ## Sources - [Speedball: Speedy-Carve Blocks (3 × 4, 4 × 6, 6 × 12, 9 × 11.75, 11.75 × 11.75 in; water-soluble or oil-based inks; latex-free, contains PVC)](https://www.speedballart.com/speedy-carve-blocks/) - [Speedball: Speedy Carve product safety data sheet, rev. 3, November 21, 2018 (pink plastic plates 6.5 mm thick; composition; supplier Speedball, Statesville, NC)](https://www.speedballart.com/content/resources/BP%20Speedy%20Carve%20MSDS.pdf) - [Speedball: About us (Camden, NJ, 1899; manufacturing moved to Statesville, NC, in 1957; US-based manufacturing and distribution headquarters)](https://www.speedballart.com/about-us/) - [Dharma Trading: Speedball Speedy-Carve Blocks (former page: 1/4 in thick, made in USA)](https://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/2042-AA.shtml) - [Jerry's Artarama: Speedball Speedy-Carve (3 × 4 in item 66549; 1/4 in thickness)](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/speedball-speedy-carve) - [Jerry's Artarama: Speedball Speedy-Carve 4 × 6 in](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/speedball-speedy-carve-4x6-inch-0066550000000) - [School Specialty: Speedy-Carve block 3 × 4 in, pink (1539724)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/speedball-speedy-carve-block-3-x-4-inches-pink-1539724) - [School Specialty: Speedy-Carve block 4 × 6 in, pink (1539725)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/art-supplies-craft-supplies/printmaking/linoleum-block-printing/speedball-speedy-carve-block-4-x-6-inches-pink-1539725) - [School Specialty: Speedy-Carve block 9 × 11-3/4 in, pink (1539727)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/speedball-speedy-carve-block-9x12-in-pink-1539727) - [School Specialty: Speedy-Carve block 11-3/4 × 12 in, pink (1539728)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/speedball-speedy-carve-block-12x12-in-pink-1539728) - [Wyndham Art Supplies: Speedball Speedy-Carve (soft, putty-like, latex-free, contains PVC)](https://www.wyndhamartsupplies.com/products/speedball-speedy-carve-lino) - [T N Lawrence: Speedball Speedy-Carve block 10 × 15 cm (4 × 6 in)](https://www.tnlawrence.com/speedball-speedy-carve-block-10x15cm-4x6in) - [Desertcart (Amazon listing mirror): Speedy-Carve 4 × 6 in (6 × 0.25 × 4 in; 4.7 stars, 1,630 reviews)](https://www.desertcart.com.cy/products/1429350.md) - [Desertcart (Amazon listing mirror): Speedy-Carve reviews (vs Speedy-Cut, mounting)](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/1429381) - [ShopSavvy: is the Speedy-Carve block good for detailed designs (review summary)](https://shopsavvy.com/answers/is-the-speedball-speedy-carve-block-good-for-detailed-designs) - [Wikipedia: Speedball (art products) (C. Howard Hunt Pen Company, 1899; Statesville, NC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedball_(art_products)) - [PBS: Speedball Art (Statesville facility, over 3,000 items)](https://www.pbs.org/video/speedball-art-alpd5q/) - [Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce: A Legacy of Innovation: Speedball (move in 1958)](https://allen-tate-real-estate-mari.locable.com/connections/28047-greater-statesville-chamber-of-commerce/posts/2024/11/14/15461/a-legacy-of-innovation-speed/) - [Walmart: Speedball Art Products (Speedy-Carve 4 × 6 in 6-pack)](https://www.walmart.com/c/brand/speedball-art-products-arts-crafts) --- # Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Stick: Sizes & Uses > Elmer's Disappearing Purple is a washable school glue stick that goes on purple, so you can see where you've glued, and dries clear. Elmer's sells it in 0.21 oz (6 g), 0.24 oz (7 g) and jumbo 0.77 oz (22 g) sticks. Elmer's calls it acid-free, photo safe and non-toxic, and it leads Amazon's US glue-stick sales. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/elmers-disappearing-purple-glue-stick/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Elmer's Disappearing Purple glue stick drawn to scale at 104 mm (4.1 in) long, one uncapped with purple glue twisted up, beside a sheet where a glue swipe is purple when wet and clear when dry](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/elmers-disappearing-purple-glue-stick-16x9.png) *The 0.77 oz stick at 4.1 in long; the glue goes on purple and dries clear (1 mm = 2.4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/elmers-disappearing-purple-glue-stick-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 0.21 oz (6 g), 12 count (E1559) | Elmer's (by Elmer's Products, Inc., a Newell Brands company) | United States | Thailand | Washable, acid-free glue that goes on purple and dries clear | – | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 0.21 oz (6 g), 12 count (E1559)): Thailand. Newell Brands' own product record for the 12-count E1559 gives country of origin TH (Thailand); PartsSource and On Time Supplies listed China for the same item, and we use the maker's figure. Origin varies by item: Newell's record for the 22 g giant 3-count (2171981) gives CN (China), and the 6-count E1560 record doesn't state one. Check the pack you buy. Source: https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_E1559/Elmer's-Disappearing-Purple-School-Glue-Sticks-Washable-0-21-Ounce-Glue-Sticks-12-Count/ ## Key takeaways - Three stick sizes: 0.21 oz (6 g), 0.24 oz (7 g) and a jumbo 0.77 oz (22 g), sold singly and in packs of up to 30. - School Specialty lists the 0.77 oz stick at about 1.1 × 4.1 in (28 × 104 mm). - Listings call it washable, acid-free and photo safe, with the ACMI AP nontoxic seal and conformance to ASTM D-4236. - AS Insight's July 2026 estimates put Disappearing Purple packs first in Amazon's US glue sticks: about 40,000 a month for the 22 g 3-count and 30,000 each for the 6 g 12-count and 7 g 30-count. - Elmer's Products, based in Westerville, Ohio, has been part of Newell Brands since a 2015 deal. ## What is Elmer's Disappearing Purple glue stick? **It's Elmer's washable school glue stick with glue that goes on purple and dries clear.** The color shows exactly where you've glued; once dry, the bond is clear. It is the best-selling glue stick line on Amazon in the US. AS Insight's July 2026 estimates rank a 22 g 3-count pack first in glue sticks at about 40,000 sales a month, with the 6 g 12-count and 7 g 30-count packs at about 30,000 each. ## Elmer's Disappearing Purple specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Elmer's Products, Inc. (Newell Brands), Westerville, Ohio | | Stick sizes | 0.21 oz (6 g) · 0.24 oz (7 g) · 0.77 oz (22 g, jumbo) | | Jumbo stick size | About 1.1 × 4.1 in (28 × 104 mm) | | Common items | E1560 (0.21 oz, 6 count) · E1559 (0.21 oz, 12 count) · E543 (0.24 oz, 4 count) · E524 (0.77 oz, single) | | Color | Goes on purple, dries clear | | Claims | Washable, acid-free, photo safe, nontoxic (ACMI AP seal), conforms to ASTM D-4236 | | Price band | $ (under $5 per stick) | | Made in | Thailand for the 12-count E1559; China for the giant 3-count (Newell Brands records) | Sizes, item numbers and origins come from Newell Brands' product records and Staples. The jumbo stick's size is from School Specialty and Christianbook. Elmer's doesn't publish dimensions for the smaller sticks in the sources we found. ![Elmer's Disappearing Purple glue per stick as bars to scale: 6 g (0.21 oz), 7 g (0.24 oz) and 22 g (0.77 oz) for the jumbo stick, which measures about 4.1 × 1.1 in](https://stationerytimes.com/images/elmers-disappearing-purple-glue-stick-sizes.svg) *The jumbo stick holds more than three times the glue of the 0.21 oz stick.* ## Why does it go on purple and dry clear? **The purple is a visual guide: you see where the glue is while it's wet, and it fades as it dries.** Elmer's pitches it at children, who can see whether they've covered the whole area. Elmer's describes the result as clear when dry. It calls the glue a fast-drying formula but doesn't publish a drying time. ## Which size should you buy? **The 0.21 oz stick suits school-supply lists; the 0.77 oz jumbo lasts longer for crafts and classrooms.** At 22 g, the jumbo holds over three times the glue of the 6 g stick. The 0.21 oz sticks are sold in 2-, 6-, 8- and 12-packs, and AS Insight lists a 30-count pack of 7 g sticks. Check the count against your school list, since retailers sell the same item number in different packs. ## Is it safe and washable? **Elmer's sells it as washable and nontoxic.** Retailer listings carry the ACMI AP seal, the art-materials safety mark, and conformance to ASTM D-4236, the US labeling standard for art materials. Listings say it washes off hands and out of clothes. They also call it acid-free and photo safe, which matters for scrapbooks and photos. ## How do you use it? **Pull off the cap with a twisting motion, twist up a little glue and swipe it on the paper.** The packaging says to replace the cap tightly after use to keep the glue from drying out. For cutting shapes first, see our guide to [Fiskars orange-handled scissors](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fiskars-original-orange-handled-scissors/); for a quick paper repair you can write over, use [Scotch Magic Tape](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/scotch-magic-tape/) instead. For dry glue with no wait and no wrinkling, card makers often use a tape runner such as the [Tombow MONO Adhesive Permanent](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-adhesive-permanent/) or the [KOKUYO Dot Liner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-dot-liner/), which lays its glue in dots. ## Where are Elmer's glue sticks made? **It depends on the pack: Newell Brands' product records give Thailand for the 12-count 6 g E1559 and China for the 22 g giant 3-count.** PartsSource and On Time Supplies listed China for the E1559, but we use the maker's record; the 6-count E1560 record names no country. Elmer's Products is based in Westerville, Ohio. Its glue began at Borden in 1947, and Newell Rubbermaid, now Newell Brands, agreed to buy the company in a deal announced on October 5, 2015. Newell also owns [Sharpie](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-fine-point/). ## Frequently asked questions ### Why is Elmer's glue stick purple? The purple shows where you've put glue, so you don't miss spots or use too much. It fades as the glue dries, leaving a clear bond. ### Does Disappearing Purple glue stain clothes? Elmer's sells it as washable, and listings say it washes off hands and out of clothes. We haven't tested it on fabric ourselves yet. ### How long does Elmer's purple glue take to turn clear? Elmer's doesn't publish a drying time. Its product content calls it a fast-drying formula that dries rapidly; we haven't timed it yet. ### What sizes do Elmer's Disappearing Purple glue sticks come in? 0.21 oz (6 g), 0.24 oz (7 g) and a jumbo 0.77 oz (22 g). The jumbo stick is about 4.1 in long and 1.1 in across. ### Is Elmer's Disappearing Purple glue stick acid-free and photo safe? Yes. Elmer's product content lists it as acid-free, photo safe, non-toxic and washable. Retailers also show the AP seal and ASTM D-4236 conformance. ### Why did my glue stick dry out? The packaging tells you to replace the cap tightly after use so the glue doesn't dry out. Twist the glue back down before capping. ### Where are Elmer's glue sticks made? It depends on the pack. Newell Brands' product records give Thailand for the 12-count 6 g E1559 and China for the 22 g giant 3-count. Elmer's itself is an American brand based in Westerville, Ohio, owned by Newell Brands. ## Sources - [Elmer's (Newell Brands product content): Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 0.21 oz, 6 count (E1560; fast-drying formula)](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/c662aea6-b860-4545-ab16-2118694bf473/en-US/product/SAP_E1560/Elmer's-Disappearing-Purple-School-Glue-Sticks-Washable-0-21-Ounce-Glue-Sticks-6-Count/) - [Elmer's (Newell Brands product record): Disappearing Purple, 0.21 oz, 12 count (E1559; GTIN 00026000015592; country of origin TH; acid free, photo safe)](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_E1559/Elmer's-Disappearing-Purple-School-Glue-Sticks-Washable-0-21-Ounce-Glue-Sticks-12-Count/) - [Elmer's (Newell Brands product content): Disappearing Purple, 7 g (0.24 oz), 4 count (E543)](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_E543/Elmer's-Disappearing-Purple-School-Glue-Sticks-Washable-7g-(0-24-oz)-4-Count/) - [Elmer's (Newell Brands product record): Disappearing Purple Giant Glue Sticks, 0.77 oz, 3 count (2171981; 22 g each; country of origin CN)](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_2171981/Elmer's-Disappearing-Purple-School-Glue-Sticks-Washable-Giant-Glue-Sticks-0-77-oz--each-3-Count/) - [School Specialty: Elmer's School Glue Stick, 0.77 oz, Disappearing Purple (E524, 1-1/10 × 4-1/10 in, ASTM D-4236, AP certified)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/elmers-school-glue-stick-disappearing-purple-023136) - [Christianbook: Elmer's Washable School Glue Stick, Disappearing Purple, 0.77 oz (4.13 × 1.13 in)](https://www.christianbook.com/elmers-washable-school-stick-disappearing-purple/pd/0155243) - [Staples: Elmer's School Glue Stick, purple, dries clear, 0.77 oz (E524)](https://www.staples.com/elmer-s-school-glue-stick-purple-dries-clear-0-77-oz/product_EPIE524) - [Blue Dog Ink: Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Stick, 0.21 oz, 8-pack (acid-free, photo safe)](https://www.bluedogink.com/elmers-disappearing-purple-school-glue-stick-021-oz-dries-clear-8-pack-e1591e1560.html) - [Wegmans: Elmer's School Glue Sticks, Disappearing Purple (ACMI AP seal, ASTM D-4236, twist-up directions)](https://www.wegmans.com/shop/product/656417-School-Glue-Sticks-Disappearing-Purple-Washable) - [ShopRite: Elmer's Washable Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 0.21 oz, 6 count (UPC)](https://www.shoprite.com/product/elmers-washable-disappearing-purple-school-glue-sticks-021-oz-6-count-00026000015608) - [Stop & Shop: Elmer's School Glue Sticks, Disappearing Purple (Elmer's Products, Inc., Westerville, OH)](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/elmers-school-glue-sticks-disappearing-purple-acid-free-1-26-oz-pkg/190571) - [PartsSource: Elmer's E1559 (country of origin China)](https://www.partssource.com/parts/elmers/E1559) - [Wikipedia: Elmer's Products (Borden origins, 1947, Newell Rubbermaid deal of October 5, 2015)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmer%27s_Products) - [AS Insight: best-selling Elmer's glue sticks on Amazon (US)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/elmers-glue-stick) - [AS Insight: best-selling glue sticks on Amazon (US), July 2026](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/glue-sticks) --- # Scotch Magic Tape 810: 3/4 in Rolls, Matte & Writable > Scotch Magic Tape 810 is 3M's matte, writable office tape, introduced in 1961. The common 3/4 in roll holds 1000 in (25.4 m) of tape on a 1 in core. Its frosted cellulose acetate backing turns nearly invisible on paper, takes pen and pencil, and doesn't leave a shadow on photocopies. 3M makes it in Hutchinson, Minnesota. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/scotch-magic-tape/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Roll of Scotch Magic Tape 810 drawn to scale, 3/4 in (19 mm) wide on a 1 in core, with a strip across printed text where it turns nearly invisible and carries handwriting; inset: matte tape you can write on](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/scotch-magic-tape-16x9.png) *A 3/4 in roll of Magic Tape; the strip disappears on print and takes ink (1 mm = 3.4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/scotch-magic-tape-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Scotch Magic Tape 810, 3/4 in × 1000 in | Scotch (by 3M Company (Maplewood, Minnesota)) | United States | United States | Matte cellulose acetate backing, synthetic acrylic adhesive | 1961 | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (Scotch Magic Tape 810, 3/4 in × 1000 in): United States. 3M's October 2024 release (distributed by 3BL; the copy on news.3m.com no longer loads) says Scotch Magic Tape is made at its Hutchinson, Minnesota, facility and sent to customers around the world. It doesn't say every roll and size comes from there, and 3M's product pages give no country, so check the box if it matters. Source: https://www.3blmedia.com/news/scotch-magic-tape-voted-coolest-thing-made-minnesota ## Key takeaways - 3M's US page lists the 3/4 in (19 mm) refill on a 1 in (25.4 mm) core in lengths up to 1500 in; the common roll is 1000 in (25.4 m). - 3M's product information sheet gives a matte acetate backing, a synthetic acrylic adhesive, a total thickness of 2.2 mil (0.056 mm) and photo-safe status under ISO 18916. - 3M launched Scotch Magic Tape in 1961 as a matte tape you can write on, developed from its 1930 Scotch Cellulose Tape. - Third-party estimates put a 3-roll Scotch Magic Tape pack at 40,000–60,000 Amazon sales a month in 2026. - 3M says it makes Magic Tape at its plant in Hutchinson, Minnesota. ## What is Scotch Magic Tape? **It's 3M's frosted, matte office tape that turns nearly invisible on paper and that you can write on.** 3M sells it under the Scotch brand as Magic Tape, product number 810. 3M says Scotch Magic Tape was developed in 1961 from Scotch Cellulose Tape, invented in 1930, and MNopedia, the Minnesota Historical Society's encyclopedia, gives the same 1961 date. It is still one of the best-selling tapes in the US. AS Insight's 2026 estimates put a 3-roll Magic Tape pack at 40,000 to 60,000 Amazon sales a month, and a 12-roll pack at about 10,000. ## Scotch Magic Tape 810 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | 3M Company (brand: Scotch) | | Model | 810 | | Common size | 3/4 in × 1000 in (19 mm × 25.4 m, about 83 ft) | | Core | 1 in (25.4 mm); 3 in cores for longer rolls | | Other lengths (3/4 in) | 296 to 1500 in | | Other widths | 1/2 in (12.7 mm), 1 in | | Backing | Matte cellulose acetate | | Adhesive | Synthetic acrylic | | Thickness | 2.2 mil (0.056 mm); 3M do Brasil's sheet gives 0.060 mm | | Tensile strength | 13 lb per in of width | | Photo safe | Yes (ISO 18916); 3M's US page lists it as not acid-free | | UPC (3/4 in, 1 in core) | 00051131591165 | | Price band | $ (under $5 per roll) | | Made in | Hutchinson, Minnesota, per 3M | Widths, cores, lengths and the UPC come from 3M's US product page; backing, adhesive, thickness and strength from 3M's product information sheet and 3M do Brasil's Portuguese technical sheet. Retailers (On Time Supplies, JAM Industrial Supply) list the same 3/4 in × 1000 in roll. ![Scotch Magic Tape 810 roll to scale: 1 in (25.4 mm) core, 3/4 in (19 mm) wide, about 53 mm across (our estimate); 1000 in (25.4 m) long and 2.2 mil thick](https://stationerytimes.com/images/scotch-magic-tape-roll.svg) *The 3/4 in × 1000 in roll, face-on and edge-on. The roll diameter is our estimate.* ## How much tape is on a roll? **A 3/4 in refill holds 1000 in of tape: 25.4 m, or about 83 ft 4 in.** Cut into 3 in (76 mm) strips, that's about 330 strips per roll. 3M doesn't publish the roll's outside diameter. From the 1000 in length and 2.2 mil thickness, we estimate about 53 mm (2 in) across a full roll, with the core wall drawn by eye in our figure. ## Why is it called "invisible" tape? **Because the frosted backing almost disappears once it's pressed onto paper.** On the roll the tape looks cloudy; on a page, the matte surface scatters light instead of shining, so you read straight through it. 3M says the backing is designed so you can read, scan and photocopy through it, and its product sheet says it won't affect blueprint reproductions. ## Can you write on Scotch Magic Tape? **Yes: 3M says you can write on it with pen, pencil or marker.** Unlike glossy tapes, the matte backing takes ink, which 3M presented as new when it launched the tape in 1961. That makes it handy for labeling a folder or noting a date on a mended page. We haven't yet tested which pens smear on it; that's our next test. ## How does it compare with other tapes? **Magic Tape is for paper repairs and labels; washi tape is for decoration and comes off more easily.** | | Scotch Magic Tape 810 | [mt washi tape](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mt-washi-tape/) | |---|---|---| | Backing | Matte cellulose acetate | Washi paper | | Width | 3/4 in (19 mm) common | 15 mm common | | Look on paper | Nearly invisible | Colored or patterned | For covering a mistake rather than mending it, a correction tape such as the [BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-wite-out-ez-correct/) puts down a white film instead. ## Which dispenser does it fit? **The 3/4 in refills on a 1 in core fit Scotch desktop dispensers, which 3M sells separately.** 3M sells six rolls with its weighted C38 desktop dispenser as the 810K6C38 bundle. If you use a dispenser from another brand, check that it takes a 1 in core before buying refills. ## Where is Scotch Magic Tape made? **3M says it's made at its plant in Hutchinson, Minnesota.** 3M's October 2024 release says the tape is made there and sent to customers around the world, after it won the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's first "Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota" vote, with more than 100,000 votes cast. The plant makes about 12 million miles of 3M tape a year. Scotch is a 3M brand, the same company behind [Post-it Notes](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/post-it-notes-654/), and 3M is based in Maplewood, Minnesota. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is Scotch Magic Tape 810? The most common roll is 3/4 in wide and 1000 in long (19 mm × 25.4 m, about 83 ft) on a 1 in core. 3M lists 3/4 in refills from 296 to 1500 in long, and also sells 1/2 in and 1 in widths. ### What is the difference between Scotch Magic Tape and regular clear tape? Magic Tape has a frosted, matte acetate backing that looks invisible once pressed onto paper and can be written on. Glossy clear tapes stay shiny and are harder to write on. ### Can you write on Scotch Magic Tape? Yes. Its matte surface can be written on, which set it apart from earlier transparent tapes when 3M launched it in 1961. ### Does Scotch Magic Tape show up on photocopies? 3M says the matte backing disappears on most office papers so mended pages are easy to read and photocopy, and its sheet says it won't affect blueprint reproductions. ### Does Scotch Magic Tape turn yellow? It was designed not to: 3M's product information sheet says the acrylic adhesive resists drying out and yellowing. We haven't run our own aging test. ### What dispenser fits a Scotch Magic Tape refill roll? The 3/4 in × 1000 in refills sit on a 1 in core, which fits standard Scotch desktop dispensers such as the weighted C38 sold in the 810K6C38 bundle. ### Where is Scotch Magic Tape made? 3M says Scotch Magic Tape is made at its plant in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and shipped worldwide. Scotch is a 3M brand based in Maplewood, Minnesota. ## Sources - [3M US: Scotch Magic Tape 3/4 in width, 1 in core boxed tape (matte acetate, synthetic acrylic, photo safe, lengths, UPC)](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b5005626034/) - [3M Product Information Sheet: Scotch Magic Tape 810, June 2013 (2.2 mil, ISO 18916 photo safe, resists yellowing), via Rapid Online](https://static.rapidonline.com/pdf/12-9149_v1.pdf) - [3M do Brasil: Fita Mágica Scotch 810, Dados Técnicos, janeiro de 2008 (Magic Tape 810 technical data: 0.060 mm thick)](https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/980027O/psi-web-2014.pdf) - [3M release via 3BL: Scotch Magic Tape voted 'Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota' (made in Hutchinson, October 2024)](https://www.3blmedia.com/news/scotch-magic-tape-voted-coolest-thing-made-minnesota) - [3M Scotch Magic Tape 810 product sheet via Lyreco (read, scan and photocopy through)](https://www.lyreco.no:443/images/EasyOrder(Documents)/25/90/asset.7582590.pdf) - [On Time Supplies: Scotch Magic Tape refill, 3/4 in × 1000 in, 1 in core](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/mmm8101k-magic-tape-refill-3-4-x-1000-1-core-clear.html) - [JAM Industrial Supply: Scotch Magic Tape with dispenser 810K6C38, 3/4 in × 1000 in (19 mm × 25.4 m)](https://www.jamindustrialsupply.com/product/scotch-magic-tape-2/) - [Hisco: Scotch Magic Tape 810K6C38, 6 rolls with C38 dispenser](https://www.hisco.com/Product/7100103287-31180) - [RS Components: 3M 810 Scotch Magic Tape, 12.7 mm × 32.9 m](https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/clear-tapes/1860544) - [GlobalSpec: Scotch 810 Magic Tape, 1 in × 72 yd](https://datasheets.globalspec.com/ds/custom-made-boxes/t965810/22c17b1d-29fd-41ae-b4d0-18b25731601d) - [MNopedia (Minnesota Historical Society): Scotch Tape (Magic Tape released in 1961)](https://www.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/thing/scotch-tape) - [Wikipedia: Scotch Tape (Magic Tape, matte finish, resists yellowing)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_tape) - [AS Insight: best-selling mini tape on Amazon (US), Scotch Magic Tape 3-pack](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/mini-tape) - [AS Insight: best-selling tape rolls on Amazon (US), Scotch Magic Tape 12-roll pack](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/tape-rolls) --- # Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser 526 50: Size & Uses > The Staedtler Mars plastic 526 50 is a white plastic block eraser from the German maker Staedtler, sold in a blue sleeve. Staedtler's German site lists it at 65 × 23 × 13 mm (about 2.6 × 0.9 × 0.5 in), phthalate- and latex-free. European retailers list it as made in Germany; one top US Amazon 4-pack says Peru. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-plastic-eraser/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![White Staedtler Mars plastic 526 50 eraser half covered by its blue sleeve, drawn to scale at 65 mm (2.6 in) long, beside a pencil line erased on ruled paper; inset: the rubbings roll into strands](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/staedtler-mars-plastic-eraser-16x9.png) *The 526 50 at 65 mm long, in its sleeve (drawn at 1 mm = 4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/staedtler-mars-plastic-eraser-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Staedtler Mars plastic eraser (526 50) | Staedtler (by Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG (Nuremberg)) | Germany | Germany | PVC (vinyl) with calcium carbonate filler; phthalate- and latex-free | – | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (Staedtler Mars plastic eraser (526 50)): Germany. Galaxus lists Germany as the country of origin, an Australian retailer (Office National) says it is made in Germany, and a UK office supplier also gives Germany. But the best-selling US Amazon listing (ASIN B00006IFAN, a 4-pack), as copied by ASINsight in July 2026, is titled "Made in Peru", so US stock may differ. Staedtler's German product page doesn't state the country, and Galaxus and Office National blocked our reader on October 20, 2026; check the packaging. Source: https://www.galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/staedtler-eraser-mars-plast-correcting-5609872 ## Key takeaways - Staedtler's German site lists the 526 50 at 65 × 23 × 13 mm (2.6 × 0.9 × 0.5 in); the Swiss Post shop gives 20 g. - A conservation reference from the MFA describes Mars plastic 526 50 as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with calcium carbonate filler. - Staedtler lists it as phthalate- and latex-free and age-resistant, wrapped in PP film with a tear thread inside a slide sleeve. - ASINsight estimated the top Mars plastic listing on Amazon US at about 10,000 sales a month in July 2026. - Galaxus and Office National give Germany as the country of manufacture, but the top US Amazon 4-pack listing title says made in Peru. ## What is the Staedtler Mars plastic eraser? **It's a white plastic block eraser in a blue sleeve, made by the German pencil maker Staedtler, and the 526 50 is its standard size.** It is the eraser Staedtler pairs with its [Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/) drawing pencils. It is also one of the best-selling erasers in the US. ASINsight, which estimates Amazon sales, put the top Mars plastic listing, a 4-pack, at about 10,000 units a month in July 2026, with a 4.8-star rating. ## Staedtler Mars plastic 526 50 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG (Nuremberg, Germany) | | Model | 526 50 (4-pack: 526 50 BK4) | | Size | 65 × 23 × 13 mm (2.6 × 0.9 × 0.5 in) | | Color | White, in a blue sleeve | | Material | PVC with calcium carbonate filler (MFA Cameo) | | Free of | Phthalates and latex (Staedtler) | | Packaging | PP film with tear thread, slide sleeve (Staedtler) | | Weight | 20 g (Swiss Post shop) | | EAN | 4007817504598 (Swiss Post shop) | | For | Graphite on paper and matte drafting film; OHP pen on overhead film (retailers) | | Sold as | Single, 4-packs and boxes of 20 | | Price band | $ (under $5 per eraser) | | Made in | Germany (European retailers); Peru on one top US Amazon listing | The size comes from Staedtler's German product page, and the Swiss Post shop gives the same figure. Galaxus lists 65 × 22 × 13 mm. Staedtler doesn't publish a weight; the 20 g is the Swiss Post shop's. ![Staedtler Mars plastic 526 50 eraser in top, side and end views to scale: 65 mm (2.6 in) long, 23 mm (0.9 in) wide and 13 mm thick, with its blue sleeve](https://stationerytimes.com/images/staedtler-mars-plastic-eraser-size.svg) *The 526 50 from three sides, at 1 mm = 5 px.* ## Is it rubber or plastic? **It's plastic: a vinyl (PVC) eraser, not rubber.** The MFA's Cameo materials database describes the Mars plastic 526 50 as polyvinyl chloride with calcium carbonate filler, and ASINsight's copy of the top US Amazon listing calls it a vinyl eraser. Staedtler's German site adds that it is free of phthalates, the softeners once common in PVC, and of latex. That makes it a safe pick for a classroom where someone has a latex allergy. ## What does it erase? **Graphite pencil, mainly.** Retailers list it for graphite on paper and on matte drafting film, and for OHP pen on overhead projector film. It isn't sold as an ink eraser. Staedtler's German site promises "geringe Krümelbildung", little crumbling, and the best erasing performance with little wear. That's a maker claim; we haven't timed or counted it yet. ## Why does the eraser have a sleeve? **The sleeve protects the eraser and keeps its working end clean.** Staedtler's German site says each 526 50 comes in a protective PP (polypropylene) film with a tear thread, plus a "Schiebemanschette", a slide sleeve for convenient handling. As the eraser wears down, slide the sleeve back to expose fresh eraser. Keeping the sleeve on also stops a pencil case from dirtying the sides. ## How does it compare with other erasers? **It's a block eraser for clearing larger areas; a pen-style eraser is handier for small corrections.** | | Staedtler Mars plastic 526 50 | Eraser in the [Pentel Twist-Erase III](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-twist-erase-iii/) | |---|---|---| | Form | Loose block, 65 × 23 × 13 mm | Long twist-up eraser in a mechanical pencil | | Refills | Buy a new block | Pentel E10, 3 to a tube | | Best for | Larger areas, cleanup | Small corrections on the go | | Price band | $ (under $5) | $$ ($5–20) for the pencil | On penciltalk.org, a reviewer tested the Mars plastic against a Pink Pearl, a gum eraser and a kneaded eraser on several papers. The Mars plastic came out as the overall winner, though gum and kneaded erasers suited particular drawing styles. Its closest rival on US shelves is the [Pentel Hi-Polymer](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-hi-polymer-eraser/), a white block of the same 65 mm length. ## Which pencils is it good with? **Any graphite pencil, from a school #2 to soft drawing grades.** The softer the grade, the more graphite sits on the paper, so expect a little more ghosting with 4B and darker. For everyday writing, it pairs with a [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/). For drawing, it's the eraser Staedtler recommends next to its Mars Lumograph; the [Tombow MONO 100](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-100/) is another drawing pencil it suits. ## Where is the Staedtler Mars plastic made? **European and Australian retailers list it as made in Germany, but US stock may come from Peru.** Galaxus gives Germany as the country of origin, and Office National in Australia describes it as made in Germany. ASINsight's July 2026 copy of the best-selling US Amazon listing, a 4-pack, is titled "Made in Peru". Staedtler is based in Nuremberg; a pencil retailer's history dates J. S. Staedtler's pencil workshop there to 1835. Staedtler's German product page doesn't give the country of manufacture, so check the packaging if it matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Staedtler Mars plastic eraser? Staedtler lists the standard 526 50 at 65 × 23 × 13 mm, about 2.6 × 0.9 × 0.5 in. Galaxus gives the width as 22 mm, and the Swiss Post shop a weight of 20 g. ### What is the Staedtler Mars plastic eraser made of? It's a plastic (vinyl) eraser. The MFA's Cameo materials database says the 526 50 is polyvinyl chloride with calcium carbonate filler, and Staedtler lists it as phthalate-free and latex-free. ### Is the Staedtler Mars plastic eraser latex-free? Yes. Staedtler's German site lists the 526 50 as "phthalat- und latexfrei", free of phthalates and latex. That matters if someone in the house has a latex allergy. ### Can the Mars plastic erase colored pencil or ink? It's sold for graphite: retailers name graphite on paper and matte drafting film, and OHP pen on overhead film. It isn't sold as an ink eraser, and we haven't tested it on colored pencil yet. ### What is the sleeve on a Mars plastic eraser for? Staedtler calls it a "Schiebemanschette", a slide sleeve for convenient handling; it also keeps the eraser clean in a pencil case. Slide it back as the eraser wears down. ### Is the Staedtler Mars plastic better than a Pink Pearl? In one long-running comparison on penciltalk.org, the Mars plastic was the overall winner against a Pink Pearl, a gum eraser and a kneaded eraser. It's one reviewer's test, not ours. ### Where is the Staedtler Mars plastic eraser made? European and Australian retailers, including Galaxus and Office National, list it as made in Germany, but the top US Amazon 4-pack listing says made in Peru. Staedtler doesn't state the country, so check the packaging. ## Sources - [STAEDTLER (DE): Mars plastic 526 50, Radierer in Premium-Qualität (Staedtler's German page: 65 × 23 × 13 mm, PP-Folie, Schiebemanschette, phthalat- und latexfrei)](https://www.staedtler.com/de/de/produkte/bleistifte-und-zubehoer/radiergummis/mars-plastic-526-50-radierer-in-premium-qualitaet-526-50/) - [Swiss Post shop: Staedtler Mars plastic 526 50, 65 × 23 × 13 mm (EAN 4007817504598, 20 g)](https://shopint.post.ch/en/stationery/writing-utensils/correctors/staedtler-radierer-mars-plast-526-50-65x23x13mm/p/802039) - [AOS Online: Staedtler Mars plastic eraser, pack of 20 (65 × 23 × 13 mm)](https://www.aosonline.co.uk/prdctrl-staedtler-mars-plastic-eraser-pk20-526-50-e83eb599) - [Galaxus: Staedtler Mars plastic eraser (65 × 22 × 13 mm, country of origin Germany)](https://www.galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/staedtler-eraser-mars-plast-correcting-5609872) - [Office National: Staedtler 526 Mars plastic pencil eraser, large (phthalate- and latex-free, made in Germany)](https://integration.officenational.com.au/shop/en/canningvale/stationery/writing-and-correction/staedtler-mars-plastic-eraser-65-x-23-x-13mm) - [MFA Cameo: Mars Plastic eraser (PVC with calcium carbonate filler)](https://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Mars_Plastic_eraser) - [Quill: Staedtler Mars erasers, white, 4-pack (526 50 BK4)](https://images.quill.com/staedtler-mars-erasers-white-4-pack-526-50-bk4/cbs/51138800.html) - [penciltalk.org: eraser comparison (Mars plastic, Pink Pearl, gum and kneaded)](https://penciltalk.org/?p=179) - [ASINsight: best-selling Staedtler Mars plastic erasers on Amazon US, July 2026 (top 4-pack titled made in Peru)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/staedtler-mars-plastic-erasers) --- # Maruman Mnemosyne N195A: A5 Twin-Ring Notebook > The Maruman Mnemosyne N195A is a Japanese A5 twin-ring notebook with a black plastic cover. It holds 80 micro-perforated sheets (160 pages) of white, acid-free 80 gsm paper, ruled at 7 mm with 24 lines a page and a bolder line every 8 rows. Maruman lists it at 210 × 161 mm and 250 g, made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/maruman-mnemosyne-a5-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Maruman Mnemosyne N195A to scale: a black A5 notebook 209 mm tall with twin-ring wire, closed and opened flat on white pages with 7 mm ruling, 24 lines and a bold line every 8 rows](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/maruman-mnemosyne-a5-notebook-16x9.png) *The Mnemosyne N195A closed and open on its twin-ring wire (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/maruman-mnemosyne-a5-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Maruman Mnemosyne N195A Notebook, A5, 7 mm ruled, 80 sheets | Maruman (by Maruman Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | White acid-free 80 g/m² paper; polypropylene (PP) covers; twin-ring wire | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Maruman Mnemosyne N195A Notebook, A5, 7 mm ruled, 80 sheets): Japan. Maruman's Japanese product page for the N195A gives the country of manufacture (生産国) as Japan, and says the paper is Japanese-made (国産); retailer listings (Galen Leather, Goulet Pens, Goldspot) agree. Source: https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/products/detail/n195a.html ## Key takeaways - Maruman lists 80 sheets (160 pages) of its own Japanese-made 80 g/m² writing paper; Galen Leather and Goulet Pens add that it is white and acid-free. - Each page has 24 lines at 7 mm spacing, with bold lines that split it into three blocks of 8 rows, per Maruman, Goulet Pens and Galen Leather. - Maruman's Japanese site gives the book as 210 × 161 × 10 mm and 250 g, with 210 × 148 mm sheets, at ¥792 (about US$5); Goulet lists 209 × 151 × 9.8 mm. - A 2015 Maruman press release put cumulative Mnemosyne sales at 3.8 million books at the line's 10th anniversary. - Maruman's Japanese product page gives Japan as the country of manufacture; Maruman was founded in Kanda, Tokyo, in 1920. ## What is the Maruman Mnemosyne N195A? **The Mnemosyne N195A is Maruman's A5 lined notebook: 80 white sheets on a twin-ring wire, inside a black plastic cover.** It is the best-known book in Maruman's Mnemosyne line, which Maruman's 2015 press release calls a pioneer of business notebooks. The name comes from Mnemosyne, the Greek goddess of memory. A Maruman press release for the line's 10th anniversary campaign, which began April 1, 2015, said 3.8 million Mnemosyne books had been sold. That dates the line to about 2005; we did not find an official launch date. ## Maruman Mnemosyne N195A specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Model | N195A | | Size | A5: 210 × 161 × 10 mm (8.3 × 6.3 × 0.4 in) with the wire, per Maruman; 209 × 151 × 9.8 mm per Goulet | | Sheet size | 210 × 148 mm (A5), per Maruman | | Weight | 250 g (8.8 oz), per Maruman | | Sheets | 80 sheets (160 pages), per Maruman; one shop lists 70 | | Paper | White, acid-free, 80 gsm | | Ruling | 7 mm, 24 lines per page, bold line every 8 rows | | Binding | Twin-ring (double wire), side bound | | Cover | Black polypropylene (PP), front and back | | Perforation | Micro-perforated sheets | | JAN | 4979093195022 | | List price (Japan) | ¥792 (about US$5) | | Made in | Japan (Maruman) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 per notebook) | Maruman's Japanese product page, which names the ruling 特殊メモリ入7㎜罫 ("7 mm ruling with special scale marks"), gives the size, weight, 80 sheets of 80 g/m² writing paper, twin-wire binding, PP covers, perforations, price, JAN and origin. The line count and acid-free paper come from Galen Leather, Goulet Pens and Goldspot. ![To-scale drawing of a 148 × 210 mm Mnemosyne N195A sheet with 24 ruled rows at 7 mm spacing, a bold line every 8 rows and the micro-perforation near the binding](https://stationerytimes.com/images/maruman-mnemosyne-a5-notebook-ruling.svg) *One N195A sheet at 1 mm = 1.6 px: 24 rows, 7 mm apart, with a bold line every 8 rows.* ## How is the Mnemosyne page ruled? **Each page has 24 lines at 7 mm spacing, and bold lines split the page into three blocks of 8 rows.** Maruman describes the ruling as bold lines that divide the page in three, scale marks along the top and bottom, and a large title and date area, and says the lines are printed light enough not to compete with your writing. Goulet Pens and Galen Leather give the 24-row count. Maruman pitches the blocks at people with many meetings: one topic per block, or records in one block and notes in another. 7 mm sits close to US college rule (9/32 in, 7.1 mm), so it suits average handwriting. Some shops also sell an 8 mm Mnemosyne version under a similar name. If line spacing matters, check the label before buying. ## How big is the N195A, and do the pages tear out? **The book is A5, 210 × 161 × 10 mm including the wire, and every sheet is perforated near the wire.** Those are Maruman's figures from its Japanese site, which match Goldspot's; Goulet Pens lists a slightly smaller 209 × 151 × 9.8 mm. Maruman gives the sheet itself as 210 × 148 mm, a true A5 sheet, and Goldspot agrees. Maruman says the perforated sheets are made to be titled, torn out and filed. Maruman's Japanese site lists the N195A at ¥792 (about US$5). ## Is the Mnemosyne good for fountain pens? **It is a popular choice in fountain pen shops, but we haven't tested it ourselves.** Maruman says its Japanese-made 80 g/m² writing paper suits all writing tools, with a smooth but not slippery feel and almost no feathering or show-through. Goulet Pens, Galen Leather and Goldspot all stock it and call it fountain-pen friendly. At 80 gsm, the paper is the same weight as many A5 notebooks such as the [Leuchtturm1917 Medium](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/). For heavier or more ink-tolerant paper, compare our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## How does it compare to other A5 notebooks? **The Mnemosyne is a wire-bound working notebook, while most A5 rivals are sewn books meant to be kept whole.** | | Mnemosyne N195A | [Midori MD Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/) | [Five Star 5 Subject](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | A5, 210 × 161 mm | A5, 148 × 210 mm | Letter sheets, 8.5 × 11 in | | Sheets | 80 | 88 | 200 | | Paper | 80 gsm, white | MD Paper, cream | College ruled | | Binding | Twin-ring wire | Thread-bound | Spiral Lock wire | | Tear-out pages | Yes | No | Yes | Choose the Mnemosyne if you want to fold the cover back, write on a lap and tear out clean pages. Choose a sewn book like the Midori if the notebook is an archive. ## Where is the Maruman Mnemosyne made? **Maruman's Japanese product page lists Japan as the country of manufacture for the N195A**, and retailer listings agree. Maruman's history page says the company was founded in Kanda, Tokyo, in 1920 and started out making sketchbooks for about 600 schools. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many pages does the Maruman Mnemosyne N195A have? Maruman lists 80 sheets, or 160 pages, and most retailers agree. One shop, Hunter Paper Co., lists 70 sheets, which doesn't match Maruman's own figure. ### What size is the Mnemosyne N195A? It is an A5 notebook. Maruman's Japanese site gives the book as 210 × 161 × 10 mm including the wire, with 210 × 148 mm sheets; Goulet Pens lists 209 × 151 × 9.8 mm. ### What is the line spacing in the Mnemosyne N195A? The ruling is 7 mm, with 24 lines per page and a bolder line every 8 rows. Some shops also sell an 8 mm Mnemosyne version, so check the label if spacing matters. ### Is Mnemosyne paper good for fountain pens? Maruman says its 80 g/m² paper suits all writing tools, with almost no feathering or show-through, and fountain pen shops such as Goulet Pens and Galen Leather sell it. We have not tested it ourselves yet. ### Do Mnemosyne pages tear out cleanly? Yes, Maruman lists a tear-off perforation (切り取りミシン) on every sheet, and says you can write a title and file the sheets once removed. Maruman and Goldspot give the sheet as 210 × 148 mm (A5). ### Does the Mnemosyne N195A lie flat? Yes. It is twin-wire bound on the side, and a customer review on Goulet Pens says the binding lets it lie perfectly flat; like any wire-bound notebook, it can also fold back on itself. ### Where is the Maruman Mnemosyne made? In Japan: Maruman's Japanese product page lists Japan as the country of manufacture, and retailers agree. Maruman's history page says it was founded in Kanda, Tokyo, in 1920 and began by making sketchbooks for schools. ## Sources - [ニーモシネ 特殊メモリ入7㎜罫 ＜A5＞ (Maruman Japan product page: N195A, ¥792, 210 × 161 × 10 mm, 250 g, 80 sheets of 80 g/m² Japanese writing paper, perforated, PP covers, twin wire, made in Japan, JAN 4979093195022)](https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/products/detail/n195a.html) - [製品一覧・ニーモシネ｜Maruman マルマン (Maruman Japan Mnemosyne lineup)](https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/lp/mnemosyne/lineup.html) - [Galen Leather: Maruman Mnemosyne N195 Notebook, A5, Lined, 160 pages (80 sheets, 80 gsm, 7 mm, twin ring)](https://galenleather.com/products/maruman-mnemosyne-n195-notebook-a5-lined-160-pages) - [Goulet Pens: Maruman Mnemosyne N195 A5 Notebook, Lined (209 × 151 × 9.8 mm, 24 rows, bold line every 8, made in Japan)](https://gouletpens.com/products/maruman-mnemosyne-n195-a5-notebook-lined) - [Goldspot: Maruman Mnemosyne Lined Notebook A5 (210 × 161 mm book, 210 × 148 mm sheet)](https://goldspot.com/products/maruman-mnemosyne-lined-notebook-a5) - [SM Stationery: Maruman Mnemosyne N195A Side Spiral Ruled Notebook 7 mm A5, 80 sheets](https://smstationery.com.ph/products/maruman-mnemosyne-side-spiral-ruled-notebook-7mm-a5-80lvs) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Mnemosyne N195A A5 Lined Notebook (lists 70 sheets)](https://hunterpaperco.com/collections/a5-notebooks/products/mnemosyne-n195a-a5-lined-notebook) - [沿革 (Maruman company history: founded 1920 in Kanda, Tokyo; school sketchbooks)](https://www.e-maruman.co.jp/company/history/) - [累計販売数380万冊のビジネスノートのパイオニア『ニーモシネ』10周年 (Maruman press release on Digital PR Platform, April 1, 2015: 3.8 million books sold, 10th anniversary)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/11001) --- # Notebook Therapy Tsuki Bullet Journal: 160 gsm Dots > The Tsuki is Notebook Therapy's hardcover bullet journal. Notebook Therapy lists the A5 at 145 × 210 mm with 176 pages of bright white 160 gsm paper, a 5 mm light grey dot grid and a 180° lay-flat design. It has an elastic, two ribbons and a back pocket, but no page numbers. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-therapy-tsuki-bullet-journal/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Notebook Therapy Tsuki A5 bullet journal to scale, 210 mm tall and 145 mm wide, closed with its elastic and two ribbons, and opened flat on white pages with a 5 mm dot grid and a sewn binding](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/notebook-therapy-tsuki-bullet-journal-16x9.png) *The Tsuki A5 closed and open on its 5 mm dot grid (1 mm = 1 px); cover colour varies by edition.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/notebook-therapy-tsuki-bullet-journal-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Notebook Therapy Tsuki Bullet Journal, A5, 160 gsm, 5 mm dot grid | Notebook Therapy | Not stated | Not stated | Hardcover (vegan leather on most editions, per Notebook Therapy); bright white 160 gsm paper; sewn binding (per reviews) | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Notebook Therapy Tsuki Bullet Journal, A5, 160 gsm, 5 mm dot grid): Not stated. Notebook Therapy's product pages and the reviews we read don't state a country of manufacture. The Night Time listing says the journal was designed by the brand's team in Tokyo, which describes design, not manufacture. The Well-Appointed Desk's March 2022 order shipped from China, which shows where it was dispatched, not where it was made. Source: https://notebooktherapy.com/products/tsuki-night-time-bullet-journal ## Key takeaways - Notebook Therapy lists the A5 Tsuki at 145 × 210 mm (5.7 × 8.3 in) with 176 pages. - The paper is 160 gsm, twice the weight of typical 80 gsm notebook paper, with a 5 mm dot grid. - The Original size is 135 × 195 mm with 128 pages; a B5 size also has 176 pages, per Notebook Therapy's listings. - Notebook Therapy lists two ribbon bookmarks, an elastic closure and a back pocket; reviewers note there are no page numbers. - On October 20, 2026, Notebook Therapy's store listed the A5 Night Time edition at US$35.18 with free worldwide shipping, our $$$ band ($20–75); it doesn't state where it is made. ## What is the Notebook Therapy Tsuki bullet journal? **The Tsuki is a hardcover dot grid journal from the online stationery shop Notebook Therapy, built for bullet journaling on heavy 160 gsm paper.** "Tsuki" is Japanese for moon, and the line comes in many colorways and limited editions. Notebook Therapy's About page says the shop was inspired by visits to stationery stores in Korea and Japan, and that it designed the Tsuki line in house. Its site doesn't say where the company is based: its privacy policy names Notebook Therapy Ltd and describes "operations inside and outside of the United Kingdom", while a 2020 blogger described it as based in Japan. ## Tsuki bullet journal specs | Spec | A5 (most common) | |---|---| | Size | 145 × 210 mm (5.7 × 8.3 in) | | Pages | 176, unnumbered | | Paper | Bright white, 160 gsm | | Ruling | 5 mm dot grid, light grey | | Binding | Sewn (per reviews); 180° lay-flat (per Notebook Therapy) | | Cover | Hardcover; vegan leather on most editions, colorway varies | | Extras | Elastic closure, 2 ribbon bookmarks, back pocket with a themed gift, gift box | | Other sizes | Original 135 × 195 mm (128 pages); B5 (176 pages) | | Made in | Not stated | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75 per notebook) | Sizes, page counts, paper and ruling come from Notebook Therapy's own listings, such as the Night Time and Moonflower editions; the sewn binding and unnumbered pages come from reviews. On October 20, 2026 the Night Time edition was listed at US$31.88 (Original), US$35.18 (A5) and US$40.68 (B5). The Well-Appointed Desk notes the Kinoko edition was also sold with kraft paper. ![To-scale drawing of the Tsuki A5 page, 145 × 210 mm with a 5 mm dot grid and 176 pages, overlaid with the Original size, 135 × 195 mm with 128 pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/notebook-therapy-tsuki-bullet-journal-sizes.svg) *The A5 and the smaller Original size at 1 mm = 1.5 px.* ## Which Tsuki size should you choose? **Choose the A5 for a standard bullet journal, the Original for a bag, and the B5 for big weekly spreads.** The A5 is the size most bullet journal templates and stencils are drawn for. The Original is 10 mm narrower and 15 mm shorter than the A5, and has 48 fewer pages. The B5 keeps 176 pages on a larger page; reviews we found don't give its exact size. ## Is 160 gsm paper worth it? **Heavy paper is the Tsuki's main selling point: heavier paper generally shows less through than 80 to 120 gsm paper, at the cost of a thicker book for the page count.** Notebook Therapy says the paper doesn't bleed or ghost with markers, highlighters, fountain pens or watercolours. Reviews are mixed. The Well-Appointed Desk found it handled fineliners, gel pens and fountain pens with small or medium nibs. All About Planners saw light ghosting from highlighters, pens and dot markers and felt it wasn't on par with other 160 gsm notebooks. ## What extras come with the Tsuki? **Notebook Therapy lists an elastic closure, two ribbon bookmarks and a back storage pocket with a free themed gift, packed in a reusable gift box; some editions add gilded page edges.** The Well-Appointed Desk's review of the 2022 Kinoko limited edition found an envelope pocket at the back, a mushroom paperclip and a wine-colored elastic. All About Planners' review of a standard Tsuki lists a storage pocket at the back and a gold dolphin paperclip. Both reviewers note that the ribbons match each other in color. What the Tsuki leaves out matters for bullet journaling: there are no page numbers and no printed index, key or pen loop in the reviews we found. Plan to number pages yourself, or buy a stick-on pen loop. ## How does it compare to other bullet journals? **The Tsuki matches Archer & Olive on paper weight, while the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal trades heavy paper for more pages and a printed index.** | | Tsuki A5 | [Archer & Olive A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/archer-and-olive-a5-dot-grid-notebook/) | [Leuchtturm1917 BuJo Edition 2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 145 × 210 mm | 146 × 210 mm | 145 × 210 mm | | Pages | 176, unnumbered | 192 | 206, numbered | | Paper | 160 gsm | 160 gsm | 120 g/m² | | Dot grid | 5 mm | 5 mm | 5 mm | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | Pick the Tsuki for its look and limited-edition covers; pick the Leuchtturm if you want the official Bullet Journal index and page numbers. For highlighting on heavy paper, see our [Zebra Mildliner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-mildliner/) guide. ## Where is the Tsuki bullet journal made? **Neither Notebook Therapy's listings nor the reviews we read state where the Tsuki is made.** The Night Time listing says the journal was "designed by our team in Tokyo", which describes design rather than manufacture. The Well-Appointed Desk's 2022 order shipped from China, which tells you where it was dispatched, not where it was made. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Tsuki bullet journal? Notebook Therapy lists the A5 Tsuki at 145 × 210 mm, about 5.7 × 8.3 in. There is also a smaller Original at 135 × 195 mm and a B5 size. ### How many pages does a Tsuki bullet journal have? The A5 and B5 have 176 pages and the Original has 128 pages, according to Notebook Therapy's listings. Reviewers note the pages are not numbered. ### What paper weight is the Tsuki journal? It uses 160 gsm bright white paper, about twice the weight of standard 80 gsm notebook paper. That is the same weight as the Archer & Olive dot grid notebook. ### Does ink bleed through Tsuki paper? Notebook Therapy says it doesn't bleed or ghost, even with watercolours. One reviewer had no trouble with fineliners, gel pens and fountain pens with small or medium nibs; another saw light ghosting from highlighters, pens and dot markers. We haven't tested it yet. ### Does the Tsuki have page numbers or an index? No page numbers, according to two reviews, and none mentions an index. Bullet journalers who want a pre-printed index usually choose the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2. ### What comes with the Tsuki bullet journal? Notebook Therapy lists an elastic closure, two ribbon bookmarks, a back storage pocket with a free themed gift and a reusable gift box. Reviewers received a gold dolphin or a mushroom paperclip, depending on the edition. ### Where is the Tsuki bullet journal made? Notebook Therapy's listings and the reviews we read don't name a country of manufacture. The listings say it was designed by the brand's team in Tokyo, and one reviewer's order shipped from China; neither says where it is made. ## Sources - [Notebook Therapy: Tsuki 'Night time' Limited Edition Bullet Journal (sizes, 160 gsm, 5 mm dots, lay-flat, extras, US$ prices by size)](https://notebooktherapy.com/products/tsuki-night-time-bullet-journal) - [Notebook Therapy: Tsuki 'Moonflower' Limited Edition Luxury Bullet Journal (Original 135 × 195 mm, A5 145 × 210 mm, B5)](https://notebooktherapy.com/products/tsuki-moonflower-bullet-journal) - [Notebook Therapy: About us (inspired by stationery stores in Korea and Japan; Tsuki line designed in house)](https://notebooktherapy.com/pages/about-us) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Notebook Therapy Tsuki 'Kinoko' Limited Edition Bullet Journal review (March 2022; Original size at US$27.98, ink tests, shipped from China)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2022/03/notebook-review-notebook-therapy-tsuki-kinoko-limited-edition-bullet-journal/) - [All About Planners: Review of Notebook Therapy 160 gsm dotted notebook (December 2022; page counts by size, sewn, no page numbers, US$28)](https://allaboutplanners.com.au/review-of-notebook-therapy-160-gsm-dotted-notebook-and-bullet-journaling-stencils/) - [Notebook Therapy: Privacy policy (names Notebook Therapy Ltd; operations inside and outside the United Kingdom)](https://notebooktherapy.com/policies/privacy-policy) - [Allison Marie Alexander: Notebook Therapy reviews (January 2020; describes the shop as based in Japan)](https://allisonmariealexander.com/2020/01/31/notebook-therapy-reviews-journaling/) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Journaling, a Q2 check-in (April 2024)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2024/04/journaling-a-q2-check-in) --- # Oxford 1-Subject Spiral Notebook: Size & Sheets > The Oxford 1-Subject spiral notebook is a US school notebook sold mostly in multi-packs. Each book measures 8 × 10.5 in (203 × 267 mm) and has 70 double-sided, micro-perforated sheets that tear out to 7.5 × 10.5 in and are 3-hole punched. It comes college ruled or wide ruled, with coated paperboard covers. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/oxford-1-subject-spiral-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Oxford 1-Subject spiral notebook to scale: six pastel notebooks 8 in wide in a row, and one opened flat on its coil, 10.5 in tall, with college ruling, a red margin, perforation and three punched holes](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/oxford-1-subject-spiral-notebook-16x9.png) *The pastel 6-pack and one book opened on its coil (1 mm = 0.62 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/oxford-1-subject-spiral-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Oxford Spiral Notebook, 1 Subject, College Ruled, 8 × 10-1/2 in, 70 sheets (6-pack 63756) | Oxford (by TOPS Products) | United States | Not stated | Coated paperboard covers, wire coil, ruled paper | – | $: under $5 per notebook | - Made in (Oxford Spiral Notebook, 1 Subject, College Ruled, 8 × 10-1/2 in, 70 sheets (6-pack 63756)): Not stated. TOPS Products' own spec sheet for the college-ruled 1-Subject notebook (65022) gives no country of origin, and neither do the retail listings we read for 63756 and 65010. Check the label on yours. ## Key takeaways - Each notebook measures 8 × 10.5 in (203 × 267 mm) overall; sheets tear out to 7.5 × 10.5 in (191 × 267 mm). - It has 70 double-sided sheets (140 pages), micro-perforated and 3-hole punched for a standard binder. - The pastel 6-pack (63756) shows a 4.8-star average from about 8,600 Amazon reviews on a listing tracker. - Packs hold 6 or 18 books, so one notebook typically costs under $5, our lowest band ($). - Oxford is a TOPS Products brand; TOPS rates the paper at 85 GE brightness, says it isn't acid-free, and doesn't state where the notebook is made. ## What is the Oxford 1-Subject spiral notebook? **It is a basic US school notebook: 70 ruled sheets on a wire coil between two paperboard covers, usually bought in packs of six.** Oxford sells it college ruled and wide ruled, in plain and pastel color sets. The pastel 6-pack, item 63756, is one of the most-reviewed Oxford listings on Amazon. A listing tracker shows a 4.8-star average from about 8,600 reviews. ## Oxford 1-Subject notebook specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Size (overall) | 8 × 10.5 in (203 × 267 mm) | | Sheet size (torn out) | 7.5 × 10.5 in (191 × 267 mm) | | Sheets | 70, ruled on both sides (140 pages) | | Ruling | College ruled (63756, 65022) or wide ruled (65010) | | Pages | Micro-perforated, 3-hole punched | | Paper | White, 85 GE brightness, not acid-free (per TOPS) | | Covers | Coated paperboard | | Binding | Wire coil, described as snag-resistant | | Packs | 6 (63756, 65010) or 18 (65206); also sold singly (65022) | | Made in | Not stated | | Price band | $ (under $5 per notebook) | Figures come from retailer listings (Carrefour, Staples, Walmart). Oxford's own product pages didn't surface in our research. ![To-scale drawing of an Oxford 1-Subject page, 8 × 10.5 in on the coil, tearing out at the perforation to a 7.5 × 10.5 in college-ruled sheet with a red margin and three punched holes](https://stationerytimes.com/images/oxford-1-subject-spiral-notebook-sheet-size.svg) *One page at 1 mm = 1.13 px: the half-inch strip left on the coil, and the 7.5 × 10.5 in sheet you tear out.* ## What size are the pages? **The book is 8 × 10.5 in, and each sheet tears out to 7.5 × 10.5 in.** The missing half inch is the strip that stays on the coil. That makes the loose sheet half an inch narrower and half an inch shorter than US letter paper (8.5 × 11 in). It still fits a standard 3-ring binder, because the three holes are punched to the usual spacing. ## College ruled or wide ruled? **Pick college ruled for smaller handwriting and more lines a page, and wide ruled for younger students.** In the US, college rule is usually 9/32 in (7.1 mm) and wide rule 11/32 in (8.7 mm); the Oxford listings we found don't state the spacing. The ruling is printed on both sides with a red margin line. For school supply lists that say "college ruled, 70 sheets", this notebook is a direct match. ## Which Oxford pack should you buy? **Buy the 6-pack in the ruling your class asks for; the item number tells you which ruling and colors you get.** Every version below is the same 8 × 10.5 in, 70-sheet book. | Item | Ruling | Pack | Covers | |---|---|---|---| | 63756 | College | 6 | Pastel: pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple | | 65010 | Wide | 6 | Blue, yellow, red, light blue, green, black | | 65022 | College | 1 | Single book, sold at Staples | | 65206 | College | 18 | Bulk pack | Price trackers show how much pack prices move: camelcamelcamel recorded the 18-pack on Amazon at well under half its 2026 high on August 1, 2026. Per notebook, most listings we checked land in our lowest band, under $5. ## How does it compare to Five Star and Mead? **The Oxford is the light, cheap single-subject option; the Five Star is a heavier multi-subject book.** | | Oxford 1-Subject | [Five Star 5 Subject](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/) | [Mead Composition](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Sheets | 70 | 200 | 100 | | Sheet size | 7.5 × 10.5 in, torn out | 8.5 × 11 in, torn out | 9.75 × 7.5 in | | Binding | Wire coil | Spiral Lock wire | Sewn | | Cover | Coated paperboard | Plastic | Marbled board | | Price band | $ | $$ | $ | Choose the Oxford for one class per notebook and loose sheets for a binder. Choose a composition book if pages must stay in, for a lab or a journal. If wire rings bother your hand, the [KOKUYO Soft Ring Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-soft-ring-notebook/) uses soft resin rings instead. ## Who makes Oxford notebooks? **In the US, Oxford is a brand of TOPS Products, based in Naperville, Illinois.** It traces back to Oxford Pendaflex, which Esselte bought in 1976, and TOPS's own site lists the 1-Subject notebook as item TOP 65022. The Oxford notebooks sold in Europe are a different line. The French Hamelin group owns the Oxford brand there and calls it "leader européen sur le marché des cahiers et blocs" (Europe's leading notebook and pad brand); Hamelin says most of those books use its own Optik Paper. ## Where is the Oxford 1-Subject notebook made? **Neither TOPS Products nor the retail listings we read say where the college-ruled 1-Subject notebook is made.** TOPS's spec sheet for item 65022 lists size, sheet count, ruling and brightness but no country of origin, so check the label on yours. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many sheets are in an Oxford 1-Subject notebook? Each one has 70 sheets, ruled on both sides, which is 140 pages. That is the standard count for a US one-subject spiral notebook. ### What size is an Oxford spiral notebook? The notebook is 8 × 10.5 in (203 × 267 mm) overall. Pages tear out at the perforation to 7.5 × 10.5 in, slightly smaller than letter paper. ### Is the Oxford 1-Subject notebook college ruled or wide ruled? Both are sold. The 6-pack 63756 and the single 65022 are college ruled; the 6-pack 65010 is wide ruled. US college rule is usually 9/32 in (7.1 mm) and wide rule 11/32 in (8.7 mm). ### Are Oxford spiral notebook pages perforated and hole punched? Yes. TOPS lists micro-perforated sheets and 3 punched holes for a standard 3-ring binder on the 65022, and retailers describe the 6-packs the same way. ### What are Oxford notebook covers made of? Retail listings describe coated paperboard covers. They are lighter than the plastic covers on notebooks such as the Five Star 5 Subject. ### Who makes Oxford notebooks? In the US, Oxford is an office-supply brand of TOPS Products of Naperville, Illinois, historically part of Oxford Pendaflex. In Europe, Oxford notebooks come from the French Hamelin group, a separate company and product line. ### Where are Oxford notebooks made? Neither TOPS Products nor the retail listings we read say where the 1-Subject notebook is made, so read the label on the pack. ## Sources - [TOPS Products: Oxford 1-Subject Notebook, 8 × 10-1/2 in, College Rule, 70 Sheets, TOP 65022 (140 pages, micro-perforated, 3-hole punched, 85 GE brightness, not acid-free)](https://www.tops-products.com/topstm-notebook-1-subject-wirebound-10-1-2-x-8-college-rule-assorted-red-yellow-green-blue-light-blue-covers-70-sh-bk.html) - [Groupe Hamelin: OXFORD, fournitures scolaires et de bureau (Oxford, school and office supplies: Hamelin's European Oxford brand), French](https://www.hamelinbrands.com/fr/marques/oxford/) - [Carrefour UAE: Oxford Spiral Notebook, 1 Subject, College Ruled, 8 × 10-1/2 in, pastel, 70 sheets, 63756, set of 6 (covers, perforation, holes, detached size)](https://www.carrefouruae.com/mafuae/en/specific-line-notebook/oxford-spiral-notebook-1-subject-college-ruled-paper-8-x-10-1-2-inch-pastel-pink-orange-yellow-green-blue-and-purple-70-sheets-63756-set-of-6/p/3233001979759) - [Amazon listing tracker: Oxford spiral notebook 6-pack, B08VF9B772 (rating and review count)](https://sentinel.rocketium.com/products/amazon/B08VF9B772) - [Staples: TOPS/Oxford 1-Subject Notebook, 10-1/2 × 8 in, College Rule, 70 sheets, 65022](https://www.staples.com/TOPS-10-1-2-x-8-Wirebound-70-Sheet-College-Rule-1-Subject-Notebook-65022/product_1554497) - [Walmart: Oxford Spiral Notebook 6-Pack, 1 Subject, Wide Ruled, 8 × 10-1/2 in, 70 sheets, 65010](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Oxford-Spiral-Notebook-6-Pack-1-Subject-Wide-Ruled-Paper-8-x-10-1-2-Inch-Blue-Yellow-Red-Light-Blue-Green-and-Black-70-Sheets-65010/2579288851) - [Walmart: Oxford 1-subject spiral notebooks (current listings)](https://www.walmart.com/browse/office-supplies/1-subject-spiral-notebooks/oxford/1229749_1086045_4796182_2714026_7232305/YnJhbmQ6T3hmb3Jk) - [camelcamelcamel: Oxford 1-Subject 18-pack, 65206 (Amazon price history)](https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B0B9VF9DXF) - [Quill: Oxford 1-Subject Notebooks, Wide Ruled, 70 sheets, 6/bundle (ESS65002-6)](https://Quill.com/oxford-1-subject-notebooks-8-x-105-wide-ruled-70-sheets-assorted-colors-6-bundle-ess65002-6/cbs/55429683.html) - [TigerChef: Oxford (brand owned by TOPS Products)](https://www.tigerchef.com/oxford.html) - [Company Histories: Esselte Pendaflex Corporation (Oxford Pendaflex)](https://company-histories.com/Esselte-Pendaflex-Corporation-Company-History.html) --- # Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior: Matte Black #2 HB > The Mirado Black Warrior is Paper Mate's matte black, round, wood-cased #2 (HB) pencil with a gold-toned ferrule and a latex-free eraser. Retailers list a 2.2 mm graphite core and a cedar barrel, sold unsharpened by the dozen (item 2254). Distributor listings give Mexico as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-mirado-black-warrior/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior pencil drawn in proportion: round matte black barrel with gold stamping, gold-toned ferrule with a red stripe, pink eraser and sharpened point; inset of the eraser end](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/paper-mate-mirado-black-warrior-16x9.png) *The Black Warrior, drawn in proportion: Paper Mate doesn't publish a single pencil's length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/paper-mate-mirado-black-warrior-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior Woodcase Pencil, HB #2, 12-count (2254) | Paper Mate (by Newell Brands) | United States | Mexico | Cedar wood case, graphite core, latex-free eraser | – | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior Woodcase Pencil, HB #2, 12-count (2254)): Mexico. ADI Global Distribution lists country of origin MX for item 2254, and On Time Supplies also gives Mexico (its page also shows a generic Made in USA badge, which conflicts with its own origin field). Paper Mate's own page doesn't state it in the sources we found; check the box. Source: https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-2254 ## Key takeaways - The Black Warrior is an HB #2 pencil with a 2.2 mm graphite core, per Staples and other retailer listings. - It sells by the dozen (Paper Mate item 2254) and falls in our $ band, under $5 a pencil. - Paper Mate says its eraser is 100% latex-free and smudge-resistant, and markets the lead for standardized tests. - The Black Warrior name dates back to the Eagle Pencil Company; the Mirado name was added on a 1993 Berol-made model, per Brand Name Pencils. - ADI Global Distribution and On Time Supplies give Mexico as the country of origin. ## What is the Mirado Black Warrior? **The Mirado Black Warrior is Paper Mate's matte black, round #2 (HB) wood pencil, with a gold-toned ferrule and a pink, latex-free eraser.** Paper Mate, a Newell Brands label, sells it by the dozen as item 2254. Office chains, Walmart and school suppliers all list it. The Well-Appointed Desk describes the details: a smooth round barrel in matte black paint, a gold-toned ferrule with a cherry red painted stripe, and a pink eraser. The barrel imprint is gold. ## Black Warrior specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | Paper Mate (Newell Brands, United States) | | Item number | 2254 (12-count) | | Grade | HB, #2 | | Core | 2.2 mm graphite, per Staples | | Barrel | Round, matte black, cedar wood case | | Eraser | Pink; latex-free and smudge-resistant, per Paper Mate | | Sharpened? | No, the 2254 dozen is unsharpened | | Made in | Mexico (per distributor listings) | | Price band | $ (under $5 a pencil) | Paper Mate doesn't publish a single pencil's length or diameter in the sources we found. The 7.6 in (193 mm) dimension on some listings appears to describe the box, not the pencil. ## How does the Black Warrior write? **Reviewers agree it writes dark and smooth for an HB, but disagree on whether that's good.** Cool Tools credits a wax additive for its smoothness. The Well-Appointed Desk found the lead quite dark and smudgy, and said the point dulled quickly. Paper Mate markets the lead as bold and suited to standardized tests, where scanners need a dark mark. Both points are claims, not our test. ![The Black Warrior's 2.2 mm graphite core drawn to scale next to 0.7 mm and 0.5 mm mechanical pencil leads, and the US grade scale: #1 is B, #2 is HB, #3 is H](https://stationerytimes.com/images/paper-mate-mirado-black-warrior-core.svg) *A 2.2 mm core is about four times the width of 0.5 mm lead, which is why a wood pencil point lasts longer between sharpenings.* ## Is the Black Warrior good for standardized tests? **Yes, as a #2 (HB) pencil it meets the usual "No. 2 pencil" request, and Paper Mate markets it for tests.** For a test day, sharpen several in advance, since the 2254 dozen comes unsharpened. The round barrel is the one drawback reviewers mention: it rolls more easily than a hexagonal pencil. The Well-Appointed Desk also found the eraser wore down fast. ## Who is the Black Warrior for? **It suits anyone who wants a cheap, dark-writing #2 pencil and prefers a round barrel to a hexagonal one.** Students filling in answer sheets, writers who like a soft-feeling HB, and people who just like the matte black look are the usual buyers. It is less suited to fine drawing or precise lines. A dark, waxy HB dulls faster than a harder grade, so expect to sharpen more often. If you would rather never sharpen, a mechanical pencil with 0.7 mm HB lead gives a similar #2 mark. The [Pentel Orenz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-orenz/) is one option. ## How does the Black Warrior compare to the Ticonderoga and Blackwing? **It is the dark, round, budget option; the [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) is the hexagonal yellow standard, and the [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/) is the premium choice.** | Pencil | Barrel | Grade | Eraser | Made in | |---|---|---|---|---| | Mirado Black Warrior | Round, matte black | HB #2 | Latex-free, pink | Mexico | | Ticonderoga #2 | Hexagonal, yellow | HB #2 | Latex-free, pink | China (most packs) | | Blackwing 602 | Hexagonal, gunmetal | Firm graphite | Replaceable, in a flat ferrule | Japan | If you want a darker drawing pencil with more grades, the [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/) runs from 12B to 10H. ## Where does the Black Warrior come from? **The name goes back to the Eagle Pencil Company of New York; today Paper Mate sells it, and distributor listings give Mexico as the country of origin.** Brand Name Pencils says the Black Warrior was a separate line from Eagle's Mirado until the names were combined on a 1993 Berol-made model. Eagle merged with Berol in 1969, and ownership passed to Sanford, which became part of Newell Rubbermaid (now Newell Brands) in 1992. PencilTalk reports that Sanford later closed its Tennessee pencil plant. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Black Warrior a #2 pencil? Yes. Paper Mate sells it as an HB #2 pencil, the grade most US schools and standardized tests ask for. ### Is the Black Warrior darker than a Ticonderoga? Some reviewers say so. The Well-Appointed Desk found its lead quite dark and smudgy, and Cool Tools describes a wax additive that makes it smoother; we have not tested them side by side. ### Are Black Warrior pencils round or hexagonal? Round. Retailers and reviewers describe a smooth round barrel with a matte black finish, which feels comfortable but can roll off a sloped desk. ### Does the Black Warrior have a latex-free eraser? Yes, Paper Mate describes the eraser as 100% latex-free and smudge-resistant. Reviewers have been less kind about how long it lasts. ### Do Black Warrior pencils come sharpened? The standard dozen (item 2254) is listed as unsharpened. A separate bundle with an X-Acto sharpener is sold under its own item number. ### Where are Black Warrior pencils made? Distributor listings for item 2254 give Mexico. They were once made in the US, but Paper Mate's former parent Sanford closed its Tennessee pencil plant, according to PencilTalk. ### Who makes the Mirado Black Warrior? Paper Mate, a brand of Newell Brands in the United States. The pencil came to Paper Mate through Eagle Pencil, Berol and Sanford, which became part of Newell in 1992. ### What is the difference between Mirado and Mirado Black Warrior? The Mirado was Eagle's yellow pencil (originally the Mikado), while the Black Warrior was a separate line. The two names were joined on a 1993 Berol-made model, according to Brand Name Pencils. ## Sources - [Paper Mate: Mirado Black Warrior Woodcase Pencils, HB #2 (SAP 2254)](https://www.papermate.com/pencils/paper-mate-mirado-black-warrior-woodcase-pencils-hb-2-lead/SAP_2254.html) - [Staples: Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior wooden pencil, 2.2 mm #2 lead, dozen (2254)](https://www.staples.com/paper-mate-mirado-black-warrior-wooden-pencil-2-2mm-2-soft-lead-dozen-2254/product_PAP2254) - [Walmart: Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior Pencils, Black, HB #2, 12 Count](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Paper-Mate-Mirado-Black-Warrior-Pencils-Black-HB-2-12-Count/14916117) - [ADI Global Distribution: item 7D-2254 (country of origin MX, Newell Brands)](https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-2254) - [On Time Supplies: Mirado Black Warrior pencil, PAP2254 (Mexico)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pap2254-mirado-black-warrior-pencil-hb-2-black-lead-black-matte-barrel-dozen.html) - [My Work Supply: Mirado Black Warrior, 2254 (cedar, round barrel, unsharpened)](https://myworksupply.com/products/paper-mate-mirado-black-warrior-wooden-pencil-2-2mm-2-soft-lead-dozen-2254) - [Azor: Mirado Black Warrior pencil, HB #2, black matte barrel, dozen](https://shop.azorinc.com/Product/PAP/2254/PAP2254) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Pencil review, Papermate Mirado Black Warrior (March 2015)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2015/03/pencil-review-papermate-mirado-black-warrior/) - [Cool Tools: Mirado Black Warrior pencil](https://kk.org/cooltools/?p=10835) - [Brand Name Pencils: Mirado Black Warrior 372 (history of the name)](https://brandnamepencils.com/product/mirado-black-warrior-372-no-2-hb) - [PencilTalk: Eagle Mirado pencil (Mikado renamed during WWII)](https://www.penciltalk.org/?p=1493) - [PencilTalk: Goodbye, Paper Mate Mirado Classic pencil (Sanford plant closure)](https://www.penciltalk.org/?p=1470) --- # Pentel Orenz: The Sliding-Sleeve Pencil, 0.2–0.7 mm > The Pentel Orenz is a Japanese mechanical pencil whose metal sleeve covers the lead and slides back into the pencil as the lead wears, so the lead never sticks out unprotected. That lets it write with lead as fine as 0.2 mm. Pentel Japan lists it at 145 mm and 10 g; JetPens gives 142 mm for the 0.5 mm. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-orenz/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm mechanical pencil drawn to scale at 142 mm (5.6 in) long, with metal clip and lead sleeve; inset: the 3.0 mm sleeve slides back into the pencil as the lead wears](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-orenz-16x9.png) *The Orenz 0.5 mm at its listed 142 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-orenz-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil (0.5 mm; PP505 in the US, XPP505 in Japan) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Recycled PC and PP plastics, brass, iron and stainless steel (per Pentel Japan) | 2014 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil (0.5 mm; PP505 in the US, XPP505 in Japan)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the ORENZ 1-Click (PP502 to PP507) as Japan. The Journal Shop and Monk Office's listing for the PP505A also say Japan. Pentel's Japanese pages don't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/104 ## Key takeaways - Pentel of America sells the Orenz in four lead sizes: 0.2 mm (PP502), 0.3 mm (PP503), 0.5 mm (PP505) and 0.7 mm (PP507). - JetPens lists the 0.5 mm Orenz (XPP505) at 14.2 cm (5.6 in) retracted, about 10 g with lead, and 8.9 mm at its widest. - Its metal lead sleeve is 3.0 mm long, per JetPens, and slides back as you write instead of staying fixed. - Pentel's Japanese design archive dates the Orenz to 2014 and lists it at 145 × 13 × 9 mm and 10 g; JetPens gives 142 mm for the 0.5 mm. - Pentel of America's catalog gives the Orenz's origin as Japan, and Pentel's Japanese site says the series passed 20 million pencils sold by July 2025. ## What is the Pentel Orenz? **The Orenz is a Pentel mechanical pencil built so the lead never sticks out unprotected, which lets it use lead as fine as 0.2 mm.** Pentel launched it in 2014, and its Japanese site says the series had sold more than 20 million pencils by July 2025, mostly in Japan. In the US, Pentel of America sells it as the "Orenz 1-Click" with a limited-lifetime warranty. Our [best mechanical pencils](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-mechanical-pencils/) roundup names it the pick for writing without lead breakage. ## How does the Orenz sleeve work? **One click pushes a 3.0 mm metal sleeve out around the lead; as you write, the lead wears and the sleeve slides back into the pencil with it.** Pentel calls this the Super Sliding Sleeve. Because the lead is always inside the sleeve, there's no bare length of lead to snap. ![Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm point drawn to scale in three stages: sleeve out 3.0 mm after one click, sliding back as the lead wears, and fully back so you click again](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-orenz-sleeve.svg) *The sleeve at 1 mm = 24 px: out, sliding back, and back in.* When the sleeve is fully back, you click again. Retailer copy says this lets you write longer between clicks than with an ordinary pencil. ## Pentel Orenz specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), Pentel brand | | US models | PP502 (0.2 mm), PP503 (0.3 mm), PP505 (0.5 mm), PP507 (0.7 mm) | | Japan models | XPP502 (0.2 mm), XPP503 (0.3 mm), XPP505 (0.5 mm), with a color suffix; since the 2025 renewal, R codes such as XPP505-RA (black) | | Length | 145 mm per Pentel Japan; 142–143 mm (5.6 in) retracted, per JetPens and Unsharpen | | Size, widest | 13 × 9 mm, per Pentel Japan; 8.9 mm max, 8.8 mm at the grip, per JetPens | | Weight | 10 g (0.35 oz), per Pentel Japan, JetPens and Unsharpen | | Materials | Recycled PC, PP, brass, iron, stainless steel (Pentel Japan) | | Preloaded lead | B (Pentel of America; in Japan since the August 28, 2025 renewal, was HB) | | Japan list price | 0.2 mm ¥660 (about US$4.20); 0.3 and 0.5 mm ¥550 (about US$3.50), tax included | | Lead sleeve | 3.0 mm, sliding (JetPens, Unsharpen) | | Eraser refill | Z2-1N (Japan's 0.2 mm uses the PPE-2) | | JAN (0.5 mm black, Japan) | 4902506431622 (XPP505-RA) | | Made in | Japan (Pentel of America catalog) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 a pencil) | Lengths differ a little between listings. Pentel's Japanese design archive gives 13 × 9 × 145 mm and 10 g for the Orenz, and Orosy also gives 145 mm for the 0.2 mm model, while JetPens lists 142 mm and Unsharpen 14.3 cm; our drawings use JetPens' 142 mm. Pentel Japan doesn't state the country of manufacture. ## Which Orenz lead size should you choose? **Pick 0.2 or 0.3 mm for tiny handwriting and fine detail; that's where the sleeve matters most.** Thin lead breaks most easily in an ordinary pencil, so the Orenz's advantage is biggest at the small sizes. | Size | US model | Barrel color in Pentel's catalog | Good for | |---|---|---|---| | 0.2 mm | PP502W | White | Very small writing, annotations | | 0.3 mm | PP503B | Red | Fine notes, math | | 0.5 mm | PP505A | Black | Everyday notes | | 0.7 mm | PP507C | Blue | Bolder lines, heavier hands | Pentel's Japanese site lists the standard Orenz in 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 mm only; the 0.7 mm is a Pentel of America model. Japan also gets more barrel colors since the 2025 renewal: three for the 0.2 mm (including dark green), six for the 0.3 mm (such as pale green and ice blue) and seven for the 0.5 mm (such as ocean green, bright yellow and fresh pink), which may not be sold in the US. Pentel also makes metal-grip versions of the Orenz in Japan, such as the XPP1005G2. ## What lead and eraser does the Orenz use? **Any standard lead of the matching diameter fits; Pentel of America says the pencil ships with Super Hi-Polymer B lead, and the eraser refill is the Z2-1N.** Pentel Japan's August 19, 2025 release says the Orenz line was renewed on August 28, 2025 under the worldwide ORENZ logo, with the preloaded lead switched from HB to B in Japan because demand for darker leads has grown. Proshop also lists B in the European XPP505-A. In Japan the 0.2 mm takes a different eraser, the PPE-2 with a cleaning pin, at ¥132 (about US$0.80) for two. The tiny eraser sits under the cap, as on most mechanical pencils. For heavy erasing, a separate block eraser works better. If you choose 0.2 mm, buy a tube of matching refills with the pencil, since it's the least common size. ## How does the Orenz compare to the DelGuard and Kuru Toga? **The Orenz hides the lead, the [Zebra DelGuard](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-delguard/) lets it give way on springs, and the [uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) turns it to keep the point even.** | Pencil | Mechanism | Finest lead | Best for | |---|---|---|---| | Pentel Orenz | Sliding sleeve | 0.2 mm | Fine lead, light precise writing | | Zebra DelGuard | Two springs | 0.3 mm | Heavy pressure | | uni Kuru Toga | Rotating lead | 0.3 mm | An even line width | For ruler work, the moving sleeve is a drawback; the fixed 4 mm sleeve of the [Pentel Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/) stays put against a straightedge. ## Where is the Pentel Orenz made? **In Japan: Pentel of America's 2022 catalog gives Japan as the origin of the ORENZ 1-Click.** The Journal Shop and Monk Office (for the PP505A) also say Japan; Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. The company behind the brand, called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026 and now ASTRUM Corporation, is based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the Pentel Orenz stop lead from breaking? The lead stays inside a metal sleeve while you write. As the lead wears down, the sleeve slides back into the pencil with it, so there is never bare lead sticking out to snap. ### Do you have to click the Orenz while writing? Much less than a normal pencil. You click once to push the sleeve out and write until it has slid all the way back, then click again. US retailer copy for Pentel of America's model calls this an extra-long write-out without clicking. ### What lead sizes does the Orenz come in? Pentel of America lists 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 mm, with model numbers PP502, PP503, PP505 and PP507. The 0.2 mm is the size the Orenz is best known for. ### Is the Orenz good for drafting with a ruler? Not ideal. Because the sleeve slides back as you write, its length changes, which Unsharpen notes makes it a poor fit for ruler and template work; a fixed-sleeve pencil like the Pentel Sharp P205 is steadier there. ### What lead comes in the Orenz? Pentel of America says it ships pre-loaded with Super Hi-Polymer B lead, and Pentel Japan switched its preloaded lead from HB to B in August 2025. Any lead of the matching diameter fits. ### Where is the Pentel Orenz made? In Japan. Pentel of America's catalog gives Japan as the origin, and The Journal Shop and Monk Office agree. ### What eraser refill does the Orenz use? The Z2-1N, per Pentel of America's catalog. In Japan, Pentel lists the Z2-1N for the 0.3 and 0.5 mm and the PPE-2, which comes with a cleaning pin, for the 0.2 mm. ### Orenz or DelGuard: which is better for not breaking lead? Both work, in different ways. The Orenz suits very fine 0.2 and 0.3 mm lead and light, precise writing; the Zebra DelGuard's springs suit people who press hard. ## Sources - [オレンズ (Pentel Japan product page: XPP502-R, XPP503-R, XPP505-R colors, JAN codes, B lead, list prices, erasers)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/orenz/) - [オレンズ (Pentel Japan design archive: released 2014, 13 × 9 × 145 mm, 10 g, materials)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/about/design/14g020073/) - [折れないシャープペン「orenz」が、世界共通ブランド「ORENZ」に (Pentel Japan news release, August 19, 2025: renewal, launched 2014, 20 million sold, B lead, prices)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/20250819/) - [Pentel UK: Orenz marks another first from Pentel](https://pentel.co.uk/trade-news/orenz-marks-another-first-from-pentel) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: ORENZ 1-Click (PP502W, PP503B, PP505A, PP507C; B lead, Z2-1N eraser, origin Japan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/104) - [Pentel of America: ORENZ 1-Click Mechanical Pencil (Super Sliding Sleeve, B lead, UPCs)](https://www.pentel.com/products/pentel-orenz-1-click-mechanical-pencil) - [President Online: how Pentel developed the Orenz (in Japanese)](https://president.jp/articles/-/23265) - [Lexikaliker: Pentel Orenz (April 2014)](https://www.lexikaliker.de/2014/04/pentel-orenz/) - [JetPens: Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm, Navy, XPP505-C2 (14.2 cm, 10 g)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-Orenz-Mechanical-Pencil-0.5-mm-Navy/pd/25587) - [JetPens: Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm, Cherry Red, XPP505-GB (8.9 mm diameter, 3.0 mm sleeve)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-Orenz-Mechanical-Pencil-0.5-mm-Cherry-Red/pd/21939) - [JetPens: Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm, 10th Anniversary Limited Edition](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-Orenz-Mechanical-Pencil-0.5-mm-Black-10th-Anniversary-Limited-Edition/pd/40288) - [Orosy: Pentel Orenz 0.2 mm (145 mm, 10 g)](https://wholesale.orosy.com/products/pentel-orenz-never-break-mechanical-pencil-0-2-mm) - [Unsharpen: Pentel Orenz (14.3 cm, 10 g, 9.0 mm body, 3.0 mm sliding pipe; sleeve length varies)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/pentel-orenz/) - [Proshop: Pentel XPP505-A Orenz 0.5 mm (Super Sliding Sleeve, pre-loaded B lead)](https://www.proshop.nl/Schrijf-en-tekengerei/Pentel-XPP505-A-ORENZ-pencil-05mm-Zwart/2801843) - [The Journal Shop: Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil 0.5 mm (made in Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/pentel-orenz-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm) - [Monk Office: Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm black, PP505A (made in Japan)](https://monkapi.store.commercebuild.com/office-products/writing-correction/mechanical-pencils/penpp505a-orenz-mech-pencil-05mm-black) - [Sundrug Online: Pentel Orenz Metal Grip 0.5 mm, XPP1005G2](https://sundrug-online.com/en/products/4902506371843) - [Drafting Supplies Dew: Pentel Orenz 1-Click mechanical pencil (PP502 to PP507)](https://www.draftingsuppliesdew.com/pentel-orenz-1-click-mechanical-pencil) --- # Zebra DelGuard: The Pencil Built Not to Break Lead > The Zebra DelGuard is a mechanical pencil from Japan's Zebra Co. with two springs that protect the lead: one lets the lead give way under straight-down pressure, the other pushes the sleeve out to shield it from angled pressure. The plastic Standard model is about 137 mm long and 10 g, in 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 mm. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-delguard/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil drawn to scale at 137.3 mm (5.4 in) long, with metal clip, ribbed grip and metal tip; inset: a spring behind the lead and a spring in the tip guard it from straight and angled pressure](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/zebra-delguard-16x9.png) *The DelGuard Standard at its listed 137.3 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/zebra-delguard-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil, Standard (P-MA85, 0.5 mm) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Japan | Plastic (resin) body, metal tip | 2014 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil, Standard (P-MA85, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Per Noble's government-supply listing for a DelGuard 0.5 mm 3-pack (country of origin Japan). Zebra's Japanese product page doesn't state a country of manufacture. Source: https://gsacp.noble.com/delguard-mechanical-pencil,-0.5-mm,-hb-2,-black-lead,-black-barrel,-3/pack/ecomm-product-detail/434792 ## Key takeaways - Zebra's Japanese site lists the DelGuard Standard at 137.3 mm (5.4 in) long, 10.3 mm at its widest and 10 g, for ¥495 (about US$3.10). - Zebra Japan sells three lead sizes, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 mm (P-MAS85, P-MA85, P-MAB85); US stores mostly stock 0.5 and 0.7 mm. - Zebra warns that 2B and softer leads in 0.3 mm, 3B and softer in 0.5 mm, and colored leads can still break. - Clicking 4 or more times from a fully retracted lead can break it, per Zebra's own product page. - A US government-supply listing gives Japan as the country of origin for the 0.5 mm DelGuard. ## What is the Zebra DelGuard? **The DelGuard is a mechanical pencil from Zebra Co., Ltd. of Tokyo that is designed so the lead doesn't snap, however hard you press.** Zebra sells it worldwide, and Zebra Pen Corporation distributes it in the US, where grocery and office stores stock the 0.5 mm with a tube of bonus lead. Zebra's Japanese company history dates the launch to 2014, and Japanese business magazine Toyo Keizai reported that Zebra spent five years developing it. Zebra's Japanese site lists the Standard at ¥495 (about US$3.10). Our [best mechanical pencils](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-mechanical-pencils/) roundup names it the pick for heavy-handed writers. ## How does the DelGuard keep lead from breaking? **Two mechanisms share the work: one lets the lead retreat under straight-down pressure, and one pushes a metal sleeve out to shield the lead from angled pressure.** Zebra's Japanese page says that when strong vertical force hits the paper, a spring inside the barrel releases the lead upward instead of letting it snap. When strong pressure comes at a slant, Zebra says the metal part at the tip comes out automatically and wraps around the lead, and the two mechanisms share the load to match the angle and force. Zebra adds an internal part that guides the lead so short pieces don't slip and jam. US packaging calls the design a double-spring mechanism and suggests clicking twice before you write. ## Zebra DelGuard specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) | | Model | P-MAS85 (0.3) · P-MA85 (0.5) · P-MAB85 (0.7), Japan model codes | | Lead sizes | 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 mm | | Length | 137.3 mm (5.4 in); Bungu Store lists 138 mm | | Diameter | 10.3 mm at the widest | | Weight | 10 g (0.35 oz) | | Refill eraser | Zebra G (pack of 5) | | Launched | 2014 (Japan) | | List price (Japan) | ¥495 (about US$3.10) including tax | | Body | Plastic (resin), metal tip | | Made in | Japan (per a US government-supply listing) | | Price band | $$ ($5–20 a pencil) | Size, weight and price are from Zebra's Japanese product page and are the same for all three lead sizes; Minimaru's spec sheet agrees on 137.3 mm and 10.3 mm. ## Which leads can break in a DelGuard? **Soft and colored leads can still snap: Zebra's Japanese page warns about 2B and darker in 0.3 mm, 3B and darker in 0.5 mm, and colored lead.** The springs are tuned for ordinary graphite, so very soft lead can give way before the mechanism does. ![Zebra DelGuard lead sizes drawn to scale: 0.3 mm (2B and softer may break), 0.5 mm (3B and softer may break) and 0.7 mm (no grade limit in our sources)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/zebra-delguard-lead-sizes.svg) *The three DelGuard lead sizes at 1 mm = 60 px, with Zebra's soft-lead cautions.* Zebra also says clicking 4 or more times from a fully retracted position can break the lead. US packaging suggests two clicks. ## Which DelGuard model should you choose? **For most people the plastic Standard is enough; the other models change the grip and the weight, not the protection.** | Model | What's different | |---|---| | Standard (P-MA85) | Plastic body, 137.3 mm, 10 g, ¥495 (about US$3.10) | | Type-Lx (P-MA86) | Metal grip and lower center of gravity; 146 mm, 20.5 g, ¥1,100 (about US$7) | | Type-ER (P-MA88) | Eraser slides out when you turn the pencil upside down; 143 mm, 11.3 g, ¥770 (about US$4.90); launched 2017 | Figures are from Zebra's Japanese product pages; the Type-Lx comes in 0.3 and 0.5 mm, the Type-ER in 0.5 mm. - **Small handwriting:** pick 0.3 mm, but keep to HB or B lead. - **School and heavy pressure:** 0.5 or 0.7 mm. Thicker lead is less likely to snap in the first place. ## How does the DelGuard compare to the Pentel Orenz and Kuru Toga? **The DelGuard absorbs pressure, the [Pentel Orenz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-orenz/) hides the lead inside a sliding sleeve, and the [uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) rotates the lead to keep it sharp.** All three are plastic, about 10 g and made in Japan, per retailer listings. | Pencil | Mechanism | Lead sizes | Length | |---|---|---|---| | DelGuard Standard | Two springs | 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 mm | 137.3 mm | | Pentel Orenz | Sliding sleeve | 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 mm | 142 mm | | Kuru Toga Standard | Rotating lead | 0.3, 0.5 mm | 142 mm | Choose the DelGuard if you press hard, the Orenz for very fine lead and the Kuru Toga for an even line. ## Where is the Zebra DelGuard made? **A US government-supply listing (Noble) gives Japan as the country of origin for the 0.5 mm DelGuard.** Zebra doesn't state it on the pages we found, so check the packaging if it matters to you. Zebra also makes the [Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/) gel pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does the Zebra DelGuard really stop lead breaking? It stops most breakage from normal and heavy writing pressure, which is what it was designed for. Zebra itself says soft grades, colored leads and clicking out too much lead can still cause breaks. ### How does the DelGuard mechanism work? Zebra's Japanese site says a spring inside the barrel lets the lead slide back when you press straight down hard, and a metal part at the tip slides out to wrap the lead when you press hard at an angle. US packaging calls it a double-spring mechanism. ### What lead sizes does the DelGuard come in? Zebra's Japanese site and JetPens list the Standard DelGuard in 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 mm. The 0.5 mm is the size most US grocery and office stores carry. ### Can I use 2B lead in a DelGuard? In 0.5 mm, yes: Zebra's caution starts at 3B. In 0.3 mm, Zebra says 2B and softer may still break, so HB or B is the safer choice. ### How many times should I click a DelGuard? Zebra's page says the lead may break if you click 4 or more times from a position where no lead shows. US packaging suggests clicking twice before writing. ### Where is the Zebra DelGuard made? A US government-supply listing gives Japan as the country of origin. Zebra Co., Ltd., the maker, is based in Tokyo. ### Is the DelGuard good for heavy-handed writers? That is who it is for. The Journal Shop's guide recommends it for heavy-handed writers, and the springs are meant to absorb hard pressure that snaps lead in an ordinary pencil. ### What is the difference between the DelGuard and DelGuard Type-Lx? The Type-Lx has a metal grip and a lower center of gravity. Zebra's Japanese site lists it at 146 mm and 20.5 g, about twice the 10 g of the plastic Standard, with the same lead-protection mechanism. ## Sources - [ゼブラ株式会社: シャープペン デルガード (Zebra Japan product page, read in full: 0.3/0.5/0.7 mm, 137.3 mm, 10.3 mm, 10 g, ¥495, model codes, soft-lead and clicking cautions)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/del_guard/) - [ゼブラ株式会社: デルガード タイプLx (Zebra Japan: metal grip, 146 mm, 20.5 g, ¥1,100)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/del_guard_lx/) - [ゼブラ株式会社: デルガード タイプER (Zebra Japan: eraser slides out when inverted, 143 mm, 11.3 g, ¥770)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/del_guard_er/) - [ゼブラ株式会社: 沿革 (Zebra company history: DelGuard 2014, Type-ER 2017)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/corp/history/) - [Zebra (global): DelGuard (lead protection; soft and colored lead caveats; clicking caveat)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/global/products/del_guard/) - [Zebra Pen: How to refill the DelGuard mechanical pencil](https://www.zebrapen.com/blogs/enlightened-writing/how-to-refill-the-delguard-mechanical-pencil) - [JetPens: Zebra DelGuard, a comprehensive guide (models, lead sizes)](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/Zebra-DelGuard-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/69) - [JetPens: Zebra DelGuard series](https://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-DelGuard-Series/ct/4236) - [Minimaru: Zebra DelGuard 0.5 mm (137.3 mm long, 10.3 mm max diameter)](https://minimaru.com/products/zebra-del-guard-mechanical-pencil-05mm-square) - [Bungu Store: DelGuard mechanical pencil (138 mm, about 10 mm, resin body)](https://bungu.store/collections/zebra/products/delguard-sharp-pen-zebra) - [Unsharpen: Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil (about 10 g, plastic body)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/zebra-delguard-mechanical-pencil/) - [Yoseka Stationery: Zebra DelGuard Type-ER (double-spring mechanism)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/zebra-delguard-mechanical-pencil-type-er-0-5mm-limited-gold-black) - [Yoseka Stationery: DelGuard Type-Lx 0.5 mm (metal grip)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/delguard-mechanical-pencil-type-lx-0-5mm) - [Toyo Keizai: how Zebra developed the DelGuard over 5 years (in Japanese)](https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/170493) - [The Journal Shop: Best mechanical pencils guide (DelGuard for heavy-handed writers)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/blogs/guides/best-mechanical-pencils) - [Noble: DelGuard mechanical pencil 0.5 mm, 3-pack (country of origin Japan)](https://gsacp.noble.com/delguard-mechanical-pencil,-0.5-mm,-hb-2,-black-lead,-black-barrel,-3/pack/ecomm-product-detail/434792) - [Kroger: Zebra DelGuard 0.5 mm mechanical pencil with bonus lead](https://www.kroger.com/p/zebra-delguard-fine-point-mechanical-pencil/0004588858691) - [Fry's Food: Zebra DelGuard 0.5 mm with lead refill (double-spring, click twice)](https://www.frysfood.com/p/zebra-delguard-fine-point-mechanical-pencil-with-refill/0004588858611) --- # Canson XL Watercolor Pad: 140 lb Cold Press & Sizes > The Canson XL Watercolor pad holds 30 sheets of 140 lb (300 gsm), acid-free, cold-press watercolor paper. It comes in sizes from 7 × 10 in to 18 × 24 in, mostly with a fold-over cover and gum binding along the top edge; some sizes are wire-bound. It is a budget student pad for watercolor, gouache and ink. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-watercolor-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the 9 × 12 in Canson XL Watercolor pad, 229 mm wide, closed with its black fold-over cover and opened to a white cold-press sheet gum-bound at the top; inset: cold-press texture under the gummed head](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/canson-xl-watercolor-pad-16x9.png) *The 9 × 12 in pad, closed and open, drawn to scale; the cover artwork is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/canson-xl-watercolor-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Canson XL Watercolor Pad, 9 x 12 in, 140 lb (300 gsm), 30 sheets (100510941) | Canson (by Canson (Annonay, France)) | France | Not stated | 140 lb (300 g/m²) acid-free cold-press watercolor paper, without optical brighteners, mould-resistant treatment | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Canson XL Watercolor Pad, 9 x 12 in, 140 lb (300 gsm), 30 sheets (100510941)): Not stated. Sources conflict. A mirror of the Amazon listing for the 11 × 15 in pad says it is made in France, while a marketplace listing for the 18 × 24 in pad gives the USA; school retailers describe the paper as French watercolor paper. Canson's US page doesn't state it, and its French site says only that Canson papers are made in France (Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay). Check the back of the pad. ## Key takeaways - Paper: 140 lb (300 gsm), cold press, acid-free, 30 sheets in every size we found. - Sizes: 7 × 10, 9 × 12, 11 × 15, 12 × 18 and 18 × 24 in. - The 9 × 12 in pad (100510941) has a fold-over cover with gum binding along the top; School Specialty also sells a side-wire 9 × 12 in pad. - AS INSIGHT's July 2026 estimate puts the 9 × 12 in pad at about 3,000 Amazon sales a month, at 4.8 stars. - At 300 gsm it is nearly twice the weight of the 160 gsm Canson XL Mix Media sheet. ## What is the Canson XL Watercolor pad? **It is a budget pad of 30 sheets of 140 lb (300 gsm), acid-free, cold-press watercolor paper.** Canson, the French paper maker based in Annonay, sells it in its XL line of student art pads. It is one of the best-selling watercolor pads in the US. AS INSIGHT's July 2026 estimate puts the 9 × 12 in pad at about 3,000 Amazon sales a month at 4.8 stars, and an Amazon listing snapshot shows the 11 × 15 in pad with about 7,300 ratings. ## Canson XL Watercolor pad specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | Canson (XL range) | | Paper weight | 140 lb (300 gsm) | | Surface | Cold press (textured) | | Archival | Acid-free, no optical brighteners, mould-resistant treatment (Canson); ISO 9706 (Canson's French site) | | Sheets | 30 per pad | | Binding | Fold-over cover, gum-bound at the top; some sizes wire-bound | | Item (9 × 12 in) | 100510941 | | Made in | Not stated consistently: France or USA, depending on the listing | Weight, surface and archival details come from Canson's US and French pages; sheet count from Quill, DeSerres, School Specialty and Opus Art Supplies. Canson's US page also lists a lighter 90 lb (185 g) XL Watercolor paper, and in France the paper is sold in spiral albums and sketchbooks rather than fold-over pads. Opus describes the fold-around cover and gum binding along the top edge of the 9 × 12 in pad. ## What sizes does the Canson XL Watercolor pad come in? **We found five sizes, from 7 × 10 in to 18 × 24 in, all with 30 sheets.** | Size (in) | Size (cm) | Item | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | 7 × 10 | 17.8 × 25.4 | – | Wirebound (Amazon listing) | | 9 × 12 | 22.9 × 30.5 | 100510941 | Fold-over; also a side-wire version | | 11 × 15 | 27.9 × 38.1 | 100510942 | Fold-over | | 12 × 18 | 30.5 × 45.7 | – | Fold-over (Quill) | | 18 × 24 | 45.7 × 61.0 | – | Sold by School Specialty and DeSerres | Centimetre values are converted from inches. We found no 5.5 × 8.5 in watercolor pad in the XL line; that size belongs to other XL pads. ![To-scale drawing of five Canson XL Watercolor pad sizes from a shared corner: 7×10, 9×12, 11×15, 12×18 and 18×24 inches, each with 30 sheets of 140 lb cold-press paper](https://stationerytimes.com/images/canson-xl-watercolor-pad-sizes.svg) *The five pad sizes drawn to scale from one corner.* ## What is a fold-over, gum-bound pad? **The cover wraps over the top of the pad, and the sheets are held by a strip of gum along the top edge instead of a wire.** You fold the cover back behind the pad to paint, then peel the finished sheet away from the gum. Because only the top is glued, a very wet sheet can lift and cockle while still in the pad. Many painters remove the sheet and tape all four edges to a board first. Wire-bound versions tear out at the binding instead. ## How does it compare to Canson XL Mix Media? **Watercolor is the heavier, wetter-media pad; Mix Media is the lighter all-rounder.** | Pad | Weight | Surface | Sheets | Best for | |---|---|---|---|---| | **Canson XL Watercolor** | **140 lb (300 gsm)** | Cold press | 30 | Watercolor, gouache, heavier washes | | [Canson XL Mix Media](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) | 98 lb (160 gsm) | Fine texture | 60 | Markers, ink, dry media, light washes | | [Strathmore 400 Sketch](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/) | 60 lb (89 gsm) | Fine tooth | 100 | Graphite, colored pencil, charcoal | Pound weights for different paper types use different base sheet sizes, so compare the gsm figures. For the same 140 lb weight in 100% cotton, glued on four sides, see the [Arches watercolor block](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/arches-watercolor-block/). The [Fabriano Studio watercolor pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fabriano-studio-watercolor-pad/) sits between the two, with 25% cotton at the same 140 lb. ## Which size should you choose? **9 × 12 in is the usual first pad; go bigger for landscapes and smaller for travel.** - **7 × 10 in:** swatches, studies and travel; the wirebound version flips like a sketchbook. - **9 × 12 in:** class work and everyday practice. - **11 × 15 and 12 × 18 in:** finished paintings; 11 × 15 in is a quarter of a standard 22 × 30 in watercolor sheet. - **18 × 24 in:** large work that needs a board and plenty of tape. ## Where is the Canson XL Watercolor pad made? **Sources disagree, so we list it as not stated.** A mirror of the Amazon listing for the 11 × 15 in pad says it is made in France, while a marketplace listing for the 18 × 24 in pad gives the USA. School retailers describe the paper as French watercolor paper, and Canson's French site says Canson papers are made in France at Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay; that may explain both answers if US pads are bound in the USA. The country printed on the back of your pad is the reliable one. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Canson XL Watercolor paper 100% cotton? None of the retailer listings we found describe it as cotton paper; it is sold as an affordable 140 lb (300 gsm) cold-press pad. If you need 100% cotton, look for a pad that states it on the cover. ### Does Canson XL Watercolor paper buckle? Any 140 lb paper can cockle under very wet washes. The fold-over pad is only gummed along the top, so taping the sheet to a board before painting keeps it flatter. ### What sizes does the Canson XL Watercolor pad come in? We found 7 × 10, 9 × 12, 11 × 15, 12 × 18 and 18 × 24 in pads, each with 30 sheets of 140 lb (300 gsm) paper. ### Is the Canson XL Watercolor pad cold press or hot press? Cold press. Retailers list a textured cold-press surface, which suits most watercolor techniques; Canson's smoother hot-press papers are in other lines. ### How do you remove a sheet from the Canson XL Watercolor pad? On the fold-over pad, the sheets are gummed along the top edge, so peel a sheet away from the gum or slide a palette knife along it. The wire-bound versions tear out at the binding. ### What is the difference between Canson XL Watercolor and XL Mix Media? Watercolor is heavier: 140 lb (300 gsm) cold press with 30 sheets, against 98 lb (160 gsm) and 60 sheets for Mix Media. Mix Media suits markers, ink and light washes; Watercolor takes heavier washes. ### Where is the Canson XL Watercolor pad made? Sources disagree. One Amazon listing mirror says France and another marketplace listing says the USA, so we list it as not stated. Canson is a French company based in Annonay. ## Sources - [Canson (French): XL Aquarelle (300 g/m², grain fin, FSC, acid-free, no optical brighteners, antifungal, ISO 9706; spiral albums and sketchbooks in France)](https://fr.canson.com/xlr-aquarelle) - [Canson USA: XL Watercolor (cold press, 90 lb/185 g and 140 lb/300 g, acid-free, no optical brighteners, mould-resistant)](https://us.canson.com/xl-watercolor-usa) - [Canson (French): Qui sommes-nous ? (papers made in France at Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay)](https://fr.canson.com/qui-sommes-nous) - [Opus Art Supplies: Canson XL Watercolour pads (9 x 12 in CAN100510941; fold-around cover, gum binding along the top)](https://opusartsupplies.com/products/canson-xl-watercolour-pads) - [Quill: Canson XL Watercolor Pads, 9 x 12 in, pad of 30, pack of 3 (100510941)](https://images.quill.com/canson-xl-watercolor-pads-9-x-12-pad-30-pack-3-3pk-100510941/cbs/52959554.html) - [Quill: Canson XL Watercolor Pads, 11 x 15 in, pad of 30 (100510942; fold over bound, 140 lb / 300 gsm)](https://images.quill.com:443/canson-xl-watercolor-pads-11-x-15-pad-30-100510942/cbs/52962259.html) - [Quill: Canson XL Watercolor Pads, 12 x 18 in, pad of 30, pack of 2](https://images.quill.com/canson-xl-watercolor-pads-12-x-18-pad-30-pack-2/cbs/51807482.html) - [School Specialty: Canson XL Watercolor Pad, Wireless, 9 x 12 in, 140 lb, 30 sheets](https://select.schoolspecialty.com/canson-xl-watercolor-pad-wireless-9-x-12-inches-140-lb-30-sheets-1371707) - [School Specialty: Canson XL Watercolor Pad 9 x 12 in (side wire binding)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/canson-xl-watercolor-pad-white-1595190) - [School Specialty: Canson XL Watercolor Pad, 140 lb, 18 x 24 in, 30 sheets](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/canson-xl-heavy-weight-watercolor-pad-140-lb-18-x-24-inches-30-sheets-1371710) - [Walmart: Canson XL Series Watercolor Paper Pad 140 lb, fold over, 30 sheets, 9 x 12 in](https://www.walmart.com/ip/14786264409) - [Monk Office: Canson XL Watercolour Pad 9 x 12 in, 30 sheets (fold-over cover, cold press)](https://commercial.monk.ca/art-and-education/art-paper/drawing-sketch-paper/dix100510941-watercolour-pad-9x12-30sh) - [DeSerres: Canson XL collection (XL Watercolor 140 lb / 300 gsm, cold press, 30 sheets)](https://www.deserres.ca/collections/canson-xl) - [DeSerres: Canson XL Watercolor pad, 140 lb, 18 x 24 in, 30 sheets](https://www.deserres.ca/products/watercolor-paper-pad-xl-140lb-18x24in-30s) - [Desertcart: mirror of the Amazon 7 x 10 in wirebound listing (B01G2IIZN2; rank and ratings snapshot)](https://www.desertcart.co.th/products/36677375) - [Desertcart: mirror of the Amazon 11 x 15 in listing (B0049UXGD0; made in France, ratings snapshot)](https://www.desertcart.ni/products/2067245) - [AS INSIGHT: Amazon US sales estimates including the Canson XL Watercolor Pad 9 x 12 in (July 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/strathmore-bristol) - [Wikipedia: Canson (company background)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canson) --- # Neenah Bright White Cardstock: 65 lb, 176 gsm & Uses > Neenah Bright White Cardstock (91904) is a 250-sheet pack of 8.5 × 11 in white card at 65 lb cover weight, or 176 gsm, and 96 brightness. Retailers list it as acid- and lignin-free, suitable for inkjet and laser printers and copiers, and made in the United States. It is more than twice as heavy as 20 lb copy paper. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/neenah-bright-white-cardstock/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a 250-sheet pack of Neenah Bright White Cardstock, 279 mm (11 in) long, torn open at one end, beside one letter-size card scored for folding; inset: thick card edges, 65 lb cover, 176 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/neenah-bright-white-cardstock-16x9.png) *A 250-sheet pack of 65 lb Bright White, drawn to scale; the wrapper artwork is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/neenah-bright-white-cardstock-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Neenah Bright White Cardstock, 8.5 x 11 in, 65 lb, 96 bright, 250 sheets (91904) | Neenah (by Neenah (Mativ Holdings)) | United States | United States | 65 lb cover (176 g/m²) acid-free, lignin-free card | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Neenah Bright White Cardstock, 8.5 x 11 in, 65 lb, 96 bright, 250 sheets (91904)): United States. Officecrave lists the country of origin of 91904 as US. Neenah's own sites don't list this consumer pack, and the Mission Linen listing we first cited no longer shows product details, so check the pack. Source: https://www.officecrave.com/neenah-paper-91904.html ## Key takeaways - Retailers list item 91904 at 65 lb cover weight (176 gsm; one lists 175 gsm), 96 brightness and 250 sheets of 8.5 × 11 in paper. - At 176 gsm it is about 2.3 times the weight of 20 lb (75 gsm) copy paper. - Officecrave lists the United States as the country of origin and 759598919040 as the retail UPC. - AS INSIGHT's July 2026 estimate puts the 75-sheet version of the same 65 lb, 176 gsm sheet (90905-02) at the top of Amazon's 65 lb cardstock results, at about 20,000 packs a month. - Neenah bought Wausau Paper's premium brands, including Astrobrights, on January 31, 2012, and merged with SWM to form Mativ on July 6, 2022. ## What is Neenah Bright White cardstock? **It is a heavy white card for printing and crafts, sold in 250-sheet packs of letter-size paper at 65 lb cover weight.** Retailers list the main item as 91904, often alongside 92904, at 96 brightness. People use it for greeting cards, invitations, flyers, certificates, recipe cards and paper crafts. The same sheet is one of the best-selling cardstocks on Amazon: AS INSIGHT's July 2026 estimates put the 75-sheet Astrobrights/Neenah Bright White pack (90905-02) at the top of its 65 lb cardstock list. ## Neenah Bright White 65 lb specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Item | 91904 (also listed as 92904; WAU91904 at some dealers) | | Sheet size | 8.5 × 11 in (216 × 279 mm), letter | | Weight | 65 lb cover, 176 gsm (Officecrave lists 175 gsm) | | Brightness | 96 | | Sheets | 250 per pack (a 100-sheet pack is item WAU91901) | | Archival | Acid-free, lignin-free | | Printers | Inkjet, laser and copiers (per retailers) | | UPC | 759598919040 | | Made in | United States (per Officecrave) | Specs come from Sam's Club, Walmart, Quill, Staples and Officecrave listings. We found no published caliper (thickness) for this sheet. ## How heavy is 65 lb cardstock compared with copy paper? **At 176 gsm, 65 lb cover is about 2.3 times as heavy as everyday 20 lb copy paper (75 gsm).** The pound numbers can't be compared directly, because cover and bond papers are weighed on different base sheet sizes. Grams per square metre (gsm) are the reliable comparison. ![Bar chart of paper weights in gsm: Hammermill Copy Plus 20 lb 75, Premium 24 lb 90, Color Copy 28 lb 105, Canson XL Mix Media 160, Neenah Bright White 65 lb 176 and Canson XL Watercolor 300](https://stationerytimes.com/images/neenah-bright-white-cardstock-weight.svg) *Neenah 65 lb cover next to copy and art papers we've covered, drawn to scale in gsm.* That puts it just above the 160 gsm [Canson XL Mix Media pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) and well above even the 28 lb (105 gsm) [Hammermill Premium Color Copy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hammermill-copy-paper/). It is stiff enough to stand as a folded card, but still thin enough for most home printers to feed. ## What can you use Neenah 65 lb cardstock for? **It suits printed cards, invitations, flyers, tags and simple paper crafts.** These are the main uses: - **Folded greeting cards and invitations:** a letter sheet folded in half makes a 5.5 × 8.5 in card. - **Printed handouts and certificates:** retailers list it for inkjet, laser and copier use, and the 96 brightness keeps colours crisp. - **Crafts and scrapbooks:** acid- and lignin-free card is made to resist yellowing. - **Templates and tags:** cut shapes hold up better than on copy paper. For a sharp fold, score the line first with a bone folder or the back of a butter knife and a ruler. ## Who makes Neenah cardstock? **Neenah, an American paper brand that has been part of Mativ Holdings since July 6, 2022.** Neenah and SWM (Schweitzer-Mauduit) merged that day and took the name Mativ. Neenah's 2023 Astrobrights sell sheet lists its marks as trademarks of Mativ. Many dealers still sell Bright White under Wausau Paper's WAU item prefix. Neenah bought Wausau's premium paper brands, including Astrobrights and Royal, on January 31, 2012. Astrobrights is the company's bright-colour line, so the same maker supplies both white and coloured cardstock. ## Where is Neenah Bright White cardstock made? **US dealer Officecrave lists the United States as the country of origin for item 91904.** Neenah's own sites (neenahpaper.com is now aimed at commercial printers) don't list this consumer pack or its origin, so the pack label is the final word. ## Which Neenah pack should you buy? **Buy the 250-sheet 91904 pack for regular printing and crafting, or the 100-sheet WAU91901 pack if you only need a few cards.** Both are 65 lb letter-size Bright White. For everyday documents, a 20 lb ream such as [Amazon Basics copy paper](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/amazon-basics-copy-paper/) is cheaper per sheet and kinder to printers. Choose cardstock when the page has to stand up, fold or survive handling. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many gsm is 65 lb cardstock? Neenah's 65 lb Bright White cardstock is listed at 176 gsm by most retailers; Officecrave lists 175 gsm. Cover weights use a different base sheet from copy paper, so 65 lb cover is far heavier than 20 lb copy paper (75 gsm). ### Can Neenah 65 lb cardstock go through a home printer? Retailers list it as compatible with inkjet and laser printers and copiers. Heavier card can jam some printers, so use the rear or manual feed tray if yours has one and check the printer's maximum paper weight. ### How many sheets are in a pack of Neenah Bright White cardstock? The common pack, item 91904, holds 250 letter-size sheets. A 100-sheet pack is also sold under item WAU91901. ### Is Neenah cardstock acid-free? Yes. Officecrave and other dealers list Neenah Bright White 65 lb as acid-free and lignin-free, which helps it resist yellowing, so it suits scrapbooks and keepsake cards. ### Where is Neenah cardstock made? US retailer Officecrave lists the United States as the country of origin for item 91904; Neenah doesn't publish it. The brand is American, and Neenah is now part of Mativ Holdings. ### What is the difference between Neenah and Astrobrights cardstock? Both brands belong to the same company. Neenah Bright White is the plain white cardstock, while Astrobrights is the company's bright-colour line, which Neenah bought from Wausau Paper in 2012. ### Why is Neenah cardstock listed as Wausau? Many dealers still sell it under Wausau Paper's WAU item prefix, such as WAU91904. Neenah bought Wausau's premium paper brands in 2012. ## Sources - [Officecrave: Neenah Paper 91904 (65 lb cover, 175 gsm, acid- and lignin-free, country of origin US, UPC)](https://www.officecrave.com/neenah-paper-91904.html) - [Sam's Club: Neenah Bright White Premium Cardstock, 65 lb/176 gsm, 96 bright, 250 sheets](https://www.samsclub.com/ip/Neenah-Bright-White-Premium-Cardstock-8-5-x-11-65-lb-176-gsm-White-96-Brightness-250-Sheets/13863750257) - [Walmart: Neenah Bright White Cardstock 91904, 65 lb/176 gsm, 96 brightness, 250 sheets](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1769029635) - [Quill: Neenah Bright White Cardstock, 65 lb, 250 sheets (91904/92904)](https://www.quill.com/wausau-65-lb-bright-white-cardstock/cbs/060494.html) - [Staples: Neenah Bright White Cardstock 8.5 x 11 in, 65 lb, 250 sheets (91904/92904)](https://www.staples.com/neenah-bright-white-cardstock-8-5-x-11-65-lb-250-sheets-pack-91904-92904/product_496791) - [Mission Linen: WAU91904 Bright White Card Stock, 96 bright, 65 lb cover, 250 pack](https://buydirect.missionlinen.com/product/wau91904-bright-white-card-stock-96-bright-65-lb-cover-weight-85-by-11-250-pack) - [Dealer Commander: Neenah Bright White Cardstock, WAU91904 (acid-free, lignin-free)](https://frontend.dealercommander.com/PRO/Neenah-Bright-White-Cardstock/Wausau-Papers/WAU91904/details.php) - [OnTimeSupplies: WAU91901 Bright White card stock, 65 lb, 100-sheet pack](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/wau91901-card-stock-bright-white-letter-8-1-2-x-11-65-lb-basis-weight-smooth-100-pack.html) - [Amazon: Astrobrights/Neenah Bright White Cardstock 65 lb, 75 sheets, 90905-02 (ASIN B003A2I5T8)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003A2I5T8) - [AS INSIGHT: Best-selling 65 lb cardstock paper on Amazon US (July 2026 estimates)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/65-lb-cardstock-paper) - [In-Plant Impressions: Neenah Paper completes purchase of Wausau's premium printing paper brands](https://www.inplantimpressions.com/article/neenah-paper-completes-purchase-wausau-s-premium-printing-paper-brands/) - [PaperAge: SWM and Neenah complete merger, forming Mativ (July 6, 2022)](https://www.paperage.com/2022news/07-06-2022mativ.html) - [Neenah: Astrobrights sell sheet (trademarks of Mativ, FSC certified), PDF](https://www.neenahpaper.com/-/media/files/storefront/sell-sheets/astrobrights_sell_sheet.pdf) --- # Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad: 60 lb Paper & Sizes > The Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad is a wire-bound pad of 60 lb (89 gsm), acid-free, fine-tooth drawing paper for graphite, colored pencil, charcoal and pastel. Sizes run from 5.5 × 8.5 in to 18 × 24 in; most hold 100 sheets, while the 18 × 24 in pad holds 30. Staples labels it made in America. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, 9 × 12 in, 229 mm wide, closed with its wire binding and opened to a sheet with a pencil sketch; inset: fine-tooth surface, 60 lb](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/strathmore-400-sketch-pad-16x9.png) *The 9 × 12 in pad, closed and open, drawn to scale; the cover artwork is simplified.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/strathmore-400-sketch-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 in, 60 lb, 100 sheets (455-3) | Strathmore (by Strathmore Artist Papers, a division of Dixon Ticonderoga (F.I.L.A. Group); owned by Pacon Corporation from 2006) | United States | United States | 60 lb (89 g/m²) fine-tooth sketch paper (acid-free per retailers), micro-perforated sheets, wire binding | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 in, 60 lb, 100 sheets (455-3)): United States. Staples listings for the 5.5 × 8.5 in and 9 × 12 in pads carry a Made in America label, and Zoro lists the United States as the country of origin for a related 400 Series drawing pad. Strathmore's product page and Dixon's 2025 price list don't state the country. Source: https://www.staples.com/product_2773815 ## Key takeaways - Paper: 60 lb (89 gsm), fine tooth, acid-free, for dry media such as graphite, colored pencil, charcoal and pastel. - Strathmore lists 100-sheet pads at 5.5 × 8.5, 9 × 12, 11 × 14 and 14 × 17 in, 50-sheet pads at 9 × 12 and 11 × 14 in, and a 30-sheet 18 × 24 in pad. - The 9 × 12 in pad (model 455-3) has about 33,800 Amazon ratings averaging 4.8 stars, per AS INSIGHT's June 2026 data. - Strathmore grades its papers from the 100 to the 500 Series; 400 is the step below its top grade. - Staples labels the 5.5 × 8.5 and 9 × 12 in pads made in America; Strathmore is now a division of Dixon Ticonderoga of Appleton, Wisconsin. ## What is the Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad? **It is a wire-bound pad of 60 lb (89 gsm), fine-tooth sketch paper, made for dry drawing media.** Strathmore lists it for graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, sketching stick and soft or oil pastel, for practice, quick studies and preliminary drawing. It is one of the most popular sketch pads in the US. AS INSIGHT's June 2026 data shows the 9 × 12 in pad with about 33,800 Amazon ratings averaging 4.8 stars, and Utrecht calls the recycled version one of Strathmore's most popular pads. ## Strathmore 400 Series Sketch specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | Strathmore (400 Series) | | Paper weight | 60 lb (89 gsm); basis 500 sheets of 25 × 38 in | | Surface | Fine tooth | | Archival | Acid-free (retailers) | | Binding | Wire bound, micro-perforated true-size sheets | | Sizes | 5.5 × 8.5 in to 18 × 24 in | | Sheets | 100 in most sizes; 50-sheet pads at 9 × 12 and 11 × 14 in; 30 in the 18 × 24 in pad | | Item (9 × 12 in, 100 sheets) | 455-3; UPC 012017455094 | | Made in | United States (Staples "Made in America" label) | Weight, surface, binding, sizes and item numbers come from Strathmore's product page; the UPC from Dixon's 2025 price list. Acid-free is from Drafting Supplies Dew. ## What sizes does the Strathmore 400 sketch pad come in? **Five main sizes, from 5.5 × 8.5 in to 18 × 24 in.** Sheet counts differ by size and by pack, so read the cover. | Size (in) | Size (cm) | Sheets | |---|---|---| | 5.5 × 8.5 | 14.0 × 21.6 | 100 | | 9 × 12 | 22.9 × 30.5 | 100 (455-3) or 50 (455-9) | | 11 × 14 | 27.9 × 35.6 | 100 (455-4) or 50 (455-11) | | 14 × 17 | 35.6 × 43.2 | 100 | | 18 × 24 | 45.7 × 61.0 | 30 | Sizes, counts and item numbers are from Strathmore's product page (14 × 17 in is 455-5, 5.5 × 8.5 in is 455-8, 18 × 24 in is 455-18). Centimetre values are converted from inches. ![To-scale drawing of five Strathmore 400 Series Sketch pad sizes from a shared corner: 5.5×8.5, 9×12, 11×14 and 14×17 inch pads with 100 sheets, and an 18×24 inch pad with 30 sheets](https://stationerytimes.com/images/strathmore-400-sketch-pad-sizes.svg) *The five pad sizes drawn to scale from one corner.* ## What media work on Strathmore 400 sketch paper? **Dry media work best: Strathmore lists graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, sketching stick and soft or oil pastel.** The fine tooth grips pigment, so you can layer and blend. For pastel on toned paper, the 98 lb (160 gsm) [Canson Mi-Teintes pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-mi-teintes-pastel-pad/) is the usual next step. At 60 lb (89 gsm) the paper isn't made for water. For markers, ink and light washes, the heavier 98 lb (160 gsm) [Canson XL Mix Media pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) is a better fit, and for watercolor the 140 lb [Canson XL Watercolor pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-watercolor-pad/). For finished ink drawings, Strathmore's own [300 Series Bristol pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-300-bristol-pad/) is 100 lb (270 gsm). ## What does "400 Series" mean? **Strathmore grades its papers in series from 100 to 500, and higher numbers mean higher quality.** Strathmore calls the 400 Series best quality for advanced artists, one step below the professional 500 Series. Its history page says the line began in 1974, when the older Alexis student papers were renamed the 400 Series. ## Which size should you choose? **The 9 × 12 in pad is the common all-rounder; pick the others by how big you draw.** - **5.5 × 8.5 in:** a pocketable size for travel and daily practice. - **9 × 12 in:** class work, studies and most everyday drawing. - **11 × 14 and 14 × 17 in:** bigger studies and finished pieces. - **18 × 24 in:** figure drawing and charcoal at arm's length, with only 30 sheets. If you'd rather keep drawings in a bound book, the [Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook/) has 112 pages of 150 g/m² paper in an A5 hard cover. ## Who makes Strathmore, and where is the pad made? **Strathmore is now a division of Dixon Ticonderoga of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Staples labels the 400 Series sketch pads made in America.** Pacon Corporation bought Strathmore in 2006, and Dixon's 2025 price list notes the Strathmore mark is used under license from Mohawk Fine Papers. The brand's history begins in 1892, when Horace Moses opened a paper mill in West Springfield, Massachusetts; the Strathmore name appeared on art papers from 1899, per Strathmore. Strathmore's product page doesn't state the country, so the back of your pad is the final word on origin. ## Frequently asked questions ### What paper weight is the Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad? It is 60 lb paper, which is 89 gsm. That is a medium-weight sketch paper: heavier than newsprint and student sketch pads, lighter than drawing or mixed-media paper. ### How many sheets are in a Strathmore 400 sketch pad? Strathmore lists 100-sheet pads at 5.5 × 8.5, 9 × 12, 11 × 14 and 14 × 17 in, 50-sheet pads at 9 × 12 and 11 × 14 in, and a 30-sheet pad at 18 × 24 in, so check the cover. ### Can you use markers or watercolor on Strathmore 400 sketch paper? Strathmore lists it for dry media: graphite, colored pencil, charcoal, sketching stick and soft or oil pastel. At 60 lb (89 gsm) it isn't sized for washes, so for markers and light wet media use a heavier mixed-media pad, and for watercolor a 140 lb watercolor pad. ### What is the difference between Strathmore 300 and 400 Series? Strathmore grades its papers from the 100 to the 500 Series, with higher numbers meaning higher quality. It calls the 400 Series best quality for advanced artists, above the 300 Series for beginning or student artists. ### Is the Strathmore 400 sketch pad acid-free? Retailers such as Drafting Supplies Dew list the 400 Series sketch paper as acid-free, so drawings resist yellowing over time. Strathmore's own sketch page doesn't mention it. ### Where are Strathmore sketch pads made? Staples labels the 400 Series sketch pads made in America; Strathmore doesn't state the country on its product page. Strathmore is now a division of Dixon Ticonderoga, based in Appleton, Wisconsin. ### Is there a recycled Strathmore 400 sketch pad? Yes. Dixon's 2025 price list gives the 400 Series Recycled Sketch the same 60 lb (89 gsm) weight with 30% post-consumer fiber, in pads from 3.5 × 5 in to 18 × 24 in. ## Sources - [Strathmore: 400 Series Sketch (60 lb, 25 × 38 in × 500 basis, 89 g/m²; fine tooth; micro-perforated wire-bound pads 455-3 to 455-18)](https://www.strathmoreartist.com/draw-sketch/400-series-sketch) - [Strathmore: History (1892 mill; 1974 300 Series and Alexis renamed 400 Series; Pacon purchase 2006)](https://www.strathmoreartist.com/about) - [Strathmore: The Strathmore Series (100 to 500 Series grades)](https://www.strathmoreartist.com/series-landing) - [Dixon Ticonderoga / F.I.L.A.: Fine Art price list 2025 (Strathmore P455-3, UPC 012017455094, 9 × 12 in, 100 sheets, MSRP US$19.50; recycled P457 line)](https://dixonticonderogacompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Fila-FINE-ART-PRICE-LIST-2025.pdf) - [Drafting Supplies Dew: Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Paper Pads (60 lb, acid-free, fine tooth, 5.5x8.5 to 18x24 in, wire bound)](https://www.draftingsuppliesdew.com/strathmore-455-400-series-sketch-paper-pads) - [Jerry's Artarama: Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad 5.5 x 8.5 in, 100 sheets, fine tooth](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/strathmore-400-series-sketch-pad-5-1-2x8-1-2in-100-sheets-fine-tooth-17376) - [Jerry's Artarama: Strathmore 400 Series Drawing & Sketch Pads (60 lb / 89 g, fine tooth)](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/strathmore-400-drawing-and-sketch-pads) - [Staples: Strathmore 400 Series sketch pad, 9 x 12 in (455-3)](https://www.staples.com/product_2773815) - [Staples: Strathmore 400 Series 18 x 24 in wire bound sketch pad, 30 sheets, 2-pack](https://www.staples.com/strathmore-400-series-18-x-24-wire-bound-sketch-pad-30-sheets-pad-2-pack-63154-pk2/product_1719962) - [eBay catalog: Strathmore 400 Series 9 x 12 in Sketch Pad, pad of 100 (455-3)](https://www.ebay.com/p/710113485) - [School Specialty: Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 in, 60 lb, 50 sheets](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/strathmore-400-series-sketch-pad-9-x-12-inches-60-lb-50-sheets-466007) - [School Specialty: Strathmore 400 Series Recycled Sketch Pad, 11 x 14 in, 60 lb, 100 sheets](https://select.schoolspecialty.com/paper-and-paper-supplies/art-pad-sketchbooks/charcoal-tablets-paper/strathmore-400-series-recycled-sketch-pad-11-x-14-inches-60-lb-100-sheets-420148) - [Utrecht: Strathmore 400 Series Recycled Sketch Pads (14 x 17 in, 100 sheets; 30% post-consumer fiber)](https://www.utrechtart.com/products/strathmore-400-series-recycled-sketch-pads/) - [Zoro: Strathmore 400 Series drawing pad P400-2-06 (country of origin United States)](https://www.zoro.com/strathmore-400-series-drawing-pad-smooth-finish-wire-binding-24-sheet-6x8-inch-6pk-p400-2-06/i/G021733410/) - [AS INSIGHT: Best-selling Strathmore products on Amazon US (June 2026 ratings and price data)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/strathmore) - [Parka Blogs: Review of the Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad (Recycled), series grading 100 to 500](https://www.parkablogs.com/content/review-strathmore-400-series-sketch-pad-recycled) - [Universities of Wisconsin: Strathmore, a division of Pacon Corporation, Appleton](https://www.wisconsin.edu/all-in-wisconsin/story/partnership-rolls-out-uw-stevens-points-riverpoint-paper-nationwide/) - [UW–Stevens Point: Strathmore marks used under license from Mohawk Fine Papers](https://www3.uwsp.edu:443/ucm/news/Pages/RiverPointPaperCollab14.aspx) - [Chrysler Museum Shop: Strathmore Artist Papers history (Horace Moses, 1892; Strathmore name from 1899)](https://shop.chrysler.org/collections/strathmore-artist-papers) --- # mt Washi Tape: 15 mm Rolls, Lengths & How to Use It > mt is the washi tape brand of Kamoi Kakoshi, a masking-tape maker in Kurashiki, Japan, founded in 1923. Its basic roll is 15 mm wide; current Japanese single rolls are 7 m long, while some sets and older rolls hold 10 m. The thin washi tears by hand and peels off cleanly, and it's made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mt-washi-tape/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![mt masking tape roll in Matte Light Blue, with a 15 mm strip (drawn to scale) running across a ruled card to a hand-torn end](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/mt-washi-tape-16x9.png) *A 15 mm mt roll; ruled lines show faintly through the thin washi (tape width drawn at 1 mm = 4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/mt-washi-tape-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | mt masking tape (washi tape), mt basic 1P, 15 mm single roll | mt (by Kamoi Kakoshi Co., Ltd. (Kurashiki, Okayama)) | Japan | Japan | Washi (Japanese paper) masking tape | – | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (mt masking tape (washi tape), mt basic 1P, 15 mm single roll): Japan. Kamoi Kakoshi's company page describes its head-office factory in Kurashiki and a second factory in Yakage, Okayama, shipping mt from Japan to the world. Maruzen Junkudo's listings for mt basic 1P rolls give 原産国 (country of origin) Japan, and Jenni Bick, Hunter Paper Co. and Tacto Studio say made in Japan. Source: https://www.masking-tape.jp/about/company/ ## Key takeaways - The basic mt roll is 15 mm (0.6 in) wide; Japanese listings for current mt basic single rolls give 15 mm × 7 m (23 ft), on a 44 mm roll. - Some retailers still list 15 mm × 10 m (32.8 ft) rolls and 10-roll sets, so check the length on the listing. - Kamoi Kakoshi, founded on February 15, 1923, makes mt at its Kurashiki and Yakage factories in Okayama; mt won a Good Design Award in 2008. - Kamoi says mt tears easily by hand and doesn't break or leave residue when you peel it off; it began with 20 traditional Japanese colors. - Amazon US saw about 40,000 searches for "washi tape" in the week of June 7, 2026, per ASINsight. ## What is mt washi tape? **mt is the washi tape brand of Kamoi Kakoshi, a masking-tape maker in Kurashiki, Okayama.** Washi tape is masking tape made from thin Japanese paper (washi), sold in solid colors and prints for decorating, labeling and holding paper in place. Kamoi's brand page tells the origin story: mt began with a small book made by three women who loved masking tape, who asked Kamoi for colorful tape. The company, founded in 1923, started out making flypaper before specializing in industrial and painting masking tape. mt started with 20 traditional Japanese colors and has since passed 1,000 designs, and it won a Good Design Award in 2008. St. Louis Art Supply dates mt's creation to 2006; Kamoi's page doesn't give a launch year. ## mt washi tape specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Kamoi Kakoshi Co., Ltd. (brand: mt), Kurashiki, Okayama | | Basic width | 15 mm (0.6 in) | | Roll length | 7 m (23 ft) on current mt basic single rolls; 10 m (32.8 ft) on some sets and older rolls | | Roll size | 44 mm across (mt basic 1P) | | Material | Washi (Japanese paper) | | Tearing | By hand | | Removal | Peels without breaking or leaving residue, per Kamoi | | Example identifiers | Silver MT01P206R (JAN 4971910271001); Mizu MT01P192R (JAN 4971910270868) | | Japan price | ¥231 (about US$1.50) a roll at Maruzen Junkudo, tax included | | Made in | Japan | Handling and origin come from Kamoi Kakoshi's own pages; roll size, lengths, identifiers and price from Maruzen Junkudo's listings for mt basic 1P rolls. We couldn't open Kamoi's online shop, which puts a bot check in front of its product pages. ![A 15 mm strip of mt washi tape drawn to scale across an A6 page, and roll lengths compared: 10 m (32.8 ft) and 7 m (23 ft) rolls](https://stationerytimes.com/images/mt-washi-tape-width.svg) *15 mm covers about two lines of 6 mm ruling; a 10 m roll holds about 67 strips the width of an A6 page, a 7 m roll about 47.* ## How much tape is on a roll? **Current mt basic single rolls hold 7 m (23 ft), but some sets and older rolls hold 10 m (32.8 ft).** Maruzen Junkudo lists mt basic 1P solids at 15 mm × 7 m, and Jenni Bick, Tacto Studio and Paper Whisper list their 15 mm solids and prints at 7 m too. Hunter Paper Co. still lists a silver roll and a 10-roll set at 15 mm × 10 m. At 148 mm, the long side of an A6 page, a 7 m roll gives about 47 full-width strips and a 10 m roll about 67. Compare price per meter, not per roll. ## What can you use mt washi tape for? **Decorating planners and journals, labeling, and holding things down without damage to the paper.** - **Planners:** color-code weeks in a [Hobonichi Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) or frame a page in a [Traveler's Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/). - **Labels:** write on a strip and stick it on a jar, cable or folder edge. - **Holding:** tape a ticket or photo into a journal so it can come out again. - **Decoration:** wrap gifts, edge cards and mark spines. Jenni Bick says it can go on painted walls without damaging the paint. For ready-cut washi shapes instead of a roll, see [Midori Yuru Log stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/). ## Can you write on mt washi tape? **Retailers say yes: Jenni Bick, Tacto Studio and Hunter Paper Co. all call it easy to write on.** We haven't tested it yet, and shiny or metallic prints may need a permanent marker. Try a corner first. A permanent marker such as a [Sharpie Fine Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-fine-point/) is the usual choice for labels on glossy designs. For a clear tape that is made to be written on, see [Scotch Magic Tape](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/scotch-magic-tape/). ## Does mt washi tape come off cleanly? **Kamoi says it does: mt doesn't tear partway when you peel it, and leaves no adhesive behind.** Retailers describe it as repositionable, which is the main difference from ordinary clear tape that tears paper when you lift it. Hunter Paper Co. also calls its mt tape waterproof and heatproof. Kamoi doesn't say so on the pages we read, so treat that as one shop's claim. ## What does mt washi feel like? **Thin, smooth and supple, as Kamoi describes it, and semi-transparent.** Kamoi says it follows the shape it's stuck to, and Jenni Bick notes that the translucency makes layered strips look good. That's also why ruled lines can show through a light color, as in our drawing. Patterned "deco" rolls such as Asanoha use the same 15 mm width as the solids, so they mix freely on one page. ## Where is mt washi tape made? **In Japan.** Kamoi Kakoshi's company page describes its head-office factory in Kurashiki and a second factory in Yakage, both in Okayama, and says it ships mt from Japan to the world. Maruzen Junkudo's listings give Japan as the country of origin, and US retailers say "made in Japan". In the US, mt is sold singly and in sets by stationery and art shops such as Jenni Bick, Hunter Paper Co. and St. Louis Art Supply. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is a roll of mt washi tape? Current mt basic single rolls in Japan are 15 mm × 7 m (23 ft), per Maruzen Junkudo's listings, and Jenni Bick and Paper Whisper list 7 m too. Some retailers still sell 15 mm × 10 m (32.8 ft) rolls and sets, so check the listing. ### How wide is mt washi tape? The basic width is 15 mm (about 0.6 in). Kamoi also makes other widths, and its 2026 autumn and winter range adds a paper cutter made for 15 mm rolls. ### Who makes mt washi tape? Kamoi Kakoshi, a masking-tape maker in Kurashiki, Okayama, founded on February 15, 1923. Kamoi says mt began when three women who loved masking tape asked it to make colorful tape. ### Is mt washi tape reusable? Kamoi says mt doesn't break when you peel it off and leaves no adhesive residue, and retailers describe it as repositionable. How many times it resticks depends on the surface, and we haven't measured it. ### Can you tear mt washi tape by hand? Yes. Kamoi says the thin, smooth washi tears easily by hand, which leaves a soft, feathered edge rather than a straight cut. ### What is the difference between washi tape and masking tape? Washi tape is masking tape made of thin Japanese paper (washi), sold in colors and patterns. mt itself came from Kamoi Kakoshi, a maker of industrial and painting masking tape. ### Where is mt washi tape made? In Japan. Kamoi Kakoshi makes it at its masking-tape factories in Okayama, and Japanese and US retailers list mt rolls as made in Japan. ## Sources - [mt ブランドについて (mt brand page, Japanese: Kamoi founded 1923; started with 20 traditional colors; tears by hand, peels without residue; Good Design Award 2008)](https://www.masking-tape.jp/about/brand/) - [会社概要 (Kamoi Kakoshi company profile, Japanese: founded February 15, 1923; head office and factory in Kurashiki, Yakage factory, Okayama)](https://www.masking-tape.jp/about/company/) - [mt basic mt 1P 銀 マスキングテープ 15mm×7m (Maruzen Junkudo, Japanese retailer: MT01P206R, JAN 4971910271001, washi, 44 mm roll, origin Japan, ¥231)](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/4971910271001) - [mt basic mt 1P みず マスキングテープ 15mm×7m (Maruzen Junkudo: MT01P192R, origin Japan)](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/4971910270868) - [2026 AW COLLECTION (mt site, Japanese: new paper cutter for 15 mm rolls)](https://www.masking-tape.jp/lineup/special/2026aw/) - [Jenni Bick: MT Masking Tape, 15 mm, Matte Light Blue (7 m, write-on, made in Japan, US price)](https://www.jennibick.com/products/mt-masking-tape-15-mm-matte-light-blue) - [Jenni Bick: MT Masking Tape, 15 mm, Ochre (7 m)](https://www.jennibick.com/products/mt-masking-tape-15-mm-ochre) - [Tacto Studio: mt 15 mm roll tape, Blossoms (15 mm × 7 m, made in Japan)](https://tacto-studio.com/products/mt-single-roll-tape-blossoms) - [Paper Whisper: mt deco tape, Asanoha, 15 mm (15 mm × 7 m, thin, soft washi)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/mt-basic-deco-tape-asanoha-brass-15mm-width) - [Hunter Paper Co.: mt silver washi tape (15 mm × 10 m, reusable, tears by hand)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/mt-silver-washi-tape) - [Hunter Paper Co.: mt set of 10 light colour washi tapes (15 mm × 10 m each)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/mt-set-of-10-light-colour-washi-tapes) - [St. Louis Art Supply: mt washi tape, 15 mm, ten-color box (dates mt to 2006)](https://shop.stlartsupply.com/products/mt-washi-tape-15-mm-ten-color-box) - [ASINsight: Washi tape on Amazon US (weekly search volume, June 7 to 13, 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/washi-tape) --- # MUJI Acrylic Pen Stand: Small, Standard & Large Sizes > The MUJI acrylic pen stand is a clear, open-top acrylic box for pens on a desk. MUJI USA's standard size is W5.5 × D4.5 × H9 cm and weighs 80 g; MUJI Japan sells a small (W5.7 × D4.5 × H8.8 cm) and a large (W7.3 × D5.7 × H8.8 cm, 90 g). All are listed as made in China. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/muji-acrylic-pen-stand/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![MUJI acrylic pen stands drawn to scale: clear open-top boxes in small (45 × 57 × 88 mm), large (73 × 57 × 88 mm) with pencils, and standard (55 × 45 × 90 mm) with pens](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/muji-acrylic-pen-stand-16x9.png) *The standard stand is 90 mm (3.5 in) tall; the small and large are 88 mm (drawn at 1 mm = 1.6 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/muji-acrylic-pen-stand-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | MUJI Acrylic Pen Stand (standard, W5.5 × D4.5 × H9 cm; also small and large) | MUJI (by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.) | Japan | China | Acrylic (methacrylic resin) | – | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (MUJI Acrylic Pen Stand (standard, W5.5 × D4.5 × H9 cm; also small and large)): China. MUJI Japan's online store gives 原産国・地域 (country of origin) 中国 (China) for the small and large stands; MUJI USA gives China for the standard and small, and MUJI Canada for the large. Source: https://www.muji.us/products/acrylic-pen-stand-ndda0a ## Key takeaways - The standard stand measures W5.5 × D4.5 × H9 cm (2.2 × 1.8 × 3.5 in) and weighs 80 g, per MUJI USA. - MUJI Japan lists the small at W57 × D45 × H88 mm (50 × 39 × 85 mm inside) and the large at W73 × D57 × H88 mm (65 × 49 × 85 mm inside). - MUJI Japan prices the small at ¥190 (about US$1.20) and the large at ¥290 (about US$1.80), tax included; the material is methacrylic resin, the chemical name for acrylic. - At 9 cm tall, the stand leaves about half of a 190 mm Ticonderoga pencil showing. - MUJI lists all three acrylic pen stands as made in China. ## What is the MUJI acrylic pen stand? **It's a clear, open-top acrylic box that holds pens upright on a desk.** MUJI sells it in three sizes, and the standard one is 9 cm tall, small enough to sit beside a keyboard. MUJI, the Japanese brand of Ryohin Keikaku, keeps the design plain: no logo, no dividers in the listings, just a clear box that shows what's inside. ## MUJI acrylic pen stand sizes and specs | | Small | Standard | Large | |---|---|---|---| | Size (W × D × H) | 5.7 × 4.5 × 8.8 cm | 5.5 × 4.5 × 9 cm | 7.3 × 5.7 × 8.8 cm | | In inches | 2.2 × 1.8 × 3.5 in | 2.2 × 1.8 × 3.5 in | 2.9 × 2.2 × 3.5 in | | Inside (W × D × H) | 5.0 × 3.9 × 8.5 cm | Not listed | 6.5 × 4.9 × 8.5 cm | | Weight | Not listed | 80 g (2.8 oz) | 90 g (3.2 oz) | | Material | Methacrylic resin (acrylic) | Acrylic resin | Methacrylic resin (acrylic) | | Japan price | ¥190 (about US$1.20) | Not sold on MUJI Japan's store | ¥290 (about US$1.80) | | JAN | 4550723086950 | 4550182998368 | 4550723086967 | | Made in | China | China | China | Small and large sizes, inside sizes and prices come from MUJI Japan's online store; the standard from MUJI USA, and the large's weight from MUJI Canada. MUJI Japan currently sells only the small and large, and its small is within 2 mm of MUJI USA's standard in every direction, so the two are close to interchangeable. ![MUJI acrylic pen stands to scale, front and side: small W45 × D57 × H88 mm, standard W55 × D45 × H90 mm, large W73 × D57 × H88 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/muji-acrylic-pen-stand-sizes.svg) *Front and side outlines of the three stands, to scale.* ## Which size should you choose? **Choose the small or standard for a few everyday pens, and the large for a full kit with scissors.** - **Small (5.7 × 4.5 cm) or standard (5.5 × 4.5 cm):** a handful of pens and pencils beside a laptop. They are almost the same box; which one you find depends on the country. - **Large (7.3 × 5.7 cm):** room for markers, a ruler and a pair of scissors as well. Reviewers on MUJI Japan's store also use the large for makeup brushes, mascara and eyeliners. Check the inside size against your pens before ordering. ## What fits in it? **Anything up to about twice its 9 cm height stays upright, with the top half showing.** The inside is 85 mm deep on the small and large, per MUJI Japan. A new [Ticonderoga No. 2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) is 190 mm long, so about 100 mm sticks out; a capped [LAMY Safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/), at 139.5 mm, shows about 50 mm. Very short items such as erasers or a pen refill sink to the bottom, where they're easy to see through the clear sides but harder to pick out. ## How does it compare with other pen holders? **It's the clear, minimal option; Amazon's best-selling pen holders are adhesive holders and multi-slot organizers.** ASINsight's July 2026 data puts a 10-pack of adhesive silicone pen holders at the top of a related Amazon category, and its April 2026 report lists an Amazon Basics pen holder and desk organizer among the top sellers. | | MUJI acrylic pen stand | Mesh desk cup | Adhesive pen loop | |---|---|---|---| | Material | Clear acrylic | Metal mesh | Fabric or silicone | | Contents visible | Yes, through the sides | Partly | One pen | | Footprint | 5.5 × 4.5 cm (standard) | Varies | None | | Portable | No | No | Goes with the notebook | If you carry your pen with your notebook, a [Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop/) does the job without desk space; for a bag, see the [LIHIT LAB Teffa pen case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case/). ## Is the MUJI acrylic pen stand worth it? **For a plain, clear holder, yes: all three sizes sit in our lowest price band, under $5.** In Japan the small costs ¥190 (about US$1.20). On MUJI USA, the standard stand averages 4.19 stars from 16 reviews, and on MUJI Japan the large averages 4.8 from 24. What you don't get is weight or grip. At 80 to 90 g it's light, and the listings don't mention a non-slip base, so a stand full of scissors may slide or tip. MUJI also warns against cleaning it with alcohol or solvents, which can deform, discolor or crack acrylic. ## Where is the MUJI acrylic pen stand made? **MUJI lists China as the country of origin for all three sizes.** MUJI Japan's store gives 中国 (China) for the small and large, MUJI USA gives China for the standard and small, and MUJI Canada for the large. MUJI itself is a Japanese brand, run by Ryohin Keikaku. The listings we read don't give a release date. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the MUJI acrylic pen stand? MUJI USA lists the standard one at W5.5 × D4.5 × H9 cm (about 2.2 × 1.8 × 3.5 in) and 80 g. MUJI Japan lists the small at W5.7 × D4.5 × H8.8 cm and the large at W7.3 × D5.7 × H8.8 cm. ### What is the MUJI pen stand made of? Acrylic. MUJI Japan and MUJI Canada give the material as methacrylic resin (メタクリル樹脂), which is the chemical name for acrylic, and MUJI warns that alcohol, thinner and nail polish remover can deform or discolor it. ### How many pens fit in a MUJI acrylic pen stand? MUJI doesn't give a count. Inside, the small is about 50 × 39 mm and the large about 65 × 49 mm, per MUJI Japan, so the small holds a handful of pens and the large has room for scissors, rulers or markers. ### Is the MUJI pen stand heavy enough not to tip over? It's light: 80 g for the standard and 90 g for the large. We haven't tested tipping yet, but a full stand with long scissors may be top-heavy. ### Where is the MUJI acrylic pen stand made? MUJI's Japanese, US and Canadian shops all list China as the country of origin. MUJI itself is a Japanese brand of Ryohin Keikaku. ### Does MUJI sell other pen stands? Yes. MUJI USA also sells an aluminum pen stand, about 3.5 cm across and 3 cm tall, that holds a single pen upright. ### Do MUJI acrylic organizers stack together? The pen stand listings we read don't say whether it stacks with or fits inside other MUJI acrylic storage. We'll check in our hands-on test. ## Sources - [アクリルペンスタンド・小 (MUJI Japan online store: W57 × D45 × H88 mm, inside 50 × 39 × 85 mm, methacrylic resin, ¥190, origin China)](https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550723086950) - [アクリルペンスタンド・大 (MUJI Japan online store: W73 × D57 × H88 mm, inside 65 × 49 × 85 mm, methacrylic resin, ¥290, origin China)](https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550723086967) - [MUJI USA: Acrylic Pen Stand (W5.5 × D4.5 × H9 cm, 80 g, made in China, reviews)](https://www.muji.us/products/acrylic-pen-stand-ndda0a) - [MUJI USA: Acrylic Pen Stand, Small (methacrylic resin, made in China)](https://www.muji.us/products/acrylic-pen-stand-small-nd1mra5a) - [MUJI Canada: Acrylic Pen Stand, Large (W7.3 × D5.7 × H8.8 cm, 90 g, methacrylic resin, made in China)](https://muji.ca/products/acrylic-pen-stand-large-nd1msa5a) - [MUJI Canada: Acrylic Pen Stand, Large (2023 listing)](https://muji.ca/products/acrylic-pen-stand-large-23ss) - [MUJI USA: Aluminum Pen Stand (Dia. 3.5 × H3.0 cm, made in China)](https://www.muji.us/products/aluminum-pen-stand-nd1dcc4s) - [ASINsight: Fountain pen accessories on Amazon US (adhesive pen holders, July 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/fountain-pen-accessories) - [ASINsight: Pen loop on Amazon US (Amazon Basics pen holder and desk organizer)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/pen-loop) --- # Post-it Flags 680: 1 in Page Flags, Counts & Uses > Post-it Flags 680 are 3M's standard 1 in page flags: strips 1 × 1.7 in (25.4 × 43.2 mm) with a clear adhesive end that lets the text show through and a bright colored tip that sticks out past the page. A standard dispenser holds 50 flags; Desk Grip dispensers hold 200, and narrower 683 flags are 0.47 in wide. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/post-it-flags-680/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Post-it Flags 680 drawn to scale: red, yellow and blue 1 × 1.7 in flags on the edge of a printed page, clear ends over the text, plus a loose green flag](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/post-it-flags-680-16x9.png) *Each flag is 43.2 mm (1.7 in) long and 1 in wide; the clear end sits over the text (drawn at 1 mm = 2.4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/post-it-flags-680-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Post-it Flags 680, 1 in wide (1 × 1.7 in), 50 per dispenser | Post-it (by 3M Company (Maplewood, Minnesota)) | United States | United States | Plastic flags with a clear adhesive end and a colored, non-adhesive tip | – | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (Post-it Flags 680, 1 in wide (1 × 1.7 in), 50 per dispenser): United States. Staples marks the 1 in 680-RD12 value pack and the 0.94 in 680-PBG and 680-EG-ALT packs "Made in America". 3M's US product pages give no country of origin, and 3M Hong Kong lists its 680MSH-C1 flags as made in Japan, so check the pack. Source: https://www.staples.com/post-it-flags-value-pack-1-x-1-7-red-50-flags-dispenser-12-dispensers-box-680-rd12/product_512667 ## Key takeaways - Each 680 flag is 1 × 1.7 in (25.4 × 43.2 mm), and a standard dispenser holds 50 flags. - Desk Grip dispensers such as the 680-HVSH Sign Here flags hold 200 flags; 3M's value pack 680-RD12 holds 12 dispensers, or 600 flags. - The narrow 683 flags are 0.47 in wide, and the 680-PBG pop-up flags are 0.94 in wide. - Only the clear part is sticky: the colored tip has no adhesive, so you can lift the flag by it. - Staples marks the 1 in 680-RD12 pack and the 0.94 in 680-PBG pack "Made in America"; 3M Hong Kong sells a 680MSH flag pack made in Japan. ## What are Post-it Flags 680? **They're 3M's standard 1 in page flags: thin strips with a clear sticky end and a colored tip.** You stick the clear end on the page, over the text, and leave the colored tip sticking out past the edge like a bookmark. 3M describes them as plastic flags with a clear adhesive portion and brightly colored, non-adhesive tips. That's why you can read through the flag and lift it by the tip. ## Post-it Flags 680 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | 3M (Post-it brand) | | Flag size | 1 × 1.7 in (25.4 × 43.2 mm) | | Per dispenser | 50 (standard); 200 (Desk Grip); 60 (pop-up packs) | | Adhesive | Clear end only; colored tip not sticky | | Material | Plastic | | Writable | Yes, per 3M (pen, pencil, marker, permanent marker, highlighter) | | Colors | Red, yellow, blue, green and assorted packs | | Packs | 1 to 12 dispensers (680-RD12: 12 × 50 = 600 flags, UPC 00051131983687) | Everything in this table is from 3M's US product pages; 3M rounds the metric size to 25 × 43 mm on some of them. ![Post-it Flags to scale, all 43.2 mm long: 680 at 25.4 mm (1 in) wide, 680-PBG pop-up at 0.94 in wide, 683 narrow at 0.47 in wide](https://stationerytimes.com/images/post-it-flags-680-sizes.svg) *Same length, three widths: pick the narrow 683 when you need many flags on one edge.* ## Which Post-it Flags should you buy? **Choose by how many flags one page edge needs to carry.** | Flag | Width | Count | Best for | |---|---|---|---| | 680 standard | 1 in (25.4 mm) | 50 per dispenser | Textbooks, manuals, reports | | 680-PBG pop-up | 0.94 in | 60 per pack | One-handed use from a pop-up dispenser | | 683 narrow | 0.47 in (11.9 mm) | 100 (683-5CF) or 190 (683-7CF) | Many markers on one edge, planners | | 680-HVSH Sign Here | 1 in | 200 per Desk Grip | Contracts and forms | On an A5 page, which is 210 mm tall, about seven 1 in flags fit down one edge with small gaps; narrow flags double that. ## Can you write on Post-it Flags? **Yes: 3M says the surface works with pens, pencils, markers, permanent markers and highlighters.** There's only about an inch of space, so a fine tip and a word or two works best. A [Zebra Mildliner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-mildliner/) in a matching color lets you tie a flag to a highlighted passage. For longer notes, put a [Post-it Notes 654](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/post-it-notes-654/) square inside the cover instead. ## How are Post-it Flags different from Post-it Tabs? **Flags are partly clear and mark a spot; Tabs are solid, sturdier labels for sections.** Quill's listings sell Post-it Tabs in 1 in and 2 in widths, with the 2 in versions aimed at file folders. Use flags where you need to read the line under the marker, and tabs where the label itself matters, such as chapter names in a binder. For a pocket supply, the [Kanmido Coco-Fusen Card](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kanmido-coco-fusen-card/) holds 105 smaller film flags in a case the size of a credit card. ## Are Post-it Flags good for studying? **Yes: they mark a passage without covering it, and 3M pitches them at students and readers.** 3M says they can be repositioned and reused several times and remove cleanly from a variety of paper surfaces. Color-coding by subject or by question type is the usual approach; the narrow 683 flags help when one chapter needs many markers. ## How do you take Post-it Flags off? **Peel from the colored tip, slowly and flat along the page.** Only the clear end carries adhesive, so the tip gives you something to hold. We haven't yet tested them on old, thin or glossy pages; try one on a margin first in a book you care about. ## Where are Post-it Flags made? **Staples lists the United States for several 680 packs.** It marks the 1 in 680-RD12 value pack and the 0.94 in 680-PBG and 680-EG-ALT pop-up packs "Made in America". 3M's US product pages don't give a country. 3M's Hong Kong site lists its 680MSH-C1 flags, a smaller 6 × 44 mm Asian pack, as made in Japan, so the pack in your hand is the final word. For a bookmark that doubles as a ruler, see the [Midori Clip Ruler](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-clip-ruler/). ## Frequently asked questions ### What size are Post-it Flags 680? Each flag is 1 × 1.7 in, which 3M gives as 25.4 × 43.2 mm. Some listings round the length to 1.75 in. ### How many flags are in a Post-it Flags dispenser? A standard 680 dispenser holds 50 flags. Desk Grip dispensers hold 200, and the 0.94 in pop-up 680-PBG holds 60, in three pads of 20. ### Can you write on Post-it Flags? Yes. 3M says the surface takes pens, pencils, markers, permanent markers and highlighters, though there's only about 1 in of space. ### What is the difference between Post-it Flags and Post-it Tabs? Flags are partly clear and mark a place without hiding text. Tabs are solid, stiffer bars meant for labeling sections and file folders. ### Do Post-it Flags damage pages? We haven't tested that yet. Only the clear end is sticky, so peel slowly from the tip, and try one in a margin first on old, thin or glossy paper. ### What are Post-it Sign Here flags? They're 680 flags printed with an arrow and "Sign Here", sold in a 200-flag Desk Grip dispenser (680-HVSH) to mark signature lines. ### Where are Post-it Flags made? Staples marks the 680-RD12, 680-PBG and 680-EG-ALT packs as made in America. 3M's US pages don't say, and a flag pack 3M sells in Hong Kong is made in Japan. ## Sources - [3M US: Post-it Flags Value Pack 680-RD12, Red, 1 in wide, 50/dispenser, 12 dispensers (plastic, clear adhesive, non-adhesive tips, UPC)](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v000316768/) - [3M US: Post-it Flags 680-HVSH, Sign Here, 200 flags/Desk Grip dispenser, 25 × 43 mm](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v100006998/) - [3M US: Post-it Flags 680-PBG, 0.94 × 1.7 in (23.87 × 43.2 mm), 60 flags](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v000316853/) - [3M US: Post-it Flags 683-5CF, 0.47 × 1.7 in (11.9 × 43.2 mm), 100 flags](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v000256092/) - [3M US: Post-it Flags 683-7CF, 0.47 × 1.7 in, 190 flags in a Desk Grip dispenser](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v100006994/) - [Staples: Post-it Flags Value Pack 680-RD12, 1 in (made in America)](https://www.staples.com/post-it-flags-value-pack-1-x-1-7-red-50-flags-dispenser-12-dispensers-box-680-rd12/product_512667) - [PB Tech: 3M Post-it 680-1 Standard Flags, Red, 25 × 43 mm](https://www.pbtech.com/product/OFSMMM302038/help) - [Quill: Post-it Flags 680-PBG, 0.94 in wide, 60 flags](https://images.quill.com:443/post-it-flags-94-wide-assorted-colors-60-flags-pack-680-pbg/cbs/51142015.html) - [Quill: Post-it Flags 680-HVBE, 1 in wide, 200 flags](https://images.quill.com:443/post-it-flags-1-wide-blue-200-flags-pack-680-hvbe/cbs/267466.html) - [Quill: Post-it Tabs 686-RYB, 1 in wide, solid](https://Quill.com/post-it-tabs-1-wide-solid-assorted-colors-66-tabs-pack-686-ryb/cbs/044142.html) - [Staples: Post-it Flags with Pop-Up Dispenser 680-PBG (made in America)](https://www.staples.com/Post-it-Flags-with-Pop-Up-Dispenser-Assorted-Colors-1-60-Tabs-Pack-680-PBG/product_675168) - [Staples: Post-it Flags 680-EG-ALT, 0.94 in, 60 flags (made in America)](https://www.staples.com/Post-it-Flags-Assorted-Colors-1-60-Flags-Pack-680-EG-ALT/product_451819) - [3M Hong Kong: Post-it Flags 680MSH-C1, 6 × 44 mm (made in Japan)](https://www.3m.com.hk/3M/en_HK/p/d/v000453560/) --- # Post-it Notes 654: 3 × 3 in Pads, Sheets & Stickiness > Post-it Notes 654 is 3M's standard 3 × 3 in (76 × 76 mm) sticky note: a pad of 100 unruled Canary Yellow sheets held by a strip of repositionable adhesive along the top of each sheet's back. It's the classic Post-it size, sold singly or in packs of up to 24 pads, made in the USA, per 3M. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/post-it-notes-654/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Post-it Notes 654 drawn to scale: a 76 × 76 mm (3 × 3 in) Canary Yellow pad with its top sheet curling, and one note peeled off with an adhesive band along its top edge](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/post-it-notes-654-16x9.png) *The 654 pad is 76 mm (3 in) square, with glue only along the top of each sheet (drawn at 1 mm = 2.4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/post-it-notes-654-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Post-it Notes 654, 3 × 3 in, Canary Yellow (100 sheets per pad) | Post-it (by 3M Company (Maplewood, Minnesota)) | United States | United States | Paper (100% PEFC-certified, per 3M) with a repositionable adhesive strip | 1980-04-06 | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (Post-it Notes 654, 3 × 3 in, Canary Yellow (100 sheets per pad)): United States. 3M's US product pages for the 654-14+4YW Canary Yellow pack and the 654-12SSCY Super Sticky pack say "Made in the USA with globally sourced materials"; Staples also marks the 654-12YW pack "Made in America". Source: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v000315789/ ## Key takeaways - Each 654 pad is 3 × 3 in (76 × 76 mm) with 100 sheets; 3M sells it singly and in 12-, 18- and 24-pad packs. - Super Sticky pads in the same 3 × 3 in size carry 90 or 70 sheets, and 3M says they stick twice as well as the Originals. - The 653 is the small size at 1 3/8 × 1 7/8 in (34.9 × 47.6 mm); the 655 is 3 × 5 in. - Post-it Notes debuted in US stores on April 6, 1980, 3M says, after the 1978 "Boise Blitz" sampling test in Boise, Idaho. - 3M's US pages say the 654 is made in the USA with globally sourced materials, on 100% PEFC-certified paper. ## What is Post-it Notes 654? **It's 3M's standard square sticky note: a 3 × 3 in pad of 100 Canary Yellow sheets.** Each sheet has a band of repositionable adhesive along the top of its back, so it lifts off cleanly and sticks again. "654" is 3M's size code. Letters after it name the pack, so 654-12YW is 12 yellow pads and 654-14+4YW is 14 yellow pads plus 4 in bonus colors. ## Post-it Notes 654 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | 3M (Post-it brand) | | Size | 3 × 3 in (76 × 76 mm) | | Sheets per pad | 100 (Original); 90 or 70 (Super Sticky) | | Color | Canary Yellow (many other colors sold) | | Ruling | Unruled | | Adhesive | Repositionable strip on the back, top edge | | Packs | 1, 12, 18 or 24 pads | | Paper | 100% PEFC-certified; recyclable, per 3M | | Made in | USA, with globally sourced materials | | 3M ID / UPC (654-14+4YW, 18 pads) | 7010369467 / 00051141915159 | Everything in this table is from 3M's US product pages; Staples also lists the 12-pad 654-12YW. ![Post-it Notes sizes to scale: 653 at 34.9 × 47.6 mm, 654 at 76 × 76 mm with 100 sheets, 655 at 76 × 127 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/post-it-notes-654-sizes.svg) *The 654 sits between the small 653 and the 3 × 5 in 655. The lighter band marks the adhesive on the back.* ## Original or Super Sticky: which should you buy? **Buy the Original 654 for paper and desks, and Super Sticky for walls, monitors and anything vertical.** 3M says Super Sticky Notes have twice the sticking power of the original notes. The trade-off is sheet count. A Super Sticky 3 × 3 in pad has 90 or 70 sheets instead of 100, depending on the pack. ## What other Post-it sizes are there? **The main alternatives are the small 653 and the larger 3 × 5 in 655.** | Model | Size | Typical use | |---|---|---| | 653 | 1 3/8 × 1 7/8 in (34.9 × 47.6 mm) | Page markers, short reminders | | 654 | 3 × 3 in (76 × 76 mm) | To-dos, phone messages, planning walls | | 655 | 3 × 5 in (76 × 127 mm) | Lists, longer notes, index-card size | The 3 × 3 in square is the one most people mean by "a Post-it". For marking a place in a book without covering text, [Post-it Flags 680](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/post-it-flags-680/) are narrower and partly clear. ## Why are Post-it Notes yellow? **By chance: 3M's own history says the lab next door only had scrap yellow paper on hand.** The color stuck, and 3M now calls Canary Yellow "the color that started it all". Spencer Silver, a 3M scientist, made the weak, reusable adhesive in 1968. Art Fry had the idea in 1973, according to MNopedia, the Minnesota Historical Society's encyclopedia, to put it on bookmarks for his choir hymnal. 3M tested the product as Press 'n Peel in four cities, then ran the "Boise Blitz" sampling test in Boise, Idaho, in 1978. 3M says 90% of people who tried it said they'd buy it, and Post-it Notes debuted in US stores on April 6, 1980. ## Which pen works best on Post-it Notes? **A quick-drying felt-tip or ballpoint, because the paper is thin and the notes get handled straight away.** A [Sharpie Fine Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-fine-point/) reads from across a room but may show through; a [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) gel pen gives a finer line. We haven't yet tested smudging on 654 paper, so treat this as a starting point rather than a result. ## Are Post-it Notes recyclable? **Yes, according to 3M, which says all Post-it Notes are recyclable.** 3M lists the 654's paper as 100% PEFC-certified, meaning it comes from forests managed under that scheme. 3M's pages for the standard Canary Yellow pads don't claim any recycled content; Post-it sells a separate 100% Recycled Paper line, which appears in ASINsight's Amazon rankings. ## Where are Post-it Notes 654 made? **3M says the USA, "with globally sourced materials".** That line appears on its US pages for both the Original and the Super Sticky 654, and Staples marks the 12-pad 654-12YW "Made in America". Post-it is a brand of 3M, whose headquarters are in Maplewood, Minnesota. ## Is the 654 really the most popular Post-it? **It's the classic size, but Amazon's top-selling sticky notes right now are colorful Super Sticky multi-packs.** ASINsight's April 2026 rankings put a 24-pad Super Sticky pack in Supernova Neons first, with about 20,000 estimated monthly sales. Most of those packs are still 3 × 3 in 654-size pads, so the size is the constant. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a Post-it Note 654? It's 3 × 3 in, which 3M gives as 76 × 76 mm (7.6 cm). That's the classic square Post-it size. ### How many sheets are in a Post-it 654 pad? An Original 654 pad has 100 sheets. Super Sticky pads in the same size have 90 or 70 sheets, depending on the pack. ### What does 654 mean on Post-it Notes? It's 3M's code for the 3 × 3 in size. Letters after it name the pack and color, such as 654-12YW for 12 Canary Yellow pads. ### What is the difference between Post-it Notes and Post-it Super Sticky Notes? The adhesive. 3M says Super Sticky Notes have twice the sticking power of the original notes, for walls, monitors and other vertical surfaces. ### Are Post-it Notes recyclable? 3M says all Post-it Notes are recyclable and sourced from certified, responsibly managed forests; its 654 listings say 100% PEFC. ### Where are Post-it Notes made? 3M's US pages for the 654 say it's made in the USA with globally sourced materials. Post-it is a brand of 3M, based in Maplewood, Minnesota. ### Why are Post-it Notes yellow? By chance. 3M says the lab next door only had scrap yellow paper on hand, and Canary Yellow became the signature color. ### Who invented the Post-it Note? 3M scientist Spencer Silver made the low-tack adhesive in 1968, and colleague Art Fry had the idea of using it on paper bookmarks in 1973, per MNopedia. ## Sources - [3M US: Post-it Notes 654-14+4YW, 3 × 3 in, 18 pads, 100 sheets, Canary Yellow, 100% PEFC (made in the USA; 3M ID 7010369467)](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v000315789/) - [3M US: Post-it Super Sticky Notes 654-12SSCY, 3 × 3 in, 90 sheets, 2x sticking power (made in the USA)](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v101143074/) - [3M US: Post-it Notes 653-24VAD, 1 3/8 × 1 7/8 in (34.9 × 47.6 mm)](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/?Ntt=post-it%20notes%20653) - [3M US: Post-it Notes 655, 3 × 5 in (76 × 127 mm)](https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/?Ntt=post-it%20notes%20655) - [Post-it: History Timeline (Boise Blitz; US debut April 6, 1980; scrap yellow paper)](https://www.post-it.com/3M/en_US/post-it/contact-us/about-us/) - [MNopedia: Post-it Notes (1968 adhesive, 1980 national launch, canary yellow scrap paper)](https://mnopedia.org/thing/post-it-notes) - [Lemelson-MIT: Art Fry & Spencer Silver](https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/art-fry-spencer-silver) - [Staples: Post-it Notes 3 × 3 in, Canary Collection, 100 sheets/pad (654)](https://www.staples.com/post-it-sticky-notes-3-x-3-canary-collection-100-sheets-pad-654/product_394221) - [Staples: Post-it Notes Canary Yellow 3 × 3, 12 pads (654-12YW)](https://www.staples.com/Post-it-Notes-Canary-Yellow-3-x-3-12-Pads-Pack-654-12YW/product_130005) - [ASINsight: Best-selling sticky notes on Amazon US (April 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/sticky-note) --- # Westcott 12 in Acrylic Ruler: Scales, Markings & Uses > The Westcott 12 in transparent ruler (model 10562) is a clear acrylic ruler with a 12 in scale marked in 1/16 in steps on one edge and a metric scale on the other. Made by Acme United's Westcott brand, it's the best-selling ruler on Amazon US in ASINsight's 2026 estimates, and it costs only a few dollars. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/westcott-acrylic-ruler/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Westcott 12 inch clear acrylic ruler drawn to scale over a ruled sheet: a 12 in scale in 1/16 in steps along the top edge and a 30 cm scale along the bottom](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/westcott-acrylic-ruler-16x9.png) *The 12 in (304.8 mm) scale, marked to 1/16 in, with centimeters on the other edge (drawn at 1 mm = 2.4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/westcott-acrylic-ruler-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Westcott 12" Transparent Acrylic Ruler, inch and metric (10562) | Westcott (by Acme United Corporation) | United States | Not stated | Transparent, scratch-resistant acrylic (per Westcott) | – | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (Westcott 12" Transparent Acrylic Ruler, inch and metric (10562)): Not stated. Westcott's own product page for the 10562 gives no country of origin, and neither do the retailer listings we could read. ## Key takeaways - The scale is 12 in (304.8 mm), marked to 1/16 in (about 1.6 mm), with a metric scale on the opposite edge. - ASINsight's July 2026 report ranks it first of 129 rulers on Amazon US, at about 9,000 estimated sales a month. - Westcott lists the clear acrylic ruler at 12.75 × 1.63 × 0.13 in (about 324 × 41 × 3.3 mm), with raised beveled edges and a hang hole. - Westcott's wood 12 in ruler (05221) is 1 3/8 in wide and 3/32 in thick, with a brass edge for cutting along. - Westcott is a brand of Acme United; we found no source that says where the 10562 is made. ## What is the Westcott 12 in acrylic ruler? **It's a clear acrylic school-and-office ruler with a 12 in scale on one edge and a metric scale on the other.** The model number is 10562, and Westcott is a brand of Acme United Corporation. Westcott says the ends have extra margins and plumb lines for checking right angles, and the ruler comes in a vinyl pouch. It's also the ruler Americans buy most online. ASINsight's July 2026 report ranks it first of 129 rulers on Amazon US, at about 9,000 estimated sales a month, and first in its art-ruler and 12-plus-inch rankings too. ## Westcott 10562 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Westcott (Acme United Corporation) | | Model | 10562 | | Scale length | 12 in (304.8 mm) | | Inch marks | Every 1/16 in (about 1.6 mm) | | Second scale | Metric, millimeters | | Material | Transparent, scratch-resistant acrylic | | Size | 12.75 × 1.63 × 0.13 in (about 324 × 41 × 3.3 mm) | | Weight | 0.07 lb (about 32 g) | | Extras | Raised beveled edges, hang hole, vinyl pouch | | UPC | 073577105621 | | Made in | Not stated | Everything except origin is from Westcott's product page, which lists length 12.75, width 1.63, height 0.13 and weight 0.07 without units; they match inches and pounds. Gateway's listing title gives a 1 in width instead, so we use Westcott's figure. ## How do you read the marks on a 12 in ruler? **Read inch marks by their height: the taller the line, the bigger the fraction.** ![One inch of a ruler enlarged: the 0 and 1 inch marks are tallest, then the 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 inch marks; the shortest are 1/16 inch, 1.6 mm apart](https://stationerytimes.com/images/westcott-acrylic-ruler-markings.svg) *Sixteen marks to the inch: count from the last full inch.* 1. Find the last numbered inch before your point. 2. Count the short marks after it; each is 1/16 in. 3. Reduce the fraction: 8/16 is 1/2, 4/16 is 1/4, 10/16 is 5/8. On the metric edge, each small mark is 1 mm, with longer marks every 5 mm and numbered marks every centimeter. A 12 in scale is 304.8 mm, so the metric edge reaches 30 cm. ## Why choose a clear acrylic ruler? **Because you can see through it.** When you line up a ruled line, a margin or a printed shape, the text under the ruler stays visible, which is harder with wood or steel. Westcott adds raised beveled edges, which it says give more precise drawing and fewer smudges. The trade-off is that acrylic can nick, so it's not the ruler to cut along. ## How does it compare with Westcott's wood and steel rulers? **Pick acrylic to see through, wood with a metal edge to cut along, and steel for durability.** | | 10562 acrylic | 05221 wood | Stainless steel 12 in | |---|---|---|---| | See-through | Yes | No | No | | Scales | Inch (1/16) and metric | Inch (1/16) and metric | Inch and metric | | Edge | Acrylic | Brass edge | Steel | | Size | 12.75 × 1.63 × 0.13 in | 12 × 1 3/8 × 3/32 in | 12 in | | Best for | School, drawing, planning pages | Cutting with a craft knife | Workshop, crafting | Westcott's page for the 05221 says the metal edge preserves the ruler when you use it for drawing straight lines or cutting. Retailers disagree on whether it has one brass edge or two. ## Is a 12 in ruler right for notebooks and planners? **It's longer than most notebook pages, so it rules any line you need.** An A5 page is 148 mm (5.8 in) wide and 210 mm (8.3 in) tall, well inside the 304.8 mm scale. For a ruler that lives inside the notebook itself, the [Midori Clip Ruler](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-clip-ruler/) is a 10 cm metal bookmark, and the [TRAVELER'S COMPANY Brass Ruler](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-company-brass-ruler/) is a 16 cm brass ruler with a raised edge for ink. Pair either with a fine pencil such as the [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) or a [Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) for drafting-style lines. ## Who makes Westcott rulers, and where is the 10562 made? **Westcott is a brand of Acme United Corporation, an American company; neither Westcott nor the retailers we read say where the 10562 is made.** So we list it as not stated. If your ruler or its packaging says, that's the answer for your copy. We'll update this page when we can confirm it. Westcott's best-known scissors, the [Westcott Titanium Bonded 8 in](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/westcott-titanium-bonded-scissors/), are listed by distributors as made in China. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Westcott 12 inch ruler metric? Yes. Westcott says the 10562 is scaled in 1/16 in on one side and millimeters on the other, so you can measure in both without turning it over. ### What is the smallest mark on a Westcott ruler? On the inch edge it's 1/16 in, about 1.6 mm. The metric edge is marked in millimeters. ### How do you read the 1/16 marks on a ruler? Count by mark height: the tallest is the inch, then 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8, and the shortest marks are sixteenths. Ten sixteenths past 3 in is 3 5/8 in. ### Is the Westcott clear ruler acrylic or plastic? It's acrylic, a clear, rigid plastic that Westcott calls scratch-resistant. Westcott also sells a separate 12 in shatterproof plastic ruler and wood and stainless steel versions. ### Can you cut along an acrylic ruler with a craft knife? It isn't made for it: a blade can nick a plastic edge. Westcott sells its wood ruler with a metal edge for straight cuts. ### Who makes Westcott rulers? Westcott is a brand of Acme United Corporation, an American company; Westcott's own site for the 10562 is run by Acme United. It doesn't say where the ruler is made. ### What is the best-selling ruler on Amazon? In ASINsight's July 2026 estimates it's this Westcott 12 in clear acrylic ruler, at about 9,000 sales a month, ahead of 128 other rulers. ## Sources - [Westcott: 12 in Transparent Acrylic Ruler, Clear (10562) (1/16 in and millimeter scales, plumb lines, hang hole, raised beveled edges, vinyl pouch; length 12.75, width 1.63, height 0.13; UPC 073577105621)](https://westcottbrand.com/products/westcott-12-transparent-acrylic-ruler-clear) - [Quill: Westcott 12" Acrylic Standard Ruler, Transparent (10562/55275)](https://images.quill.com/westcott-12-acrylic-standard-ruler-transparent-10562-55275/cbs/51136214.html) - [Gateway Printing & Office Supply: Westcott 12" transparent ruler, 1/16 graduations, imperial and metric, acrylic](https://www.gatewayp.com/westcott-12-transparent-ruler-12-length-1-width-1-16-graduations-imperial-metric-measuring-system-acrylic-1-each-clear--1) - [desertcart: Westcott 12 in acrylic ruler (model and part number 10562, Acme United)](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/15448518) - [ASINsight: Best-selling rulers on Amazon US (July 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/rulers) - [ASINsight: Best-selling 12+ inch rulers on Amazon US](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/ruler-12%2B-inch) - [ASINsight: Best-selling art rulers on Amazon US](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/art-ruler) - [Westcott: Ruler with double brass edge, 12 inch (05221)](https://westcottbrand.com/products/westcott-ruler-with-double-brass-edge-12-inch-05221-parent) - [Staples Advantage: Westcott 12" double metal edge ruler (05221)](https://od.staplesadvantage.com/westcott-12-double-metal-edge-standard-ruler-05221/product_670818) - [OfficeCrave: Westcott 05221 (1 3/8 × 3/32 in, 1/16 in scale)](https://www.officecrave.com/westcott-05221.html) - [Staples: Westcott 12" shatterproof plastic ruler](https://www.staples.com/westcott-12-shatterproof-plastic-ruler/product_ACM13862) - [Walmart: Westcott stainless steel ruler, 12 in](https://walmart.com/ip/Westcott-Stainless-Steel-Ruler-12-0-8-lbs-Metric-Imperial-for-Craft-1-Count-High-School/15358668586) --- # Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5: Paper & Rulings > The Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5 is a sewn, soft-cover notebook from Japan's Apica, 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in). It has 96 sheets (192 pages) of A.Silky 865 paper, which retailers give as 86.5 g/m², in lined, grid or blank versions. Its Japanese list price is ¥1,397 (about US$8.80) with tax. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/apica-premium-cd-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a black Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, 210 mm tall and 148 mm wide, closed and opened flat on its first page, a small index with entries and page numbers, with thread stitching in the fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/apica-premium-cd-notebook-16x9.png) *The Premium C.D. A5 closed and open at the index page, magnified in the inset (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/apica-premium-cd-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, 96 sheets (blank CDS90W; also lined and grid) | Apica (by Nippon Note Co., Ltd. (日本ノート株式会社)) | Japan | Japan | A.Silky 865 Premium paper (86.5 g/m², per retailers), fancy-paper card cover, thread-sewn binding | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, 96 sheets (blank CDS90W; also lined and grid)): Japan. Papeterie Makkura lists Made in Japan for the blank and grid A5; The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin for the ruled A5, and Write Gear says all CD Notebooks are made in Japan. Nippon Note's Japanese product pages give codes, JAN, weight and price but no country of manufacture. Source: https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/notebooks/4325-apica-premium-cd-notebook-a5-blank-4970090340095.html ## Key takeaways - The A5 measures 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in) and holds 96 sheets, or 192 pages. - Its paper is Apica's A.Silky 865 Premium, given as 86.5 g/m² by Goulet Pens and The Pen Addict. - Wirecutter picked it as its best medium softcover notebook; 4 of its 5 panelists ranked it first or second. - Nippon Note, which makes Apica notebooks, lists it at 290 g and ¥1,397 (about US$8.80) including tax in Japan. - Retailers including The Journal Shop and Papeterie Makkura list it as made in Japan. ## What is the Apica Premium C.D. Notebook? **It's a thread-sewn, soft-cover A5 notebook from the Japanese brand Apica, sold on the strength of its smooth A.Silky 865 paper.** Apica notebooks are now made and sold by Nippon Note (日本ノート), whose Japanese site calls the line 紳士なノート, "the gentleman's notebook". Nippon Note's product page notes that it won the grand prix in the function category of the 21st Japan Stationery Awards (日本文具大賞). In the US, Wirecutter's notebook guide names the Premium C.D. A5 its top pick for a medium softcover notebook; four of its five panelists chose it as their first or second favorite. ## Apica Premium C.D. A5 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Size | 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in), A5 | | Pages | 96 sheets (192 pages), not numbered | | Paper | A.Silky 865 Premium, 86.5 g/m² (per retailers) | | Rulings | 7 mm lined, 24 lines (CDS90Y) · 5 mm grid (CDS90S) · blank (CDS90W) | | Binding | Thread-sewn (糸かがり綴じ); opens flat | | Cover | Shimmering fancy-paper card, black cloth spine | | Weight | 290 g (Nippon Note) | | Index | A small index on the first page | | JAN | Lined 4970090340071 · grid 4970090340088 · blank 4970090340095 | | List price (Japan) | ¥1,397 (about US$8.80) with tax; ¥1,270 (about US$8.00) before tax | | Made in | Japan, per retailers | Nippon Note's Japanese product pages list each A5 as W148 × H210 mm with 96 sheets of A.Silky 865 Premium, a weight of 290 g, the three codes and JAN barcodes, and a list price of ¥1,397 (about US$8.80) including tax. They don't give a paper weight or a country of manufacture, so the 86.5 g/m² comes from Goulet Pens, Papeterie Makkura and The Pen Addict, and the index and the lack of page numbers from Wirecutter. Goulet measures the book at 10.5 mm (0.4 in) thick. ## What is A.Silky 865 paper? **A.Silky 865 Premium is Apica's own name for the paper in the C.D. Notebook; the "865" appears to refer to its 86.5 g/m² weight.** That is a little heavier than the 80 g/m² in a standard Leuchtturm1917 and lighter than Clairefontaine's 90 g/m². ![Bar chart drawn to scale of paper weight: Moleskine Classic 70 g/m², Leuchtturm1917 A5 80 g/m², Apica Premium C.D. 86.5 g/m², Clairefontaine and Rhodia 90 g/m², Bullet Journal Edition 2 120 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/apica-premium-cd-notebook-paper-weight.svg) *Published paper weights for five common notebooks.* Nippon Note doesn't publish the weight itself, so the figure above is the one Goulet Pens, Papeterie Makkura and The Pen Addict give for the A5. Nippon Note also sells a cream-paper A5 (CDC90Y) on Apica's traditional cream woodfree ledger paper; it's a different paper, so this figure doesn't apply to it. ## Is it good for fountain pens? **Reviewers mostly say yes, with a caveat; we haven't tested it ourselves.** Wirecutter's panelists saw little feathering with fountain pen ink, and The Pen Addict's 2020 review praised the very smooth paper. The Pen Addict's follow-up on September 24, 2026, saw some feathering with a sharp flex nib and one ink, so results depend on the nib and ink. Paper weight alone doesn't decide it; sizing does. See our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/) for how it ranks. ## How does it compare to the Midori MD and Leuchtturm1917? **The Apica has more pages than the Midori and slightly heavier paper than the Leuchtturm1917, but no ribbon and no page numbers.** | | Apica Premium C.D. A5 | [Midori MD Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/) | [Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 148 × 210 mm | 148 × 210 mm | 145 × 210 mm | | Pages | 192 | 176 | 251, numbered | | Paper | 86.5 g/m² | 80–90 g/m² (retailers) | 80 g/m² | | Cover | Card | Paper | Hard cover | | Ribbon | No | Yes | 2 | Wirecutter points people who want numbered pages and a ribbon to the Leuchtturm1917 Softcover instead. For 200 pages of cream paper in a thread-bound A5, see the [LIFE Noble Note A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/life-noble-note-a5/). ## Does it lie flat? **Yes: Nippon Note says it uses thread-sewn (糸かがり) binding so the book opens flat, with a colored thread as an accent.** Wirecutter and retailer listings say the same. The trade-off is the cover. It's a card cover, not a hard case, so it bends in a bag and gives you nothing firm to write on away from a desk. If you mostly write at a table, that matters less; if you write on your knee, a hard-cover A5 is steadier. ## Which ruling should you choose? **Pick lined for writing, grid for planning and diagrams, and blank for sketching.** All three share the same paper and page count. Nippon Note's Japanese site gives the lined A5 7 mm spacing with 24 lines a page, and the grid 5 mm squares; each ruling has its own cover color. Goulet sells the A5 in black and red, and Nippon Note also lists limited-color covers. The last letter of the code marks the ruling (Y lined, S grid, W blank), so check it if you're reordering. ## Where is the Apica notebook made? **Retailers list the Apica Premium C.D. A5 as made in Japan.** Papeterie Makkura states "Made in Japan" for the blank and grid A5, and The Journal Shop lists Japan for the ruled A5. Write Gear says all CD Notebooks are made in Japan. Apica is a Japanese brand, but Nippon Note's product pages don't name the country of manufacture, so the origin rests on retailers. ## Frequently asked questions ### What paper does the Apica Premium C.D. Notebook use? It uses Apica's own A.Silky 865 Premium paper, which Nippon Note says glides smoothly under fountain pens and ballpoints. Goulet Pens, Papeterie Makkura and The Pen Addict give its weight as 86.5 g/m². ### How many pages does the Apica C.D. Notebook A5 have? The A5 has 96 sheets, which is 192 pages. The pages are not numbered, but the first page has a small index. ### Is the Apica Premium C.D. good for fountain pens? Wirecutter's panelists saw little feathering with fountain pen ink, and The Pen Addict praised its smooth paper in 2020, though a 2026 follow-up saw some feathering with a sharp flex nib and one ink. We haven't tested it ourselves. ### Does the Apica C.D. Notebook lie flat? Yes. Nippon Note says it uses thread-sewn (糸かがり) binding so it opens flat, and Wirecutter and retailers agree. It has a soft card cover, not a hard case. ### What does CDS90 mean? It is the code for the A5 Premium C.D. A letter at the end marks the ruling: Nippon Note's Japanese site lists CDS90Y for 7 mm lines, CDS90S for a 5 mm grid and CDS90W for blank. CDC90Y is the A5 with cream paper. ### Where is the Apica notebook made? Papeterie Makkura and The Journal Shop list the Premium C.D. A5 as made in Japan. Apica is a Japanese brand now made and sold by Nippon Note, whose own pages don't state the country. ### Does the Apica C.D. Notebook have a ribbon? No. Wirecutter notes it has no ribbon marker and no numbered pages, and points to the Leuchtturm1917 Softcover if you want those. ## Sources - [プレミアムCDノート A5 無罫 CDS90W｜日本ノート株式会社 (Nippon Note product page: ¥1,397 incl. tax, JAN, 96 sheets, 290 g, thread-sewn)](https://www.nippon-note.co.jp/products/detail/1121) - [プレミアムCDノート A5 横罫 CDS90Y｜日本ノート株式会社 (Nippon Note: lined A5, 7 mm × 24 lines, JAN)](https://www.nippon-note.co.jp/products/detail/1119) - [プレミアムCDノート A5 方眼罫 CDS90S｜日本ノート株式会社 (Nippon Note: 5 mm grid A5, JAN)](https://www.nippon-note.co.jp/products/detail/1120) - [CDノート/プレミアムCDノート｜日本ノート株式会社 (Nippon Note C.D. Notebook series page: paper, binding, lineup)](https://www.nippon-note.co.jp/lp/cd/) - [ヨドバシ.com: アピカ 紳士なノート プレミアムCDノート A5 無地 CDS90W (Yodobashi: 148 × 210 mm, 96 sheets, thread-sewn)](https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001001483036/) - [Papeterie Makkura: Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, Blank, CDS90W (86.5 gsm, made in Japan)](https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/notebooks/4325-apica-premium-cd-notebook-a5-blank-4970090340095.html) - [Papeterie Makkura: Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5, Grid](https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/notebooks/4324-apica-premium-cd-notebook-a5-grid-4970090340088.html) - [The Journal Shop: Apica Premium CD Notebook A5 Ruled (96 sheets, 7 mm × 24 lines, country of origin Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/apica-cd-notebook-ruled-a5) - [Goulet Pens: Apica Premium CD A5 Notebook, Black, Blank (86.5 g paper, 10.5 mm thick)](https://gouletpens.com/products/apica-premium-cd-a5-notebook-black-blank) - [Goulet Pens: Apica Premium CD A5 Notebook, Red, Graph](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/apica-premium-cd-a5-notebook-red-graph) - [Write Gear: Apica Premium CD Notebooks, A5 (all CD Notebooks made in Japan)](https://writegear.co.za/product/apica-premium-cd-notebooks-a5/) - [Wirecutter: The Best Notebooks (Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-notebooks/) - [The Pen Addict: Apica CD Premium Notebook Review (April 2, 2020; 86.5 gsm)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2020/4/2/apica-cd-premium-notebook-review) - [The Pen Addict: Apica Notebooks, A Quick Review (September 24, 2026)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2026/9/24/apica-notebooks-a-quick-review) --- # Clairefontaine 1951 Staplebound A5: 90 g Paper > The Clairefontaine 1951 Staplebound Notebook A5 is a thin, card-covered notebook from France's Clairefontaine, 14.5 × 21 cm (5.75 × 8.25 in) per Clairefontaine. It holds 48 sheets (96 pages) of 90 g/m² acid-free paper, stapled through the fold. Retailers sell it for under $20, and fountain pen shops stock it for its smooth paper. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/clairefontaine-1951-staplebound-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a raspberry Clairefontaine 1951 Staplebound Notebook A5, 210 mm tall and 148 mm wide, closed and opened flat on white lined pages with staples in the fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/clairefontaine-1951-staplebound-notebook-16x9.png) *The 1951 Staplebound A5 closed and open, with a staple in the fold magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/clairefontaine-1951-staplebound-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Clairefontaine 1951 Staplebound Notebook A5, 48 sheets (96 pages), lined | Clairefontaine (by Clairefontaine Rhodia (Exacompta Clairefontaine group); sold in the US by Exaclair) | France | France | Grained card cover, 90 g/m² Vélin Velouté paper (PEFC), staple binding | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Clairefontaine 1951 Staplebound Notebook A5, 48 sheets (96 pages), lined): France. Clairefontaine's French product page for the Carnet piqué collection 1951 says 'Fabriqué en France'; Gentleman Stationer and Hunter Paper Co. agree. Galaxus lists Morocco as the origin of a 1951 Back to Basics A5 notebook, so check the label. Source: https://www.clairefontaine.com/fr/3029-1615-carnet-pique-collection-1951-195136c.html ## Key takeaways - Each notebook has 48 sheets (96 pages) of Clairefontaine's 90 g/m² Vélin Velouté paper, PEFC certified, in a grained card cover. - Clairefontaine's French site lists 14.5 × 21 cm (about 5.75 × 8.25 in), matching Blick; Galaxus rounds it to A5's 14.8 × 21 cm. - It is staple-bound, so it is far thinner and lighter than a 192-page hard-cover A5 such as the Rhodia Webnotebook. - Clairefontaine's French product page says 'Fabriqué en France'; Galaxus lists Morocco for one 1951 Back to Basics notebook. - It sits in our $$ band ($5–20 per notebook), the lowest-priced 90 g/m² A5 notebook we cover. ## What is the Clairefontaine 1951 staplebound notebook? **It's a thin A5 notebook with a card cover and 96 pages of Clairefontaine's 90 g/m² paper, stapled through the fold.** Clairefontaine is the French paper maker that also owns Rhodia, and Exaclair sells both in the US. The 1951 Collection is the retro-styled line. Retailers also call it "clothbound" (Gentleman Stationer, Hunter Paper Co.) or "Back to Basics" (Galaxus), and JetPens and Officeworks list it in colors such as raspberry and pink. ## Clairefontaine 1951 staplebound A5 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Clairefontaine Rhodia (Exacompta Clairefontaine group) | | Size | 14.5 × 21 cm (5.75 × 8.25 in), per Clairefontaine and Blick | | Pages | 48 sheets (96 pages) | | Paper | 90 g/m² Vélin Velouté, PEFC; acid-free and pH-neutral per retailers | | Item (raspberry, lined) | 195836C, EAN 3329681958361 (French range code 195136C) | | Binding | Staples through the fold | | Cover | Grained card ("carte à grain") | | Made in | France, per Clairefontaine | Sheet count and paper weight come from JetPens, Blick and Gentleman Stationer listings; sizes from Blick and Galaxus. We did not reach Clairefontaine's own product page. ## How big is it next to other A5 notebooks? **It's a full A5 page, slightly wider than the Rhodia Webnotebook and much wider than a Moleskine Cahier Large.** ![To-scale drawing of three notebook covers, all 210 mm tall: Clairefontaine 1951 A5, drawn at A5 148 × 210 mm (listed 145 × 210 mm), with 96 pages, Rhodia Webnotebook A5 140 × 210 mm with 192 pages, Moleskine Cahier Large 130 × 210 mm with 80 pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/clairefontaine-1951-staplebound-notebook-size.svg) *Three soft- and hard-cover notebooks at the same scale.* | | Clairefontaine 1951 A5 | [Rhodia Webnotebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-webnotebook-a5/) | [Moleskine Cahier Large](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-cahier-journal/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 145 × 210 mm | 140 × 210 mm | 130 × 210 mm | | Pages | 96 | 192 | 80 | | Paper | 90 g/m² | 90 g/m² ivory | Not published | | Cover | Card, stapled | Leatherette hard cover | Card, stitched | | Price band | $$ | $$$ | $$ | The Webnotebook uses the same weight of Clairefontaine paper in a hard case with twice the pages. The 1951 is the lighter, cheaper way to get that paper. ## What does 90 g/m² paper mean in practice? **At 90 g/m², the sheet is about 24 lb bond, a step heavier than everyday 20 lb (75 g/m²) copy paper.** Heavier paper is less likely to show writing through from the other side, though sizing and finish matter as much as weight. It is also heavier than the 80 g/m² paper in a standard Leuchtturm1917 and the 70 g/m² in a Moleskine Classic. Among the notebooks we cover, only 120 g/m² editions such as the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 go heavier. Who it suits: students who want fountain-pen-friendly paper for class notes, and anyone who fills a notebook a month and would rather not pay hard-cover prices each time. Wonderpens includes Clairefontaine in its budget list for exactly that reason. ## Is it good for fountain pens? **Fountain pen shops recommend Clairefontaine paper, but we haven't tested this notebook ourselves.** Gentleman Stationer says Clairefontaine paper should handle even very wet nibs, and Wonderpens lists Clairefontaine among fountain-pen-friendly notebooks on a budget. Smooth, well-sized paper keeps ink on the surface, which usually means crisper lines but slower drying, so left-handers should test before committing. The Pen Addict called a smaller Clairefontaine staplebound an excellent deal for the amount of paper. For more choices, see our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). For a thin Japanese alternative, the thread-bound [Tsubame Fools Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tsubame-fools-notebook-a5/) has 30 sheets of 81.4 gsm paper. ## 1951 or Classic staplebound: which should you buy? **They share the format and the paper; choose by the cover you like.** - **1951 Collection:** retro-styled covers, sold in colors like raspberry and pink. - **Classic staplebound:** the plain Clairefontaine covers; Goulet lists the A5 graph version with 48 sheets of 90 g/m² paper. Both are stapled through the fold, with no hard cover, elastic or ribbon. Retailers list lined and graph rulings; check each listing for the ruling you want. ## Where is the Clairefontaine 1951 made? **Clairefontaine's French product page says "Fabriqué en France", and Gentleman Stationer and Hunter Paper Co. agree.** Clairefontaine is a French brand, part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group, which also owns Rhodia. Galaxus lists Morocco as the country of origin for one 1951 Back to Basics A5 notebook. Origin may vary by product or batch, so check the label if it matters. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many pages are in a Clairefontaine 1951 staplebound notebook? The A5 staplebound has 48 sheets, which is 96 pages. Officeworks lists it as a 96-page notebook. ### What paper weight is the Clairefontaine 1951 notebook? Clairefontaine lists 90 g/m² Vélin Velouté paper, about 24 lb bond; retailers add acid-free and pH-neutral. That is heavier than the 80 g/m² of a standard Leuchtturm1917. ### Is Clairefontaine paper good for fountain pens? Fountain pen shops recommend it: Gentleman Stationer says Clairefontaine paper should handle even very wet nibs. Smooth paper also keeps ink on the surface, so it can dry more slowly. We haven't tested it ourselves. ### What size is the Clairefontaine 1951 A5? Clairefontaine's French site and Blick list 14.5 × 21 cm, about 5.75 × 8.25 in, sold as A5 format; Galaxus rounds it to 14.8 × 21 cm. ### What is the difference between the 1951 and the Classic staplebound? Both are Clairefontaine A5 staplebound notebooks with 48 sheets of 90 g/m² paper. The 1951 Collection has its own retro-styled covers, which retailers also call clothbound or Back to Basics; the Classic has the plain Clairefontaine covers. ### Where are Clairefontaine notebooks made? Clairefontaine's French site says the 1951 staple-bound notebook is made in France, as do Gentleman Stationer and Hunter Paper Co. Galaxus lists Morocco for one 1951 Back to Basics notebook, so check the label. ### Is a Clairefontaine staplebound notebook cheap? It falls in our $$ band, $5–20 per notebook, below hard-cover notebooks like the Rhodia Webnotebook or Leuchtturm1917, which are in the $$$ band. ## Sources - [Clairefontaine (French): Carnet piqué collection 1951 (195136C; 14.5 × 21 cm, 48 sheets/96 pages, Vélin Velouté 90 g, fabriqué en France, PEFC)](https://www.clairefontaine.com/fr/3029-1615-carnet-pique-collection-1951-195136c.html) - [JetPens: Clairefontaine Collection 1951 Staplebound Notebook A5, Lined, Raspberry](https://www.jetpens.com/Clairefontaine-Collection-1951-Staplebound-Notebook-A5-Lined-Raspberry/pd/10019) - [Blick: Clairefontaine 1951 Staplebound Notebooks (14.5 × 21 cm)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/clairefontaine-1951-staplebound-notebooks/) - [Galaxus: Clairefontaine 1951 Back to Basics A5 lined (14.8 × 21 cm; origin Morocco)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/clairefontaine-1951-back-to-basics-a5-lined-notebooks-notepads-21618546) - [Gentleman Stationer: Clairefontaine 1951 Staplebound Notebook A5 (made in France)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/curated-paper/clairefontaine-1951-clothbound-notebook-staplebound-a5) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Clairefontaine 1951 Back to Basic Clothbound A5 Notebook (made in France)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/clairefontaine-1951-back-to-basic-clothbound-a5-notebook) - [Officeworks: Clairefontaine 1951 Lined A5 Notebook, 96 pages, Pink](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/clairefontaine-1951-lined-a5-notebook-96-page-pink-te195836) - [Pen Chalet: Clairefontaine 1951 Notebook](https://www.penchalet.com/pen_accessories/memo_books_notebooks/clairefontaine_1951_notebook.html) - [Goulet Pens: Clairefontaine Classic Staplebound A5 Notebook, Graph (48 sheets, 90 g)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/clairefontaine-classic-staplebound-a5-notebook-graph) - [Gentleman Stationer: Clairefontaine Side Staplebound A5 Notebook](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/the-curated-shop/clairefontaine-staplebound-a5-notebook-french-ruled-p6b2a-pj44l-2t6mj) - [The Pen Addict: Clairefontaine Basics Staplebound Pocket Notebook Review (July 27, 2016)](https://penaddict.com/blog/2016/7/27/clairefontaine-basics-staplebound-pocket-notebook-review) - [Wikipedia: Bond paper (75 g/m² = 20 lb, 90 g/m² = 24 lb)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bond_paper) - [Wonderpens: Fountain pen friendly notebooks for school or when you're on a budget](https://wonderpens.ca/blogs/basics-of-fountain-pens/fountain-pen-friendly-notebooks-for-school-or-when-youre-on-a-budget) --- # Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2: 120 g Paper > The Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 is Leuchtturm1917's A5 notebook for the Bullet Journal method, 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in). It has 206 numbered pages of 120 g/m² paper with a 5 mm dot grid, plus a dot-grid index, an intentions page, a grid guide, a removable pocket guide and a sticker sheet. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a black Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, 210 mm tall and 145 mm wide, closed with its elastic and opened flat on 5 mm dotted, numbered pages with a dot-grid index on the left and a bulleted log on the right](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2-16x9.png) *The Bullet Journal Edition 2 closed and open, with the dot-grid index magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, Medium (A5), hard cover, 206 numbered pages, dotted | Leuchtturm1917 (by Leuchtturm Gruppe (Geesthacht, Germany)) | Germany | Not stated | Hard cover, 120 g/m² smooth, low-transparency paper, thread-sewn book block | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, Medium (A5), hard cover, 206 numbered pages, dotted): Not stated. Retailer listings have conflicted: one gave Taiwan as the country of origin and another the United Kingdom (Digitec, which now blocks automated reading). Leuchtturm1917's German product page names only the maker, LEUCHTTURM1917 GmbH in Geesthacht, not a country of manufacture. Check the label on your copy. ## Key takeaways - Edition 2 uses 120 g/m² paper, 50% heavier than the 80 g/m² of the first edition and of the standard Leuchtturm1917 Medium. - It has 206 numbered pages, against 251 in the standard Medium, because the heavier sheets take up more room. - The A5 cover measures 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in), the same as any Leuchtturm1917 Medium. - Leuchtturm1917's German site lists 3 colored ribbons, an index and future log, page dividers, a grid guide, a sticker set and a removable pocket guide. - Leuchtturm1917's German shop lists it at €29.95 (about US$34); no maker page states where it is made. ## What is the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2? **It's Leuchtturm1917's A5 notebook made for the Bullet Journal method, the second version of it, with heavier 120 g/m² paper.** It takes the standard [Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) and adds printed pages that walk you through setting up a bullet journal. Leuchtturm1917's German site lists it in Black, Blush, Blue22 and Green23 with a blind-embossed "Bullet Journal" on the cover, and retailers list other colors such as navy, purple and yellow. Larry Post also sells an all-black collector's set with a twist pen and a [Leuchtturm1917 pen loop](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop/). ## Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Leuchtturm1917 (Leuchtturm Gruppe, Geesthacht, Germany) | | Size | Medium, A5: 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in) | | Pages | 206, numbered | | Paper | 120 g/m² | | Ruling | 5 mm dot grid | | Binding | Thread-sewn book block, hard cover | | Bullet Journal pages | Index, future log, intentions page (retailers), grid guide, page dividers | | Page markers | 3 colored ribbons | | Extras | Removable pocket guide (English), sticker set, gusseted back pocket | | Article | 801389 (Leuchtturm1917 Germany) | | German list price | €29.95 (about US$34) | | Made in | Not stated (retailers have said Taiwan or the United Kingdom) | Size, pages, paper, binding, ribbons and extras come from Leuchtturm1917's German product page; the intentions page from Larry Post. Leuchtturm1917 describes the paper as smooth with very low transparency. ## What changed in Edition 2? **The paper got heavier, and the book gained setup pages and stickers.** Leuchtturm1917 and retailers list these additions over the first edition: - **120 g/m² paper** instead of 80 g/m², which makes the spine wider - a **grid guide** for laying out spreads on the dots - an **intentions page** at the front - a **dot-grid index**, so the index matches the pages - a **removable pocket guide** to the method, plus a **sticker sheet** for setting up pages The extra paper weight costs pages: 206 numbered pages instead of the 251 in a standard Medium. ![Bars drawn to scale: Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Medium 251 pages of 80 g/m² paper, Bullet Journal Edition 2 206 pages of 120 g/m², Medium 120G edition 203 pages of 120 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2-pages-paper.svg) *Page count and paper weight of three Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 notebooks.* ## How does it compare to the standard Leuchtturm1917 Medium? **Same cover size, heavier paper, fewer pages, and Bullet Journal pages built in.** | | Bullet Journal Edition 2 | Notebook Medium (standard) | Medium 120G edition | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 145 × 210 mm | 145 × 210 mm | 145 × 210 mm | | Pages | 206, numbered | 251, numbered | 203, numbered | | Paper | 120 g/m² | 80 g/m² | 120 g/m² | | Ruling | 5 mm dots | Dotted, ruled, squared or plain | Varies by listing | | Bullet Journal pages | Yes | No | No | If you already know the method and just want heavier paper, the 120G edition gives you almost the same page count without the setup pages. ## Is the 120 g/m² paper good for markers and fountain pens? **Heavier paper is the main reason people choose it for markers, brush pens and wet inks; we haven't tested it ourselves.** At 120 g/m², the sheet is 50% heavier than the standard 80 g/m², so bleed-through and show-through are less likely. For the fineliners and highlighters common in bullet journals, see our guides to the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) and [Zebra Mildliner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-mildliner/). For fountain pens, our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/) compares it with lighter papers. For a five-year diary in the same A5 format, see the [Leuchtturm1917 Some Lines a Day](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-some-lines-a-day/). ## Who should buy the Bullet Journal Edition 2? **It suits beginners who want the setup pages and anyone who uses markers or wet inks on every page.** - **New to bullet journaling:** the pocket guide, intentions page and grid guide explain the method inside the book, so you don't need a separate tutorial to start. - **Heavy decorators:** the 120 g/m² paper is the reason to pay for this edition if you use brush pens, highlighters or watercolor-style markers. - **Long-form writers:** the standard Medium gives you 45 more pages on lighter paper, which goes further if you mostly write in ballpoint or gel pen. The 145 × 210 mm cover size is the same in all three, so a cover or pen loop that fits one should fit the others. ## Where is the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal made? **Retailer listings have disagreed: one gave Taiwan, another the United Kingdom.** Leuchtturm1917's German product page names the maker in Geesthacht but no country of manufacture. Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand based in Geesthacht, near Hamburg. For the standard Medium, retailers also list both Germany and Taiwan, so check the label on your copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between Bullet Journal Edition 1 and Edition 2? Edition 2 moves to 120 g/m² paper from 80 g/m² and, per Leuchtturm1917's German site, adds a grid guide in the cover, page dividers, a removable pocket guide and a sticker set; retailers also list an intentions page. The heavier paper also makes the spine wider. ### How many pages are in the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2? It has 206 numbered pages, per Leuchtturm1917's German site and Spilhaus, plus an index and future log. The standard Leuchtturm1917 Medium has 251, on lighter 80 g/m² paper. ### What size is the Bullet Journal Edition 2? It is the Leuchtturm1917 Medium, A5: Leuchtturm1917 gives 145 × 210 mm, which is about 5.75 × 8.25 inches. ### Does the Bullet Journal Edition 2 bleed through? Its 120 g/m² paper is 50% heavier than the standard 80 g/m² sheet, which makes bleed-through less likely with markers and wet inks. We haven't tested it ourselves. ### What dot spacing does the Bullet Journal notebook use? The pages are printed with a 5 mm dot grid, the same spacing as the dotted Leuchtturm1917 Medium. ### Is the Bullet Journal Edition 2 the same as the Leuchtturm1917 120G edition? No. Both use 120 g/m² paper, but the 120G Medium has 203 numbered pages and none of the Bullet Journal pages: no intentions page, grid guide, pocket guide or stickers. ### Where is the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal made? Retailer listings have disagreed, Taiwan or the United Kingdom, and Leuchtturm1917's own page doesn't say. Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand based in Geesthacht, near Hamburg. ## Sources - [Leuchtturm1917 (Germany): Bullet Journal Edition 2 (€29.95, article 801389, 120 g/m² paper, 206 numbered pages, 3 ribbons, thread-sewn, 145 × 210 mm)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.de/bullet-journal-edition-2.html) - [Goulet Pens: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Notebook, Black, Edition 2](https://gouletpens.com/products/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-notebook-black-edition-2) - [Larry Post: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, 120 gsm, Medium A5, Dotted, Black (14.5 × 21 cm)](https://www.larrypost.com.au/products/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2-120gsm-paper-medium-a5-dotted-black) - [Larry Post: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, Medium A5, Dotted, Navy](https://www.larrypost.com.au/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2-120gsm-paper-medium-a5-dotted-navy.html) - [Larry Post: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, All Black Collector's Set](https://www.larrypost.com.au/products/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2-all-black-collectors-set-1x-bullet-journal-a5-1x-twist-pen-1x-pen-loop-120gsm-paper-medium-a5-dotted-black) - [Spilhaus: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, Medium A5 (206 numbered pages)](https://spilhaus.co.za/products/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2-medium-a5-hardcover-206-numbered-pages-dotted) - [Digitec: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal A5 dotted hard cover (206 pages; now blocks automated reading)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-a5-dotted-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-43766082) - [Leuchtturm1917 (US): Notebook Medium (A5), 120G, Hardcover, 203 numbered pages](https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/products/120g-edition) - [Leuchtturm1917: Notebook Medium (A5), Hardcover, 251 numbered pages, dotted](https://www.leuchtturm1917.com/notebook-medium-a5-hardcover-251-numbered-pages-black-dotted.html) --- # Moleskine Cahier Journal: Sizes, Pages & Sets of 3 > The Moleskine Cahier Journal is a thin, card-covered notebook sold in sets of three. The Large measures 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) and has 80 pages of 70 g/m² ivory paper, ruled, plain or squared. Its spine is stitched, the last 16 pages tear out, and a pocket sits inside the back cover. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-cahier-journal/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a set of three kraft Moleskine Cahier Journals, Large, each 210 mm tall and 130 mm wide, fanned closed, and one opened flat on ruled pages with a perforation line and thread stitches in the fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/moleskine-cahier-journal-16x9.png) *A set of three Cahier Journals, Large, and one open, with the stitched fold magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/moleskine-cahier-journal-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Moleskine Cahier Journal, Large (13 × 21 cm), 80 pages, set of 3 (ruled, plain or squared) | Moleskine (by Moleskine S.r.l. (D'Ieteren Group)) | Italy | Not stated | Card cover with visible stitched spine, 70 g/m² ivory acid-free paper (FSC-certified and controlled sources) | 2004-09 | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Moleskine Cahier Journal, Large (13 × 21 cm), 80 pages, set of 3 (ruled, plain or squared)): Not stated. Neither Moleskine's Italian product page nor the retailer listings we found for the Cahier Journal state a country of manufacture. The Moleskine Classic hard cover is listed as made in China by retailers. Check the band on your set. ## Key takeaways - The Large Cahier measures 13 × 21 cm (5.1 × 8.25 in), the same footprint as the Moleskine Classic Large. - Each journal has 80 pages, and they come in sets of 3. - Moleskine's Italian site lists 70 g/m² ivory acid-free paper, with the last 16 pages detachable; it sells the kraft set of 3 for €17.00 (about US$19). - Covers are heavy card with visible stitching on the spine, and there is a pocket inside the back cover. - Neither Moleskine's Italian product page nor the retailer listings we cite state where the Cahier is made. ## What is the Moleskine Cahier Journal? **It's Moleskine's thin, soft-cover journal: 80 pages in a heavy card cover with a stitched spine, sold in sets of three.** It's the lighter, cheaper sibling of the hard-cover [Moleskine Classic Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/). The Cahier is made for using up and filing: the last 16 pages tear out, and a pocket inside the back cover holds loose notes. Retailers list it in Pocket, Large and Extra Large sizes; this guide covers the Large. ## Moleskine Cahier Journal Large specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Moleskine S.r.l. (D'Ieteren Group), Italy | | Size | 13 × 21 cm (5.1 × 8.25 in) | | Pages | 80 per journal | | Set | 3 journals | | Rulings | Ruled · plain · squared | | Paper | 70 g/m², ivory, acid-free, FSC-certified sources (Moleskine) | | Cover | Card, rounded corners, visible Singer stitching on the spine (Moleskine) | | Extras | Last 16 pages detachable, pocket inside the back cover | | Italian list price | €17.00 (about US$19) for the kraft set of 3 | | Colors | Black, kraft, and colored sets | | Made in | Not stated | Paper, cover and features come from Moleskine's Italian product page, which lists Pocket, Large and XL sizes; the 80-page count comes from Avid Reader and Bunnings. ## What's inside a Cahier Journal? **80 pages, of which the last 16 are perforated, plus a pocket inside the back cover.** ![To-scale drawing of a Moleskine Cahier Journal Large opened flat, each ruled page 130 × 210 mm, with a dashed perforation line near the fold, and notes: 80 pages per journal, 3 per set, last 16 pages perforated, back pocket, stitched spine](https://stationerytimes.com/images/moleskine-cahier-journal-pages.svg) *A Cahier Large opened flat at the same scale as its 130 × 210 mm pages.* Moleskine says the spine is sewn with a visible Singer stitch, so the thread shows on the outside, and the cover is card rather than board, so the journal flexes in a bag. ## How does it compare to the Moleskine Classic Large? **Same footprint, a third of the pages, and no hard cover, elastic or ribbon.** | | Cahier Journal Large | Moleskine Classic Large | |---|---|---| | Size | 13 × 21 cm | 13 × 21 cm | | Pages | 80 | 240 | | Cover | Card, stitched spine | Hard cover, elastic | | Perforated pages | Last 16 | None | | Back pocket | Yes | Yes | | Sold as | Set of 3 | Single | Classic figures come from our [Moleskine Classic Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) guide. Three Cahiers hold the same 240 pages as one Classic, split into lighter books. For pairs with fully detachable pages, see the [Moleskine Volant Journal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-volant-journal/). ## How does it compare to Field Notes or a Midori MD? **It's taller than a pocket notebook and slimmer than A5.** At 130 mm wide, it is 18 mm narrower than an A5 [Midori MD Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/), which has 176 pages of cream MD Paper. A [Field Notes](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/field-notes-original-kraft/) memo book is the pocket-sized take on the same idea: a kraft card cover, a stapled spine and a three-pack. The Cahier Large is the size for desk notes, meeting notes and class notes. ## Which ruling should you choose? **Pick ruled for prose and class notes, squared for numbers and diagrams, and plain for sketching.** All three come in the same 80-page, three-journal sets. For drawing in ink or heavy pencil, the [Moleskine Art Sketchbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-art-sketchbook/) has 165 g/m² plain paper in the same 13 × 21 cm size. Because each journal is thin, many people dedicate one to each project, class or month instead of keeping everything in a single book. The kraft cover takes a pen or a label, so you can title each one on the front. If you want a single, sturdier book with more pages per volume, the hard-cover Classic is the better fit; if you want to hand pages over or file them, the Cahier's perforated pages make that easier. ## Is the Cahier good for fountain pens? **Moleskine lists the Cahier's paper at 70 g/m², the same as the Classic, and we haven't tested it ourselves.** Reviewers often see 70 g/m² Moleskine paper feather and bleed with fountain pen ink. If you write with a fountain pen, start with a fine nib and a dry ink, or look at our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## Where is the Moleskine Cahier made? **Neither Moleskine's Italian product page nor the retailer listings we found say.** Moleskine is an Italian brand, based in Milan and owned by the D'Ieteren Group, and retailers list its Classic hard-cover notebooks as made in China. The Cahier may well come from a different supplier, so check the band on your set if origin matters. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many pages are in a Moleskine Cahier Journal? Each Large Cahier Journal has 80 pages, and a set holds three journals. The last 16 pages of each are perforated so you can tear them out. ### What size is the Moleskine Cahier Large? Retailers list the Large at 13 × 21 cm, about 5 × 8.25 inches. That's the same footprint as a Moleskine Classic Large, so the two sit together on a shelf. ### What is the difference between a Moleskine Cahier and a Classic notebook? The Cahier is a thin, soft card-covered journal of 80 pages with a stitched spine, sold in threes. The Classic is a single hard-cover book of 240 pages with an elastic closure and a ribbon. ### Are Moleskine Cahier pages perforated? Only the last 16 pages. Moleskine calls them detachable ("staccabili"), which suits lists and notes you want to hand over or file. ### Does the Moleskine Cahier have a pocket? Yes. Moleskine lists a flap pocket for loose notes, and Avid Reader calls it an expandable inner pocket. ### What paper weight is the Moleskine Cahier? 70 g/m². Moleskine's Italian site lists acid-free, ivory 70 g/m² paper, the same weight as the Moleskine Classic. ### What colors does the Moleskine Cahier come in? Moleskine lists black, kraft brown and other colors; retailers also carry colored sets such as Kinetic Pink and Myrtle Green. ## Sources - [Moleskine (IT): Quaderni Cahier, set da 3, Marrone Kraft (Moleskine's Italian page: carta acid free 70 g/m² avorio, ultime 16 pagine staccabili, cucitura Singer, €17.00)](https://www.moleskine.com/it-it/shop/taccuini/quaderni/quaderni-cahier/quaderni-cahier-marrone-kraft-9788883704987.html) - [Avid Reader: Moleskine Cahier Ruled Large, Kinetic Pink, set of 3 (13 × 21 cm, 80 pages)](https://avidreader.com.au/p/cahier-ruled-kinetic-pink-large-notebook-pk3-moleskine) - [Avid Reader: Moleskine Cahier Ruled Large, Myrtle Green, set of 3](https://avidreader.com.au/p/cahier-ruled-myrtle-green-large-notebook-pk3-moleskine) - [RCA Shop: Moleskine Cahier Journals (perforated pages, back pocket)](https://shop.rca.ac.uk/products/moleskine-cahier-journals) - [Bunnings: Moleskine Cahier Large, plain, kraft, 3 pack (80 pages)](https://www.bunnings.com.au/3pc-moleskine-80-pages-plain-cahier-notebook-l-office-student-journal-pad-kraft_p1097256) - [Boffins Bookshop: Moleskine Cahier Ruled Kraft, set of 3, Large (ISBN 9788883704987, September 2004)](https://www.boffinsbookshop.com.au/books/9788883704987/moleskine-cahier-ruled-kraft-set-3-large) --- # Rhodia Webnotebook A5: 90 g Paper, Size & Rulings > The Rhodia Webnotebook A5 is a hard-cover notebook from the French brand Rhodia, about 140 × 210 mm (5.5 × 8.25 in). It holds 96 sheets (192 pages) of ivory 90 g/m² Clairefontaine paper, lined at 7 mm, blank or in a 5 mm dot grid, with a glued spine, an elastic closure, a ribbon and a back pocket. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-webnotebook-a5/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of an orange Rhodia Webnotebook A5, 210 mm tall and 140 mm wide, closed with its elastic and opened flat on ivory pages ruled at 7 mm, with the ribbon across the right-hand page](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/rhodia-webnotebook-a5-16x9.png) *The Webnotebook A5 closed and open, with the 7 mm ruling magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/rhodia-webnotebook-a5-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Rhodia Webnotebook A5, hard cover, 192 pages (lined or dot grid) | Rhodia (by Clairefontaine Rhodia (Exacompta Clairefontaine group); sold in the US by Exaclair) | France | France | Italian leatherette (simili cuir italien) hard cover, ivory 90 g/m² Clairefontaine vellum | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Rhodia Webnotebook A5, hard cover, 192 pages (lined or dot grid)): France. Wonderpens says made in France, and Office National has said designed and made in France. Rhodia's 2024 French press kit says the brand has always produced in France, at Illzach near Mulhouse, but Rhodia's product page names no country. A Digitec listing for a Rhodia A5 notebook has given Morocco; Digitec and Office National now block automated reading, so check the label on your copy. The paper itself is Clairefontaine's, made in France. Source: https://wonderpens.ca/products/rhodia-webnotebook-a5-black ## Key takeaways - Exaclair's 2024 US catalog and Wonderpens give 5.5 × 8.25 in (140 × 210 mm); Rhodia's French site offers both 14 × 21 cm and 14.8 × 21 cm under A5. - Rhodia's French site lists 192 pages (96 sheets) of ivory 90 g/m² Clairefontaine vellum. - Three rulings: lines 7 mm apart, blank, or a 5 mm dot grid. - The black lined A5 is 118609C (EAN 3037921186091) and the black dot grid 118769C (EAN 3037921187692); Exaclair's 2024 US list price is US$26.50. - Wonderpens and Office National list it as made in France; one Swiss listing for a Rhodia A5 notebook says Morocco. ## What is the Rhodia Webnotebook A5? **It's Rhodia's hard-cover A5 notebook: a leatherette case around 192 pages of ivory Clairefontaine paper.** Fountain pen users nicknamed it the "Webbie", and some retailers now use the name in their listings. The rest is the familiar hard-cover kit: an elastic closure in the cover color, a ribbon bookmark, an expandable pocket inside the back cover and an embossed Rhodia logo on the front. Rhodia is the French brand behind the orange [Rhodia No. 16 pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/). It has belonged to Clairefontaine since 1997, and Exaclair sells it in the US; Exaclair's 2024 catalog lists the A5 at US$26.50. ## Rhodia Webnotebook A5 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Clairefontaine Rhodia (Exacompta Clairefontaine group) | | Size | 140 × 210 mm (5.5 × 8.25 in); Rhodia's French site also offers 14.8 × 21 cm | | Pages | 96 sheets (192 pages), not perforated | | Paper | Ivory Clairefontaine vellum, 90 g/m² | | Rulings | Lined, 7 mm · blank · dot grid, 5 mm | | Cover | Italian leatherette hard cover, embossed logo, round corners | | Spine | Glued (Exaclair) | | Extras | Elastic closure, ribbon bookmark and gusseted back pocket, all in the cover color | | Codes | Black lined 118609C (EAN 3037921186091) · black dot grid 118769C (EAN 3037921187692) · black blank 118669C | | US list price | US$26.50 (Exaclair 2024 catalog) | | Made in | France, per Wonderpens | Pages, paper, cover and rulings come from Rhodia's French site; codes, spine and list price from Exaclair's 2024 catalog, and the 7 mm line spacing from Goulet Pens. ## How big is the Webnotebook A5, exactly? **Rhodia's US distributor and US and Canadian retailers list 140 × 210 mm, slightly narrower than true A5 at 148 × 210 mm.** Exaclair's catalog gives 5½ × 8¼ in, and Wonderpens gives 14 × 21 cm. Rhodia's own French page offers both "14 x 21 cm (A5)" and "14,8 x 21 cm (A5)" as size options without explaining the difference, and De Serres lists 15 × 21 cm. If you need to fit a cover or sleeve, measure before you buy. ## Which ruling should you choose? **Pick lined for writing in sentences and dot grid for lists, layouts and sketches.** ![To-scale drawing of two 140 × 210 mm Rhodia Webnotebook A5 pages: one lined at 7 mm, one with a 5 mm dot grid](https://stationerytimes.com/images/rhodia-webnotebook-a5-rulings.svg) *The two Webnotebook rulings on one 140 × 210 mm page each.* - **Lined (7 mm):** the same spacing as the Midori MD Notebook, close to US college rule. - **Dot grid (5 mm):** a common bullet-journal grid that fades behind drawings. - **Blank:** listed by Rhodia and Exaclair (black blank: 118669C), for sketching. Retailers also list Rhodiarama editions in colors such as purple and turquoise, and a silver cover. Check each listing for its ruling and page count. ## Is it good for fountain pens? **It has a strong reputation with fountain pen users, though we haven't tested it ourselves.** A 2013 review describes many enthusiastic Fountain Pen Network threads about the Webbie and its bleed-resistant pages. Wonderpens and Pulp Addiction describe the 90 g/m² Clairefontaine sheet as brushed vellum. Smooth, well-sized paper keeps ink on the surface, which tends to mean crisp lines but slower drying. ## How does it compare to a Leuchtturm1917 or Moleskine? **The Webnotebook has fewer pages but heavier, ivory paper than either.** | | Rhodia Webnotebook A5 | [Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) | [Moleskine Classic Large](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 140 × 210 mm | 145 × 210 mm | 130 × 210 mm | | Pages | 192 | 251, numbered | 240 | | Paper | 90 g/m² ivory | 80 g/m² | 70 g/m² | | Index | No | Yes | No | | Pocket | Yes | Yes | Yes | The Leuchtturm1917 adds page numbers and an index. The Webnotebook puts its weight into heavier paper instead, which suits ink more than archiving. For even heavier 160 gsm paper on a 5 mm dot grid, see the [Notebook Therapy Tsuki](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-therapy-tsuki-bullet-journal/). For numbered pages on the same 90 g/m² paper, the [Rhodia Goalbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-goalbook/) adds contents pages, undated calendars and a pen loop. ## Where is the Rhodia Webnotebook made? **Wonderpens lists it as made in France, and Rhodia's 2024 French press kit says the brand has always produced in France, at Illzach near Mulhouse.** The paper comes from Clairefontaine's mill at Étival, also in France; Rhodia's product page itself names no country. One Swiss retailer listing for a Rhodia A5 notebook has given Morocco as the country of origin. That may reflect one product or one production run, so check the label if origin matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Rhodia Webnotebook A5? Exaclair's US catalog, Wonderpens and Dromgooles list it at 5.5 × 8.25 in, or 140 × 210 mm. Rhodia's French site offers both 14 × 21 cm and 14.8 × 21 cm under A5, and De Serres gives 15 × 21 cm. ### How many pages does the Rhodia Webnotebook have? The A5 Webnotebook has 96 sheets, which is 192 pages. Retailers describe them as not micro-perforated, so the pages are meant to stay in. ### What paper weight is the Rhodia Webnotebook? Rhodia's French site lists ivory 90 g/m² vellum (vélin velouté), and Goulet Pens, Wonderpens and Exaclair's catalog agree. It is not the 80 g/m² white paper of Rhodia's classic pads. ### Is the Rhodia Webnotebook good for fountain pens? It has a strong reputation with fountain pen users; a 2013 review notes many enthusiastic threads about it on the Fountain Pen Network. Retailers describe the paper as bleed-resistant. We haven't tested it ourselves. ### Why is it called the Webbie? "Webbie" is the nickname the Webnotebook picked up online, and some retailers now use it in listings. It is the same notebook. ### Where is the Rhodia Webnotebook made? Wonderpens lists it as made in France, and Rhodia says the brand produces in France. One Swiss retailer listing for a Rhodia A5 notebook has given Morocco, so check the label if it matters. ### Does the Webnotebook lie flat? De Serres lists a 180° flat opening. Exaclair's 2024 catalog and Dromgooles describe a glued spine; Bruneau has called it saddle-stitched, which Rhodia's distributor doesn't support. ## Sources - [Rhodia (France): Webnotebook – Carnet rembordé rigide (hardcover notebook: Italian leatherette, 192 pages, ivory 90 g/m² vellum, 14 × 21 or 14.8 × 21 cm A5, lined, blank or dot)](https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/fr/rhodiarama/90-750-webnotebook-carnet-remborde-rigide.html) - [Exaclair 2024 catalog (Rhodia's US distributor): Webnotebooks (96/192, 90 g ivory, glued spine, round corners, references, US$26.50 list)](https://www.rhodiapads.com/pdf/Exaclair2024.pdf) - [Rhodia (France): Dossier de presse, 90 ans de Rhodia (press kit: production at Illzach, France)](https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/img/DossierDePresse-90-anniversaire.pdf) - [Goulet Pens: Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Black, Lined (96 sheets, 90 g ivory, 7 mm lines)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/rhodia-medium-webnotebook-black-lined) - [Goulet Pens: Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Orange, Lined (5.5 × 8.3 in)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/rhodia-medium-webnotebook-orange-lined) - [Goulet Pens: Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Black, Dot Grid (RH-118769C, barcode 3037921187692)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/rhodia-medium-webnotebook-black-dot-grid) - [Goulet Pens: Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Orange, Dot Grid](https://gouletpens.com/products/rhodia-medium-webnotebook-orange-dot-grid) - [Wonderpens: Rhodia Webnotebook A5, Black (14 × 21 cm, made in France)](https://wonderpens.ca/products/rhodia-webnotebook-a5-black) - [Office National: Rhodia Webby A5 Black Lined, CR-118609C (barcode 3037921186091)](https://integration.officenational.com.au/shop/en/angletons/rhodia-webby-a5-black-lined-notebook-cr-118609c) - [Dromgooles: Rhodia Webnotebook A5 Lined, Black (5.5 × 8.25 in, glued spine)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/rhodia-webnotebook-a5-lined-black) - [Bruneau: Rhodia Webnotebook A5 lined, black (14.8 × 21 cm, Italian faux leather)](https://www.bruneau.lu/en/product/rhodia-webnotebook-a5-lined-black/792251) - [De Serres: A5 Webnotebook, black, blank (15 × 21 cm, 192 pages, 180° flat opening)](https://www.deserres.ca/products/a5-webnotebook-black-uni) - [Pulp Addiction: Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Black, Dot Grid (5 mm dots)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/rhodia-a5-webnotebook-black-dot-grid-australia) - [Mighty Ape: Rhodia Webnotebook A5, Silver (Lined)](https://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/rhodia-webnotebook-a5-silver-lined/25694308) - [Goulet Pens: Rhodia Rhodiarama A5 Webnotebook, Purple, Lined](https://gouletpens.com/products/rhodia-rhodiarama-medium-webnotebook-purple-lined) - [Digitec: Rhodia A5 lined notebook (country of origin Morocco)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/rhodia-notebooks-and-notebooks-rho-a5-lined-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-21677031) - [Jake Seliger: Product Review, Rhodia "Webbie" Webnotebook (January 5, 2013)](https://jakeseliger.com/2013/01/05/product-review-rhodia-webbie-webnotebook/) --- # CICIMELON Pencil Case: 3 Compartments, Size & Capacity > The CICIMELON Large Capacity Pencil Case is a zippered fabric pencil pouch with three compartments, each with its own zipper. CICIMELON's own site gives its size as 9.25 × 2.95 × 3.74 in (235 × 75 × 95 mm), says it holds up to 50 pens or pencils, and lists China as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/cicimelon-pencil-case/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the CICIMELON Large Capacity Pencil Case in light blue, to scale: closed, 235 mm (9.25 in) long with three parallel zippers across the top, and open with pens in the middle compartment and an eraser and sticky notes in the front one](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/cicimelon-pencil-case-16x9.png) *The CICIMELON 3-compartment pencil case closed and open, drawn to scale from its listed 9.25 × 2.95 × 3.74 in.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/cicimelon-pencil-case-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | CICIMELON Large Capacity Pencil Case, 3 Compartments | CICIMELON (by ANGOO (per CICIMELON's product page)) | Not stated | China | – | 2020-12-16 | $$: $5–20 per case | - Made in (CICIMELON Large Capacity Pencil Case, 3 Compartments): China. CICIMELON's own product page for the 3-compartment case lists "Country of Origin: China" and "Manufacturer: ANGOO" in its product information. The site gives no company address, so the brand's home country isn't stated. Source: https://cicimelon.com/product/cicimelon-large-capacity-pencil-case-3-compartment-pouch-pen-bag-for-school-teen-girl-boy-men-women-navy/ ## Key takeaways - CICIMELON's product page gives 9.25 × 2.95 × 3.74 in (23.5 × 7.5 × 9.5 cm) and 3.17 oz (about 90 g); Walmart's green, light blue and black listings match. - It has 3 compartments, each closed by its own zipper; the seller says it holds up to 50 pens or pencils. - CICIMELON's page lists model CI-SKC, Amazon ASIN B08P4BRZ1R, first available on December 16, 2020, with metal zipper pulls. - One pink listing gives a smaller 8.46 × 2.76 × 3.54 in, so sizes can differ between colors and listings. - CICIMELON's own product page lists China as the country of origin and ANGOO as the manufacturer. ## What is the CICIMELON Large Capacity Pencil Case? **It's a zippered fabric pencil pouch with three compartments, each with its own zipper.** CICIMELON sells it mainly through Amazon and Walmart, in many solid colors. CICIMELON's own site lists it as model CI-SKC (Amazon ASIN B08P4BRZ1R), first available on December 16, 2020, and names ANGOO as the manufacturer. Reviewed included the Cicimelon 3-Compartment Pen and Pencil Pouch in its pencil case roundup. ## CICIMELON pencil case specs **CICIMELON's product page gives 9.25 × 2.95 × 3.74 in (23.5 × 7.5 × 9.5 cm) and a capacity of up to 50 pens or pencils.** | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | CICIMELON | | Type | Soft zippered pouch, 3 compartments | | Dimensions | 9.25 × 2.95 × 3.74 in (235 × 75 × 95 mm) | | Capacity (seller claim) | Up to 50 pens or pencils | | Closures | One zipper per compartment, metal pulls | | Weight | 3.17 oz (about 90 g) | | Model | CI-SKC (ASIN B08P4BRZ1R) | | Manufacturer | ANGOO (per CICIMELON) | | Made in | China (CICIMELON) | Walmart's green, light blue and black listings give the same size; a pink Walmart listing gives 8.46 × 2.76 × 3.54 in instead. CICIMELON calls the material lightweight and durable without naming a fabric, and CICIMELON also sells corduroy, canvas and plaid cases under similar names, so check the material on the listing you choose. ![To-scale front and end views of the CICIMELON 3-compartment pencil case: 235 mm (9.25 in) long, 95 mm (3.74 in) tall and 75 mm (2.95 in) deep, with the three compartments drawn as front-to-back sections](https://stationerytimes.com/images/cicimelon-pencil-case-dimensions.svg) *The CICIMELON 3-compartment case drawn to scale from its listed size. The compartment seams in the end view are drawn by eye.* ## How do the three compartments work? **Each compartment is its own zippered section, so you open only the one you need.** That way pens don't spill into the pocket where you keep erasers or sticky notes. A common setup is pens in one, pencils and highlighters in the second, and small items in the third. The seller doesn't publish the size of each compartment. ## How many pens does the CICIMELON pencil case hold? **The seller says up to 50 pens or pencils.** That figure is a packed-full maximum spread across all three compartments, not a comfortable everyday load. Most buyers seem happy with the space, but not all. One Amazon reviewer said the case was much smaller than the photos suggested and held less than shown, so compare the 9.25 in length with your longest pen before buying. ## What colors does it come in? **CICIMELON's page lists black, Dream, green, light blue, Meteor, navy, pink and purple.** Each color is usually its own listing, which is why ratings, prices and even listed sizes differ between them. It's inexpensive: typical listings sit at the low end of our $$ band ($5–20 per case), and Slickdeals flagged a sale on a corduroy version in June 2025. ## How does it compare to EASTHILL and Sooez? **The CICIMELON splits its space into three zippered sections; the EASTHILL is one open pouch, and the Sooez opens flat with pen loops.** | | CICIMELON 3-compartment | [EASTHILL Big Capacity](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/) | [Sooez Large Pencil Case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sooez-pencil-case/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 235 × 75 × 95 mm | 220 × 65 × 105 mm | 230 × 71 × 188 mm | | Layout | 3 zippered compartments | Main compartment + mesh pocket | Opens flat; pen loops and mesh pockets | | Capacity claim | Up to 50 pens or pencils | Up to 50 pens or 90 pencils | See the Sooez guide | | Made in | China (CICIMELON) | China (retailer spec sheets) | See the Sooez guide | Sizes for the other two come from their guides. If you want pens to stand up on your desk instead, see the [KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/). ## Where is the CICIMELON pencil case made? **In China: CICIMELON's own product page lists "Country of Origin: China" and names ANGOO as the manufacturer.** The same field on CICIMELON's single-compartment canvas case also says China. The site gives no company address, so we list the brand's home country as not stated. Check the label or packaging if the country matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the CICIMELON pencil case? CICIMELON's own page gives 9.25 × 2.95 × 3.74 inches (23.5 × 7.5 × 9.5 cm), and Walmart's green, light blue and black listings match. One pink Walmart listing gives 8.46 × 2.76 × 3.54 inches, so check the size on the exact listing you buy. ### How many pens fit in the CICIMELON pencil case? The seller says up to 50 pens or pencils. That's a packed-full figure; one Amazon reviewer said the case was smaller than the photos suggested and held less than shown. ### How many compartments does the CICIMELON pencil case have? Three, each with its own zipper, so you can, for example, keep pens in one, pencils in another and erasers or sticky notes in the third. ### Is the CICIMELON pencil case good? Buyers rate it highly on Amazon and Walmart, and Reviewed included the Cicimelon 3-Compartment Pen and Pencil Pouch in its pencil case roundup. We haven't tested it yet. ### What colors does the CICIMELON pencil case come in? CICIMELON's page lists black, Dream, green, light blue, Meteor, navy, pink and purple. CICIMELON also sells corduroy, canvas and plaid cases, which are different products with different sizes. ### Where is the CICIMELON pencil case made? In China, according to CICIMELON's own product page, which also names ANGOO as the manufacturer. The site gives no company address. ### Is the CICIMELON pencil case bigger than the EASTHILL? It's slightly longer but slimmer. The CICIMELON 3-compartment is listed at 235 × 75 × 95 mm and the EASTHILL Big Capacity at 220 × 65 × 105 mm; both sellers claim up to 50 pens. ## Sources - [CICIMELON: Large Capacity Pencil Case 3 Compartment (brand product page: 23.5 × 7.5 × 9.5 cm, 3.17 oz, model CI-SKC, country of origin China, manufacturer ANGOO)](https://cicimelon.com/product/cicimelon-large-capacity-pencil-case-3-compartment-pouch-pen-bag-for-school-teen-girl-boy-men-women-navy/) - [CICIMELON: Pencil Case Large Capacity Pencil Pouch Pen Bag (a different, single-compartment canvas case; country of origin China)](https://cicimelon.com/product/cicimelon-pencil-case-large-capacity-pencil-pouch-pen-bag-for-school-teen-girl-boy-men-women/) - [Walmart: CICIMELON Large Capacity Pencil Case 3 Compartment, Green (dimensions, capacity)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/CICIMELON-Large-Capacity-Pencil-Case-3-Compartment-Pen-Pouch-Bag-for-School-Teens-Girls-Boys-Men-Women-Green/926654498) - [Walmart: CICIMELON Large Capacity Pencil Case 3 Compartment, Light Blue (dimensions)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/418495390) - [Walmart: CICIMELON Large Capacity Pencil Case, Black (dimensions)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/327006532) - [Walmart: CICIMELON Large Capacity Pencil Case 3 Compartments, Pink (smaller listed size)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/418947060) - [Walmart: CICIMELON Pencil Case 3 Compartments, Purple](https://www.walmart.com/ip/CICIMELON-Pencil-Case-Large-Capacity-3-Compartments-Pen-Pouch-Bag-for-Students-Girls-Adults-Women-Purple/1149415397) - [Reviewed: The best pen and pencil cases](https://reviewed.com/home-outdoors/best-right-now/best-pen-and-pencil-cases) - [Slickdeals: CICIMELON big corduroy pencil case with 3 compartments (June 2025 deal)](https://slickdeals.net/f/18370240-cicimelon-big-corduroy-pen-pencil-case-w-3-compartments-pink-4-99-free-shipping-w-prime-or-on-35) --- # JanSport Large Accessory Pouch: Size, Capacity & Uses > The JanSport Large Accessory Pouch (style JS00T49C) is a zippered fabric pouch often used as a pencil case. JanSport's European store and retailers list it at 4 × 9 × 3 in (10 × 23 × 8 cm), with 1.3 L (79 cu in) of space in two zippered compartments, in recycled 600-denier polyester. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/jansport-large-accessory-pouch/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch in navy, to scale: closed, 230 mm (9 in) long with a zipper over the top and a zippered front compartment, and open holding pens, pencils and a charging cable](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/jansport-large-accessory-pouch-16x9.png) *The JanSport Large Accessory Pouch closed and open, drawn to scale from its listed 4 × 9 × 3 in (10 × 23 × 8 cm).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/jansport-large-accessory-pouch-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | JanSport Large Accessory Pouch (JS00T49C) | JanSport | United States | Not stated | 100% recycled 600-denier polyester | – | $$: $5–20 per case | - Made in (JanSport Large Accessory Pouch (JS00T49C)): Not stated. JanSport's UK and EU product pages and the retailer listings we found (Altitude Sports, DeSerres, Staples Canada, Amazon) give materials and dimensions but no country of origin. The pouch is no longer in JanSport's US online catalogue. ## Key takeaways - Listed size: 4 × 9 × 3 in (10 × 23 × 8 cm), with a capacity of 1.3 L (79 cu in) and a weight of about 4 oz (0.1 kg). - It has two compartments, each with its own zipper, so pens can sit apart from cables, cards or small tools. - JanSport's UK and EU stores describe the body as 100% recycled 600-denier polyester; the EU store notes the liner color may vary. - The style code is JS00T49C plus a color suffix (for example JS00T49C69G, Blackberry Mousse). - None of the listings we found states where the pouch is made, so check the sewn-in label. ## What is the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch? **It's a zippered polyester pouch from backpack maker JanSport that's widely used as a pencil case.** JanSport sells it as an accessory pouch for "pens, power cords" and everyday small items, in the words of its Amazon listing title, and it comes in dozens of solid colors and prints. The style code is **JS00T49C**, followed by a color suffix, such as JS00T49C69G for Blackberry Mousse. Retailers and JanSport's own stores use the same 1.3 L capacity figure for every color. ## JanSport Large Accessory Pouch specs **JanSport's European stores and retailers list it at 4 × 9 × 3 in (10 × 23 × 8 cm), 1.3 L and about 4 oz.** | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | JanSport | | Style code | JS00T49C (+ color suffix) | | Dimensions | 4 × 9 × 3 in (10 × 23 × 8 cm) | | Capacity | 1.3 L (79 cu in) | | Weight | 4 oz (0.1 kg) | | Compartments | 2, each with its own zipper | | Material | 100% recycled 600-denier polyester (JanSport UK/EU) | | Made in | Not stated in the listings we found | | Ratings | One Amazon color listing showed 4.8 stars from 462 ratings; Altitude Sports shows 85 reviews | The 4 × 9 × 3 in figure comes from JanSport's UK and EU pages and Altitude Sports. One other retailer lists 11 × 23 × 7.5 cm, and one Amazon color lists 3.54 × 8.26 × 0.98 in, which looks like a packed-flat measurement. ![To-scale front and end views of the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch: 23 cm (9 in) long, 10 cm (4 in) tall and 8 cm (3 in) deep, with two zippers](https://stationerytimes.com/images/jansport-large-accessory-pouch-dimensions.svg) *The Large Accessory Pouch drawn to scale from its listed 4 × 9 × 3 in. JanSport lists the capacity as 1.3 L (79 cu in).* ## What fits in the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch? **At 9 in (23 cm) long, it takes full-length pencils, standard pens and a phone charger.** A new, unsharpened wood pencil is about 7.5 in (19 cm) long, so it lies flat in the main compartment with room to spare. JanSport doesn't publish a pen count. With 1.3 L of space split into two compartments, a realistic everyday load is a handful of pens and pencils in one pocket and a cable, earbuds or a small calculator in the other; we haven't counted the maximum yet. ## How many compartments does it have? **Two, and each has its own zipper.** Retailers describe them as two compartments with dual zippers. That's the main difference from a single-pocket pouch: you can keep pens apart from cables, cards or keys. JanSport doesn't publish the inner size of each compartment. In listing photos, the front compartment is the smaller of the two. ## What is it made of? **JanSport's UK and EU stores list the body as 100% recycled 600-denier polyester.** Denier measures yarn thickness; 600D polyester is a common, hard-wearing backpack fabric. The EU store adds that the liner color may be darker than in older photos, because JanSport switched liner fabrics. Some colorways, such as the Heathered 600D sold by Staples Canada, use a heathered version of the same weight of fabric. ## How does it compare to other popular pencil cases? **The JanSport is a slim two-pocket pouch; the EASTHILL and Sooez cases are bigger and hold more.** | | JanSport Large Accessory Pouch | [EASTHILL Big Capacity](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/) | [Sooez Large Pencil Case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sooez-pencil-case/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 23 × 10 × 8 cm (9 × 4 × 3 in) | 22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm | 23.0 × 18.8 × 7.1 cm | | Compartments | 2, zippered | Main + mesh pocket | Opens flat, pen loops and pockets | | Material | Recycled 600D polyester | Canvas (cotton) | See the Sooez guide | | Capacity claim | 1.3 L | Up to 50 pens | See the Sooez guide | Sizes for the other cases come from their own guides. If you mostly carry pens and want each in its own slot, a book-style case like the [LIHIT LAB Teffa](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case/) keeps them sorted. ## Where is the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch made? **None of the JanSport or retailer pages we found states a country of origin.** The country is printed on the sewn-in label, so check that if it matters to you. JanSport is an American bag brand. Where its pouches are made can differ from where the brand is based, so we've listed "made in" as not stated rather than guessing. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch? JanSport's UK and EU stores and a Canadian retailer list it at 4 × 9 × 3 inches (10 × 23 × 8 cm), with a capacity of 1.3 liters (79 cubic inches). One retailer gives 11 × 23 × 7.5 cm, so expect small differences between batches. ### Can you use the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch as a pencil case? Yes. JanSport sells it as an accessory pouch, but Amazon's listing title names pens and pencil-case use, and its 9-inch length takes a standard 7.5-inch pencil lying flat. ### How many compartments does the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch have? Two, each closed by its own zipper. Retailers describe them as two compartments with dual zippers; JanSport doesn't publish separate sizes for each one. ### What is the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch made of? JanSport's UK and EU stores list the body as 100% recycled 600-denier polyester. The EU store notes that the liner color may differ from photos because of a switch to a darker fabric. ### What's the difference between the JanSport Large and Basic Accessory Pouch? The Large Accessory Pouch (JS00T49C) has two zippered compartments and 1.3 L of space. The Basic Accessory Pouch is a separate, simpler JanSport model; we didn't find official dimensions for it, so compare the listings before you buy. ### Where is the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch made? None of the JanSport or retailer pages we found states a country of origin. The country is printed on the sewn-in care label, so check that before you buy if it matters to you. ### Is the JanSport Large Accessory Pouch waterproof? No listing we found calls it waterproof or water-resistant. It's a polyester fabric pouch with zippers, so treat it as splash-tolerant at best; we haven't tested it. ## Sources - [JanSport UK: Large Accessory Pouch, Navy (dimensions, recycled 600D polyester)](https://jansport.co.uk/products/large-accessory-pouch-navy) - [JanSport EU: Large Accessory Pouch, Navy (dimensions, liner note)](https://jansport.eu/products/large-accessory-pouch-navy) - [JanSport EU: Large Accessory Pouch, Black (reviews)](https://jansport.eu/products/large-accessory-pouch-black) - [Altitude Sports: JanSport Large Accessory Pouch 1.3 L, JS00T49C (79 cu in, 4 oz, 600D polyester made in part with recycled materials)](https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/jansport-large-accessory-pouch-13-l-llll-jsp-js00t49c) - [Staples Canada: JanSport Large Accessory Pouch, Heathered 600D](https://www.staples.ca/products/2973368-en-jansport-large-accessory-pouch-heathered-600d) - [DeSerres: JanSport Large Accessory Pouch, Black](https://deserres.ca/products/large-accessory-pouch-black-1) - [Amazon: JanSport Large Accessory Pouch, Black, 1.3L (B0814B5R7H)](https://www.amazon.com/JANSPORT-Large-Accessory-Pouch-Size/dp/B0814B5R7H) - [Amazon: JanSport Large Accessory Pouch JS00T49C69G, Blackberry Mousse (B07SV8XB24)](https://www.amazon.com/JanSport-JS00T49C69G-Accessory-Battery-Blackberry/dp/B07SV8XB24) - [Amazon: JanSport Basic Accessory Pouch, Black (B01N6S6LWM)](https://www.amazon.com/JanSport-Basic-Accessory-Pouch-Black/dp/B01N6S6LWM) --- # KOKUYO C2 Pen Case: The Tray-Type Pencil Case > The KOKUYO C2 is a slim, zippered polyester pen case that opens wide into a tray on your desk. KOKUYO lists the L size (F-VBF122) at 200 × 50 × 50 mm for ¥1,600 (about US$10) before tax and the S size (F-VBF140) at 200 × 45 × 45 mm. Retailers say they hold about 20 and 12 pens. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-c2-pen-case/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the KOKUYO C2 pen case L size in Ash Black, to scale: closed, a 200 mm (7.9 in) long slim case with a zipper along the top, and unzipped with its walls folded out so it lies open as a tray holding pens](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kokuyo-c2-pen-case-16x9.png) *The KOKUYO C2 (L size, F-VBF122) closed and opened into a tray, drawn to scale from KOKUYO's 200 × 50 × 50 mm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-c2-pen-case-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | KOKUYO C2 Pen Case, L size (F-VBF122) | KOKUYO (by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Not stated | Polyester outer and lining, PP (polypropylene) core | – | $$: $5–20 per case | - Made in (KOKUYO C2 Pen Case, L size (F-VBF122)): Not stated. KOKUYO's global online store gives China as the country of origin for the S size (F-VBF140), which is built from the same materials. Neither KOKUYO's Japanese page nor the retailer pages we read state the country for the L size; an eBay listing we cited earlier that gave Japan for the L is no longer available, so we can't confirm it. Check the label. Source: https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/stationery/stationery-organizer/pencase-c2/F-VBF140.html ## Key takeaways - KOKUYO's Japanese site lists the C2 L size (F-VBF122) at W200 × D50 × H50 mm (7.9 × 2.0 × 2.0 in) and the S size (F-VBF140) at W200 × D45 × H45 mm. - KOKUYO's Japanese list prices are ¥1,600 (about US$10) for the L and ¥1,450 (about US$9.20) for the S, before tax. - Unzipped, it opens into a tray; The Journal Shop describes the open case as about 9 × 5 in, and the zipper pull doubles as a detachable hanging handle. - bungu.store gives about 20 pens and 63 g for the L, and about 12 pens and 50 g for the S; KOKUYO says pen counts are only a guide. - KOKUYO lists polyester outer and lining over a PP (polypropylene) core; KOKUYO's global store gives China as the country of origin for the S size. ## What is the KOKUYO C2 pen case? **The C2 is a slim, zippered polyester pen case from KOKUYO that opens wide into a tray.** Instead of digging into a pouch, you unzip it and fold the walls out, and your pens lie in an open dish on the desk. It's made by KOKUYO Co., Ltd., the Japanese stationery company behind the Campus notebook and the Neo Critz pen case. KOKUYO's Japanese site calls it a slim pen case that turns into a pen tray (ペントレーに早変わり), and US retailers such as JetPens sell it as the "C2 Tray Type Pencil Case". ## KOKUYO C2 specs **KOKUYO's Japanese site lists the L size at 200 × 50 × 50 mm and the S size at 200 × 45 × 45 mm.** | Spec | L size (F-VBF122) | S size (F-VBF140) | |---|---|---| | External size (W × D × H) | 200 × 50 × 50 mm (7.9 × 2.0 × 2.0 in) | 200 × 45 × 45 mm (7.9 × 1.8 × 1.8 in) | | Japanese list price (before tax) | ¥1,600 (about US$10) | ¥1,450 (about US$9.20) | | Capacity (bungu.store) | About 20 pens | About 12 pens | | Weight (bungu.store) | 63 g | 50 g | | Inside pocket | Yes, for sticky notes and small items | Not listed | | Open as a tray | About 9 × 5 in (The Journal Shop) | Not published | | Material | Polyester outer and lining, PP core | Polyester outer and lining, PP core | | Colors (code suffix) | Ash Black (-7), Violet Blue (-8) | Ash Black (-7), Violet Blue (-8), Pale Turquoise (-9) | | JAN, Ash Black | 4901480375571 | 4901480375595 | | Made in | Not stated | China (KOKUYO global store) | Sizes, prices, materials, colors and JAN codes come from KOKUYO's Japanese product pages, which add that the width doesn't include the handle and that, because the case is sewn, the dimensions can vary slightly. KOKUYO also says pen counts are only a guide that depends on the pens, so the counts and weights above are bungu.store's. ![To-scale side and end views of the KOKUYO C2 pen case L size F-VBF122: 200 mm (7.9 in) long and 50 by 50 mm in section](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-c2-pen-case-dimensions.svg) *The C2 L size drawn to scale from KOKUYO's W200 × D50 × H50 mm. The S size is 5 mm smaller each way in section.* ## How does the C2 open into a tray? **You unzip it along its length and fold the walls outward, so the case lies open like a shallow dish.** The Journal Shop describes the open tray as about 9 × 5 in. That's the case's main appeal at a desk or in class: every pen is visible, and KOKUYO points out that small items like erasers and lead refills are easy to pick out. When you're done, the walls fold back up and the zipper closes. KOKUYO adds that the zipper section works as a handle, so you can hang the case on the side of a desk, and the handle detaches with a snap button. ## How many pens does the KOKUYO C2 hold? **bungu.store puts the L size at about 20 pens and the S at about 12, though counts vary with pen thickness.** KOKUYO doesn't give a count for the fabric cases and says any count is only a guide. The Journal Shop's own listing is inconsistent: its description says 20 or more pens, while its spec list says 10. A clip-on gel pen like the [Zebra Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/) takes more room than a slim pencil, so expect the lower end with chunky pens. ## Which colors and versions are there? **KOKUYO's Japanese site lists the L size in Ash Black (F-VBF122-7) and Violet Blue (F-VBF122-8), and the S size in those two plus Pale Turquoise (F-VBF140-9).** The color code is the number after the model. Older colors still turn up at retailers: The Journal Shop lists Khaki Yellow (FVBF122-3) and S-size Pink, Green, Light Blue and Purple, and an ended eBay listing shows Navy × Blue (F-VBF122-1). KOKUYO also makes a clear version of the C2 (F-VBF143 series), listed at 50 × 50 × 202 mm with a PVC body, about 20 pens and a list price of ¥980 (about US$6.20) before tax. For a slim case in wipe-clean PVC with a different shape, see the [DELFONICS Quitterie](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/delfonics-quitterie-pen-case/). ## How does the C2 compare to the Neo Critz and LIHIT LAB Teffa? **The C2 is the slimmest of the three and the only tray-type; the Neo Critz stands up and the Teffa opens like a book.** | | KOKUYO C2 (L) | [KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/) (Regular) | [LIHIT LAB Teffa](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 200 × 50 × 50 mm | 85 × 50 × 195 mm | 200 × 50 × 120 mm | | On the desk | Opens into a tray | Folds into a pen stand | Opens flat like a book | | Capacity | About 20 pens | About 12–15 pens | About 12–14 pens | Neo Critz figures come from KOKUYO and retailers, and Teffa figures from LIHIT LAB. Pick the C2 if you want something slim that still shows every pen at a glance. If you carry just three good pens and a pocket notebook, the [Sinclair Model R](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rickshaw-sinclair-model-r-pen-case/) is built for that instead. ## Where is the KOKUYO C2 made? **KOKUYO's global online store gives China as the country of origin for the S size (F-VBF140); we found no source that states it for the L size.** KOKUYO's Japanese product pages don't list the country. An eBay listing we relied on earlier gave Japan for the Ash Black L, but it is no longer available, so we have dropped that claim. Check the label on the one you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a tray-type pen case? It's a pen case that opens wide enough to lie flat on the desk like a tray. The KOKUYO C2 unzips along its length and its walls fold outward, so your pens sit in an open dish instead of a closed pouch. ### How big is the KOKUYO C2 pen case? KOKUYO's Japanese site lists the L size (F-VBF122) at 200 × 50 × 50 mm (7.9 × 2.0 × 2.0 in) and the S size (F-VBF140) at 200 × 45 × 45 mm, not counting the handle. KOKUYO notes that sewn products can vary slightly. ### How many pens fit in a KOKUYO C2? bungu.store lists the S size at about 12 pens and the L at about 20. The Journal Shop says 20 or more in its description but 10 in its spec list, and KOKUYO says pen counts are only a guide that depends on the pens. ### What's the difference between the KOKUYO C2 S and L sizes? Both are 200 mm long. The L (F-VBF122) is 50 × 50 mm in section, about 63 g and about 20 pens, and KOKUYO lists an inside pocket for sticky notes; the S (F-VBF140) is 45 × 45 mm, about 50 g and about 12 pens. Weights and counts are from bungu.store. ### How much does the KOKUYO C2 cost in Japan? KOKUYO's Japanese list prices are ¥1,600 (about US$10) for the L and ¥1,450 (about US$9.20) for the S, before tax. The clear version (F-VBF143) is ¥980 (about US$6.20). ### What is the KOKUYO C2 made of? KOKUYO lists polyester for the outer fabric and lining, with a PP (polypropylene) core that helps the case hold its shape. The clear C2 version (F-VBF143) has a PVC body. ### Where is the KOKUYO C2 made? KOKUYO's global online store gives China as the country of origin for the S size (F-VBF140). We found no maker or retailer page that states it for the L size, so check the label. ### KOKUYO C2 or Neo Critz: which should I choose? Choose the C2 if you want a slim case that lies open as a tray on your desk. Choose the Neo Critz if you'd rather have your pens standing upright: it folds into a pen stand and is 85 × 50 × 195 mm in the Regular size. ## Sources - [C2 ペンケース 外寸法/W200×D50×H50 アッシュブラック (KOKUYO Japan product page: C2 pen case L, F-VBF122-7, ¥1,600 before tax, polyester and PP, inside pocket, JAN 4901480375571)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/bag-pouch/pencase/10050/) - [C2 ペンケース 外寸法/W200×D45×H45 アッシュブラック (KOKUYO Japan product page: C2 pen case S, F-VBF140-7, ¥1,450 before tax, JAN 4901480375595)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/bag-pouch/pencase/9192/) - [C2 クリアタイプ ペンケース クールブルー (KOKUYO Japan product page: C2 clear type F-VBF143B, W50 × D50 × H202 mm, PVC, about 20 pens, ¥980 before tax)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/bag-pouch/pencase/6601/) - [C2｜文具｜コクヨ (KOKUYO Japan series page: C2 pen case, sizes and colors, detachable handle)](https://www.kokuyo-st.co.jp/stationery/c2/) - [KOKUYO Store: Pencase C2, Violet Blue F-VBF140 (S size dimensions, materials, country of origin China)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/stationery/stationery-organizer/pencase-c2/F-VBF140.html) - [bungu.store: C2 Pen Case Series / KOKUYO (S and L sizes, pen counts, weights)](https://bungu.store/products/c2-pen-case-series-kokuyo) - [The Journal Shop: Kokuyo C2 Tray Pen Case (9 × 5 in tray, polyester, older colors)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/kokuyo-c2-tray-pen-case) - [eBay: KOKUYO Pen Case Tray C2, Navy x Blue F-VBF122-1 (ended listing)](https://www.ebay.com/itm/155121767180) - [JetPens: KOKUYO C2 Tray Type Pencil Case, Violet Blue (price band; the page blocked our reader when we re-checked it)](https://www.jetpens.com/KOKUYO-C2-Tray-Type-Pencil-Case-Violet-Blue/pd/34508) --- # LIHIT LAB ACTACT Stand Pen Case: How the Cup Works > The LIHIT LAB Smart Fit ACTACT Stand Pen Case (A-7692) is a zippered silicone rubber pen case from Japanese maker LIHIT LAB that turns into a pen cup when you open it and press it down. LIHIT LAB lists it at 60 × 60 × 172 mm, holding about 15 pens, for ¥1,500 (about US$9.50) before tax. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-actact-stand-pen-case/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the red LIHIT LAB Smart Fit ACTACT Stand Pen Case, to scale: closed and standing, 172 mm (6.8 in) tall with a zipper round the top, and pushed down into a pen cup about 12 cm tall with pens standing in it](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/lihit-lab-actact-stand-pen-case-16x9.png) *The ACTACT Stand Pen Case closed and in cup form, drawn from a 172 × 58 × 58 mm retailer figure (LIHIT LAB lists 60 × 60 × 172 mm) and a reviewer's 12 cm cup height.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/lihit-lab-actact-stand-pen-case-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | LIHIT LAB Smart Fit ACTACT Stand Pen Case (A-7692) | LIHIT LAB (by LIHIT LAB, Inc.) | Japan | Not stated | Silicone rubber body, zipper lid | – | $$: $5–20 per case | - Made in (LIHIT LAB Smart Fit ACTACT Stand Pen Case (A-7692)): Not stated. LIHIT LAB's catalog and online store, Plaza Japan, Stationery Space and the 2019 review we read don't give a country of origin. LIHIT LAB is a Japanese company; check the label or packaging. ## Key takeaways - LIHIT LAB's Japanese catalog lists the ACTACT Stand Pen Case as model A-7692, 60 × 60 × 172 mm (2.4 × 2.4 × 6.8 in). - LIHIT LAB rates it at about 15 pens; a 2019 reviewer put it at up to 10, depending on pen thickness. - The body is silicone rubber; in cup form it stands about 12 cm (4.7 in) tall, as measured by a reviewer. - LIHIT LAB's list price is ¥1,500 (about US$9.50) before tax; the oval versions are ¥1,700 (about US$11) and ¥1,900 (about US$12). - No LIHIT LAB or retailer page we read states where the ACTACT Stand Pen Case is made. ## What is the LIHIT LAB ACTACT Stand Pen Case? **It's a small zippered silicone pen case that turns into a pen cup: you open the lid and press it down, and your pens stand upright.** It's model A-7692 in LIHIT LAB's Smart Fit ACTACT range, which also includes a Compact Pen Case, a Wide Open Pen Case and two oval stand cases. LIHIT LAB, Inc. is a Japanese stationery maker, also known for the [Teffa book-style pen case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case/). LIHIT LAB's Japanese catalog lists the stand case in navy and black; its online store also lists red and yellow green. ## LIHIT LAB ACTACT Stand Pen Case specs **LIHIT LAB lists it at 60 × 60 × 172 mm, in silicone rubber, with room for about 15 pens.** | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | LIHIT LAB, Inc. (Japan) | | Model | A-7692 (color codes -3 red, -6 yellow green, -11 navy, -24 black) | | Size, closed | 60 × 60 × 172 mm (2.4 × 2.4 × 6.8 in) | | Height in cup form | About 12 cm (4.7 in), reviewer's measurement | | Material | Silicone rubber | | Capacity | About 15 pens (LIHIT LAB); up to 10 (2019 reviewer) | | Japanese list price | ¥1,500 (about US$9.50) before tax | | JAN codes | 4903419819101 (black), 4903419819095 (navy), 4903419819071 (red), 4903419819088 (yellow green) | | Made in | Not stated | Size, material, capacity and price come from LIHIT LAB's Japanese catalog, and JAN codes from its online store; Plaza Japan gives the same 60 × 60 × 172 mm. LIHIT LAB doesn't publish a weight. We've placed it in the $$ band ($5–20) like LIHIT LAB's other cases. ![To-scale drawing of the LIHIT LAB ACTACT Stand Pen Case: closed, 172 mm (6.8 in) tall and 58 mm wide; in stand mode, about 120 mm (4.7 in) tall with pens standing in it](https://stationerytimes.com/images/lihit-lab-actact-stand-pen-case-dimensions.svg) *Closed and in cup form. The width is drawn from a 58 mm retailer figure (LIHIT LAB lists 60 mm); the cup height is a reviewer's measurement, and the fold line is drawn by eye.* ## How does the stand mode work? **Open the zipper lid and press the case down on the desk; the soft silicone body telescopes so the bottom pushes your pens up into an open cup about 12 cm (4.7 in) tall.** LIHIT LAB's catalog puts it simply: press from above and it turns into a pen stand (上から押すだけでペンスタンドに早変わり). A 2019 reviewer measured it at about 17.2 cm tall as a pouch and about 12 cm as a cup, and warns to open the lid first, or you may push a pen through the top or bottom. To pack it away, pull the bottom back out and zip the lid; LIHIT LAB gives the same instruction for its PuniLabo cases. ## How many pens does it hold? **LIHIT LAB says about 15 pens; the 2019 reviewer put it at up to 10.** Both depend on pen thickness: a chunky clip pen like the [Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/) takes more room than a slim stick pen. The reviewer also found the silicone soft enough that pens can knock against each other, so keep knurled metal pens apart from lacquered ones. Pens longer than the case may stop it closing: it is 172 mm long on the outside. ## Which ACTACT and stand pen case versions are there? **LIHIT LAB makes the round ACTACT stand case, two oval ACTACT versions and the animal-topped PuniLabo range.** | | ACTACT Stand (A-7692) | ACTACT Oval (A-7694) | ACTACT Oval L (A-7695) | PuniLabo (A-7712) | PuniLabo BIG (A-7714) | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Size | 60 × 60 × 172 mm | 78 × 41 × 172 mm | 89 × 49 × 192 mm | 60 × 60 × 200 mm | 72 × 72 × 209 mm | | Capacity | About 15 pens | About 15 pens | About 22 pens | About 15 pens | About 22 pens | | List price (before tax) | ¥1,500 (about US$9.50) | ¥1,700 (about US$11) | ¥1,900 (about US$12) | ¥1,800 (about US$11) | ¥2,000 (about US$13) | | Look | Plain navy or black | Slim oval | Large oval | Animal heads | Animal heads | All figures are from LIHIT LAB's Japanese catalog; every version is silicone rubber. The PuniLabo designs include a bear, shiba inu, black cat, tuxedo cat, pig, panda, calico cat, Boston terrier, budgie and penguin, and the A-7712's lid holds an eraser. Pick the Oval L or the PuniLabo BIG if you need to carry pencils or more than about 15 pens. ## How does it compare to the KOKUYO Neo Critz? **Both turn into a pen stand, but the ACTACT is a soft silicone case that telescopes down, while the Neo Critz is a fabric case whose top half folds over the outside.** | | LIHIT LAB ACTACT Stand | [KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/) (Regular) | |---|---|---| | Size, closed | 60 × 60 × 172 mm | 85 × 50 × 195 mm | | Material | Silicone rubber | Polyester over a PP core | | Capacity | About 15 pens (maker) | About 12–15 pens (retailer and reviewer) | | How it stands | Press down; the bottom lifts the pens | Top half folds down over the outside | Neo Critz figures come from KOKUYO and its guide. Choose the ACTACT for a smaller, wipe-clean pencil cup and the Neo Critz for a fabric case with a front space for an eraser. ## Where is the ACTACT Stand Pen Case made? **None of the LIHIT LAB pages or retailer listings we read state a country of origin.** LIHIT LAB is a Japanese company, but the brand's home country isn't proof of where this case is made. Check the label or packaging if it matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the LIHIT LAB ACTACT Stand Pen Case stand up? Unzip the lid and press the case down on the desk: LIHIT LAB says pushing from above turns it into a pen stand, as the soft silicone body telescopes and lifts the pens up. A reviewer measured it at about 12 cm tall in cup form, down from 17.2 cm closed. ### How many pens fit in the LIHIT LAB ACTACT Stand Pen Case? LIHIT LAB says about 15 pens. A 2019 reviewer said it holds up to 10, and both note the count depends on how thick the pens are. ### How big is the LIHIT LAB ACTACT Stand Pen Case? LIHIT LAB lists the A-7692 at 60 × 60 × 172 mm (2.4 × 2.4 × 6.8 in). Plaza Japan gives the same figure, and Stationery Space lists 6.8 × 2.3 × 2.3 in. In cup form it's about 12 cm tall, according to a reviewer's measurement. ### What is the ACTACT Stand Pen Case made of? LIHIT LAB lists the body as silicone rubber. Reviewers describe it as soft and squishy, which makes it easy to pack but gives pens little protection from each other. ### What other LIHIT LAB stand pen cases are there? LIHIT LAB also makes ACTACT oval versions (A-7694, 78 × 41 × 172 mm, about 15 pens; A-7695, 89 × 49 × 192 mm, about 22 pens) and the animal-topped PuniLabo cases (A-7712, 60 × 60 × 200 mm, about 15 pens; A-7714 BIG, 72 × 72 × 209 mm, about 22 pens). ### Where is the LIHIT LAB ACTACT Stand Pen Case made? The LIHIT LAB pages and retailer listings we read don't say. LIHIT LAB is a Japanese company, so check the label or packaging. ### Will a full-length pencil fit in the ACTACT Stand Pen Case? Probably not. The case is 172 mm long on the outside, and a new wood pencil is about 19 cm, so it suits pens and sharpened-down pencils better; LIHIT LAB's larger oval A-7695 (192 mm) is pitched for pencils and scissors. We haven't tested it. ## Sources - [SMART FIT ACTACT スタンドペンケース (LIHIT LAB Japan catalog: A-7692, ¥1,500 before tax, 60 × 60 × 172 mm, about 15 pens, silicone rubber)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/products/catalog/a-7692.html) - [SMART FIT ACTACT スタンドペンケース (LIHIT LAB official online store: A7692 colors and JAN codes)](https://store.lihit-lab.com/products/a-7692) - [SMART FIT ACTACT スタンドペンケース＜オーバルタイプ＞ (LIHIT LAB Japan catalog: A-7694, 78 × 41 × 172 mm, about 15 pens, ¥1,700)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/products/catalog/a-7694.html) - [SMART FIT ACTACT スタンドペンケース＜オーバルタイプＬサイズ＞ (LIHIT LAB Japan catalog: A-7695, 89 × 49 × 192 mm, about 22 pens, ¥1,900)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/products/catalog/a-7695.html) - [SMART FIT PuniLabo スタンドペンケース (LIHIT LAB Japan catalog: A-7712, 60 × 60 × 200 mm, about 15 pens, ¥1,800, animal designs)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/products/catalog/a-7712.html) - [SMART FIT PuniLabo スタンドペンケース（ＢＩＧサイズ） (LIHIT LAB Japan catalog: A-7714, 72 × 72 × 209 mm, about 22 pens, ¥2,000)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/products/catalog/a-7714.html) - [SMART FIT ACTACT (LIHIT LAB Japan series page)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/lineup/acta/) - [LIHIT LAB: A-7714 Stand Pen Case Big size (English page)](https://www.eng.lihit-lab.com/a-7714/) - [Gentleman Reviewer: Lihit Lab Smart Fit Actact Stand Pen Case Review (March 20, 2019)](https://gentlemanreviewer.wordpress.com/2019/03/20/lihit-lab-smart-fit-actact-stand-pen-case-review/) - [Plaza Japan: LIHIT LAB. Smart Fit Actact Stand Pen Case, Black (JAN 4903419819101, 60 × 60 × 172 mm, silicone)](https://www.plazajapan.com/4903419819101/) - [Stationery Space: Lihit Lab Smart Fit Actact Stand Pencil Case, Black (silicone, 6.8 × 2.3 × 2.3 in)](https://stationeryspace.com/products/lihit-lab-smart-fit-actact-stand-pencil-case-black) - [JetPens: Lihit Lab Smart Fit ACTACT Stand Pen Case, Black (blocked our reader when re-checked)](https://www.jetpens.com/Lihit-Lab-Smart-Fit-ACTACT-Stand-Pen-Case-Black/pd/16758) --- # Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case: Size & Pockets > The Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case is a large zippered fabric pencil pouch with three compartments and two small inner pockets. Amazon lists the Mint Green version (B0BFM67M4D) at 10.5 × 3.6 × 5.2 in (26.7 × 9.1 × 13.2 cm) and 0.1 kg. Mr. Pen is a US brand founded by teachers. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mr-pen-pencil-case/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case in mint green, to scale: closed, 267 mm (10.5 in) long with three zippers across the top, and open with pens in the middle compartment and two small inner pockets in the front one](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/mr-pen-pencil-case-16x9.png) *The Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case closed and open, drawn to scale from Amazon's listed 10.5 × 3.6 × 5.2 in.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/mr-pen-pencil-case-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case, Mint Green (B0BFM67M4D) | Mr. Pen | United States | Not stated | Canvas (per Amazon.ca); listed as fabric on Amazon.com | – | $$: $5–20 per case | - Made in (Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case, Mint Green (B0BFM67M4D)): Not stated. Mr. Pen's own product page and the Amazon.com and Amazon.ca item details (rechecked October 20, 2026) don't give a country of origin. Mr. Pen's About page says the brand was founded by teachers in the United States. ## Key takeaways - Amazon lists the Mint Green case (B0BFM67M4D) at 10.5 × 3.6 × 5.2 in (26.7 × 9.1 × 13.2 cm) and 0.1 kg (about 3.5 oz). - It has 3 compartments plus 2 small inner pockets for erasers and other small items. - On October 20, 2026, Amazon.com showed 4.7 stars from 1,887 ratings (No. 27 in Pen, Pencil & Marker Cases) and Amazon.ca 4.8 stars from 1,008. - Amazon.ca lists the material as canvas; Amazon.com says fabric, and Walmart calls it tear-resistant fabric. - Mr. Pen's About page says it was founded by US teachers (its footer says Louisiana); no listing we found states where the case is made. ## What is the Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case? **It's a large zippered fabric pencil pouch with three compartments and two small inner pockets, sold by Mr. Pen on Amazon and Walmart.** Mr. Pen is a US stationery brand: its About page says a few teachers who had taught in US schools founded it, and its footer says Louisiana. Mr. Pen sells it under a few names, including "High Capacity Pencil Case" and "Large Capacity Pencil Case". This guide uses the Mint Green listing, **Amazon B0BFM67M4D**, because it's the one with full specs. ## Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case specs **Amazon lists it at 10.5 × 3.6 × 5.2 in (26.7 × 9.1 × 13.2 cm) and about 100 g.** | Spec | Value (Mint Green, B0BFM67M4D) | |---|---| | Brand | Mr. Pen | | Type | Soft zippered pouch | | Dimensions (L × W × H) | 10.5 × 3.6 × 5.2 in (26.7 × 9.1 × 13.2 cm) | | Weight | 0.1 kg (about 3.5 oz); Mr. Pen's store lists 100 g | | Compartments | 3, plus 2 small inner pockets | | Material | Canvas (Amazon.ca); "fabric" on Amazon.com | | Model / UPC | XSWE097M230 / 840316904261 (Amazon.com) | | Rating | 4.7 stars from 1,887 (Amazon.com); 4.8 from 1,008 (Amazon.ca), October 20, 2026 | | Made in | Not stated | Amazon.com and Amazon.ca agree on 10.5 × 3.6 × 5.2 in, which is 26.7 × 9.1 × 13.2 cm. Mr. Pen's own store gives the weight (100 g) but not the dimensions. ![To-scale front and end views of the Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case: 267 mm (10.5 in) long, 132 mm (5.2 in) tall and 91 mm (3.6 in) deep](https://stationerytimes.com/images/mr-pen-pencil-case-dimensions.svg) *The Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case drawn to scale from its Amazon-listed size. The compartment seams in the end view are drawn by eye.* ## How many compartments and pockets does it have? **Three compartments, plus two small inner pockets for erasers and other small items.** That makes it easy to keep pens, pencils and loose bits apart. Mr. Pen doesn't publish the size of each compartment. The inner pockets are meant for small things like erasers, sharpeners and lead tubes. ## How many pens does it hold? **Mr. Pen doesn't publish a pen count in the listings we found.** A third-party blog roundup says it holds 100+ pens, but that isn't a figure from Mr. Pen, so treat it with caution. At 10.5 in (26.7 cm) long and 5.2 in (13.2 cm) high, it's one of the larger soft pencil cases: long enough for a full-length pencil or a 6-inch ruler lying flat. ## What is it made of? **Amazon.ca lists the material as canvas, while Amazon.com just says fabric.** Walmart's Mint Green listing describes it as tear-resistant and scratch-resistant fabric. Mr. Pen doesn't publish care instructions in the listings we found, so spot cleaning is the cautious choice. We haven't tested washing it. ## How does it compare to CICIMELON and EASTHILL? **The Mr. Pen is the biggest of the three and, like the CICIMELON, splits its space into three zippered compartments.** | | Mr. Pen High Capacity | [CICIMELON 3-compartment](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/cicimelon-pencil-case/) | [EASTHILL Big Capacity](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 267 × 91 × 132 mm | 235 × 75 × 95 mm | 220 × 65 × 105 mm | | Layout | 3 compartments + 2 inner pockets | 3 zippered compartments | Main compartment + mesh pocket | | Capacity claim | Not published by Mr. Pen | Up to 50 pens or pencils | Up to 50 pens or 90 pencils | | Made in | Not stated | China (CICIMELON) | China (retailer spec sheets) | Sizes for the CICIMELON and EASTHILL come from their guides. If you want something that also works as a desk pen stand, see the [KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/). ## Which colors and versions are there? **Mr. Pen's own store lists its Large Capacity Pencil Case in 5 colors, and Amazon and Walmart sell mint green, blue, pink and purple versions.** Each color is often its own listing, with its own ratings. Mr. Pen also sells different cases under similar names, such as a standing case and a pillow-shaped case. A blue "large capacity" case on Amazon is listed at about 10.8 × 5.3 × 4.8 in, so check the size on the listing you choose. ## Where is the Mr. Pen pencil case made? **Neither Mr. Pen's own product page nor its Amazon.com and Amazon.ca listings state a country of origin.** Mr. Pen is a US brand founded by teachers, but that doesn't say where the case is sewn. Check the label or packaging if it matters to you; we've listed it as "not stated" rather than guessing. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case? Amazon lists the Mint Green version (B0BFM67M4D) at 10.5 in long, 3.6 in wide and 5.2 in high, which matches Amazon.ca's 26.7 × 9.1 × 13.2 cm. Mr. Pen's own store doesn't give dimensions. ### How many compartments does the Mr. Pen pencil case have? Three compartments, plus two internal pockets for erasers and other small items, according to Mr. Pen's own product page. ### How many pens fit in the Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case? Mr. Pen doesn't give a pen count in the listings we found. A third-party roundup says it holds 100+ pens, but that isn't a Mr. Pen figure, and we haven't tested it. ### What is the Mr. Pen pencil case made of? Amazon.ca lists the material as canvas; Amazon.com lists it as fabric, and Walmart describes a tear-resistant, scratch-resistant fabric. Mr. Pen doesn't publish a fabric spec in the listings we found. ### Is the Mr. Pen pencil case good? Buyers rate it highly: on October 20, 2026, Amazon.com showed 4.7 stars from 1,887 ratings and Amazon.ca 4.8 stars from 1,008. We haven't tested it yet. ### Where is the Mr. Pen pencil case made? Neither Mr. Pen's own product page nor its Amazon listings say. Mr. Pen is a US brand founded by teachers; check the label or the packaging if the country of origin matters to you. ### Is the Mr. Pen pencil case bigger than the CICIMELON? Yes. Amazon lists the Mr. Pen at 10.5 × 3.6 × 5.2 in, while CICIMELON lists its 3-compartment case at 9.25 × 2.95 × 3.74 in. Both have three zippered compartments. ## Sources - [Mr. Pen: Large Capacity Pencil Case, 5 color options (brand product page: 3 compartments, 2 internal pockets, 100 g, Mint Green item XSWE097M230)](https://mrpen.com/products/r-pen-large-capacity-pencil-case-pencil-pouch-pencil-bag-pen-case) - [Mr. Pen: About us (founded by teachers in the US; footer: Louisiana)](https://mrpen.com/pages/about-us) - [Amazon: Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case, 3 Compartments and 2 Pockets (B0BFM67M4D: 10.5 × 3.6 × 5.2 in, 0.1 kg, UPC 840316904261, 4.7 stars from 1,887)](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Capacity-Pen-Pouches-College/dp/B0BFM67M4D) - [Amazon.com: Mr. Pen Large Capacity Pencil Pouches, Mint Green (item details: dimensions, material)](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Pen-Estuches-L%C3%A1pices-Capacidad/dp/B0BFM67M4D) - [Amazon.ca: Mr. Pen Large Capacity Pencil Case, Mint Green (26.7 × 9.1 × 13.2 cm, 0.1 kg, canvas, 4.8 stars from 1,008)](https://www.amazon.ca/Mr-Pen-XSWE097M230-Pencil-case/dp/B0BFM67M4D) - [Amazon: Mr. Pen High Capacity Pencil Case, 3 Compartments and 2 Pockets (B0DPFWHWHQ)](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Capacity-Pen-Pouches-College/dp/B0DPFWHWHQ) - [Walmart: Mr. Pen Pencil Case, Mint Green, Large Capacity, Tear-Resistant](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mr-Pen-Large-Capacity-Pencil-Case-Mint-Green-Pencil-Pouch-Pencil-Bag-Pen-Case/2953013790) - [Walmart: Mr. Pen Large Capacity Pencil Case, Big Capacity Pencil Case](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mr-Pen-Large-Capacity-Pencil-Case-Big-Capacity-Pencil-Case-Big-Pencil-Pouch/5305242891) - [eBay: High Capacity Pencil Case, 3 Compartments and 2 Pockets (listing)](https://www.ebay.com/itm/168490127049) --- # BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct: Tape Width, Length & Packs > BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct is a disposable correction tape dispenser that lays a 4.2 mm (1/6 in) strip of white film over a mistake. Retailers list each roll at 12 m (39.3 ft), dry on application so you can write over it straight away, and not refillable. US listings give Japan and Mexico as countries of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-wite-out-ez-correct/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct correction tape dispenser drawn in proportion, with its tape reel window, beside a college-ruled page with one word covered in white tape; an inset shows the 4.2 mm tape being laid over writing](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/bic-wite-out-ez-correct-16x9.png) *The EZ Correct dispenser and its 4.2 mm × 12 m film tape (drawn in proportion; body colour illustrative).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/bic-wite-out-ez-correct-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | BIC Wite-Out Brand EZ Correct Correction Tape, White | BIC (by Société BIC (France); sold in the US by BIC Corporation) | France | Japan; Mexico | Film-based white correction tape in a plastic dispenser | – | $: under $5 per item | - Made in (BIC Wite-Out Brand EZ Correct Correction Tape, White): Japan; Mexico. US grocery listings for the single tape (Stop & Shop, Giant) give "Made in Japan, Mexico", rechecked October 20, 2026, so a given pack may come from either. BIC's French corporate site has no product pages for Wite-Out, which is a North American brand (BIC sells correction tape in Europe as Tipp-Ex), and its former consumer sites now return 'gone'. Check the pack. Source: https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/bic-wite-out-correction-tape-1-ct-pkg/142001 ## Key takeaways - Each dispenser holds 12 m (39.3 ft) of white tape, 4.2 mm (1/6 in) wide, per US retailer listings. - At 4.2 mm, one pass covers a line of handwriting on college ruling (7.1 mm) or wide ruling (8.7 mm). - By our arithmetic, one roll covers about 55 full lines across an 8.5 in letter page. - It's film tape that goes on dry; retailers list it as tear-resistant and non-refillable. - AS Insight estimated about 40,000 Amazon sales a month for the 4-pack in July 2026, the most in its category search. ## What is BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct? **It's a handheld dispenser that rolls a thin strip of white film tape over a mistake, so you can write on top of it straight away.** It belongs to BIC's Wite-Out line, which also includes correction fluid, and it's one of the most-bought correction tapes on Amazon in the US. The pack copy calls Wite-Out "America's no. 1 correction brand", citing NPD Group US dollar sales for 2019. Third-party tracker AS Insight estimated about 40,000 Amazon sales a month for the EZ Correct 4-pack in July 2026, the most in its search for BIC correction tape. BIC also makes the [BIC Cristal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/) ballpoint, a common pen to correct. ## BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Société BIC (France); BIC Corporation in the US | | Tape width | 4.2 mm (1/6 in) | | Tape length | 12 m (39.3 ft) per dispenser | | Tape | White, film-based, applies dry | | Refillable | No | | Packs | Single, and 3-, 4- and 10-packs (10-pack: item 50790) | | Made in | Japan; Mexico (per US listings) | | Market | Wite-Out is BIC's North American correction brand; in Europe BIC sells correction tape as Tipp-Ex | Width, length, tape type and origin are from US grocery listings (Stop & Shop, Giant). A Canadian dealer's 3-pack listing also gives 4.2 mm × 12 m, though one field there says 0.20 in, which doesn't match. We found no published size or weight for the dispenser itself. ## How much does one tape cover? **About 55 full lines across a letter-size page, by our arithmetic: 12 m of tape divided by the 8.5 in (216 mm) width of the sheet.** Real use covers far more corrections than that, because most fixes are a word or two long. The 4.2 mm width is the number that matters day to day. College ruling puts 7.1 mm between lines and wide ruling 8.7 mm, as on the [Five Star 5 Subject notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/), so one strip covers a line of writing without touching the lines above and below. ![To scale at 1 mm = 10 px: 4.2 mm BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct tape covering one handwritten word on college ruling (7.1 mm) and on wide ruling (8.7 mm); one roll is 4.2 mm by 12 m, about 55 full lines on letter paper](https://stationerytimes.com/images/bic-wite-out-ez-correct-tape-width.svg) *A 4.2 mm strip fits inside a college-ruled (7.1 mm) or wide-ruled (8.7 mm) line space.* ## Can you write over it right away? **Yes: it's a dry film, so there's nothing to wait for, unlike liquid correction fluid.** Retailers describe the tape as film-based, tear-resistant and applied dry. How well a given pen writes on the film is something we'll test. Gel and ballpoint inks behave differently on a smooth plastic surface, so try your own pen on a scrap first. ## How does it compare with Tombow MONO correction tape? **Both are popular, inexpensive film tapes; BIC sells more units on Amazon, and reviewers who compare the two tend to rate Tombow's quality slightly higher.** | | BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct | Tombow MONO (68720 10-pack) | |---|---|---| | Tape | 4.2 mm × 12 m, film | Not checked for this guide | | Amazon popularity | About 40,000 a month for the 4-pack (AS Insight estimate, July 2026) | No. 5 in Correction Tape, 4.7 of 5 from 17,677 ratings (undated snapshot) | | Refillable | No | Not checked | One reviewer sums it up as Tombow slightly better quality than BIC, and a Staples reviewer says MONO is the only correction tape they buy. We haven't tested either side by side yet. ## Is correction tape better than an erasable pen? **They solve different problems: tape hides permanent ink, while an erasable pen avoids the mark in the first place.** For drafts and planners, an erasable gel pen such as the [Pilot FriXion Clicker](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-frixion-clicker/) may save you the tape. For ballpoint notes and printed forms, tape is the cleaner fix. ## Where is BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct made? **US grocery listings give Japan and Mexico as countries of origin.** That suggests BIC sources the tape from more than one plant, so the pack in your hand may say either. BIC is a French company, and BIC Corporation sells it in the US. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct tape? Each dispenser holds 12 m (39.3 ft) of tape, per US retailer listings. That's enough for about 55 full-width lines on letter paper, by our arithmetic. ### How wide is BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct tape? 4.2 mm, or about 1/6 in. That covers one line of handwriting with room to spare on both college-ruled (7.1 mm) and wide-ruled (8.7 mm) paper. ### Can you write on Wite-Out EZ Correct right away? Yes. It's a dry film tape rather than a liquid, so there's no drying time, unlike correction fluid. ### Is BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct refillable? No. Retailers list it as non-refillable, so you replace the whole dispenser when the tape runs out. ### Is Tombow MONO correction tape better than BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct? Some buyers think so: reviewers comparing the two rate Tombow MONO slightly higher for quality, while BIC EZ Correct sells more units on Amazon. Both are popular, inexpensive film tapes. ### How many come in a pack of BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct? It's sold singly and in multi-packs; US listings include 3-, 4- and 10-packs. The 10-pack is item 50790 at Quill. ### Where is BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct made? US grocery listings give Japan and Mexico as countries of origin. BIC is a French company; its US arm is BIC Corporation. ## Sources - [Groupe BIC (French): home page (links to Tipp-Ex correction tape for the French market)](https://corporate.bic.com/fr-fr) - [Stop & Shop: BIC Wite-Out Correction Tape (12 m × 4.2 mm, film tape, non-refillable, made in Japan, Mexico; NPD 2019 claim)](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/bic-wite-out-correction-tape-1-ct-pkg/142001) - [Giant Food Stores: BIC Wite-Out Correction Tape (same specs)](https://giantfoodstores.com/groceries/product/bic-wite-out-correction-tape-1-ct-pkg/142001) - [Monk Office: BIC Wite-Out EZcorrect Correction Tape, 4.2 mm × 12 m, 3/pkg](https://commercial.monk.ca/office-products/writing-correction/correction-tape-fluid/bicwotapp31-correction-tape-ezcorrect) - [Quill: BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct Correction Tape, White, 10/Pack (50790)](https://Quill.com/bic-wite-out-ez-correct-correction-tape-white-10-pack-50790-cs/cbs/55442202.html) - [Best Buy Canada: BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct Correction Tape, 10-Pack (film-based, tear-resistant)](https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/bic-wite-out-ez-correct-correction-tape-10-pack/14374098) - [AS Insight: best-selling BIC white-out correction tape on Amazon (US, July 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/bic-white-out-correction-tape) - [Desertcart: Tombow 68720 MONO correction tape 10-pack (rank and reviews)](https://www.desertcart.com.cy/products/3483167) - [Staples: customer reviews of Tombow MONO correction tape](https://www.staples.com/ptd/review/391528) --- # Swingline 747 Classic: Sheet Capacity, Staples & Size > The Swingline 747 Classic is a full-size, all-metal desk stapler that Swingline introduced in 1968. Swingline rates it for 30 sheets of 20 lb paper with its S.F. 4 staples, and it holds a full strip of 210 standard 1/4 in staples. Retailers list it at about 7.25 in (184 mm) long and 1.75 in (44 mm) tall. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/swingline-747/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Swingline 747 Classic stapler in black drawn to scale, 184 mm (7.25 in) long and 44 mm tall, beside five sheets joined by one staple, with an inset of the anvil that turns between stapling and pinning](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/swingline-747-16x9.png) *The black 747 Classic at 7.25 in long; the anvil turns for pinning (drawn at 1 mm = 2.5 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/swingline-747-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Swingline 747 Classic Stapler, Black (74701) | Swingline (by ACCO Brands Corporation) | United States | Not stated | Metal body and cover, die-cast base | 1968 | $$$: $20–75 per item | - Made in (Swingline 747 Classic Stapler, Black (74701)): Not stated. Swingline's product page (SKU S7074701) and About page don't state it. A Canadian dealer (Monk Office) lists China as the country of origin for the black 74701, as On Time Supplies did when we first checked. ACCO moved Swingline production from Long Island City, New York, to Nogales, Mexico, in 1999, so older 747s may differ. Check the box of the one you buy. ## Key takeaways - Swingline rates the 747 Classic for 30 sheets of 20 lb paper with S.F. 4 Premium staples; older listings say 20 sheets. - It loads a full strip of 210 standard staples with a 1/4 in (6.35 mm) leg. - Retailer spec sheets give about 7.25 × 2.40 × 1.75 in (184 × 61 × 44 mm) and roughly 13 oz to 1.3 lb. - The anvil turns for pinning and the base swings open for tacking, and Swingline gives it a limited lifetime warranty. - The red 747 dates from 2002, when Swingline answered fans of the 1999 film Office Space. ## What is the Swingline 747? **It's Swingline's full-size metal desk stapler, made since 1968 and still sold as the 747 Classic.** Swingline lists it as a full-strip stapler with a metal body and die-cast base that staples, pins and tacks, and a reviewer at BabyBargains calls it the iconic Swingline desktop stapler. Swingline is an American brand owned by ACCO Brands, the company behind the [Five Star 5 Subject notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/). The black version is model 74701; other colors have their own numbers, such as 74736 for Rio Red. ## Swingline 747 Classic specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ACCO Brands Corporation (brand: Swingline) | | Model | 74701 (black); Swingline SKU S7074701; dealer code SWI74701; UPC 074711747011 | | Capacity | 30 sheets of 20 lb paper with S.F. 4 staples (older listings: 20) | | Staples | Standard, 1/4 in (6.35 mm) leg | | Staples per load | Full strip, 210 | | Size (L × W × H) | About 7.25 × 2.40 × 1.75 in (184 × 61 × 44 mm) | | Weight | About 13 oz to 1.3 lb (370–580 g), by listing | | Throat depth | Listed at 3.6–4 in (92–102 mm) | | Build | Metal, die-cast base | | Functions | Stapling, pinning, tacking | | Warranty | Limited lifetime | | Introduced | 1968 | Capacity, staples, build, functions and warranty are from Swingline's specification table for SKU S7074701. Size, weight and throat depth are from retailer spec sheets, which differ a little; Amazon gives 7.4 × 1.7 in and 13.12 oz. ![Swingline 747 Classic side view to scale: 184 mm (7.25 in) long and 44 mm (1.75 in) tall, with the hinge and turning anvil, and a staple with a 1/4 in (6.35 mm) leg](https://stationerytimes.com/images/swingline-747-size.svg) *The 747 side-on at 7.25 in long, and the 1/4 in staple it takes.* ## How many sheets can it staple: 20 or 30? **Swingline's current page says 30 sheets of 20 lb paper, but only with its S.F. 4 Premium staples.** Older product copy, still shown by retailers such as LD Products, rates the 747 Classic at 20 sheets even with S.F. 4 staples, so 20 is the safer figure with ordinary staples. Twenty-pound paper is the usual US copy paper, such as [Hammermill copy paper](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hammermill-copy-paper/). Thicker stacks need a heavy-duty stapler with longer staples. ## What staples does the 747 use, and how many does it hold? **It takes standard staples with a 1/4 in (6.35 mm) leg and loads a full strip of 210.** Retailers list Swingline Standard staples (35108) as a refill, and Swingline recommends its S.F. 4 Premium staples for the 30-sheet rating. A full strip means fewer reloads than a mini stapler. The [Swingline Tot](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/swingline-tot/) holds 50 staples at a time. ## What do pinning and tacking mean? **Pinning folds the staple legs outward so the sheets come apart easily; tacking fixes paper to a wall or board.** Swingline says the 747's anvil rotates for pinning, and a button latch lets the stapler swing open for tacking. - **Stapling:** the anvil turned so the legs fold inward, for a permanent join. - **Pinning:** the anvil turned so the legs fold outward, for a temporary join. - **Tacking:** the base swung back, so the staple goes straight into a bulletin board. ## How does it compare with a staple-free stapler? **The 747 joins far more paper and holds it more firmly; a staple-free stapler leaves no metal.** | | Swingline 747 Classic | [KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-harinacs-compact-alpha/) | |---|---|---| | Method | Metal staple | Cut-and-tuck paper flap | | Capacity | 20–30 sheets of 20 lb paper | About 5 sheets of 64 g/m² paper | | Size | About 184 mm long | 87 mm long | | Refills | 1/4 in staples, 210 per strip | None | ## Is the Office Space stapler a 747? **No: the red stapler in the 1999 film Office Space was a custom-painted Swingline 646.** Swingline didn't sell a red stapler then, and fans asked for one. In 2002 it launched an official red model, and this time it was a 747. ## Where is the Swingline 747 made? **Swingline doesn't say on its product or About page; a Canadian dealer, Monk Office, lists China for the black 74701.** On Time Supplies also gave China when we first checked. ACCO closed Swingline's Long Island City, New York, plant in 1999 and moved production to Nogales, Mexico. So a secondhand 747 may come from New York or Mexico; check the box of a new one. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many sheets can a Swingline 747 staple? Swingline's current page rates the 747 Classic for 30 sheets of 20 lb paper when you use its S.F. 4 Premium staples. Older product copy, still shown by retailers such as LD Products, says 20 sheets, which is a safer figure with ordinary staples. ### What staples does the Swingline 747 use? Standard staples with a 1/4 in (6.35 mm) leg, such as Swingline's S.F. 4 Premium or Standard staples (35108). It takes a full strip of 210. ### How big is the Swingline 747? Retailer spec sheets give about 7.25 in (184 mm) long, 2.40 in (61 mm) wide and 1.75 in (44 mm) tall. Amazon lists 7.4 × 1.7 in, so allow for small differences between listings. ### Can the Swingline 747 pin and tack? Yes. The anvil rotates so the staple legs fold outward for temporary pinning, and a button latch lets the stapler swing open to tack paper onto a board, per Swingline. ### When did the Swingline 747 come out? Swingline's company history dates the 747 to 1968, when it became the company's most popular model. Swingline's own About page highlights the 2002 launch of the red 747. ### Is the Office Space red stapler a Swingline 747? Not quite. The stapler in the 1999 film was a custom-painted red Swingline 646; Swingline made an official red 747 in 2002 after fans asked for one. ### Where is the Swingline 747 made? Swingline doesn't say on the page we found, and retailers disagree, with several giving China for the black 74701. Swingline is an American brand owned by ACCO Brands; check the box for the country of origin. ## Sources - [Swingline: 747 Classic Staplers, SKU S7074701 (specifications: 30 sheets of 20 lb paper with S.F. 4, 210 staples, 1/4 in leg, metal, die-cast base, pinning, tacking, limited lifetime warranty)](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/desktop-staplers/full-size-staplers/747-classic-staplers/) - [Swingline: About us (founded 1925 in New York City; full-strip top loading 1939; mini stapler 1950; 2002 launch of the 747 in red)](https://www.swingline.com/about-us/) - [Amazon: Swingline 747 Classic Stapler, Black (74701) (7.4 × 1.7 in, 13.12 oz)](https://www.amazon.com/Swingline-SWI74701-Classic-Stapler-Sheets/dp/B0006HUQ9M) - [LD Products: Swingline 747 Classic Stapler (7.25 × 2.40 × 1.75 in, about 1.28 lb, 4 in throat, older 20-sheet copy)](https://www.ldproducts.com/offsup-swingline-swi74701-desktop-stapler) - [On Time Supplies: 747 Classic Stapler SWI74701 (dimensions, 1.14 lb, country of origin)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/swi74701-747-classic-full-strip-stapler-30-sheet-capacity-black.html) - [Monk Office: Swingline 747 Classic Full Strip Stapler (metal, die-cast base, China)](https://commercial.monk.ca/office-products/staplers-staples-punches/standard-staplers/swi74701-stapler-classic-fstrip-black) - [CompSource: 747 Classic Stapler SWI74701 (UPC 074711747011)](https://www.compsource.com/pn/S7074701G/Acco-1735/747-Classic-Stapler-SWI74701/) - [Binding101: Swingline 747 Rio Red Stapler 74736 (replacement staples)](https://www.binding101.com/swingline-747-rio-red-stapler-74736) - [Wikipedia: Swingline (747 introduced 1968, red 747 in 2002, 1999 move to Nogales)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swingline) - [AS Insight: best-selling staplers and staples on Amazon (US)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/stapler-and-staples) - [BabyBargains: Best stapler (the iconic Swingline 747)](https://www.babybargains.com/best-stapler/) --- # Swingline Tot Mini Stapler: 12 Sheets & Staple Remover > The Swingline Tot (model 79171) is a pocket-size plastic stapler that Swingline rates for 12 sheets of 20 lb paper. It takes standard 1/4 in staples, holds 50 at a time and comes with a box of 1,000, and its rear end is a built-in staple remover. Amazon lists it at 2.72 oz (77 g). - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/swingline-tot/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Swingline Tot mini stapler in black, drawn in proportion, with a steel staple remover at the rear, beside a 50-staple load and five stapled sheets; an inset shows the remover lifting a staple](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/swingline-tot-16x9.png) *The black Tot 79171 with its built-in remover at the rear (drawn in proportion).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/swingline-tot-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Swingline Tot Mini Stapler, 12-Sheet Capacity, Black (79171) | Swingline (by ACCO Brands Corporation) | United States | Not stated | High-impact plastic body with built-in staple remover (per Swingline) | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Swingline Tot Mini Stapler, 12-Sheet Capacity, Black (79171)): Not stated. Swingline's product page (SKU S7079171) doesn't state it, and retailers disagree: PartsSource lists China and On Time Supplies listed Vietnam for model 79171 when we first checked. Check the package. ## Key takeaways - Swingline rates the Tot for 12 sheets of 20 lb paper; one tester got 5 to 8 sheets in everyday use. - It holds 50 standard staples (1/4 in leg) and ships with a box of 1,000. - Amazon lists the black 79171 at 2.72 oz (77 g), about a fifth of the 13.12 oz it lists for a Swingline 747. - The rear of the stapler is a staple remover, so one tool both adds and takes out staples. - Swingline gives the Tot a limited 1-year warranty, and its instruction sheet for the Tot and Tot Grip gives a 2 to 12 sheet range. ## What is the Swingline Tot? **It's Swingline's smallest everyday stapler: a plastic mini stapler that takes standard staples and has a staple remover built into its back end.** The black version is model 79171, and Swingline also sells it in assorted colors. Swingline is an American brand owned by ACCO Brands. Its full-size sibling is the [Swingline 747](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/swingline-747/), a metal desk stapler that holds four times as many staples. ## Swingline Tot specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ACCO Brands Corporation (brand: Swingline) | | Model | 79171 (black); Swingline SKU S7079171; dealer code SWI79171 | | Capacity | 12 sheets of 20 lb paper | | Staples | Standard, 1/4 in (6.35 mm) leg | | Staples per load | 50 | | Included | Box of 1,000 staples | | Extras | Built-in staple remover | | Listed size | 3.9 × 1.45 × 4.9 in (99 × 37 × 124 mm), likely including packaging | | Weight | 2.72 oz (77 g), per Amazon | | Body | High-impact plastic, with spare-staple storage | | Colors | Black, Rio Red, Periwinkle, True Blue (Swingline) | | Warranty | Limited 1-year | Capacity, staples, body, colors, warranty and the included box are from Swingline's page for SKU S7079171. Size and weight are from Amazon; WebstaurantStore gives 3 7/8 × 1 1/2 × 4 3/4 in, which suggests a carded package rather than the bare stapler. ## How many sheets does it really staple? **Swingline says 12 sheets of 20 lb paper; BabyBargains' tester got 5 to 8 sheets depending on paper weight.** The same review named the Tiny Tot its best budget mini stapler but noted occasional jams. A Staples customer review also reports staples sticking in the exit channel. Swingline's instruction sheet, which covers both the Tot and the Tot Grip, gives a 2 to 12 sheet range. ## What staples does it take, and how many? **It takes the same standard 1/4 in staples as a desk stapler and holds 50 at a time.** That's about a quarter of the 210-staple strip a 747 holds, so a full strip won't fit in one load. Retailers list Swingline 35108, 35450 and 35556 as refills. Because the size is standard, any box of standard 1/4 in staples should fit; the Tot ships with a box of 1,000. ![Swingline Tot vs 747 Classic, drawn to scale by count: Tot 12 sheets and 50 staples per load; 747 Classic 30 sheets and 210 staples per load](https://stationerytimes.com/images/swingline-tot-vs-747.svg) *Per Swingline, the Tot staples 12 sheets and holds 50; the 747 staples 30 and holds 210.* ## How does the built-in staple remover work? **The back end of the Tot is shaped as a staple remover, so you can lift a staple out without a separate tool.** Swingline and Amazon both list the remover as built in; Swingline doesn't publish a diagram of it, and our cover drawing of its shape is by eye. That makes the Tot a two-in-one for a desk drawer or school bag: one small tool both adds and removes staples. ## How does it compare with other small staplers? **The Tot is the cheap, metal-staple option; a staple-free stapler avoids metal but holds fewer sheets.** | | Swingline Tot (79171) | [KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-harinacs-compact-alpha/) | Swingline 747 Classic | |---|---|---|---| | Method | Standard staple | Paper flap, no staple | Standard staple | | Capacity | 12 sheets | About 5 sheets | 20–30 sheets | | Staples per load | 50 | None | 210 | | Weight | 2.72 oz (77 g) | Not published | About 13 oz to 1.3 lb | | Price band | $$ | $$ | $$$ | ## Is it a good school stapler? **For handouts and short reports, yes: it's light, inexpensive and uses the same staples as the desk stapler at home.** Typical US listings put it at the low end of our $$ band ($5–20). At 2.72 oz it slips into a [pencil pouch](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-pencil-pouch/), though a full-size stapler is better for stacks over about 12 sheets. ## Where is the Swingline Tot made? **Swingline doesn't say on its product page, and retailers disagree.** PartsSource lists China for model 79171, while On Time Supplies listed Vietnam when we first checked, so check the package of the one you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many sheets can a Swingline Tot staple? Swingline rates it for 12 sheets of 20 lb paper. BabyBargains got 5 to 8 sheets in its own testing, depending on paper weight, so expect less with thicker paper. ### What staples go in a Swingline Tot? Standard staples with a 1/4 in (6.35 mm) leg, the same size as a full-size desk stapler uses. Retailers list Swingline 35108, 35450 and 35556 as refills. ### How many staples does a Swingline Tot hold? Swingline gives a staple capacity of 50, about a quarter of a standard strip. The box it comes with holds 1,000. ### Does the Swingline Tot have a staple remover? Yes. The Black 79171 has a staple remover built into the rear of the body, per Swingline and Amazon's listing. ### How big is the Swingline Tot? Amazon lists 3.9 × 1.45 × 4.9 in (99 × 37 × 124 mm) and 2.72 oz (77 g). Listings don't say whether those dimensions include packaging, so treat them as an upper bound. ### Is the Swingline Tot good for school? It's light and cheap and takes the same staples as a desk stapler, which suits a pencil case or backpack. For more than about 12 sheets, a full-size stapler like the 747 is the better tool. ### Where is the Swingline Tot made? Swingline doesn't say in the sources we found, and retailers disagree between China and Vietnam. Check the package; Swingline is an American brand owned by ACCO Brands. ## Sources - [Swingline: Tot Mini Staplers, black SKU S7079171 (12 sheets of 20 lb paper, standard staples, 1/4 in leg, 50-staple capacity, high-impact plastic, built-in remover, 1,000 staples included, limited 1-year warranty)](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/desktop-staplers/mini-staplers/tot-mini-staplers/) - [Swingline: Tot Mini Stapler, Built-in Staple Remover, 12 Sheets, Assorted Colors](https://www.swingline.com/p/staplers/desktop-staplers/mini-staplers/tot-stapler-built-in-staple-remover-12-sheets-assorted-s7079141j/) - [Swingline: Tot and Tot Grip instruction sheet (2–12 sheets, 1,000 staples, Standard 35108 staples, limited 1-year warranty)](https://www.mybinding.com/media/manuals/swingline-tot-grip-portable-mini-stapler-79168-manual.pdf) - [Amazon: Swingline Tot Mini Stapler, Black (79171) (3.9 × 1.45 × 4.9 in, 2.72 oz)](https://www.amazon.com/Swingline-Stapler-Capacity-Remover-Standard/dp/B008DQY89M) - [Staples: Swingline Tot Mini Stapler, 12-Sheet Capacity, Black (SWI79171)](https://www.staples.com/swingline-tot-mini-stapler-12-sheet-capacity-black-swi79171/product_2537641) - [WebstaurantStore: Swingline 79171 Tot (3 7/8 × 1 1/2 × 4 3/4 in)](https://www.webstaurantstore.com/swingline-79171-tot-12-sheet-black-mini-stapler/139S7079171.html) - [On Time Supplies: Tot Mini Stapler SWI79171 (0.17 lb, Vietnam)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/swi79171-tot-mini-stapler-12-sheet-capacity-black.html) - [PartsSource: Swingline 79171 (China; replacement staples)](https://partssource.com/parts/swingline-gbc/79171B1613869) - [BabyBargains: The best mini stapler (Tiny Tot, 5–8 sheets in testing)](https://www.babybargains.com/the-best-mini-stapler/) --- # Archer & Olive A5 Dot Grid Notebook: 160 gsm Paper > The Archer & Olive A5 dot grid notebook is a hard-cover bullet journal with 192 pages of bright white 160 gsm paper and a 5 mm dot grid. It measures 5.75 × 8.25 in (146 × 210 mm), is thread-bound, and has an elastic closure, pen loop, ribbon and back pocket. A European retailer lists it as made in China. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/archer-and-olive-a5-dot-grid-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Archer & Olive A5 dot grid notebook to scale: a navy cloth hard cover with a silver fox design, 210 mm tall and 146 mm wide, with elastic, pen loop and ribbon, and opened flat on white 5 mm dot grid pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/archer-and-olive-a5-dot-grid-notebook-16x9.png) *The A5 in a navy cloth edition, closed and opened on its 5 mm dot grid (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/archer-and-olive-a5-dot-grid-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Archer & Olive A5 Dot Grid Notebook (192 pages, 160 gsm) | Archer & Olive | United States | China | Vegan leather or buckram cloth hard cover, 160 gsm white (or black) paper | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Archer & Olive A5 Dot Grid Notebook (192 pages, 160 gsm)): China. Swedish retailer Tidformera's Swedish listing for the A5 dotted notebook (Apothecary Shelf edition) says "Tillverkad i Kina" (made in China) and notes the books are hand-bound. Archer & Olive's own product and FAQ pages call it a small business in the USA but don't name a country of manufacture. Source: https://tidformera.se/en/products/dotted-notebook-a5-192-s-apothecary-shelf ## Key takeaways - Archer & Olive lists the A5 at 5.75 × 8.25 in (146 × 210 mm) with 192 pages, the same height as a Leuchtturm1917 Medium. - The paper is 160 gsm, twice the 80 g/m² of a Leuchtturm1917 Medium and more than twice the 70 g/m² of a Moleskine Classic. - Dots are 5 mm apart; because the books are hand-bound, a retailer warns the dots may not line up perfectly across some spreads. - Each A5 has an elastic closure, an elastic pen loop, a ribbon bookmark and a pocket inside the back cover. - Swedish retailer Tidformera says "Tillverkad i Kina" (made in China); Archer & Olive's own pages, which listed the A5 dot grid at US$37 on October 20, 2026, don't state a country. ## What is the Archer & Olive A5 dot grid notebook? **It's a hard-cover A5 bullet journal built around very thick paper: 192 pages of 160 gsm white paper with a 5 mm dot grid.** Archer & Olive sells it in many printed and foil-stamped cover designs, in vegan leather or buckram cloth. Bullet journal reviewers treat it as a benchmark. Masha Plans gives it a long review, and a GummySearch summary of Reddit reviews rates it 4.6 out of 5, level with Scribbles That Matter and Notebook Therapy. ## Archer & Olive A5 specs | Spec | A5 dot grid notebook | |---|---| | Size | 5.75 × 8.25 in (146 × 210 mm) | | Pages | 192 | | Paper | 160 gsm; white, or black on some designs | | Ruling | Dot grid, 5 mm | | Binding | Thread-bound (hand-bound) | | Cover | Hard; vegan leather or buckram cloth, by design | | Extras | Elastic closure, elastic pen loop, ribbon bookmark, back pocket (Tidformera; Masha Plans counts two ribbons) | | Other sizes | B5, B6, square, TN and PS, depending on the design | | Item code / barcode | HWLP304 / 810208873197 (Apothecary Shelf A5, white dot grid) | | Made in | China (per a European retailer) | Size, page count, paper and the other sizes come from Archer & Olive's own listings; the dot spacing, thread binding and extras from Tidformera's Swedish listing. On October 20, 2026 Archer & Olive listed the A5 dot grid at US$37 with white pages and US$39 with black pages. ![To-scale drawing: Archer & Olive A5 at 146 × 210 mm with 192 pages of 160 gsm paper, beside the Leuchtturm1917 A5 at 145 × 210 mm with 80 g/m² paper and the Moleskine Large at 130 × 210 mm with 70 g/m² paper](https://stationerytimes.com/images/archer-and-olive-a5-dot-grid-notebook-sizes.svg) *Three 210 mm notebooks at the same scale (1 mm = 1.1 px); the Archer & Olive has the heaviest paper.* ## Why is the paper 160 gsm, and what does that mean? **160 gsm is about twice the weight of most premium notebook paper, so markers, brush pens and light washes are less likely to show through.** Archer & Olive describes it as ultra-thick, no-bleed paper. The trade-off is page count. Thicker sheets mean a 192-page book, where a Leuchtturm1917 Medium has 251 pages of 80 g/m² paper. For daily logs that fill a book in months, that matters. We haven't tested bleed or ghosting ourselves yet. If you use fountain pens, also see our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## Are the dots evenly spaced? **The dots are 5 mm apart, but because the books are hand-bound, a retailer warns they may not line up perfectly across some spreads.** Tidformera adds that note to its listings. That matters most if you draw tables or trackers across both pages of a spread. Check the centre of a spread before you plan a two-page layout. ## How does it compare to Leuchtturm1917 and Moleskine? **The Archer & Olive has by far the heaviest paper; the Leuchtturm1917 has more pages, page numbers and an index; the Moleskine is the narrowest and lightest.** | | Archer & Olive A5 | [Leuchtturm1917 Medium](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) | [Moleskine Classic Large](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 146 × 210 mm | 145 × 210 mm | 130 × 210 mm | | Pages | 192 | 251, numbered | 240, unnumbered | | Paper | 160 gsm | 80 g/m² | 70 g/m² | | Dot grid | 5 mm | 5 mm | Yes (dotted layout) | | Pen loop | Yes | No (sold separately) | No | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | Leuchtturm1917 and Moleskine figures come from our own guides to each. For a cheaper heavy-paper dot pad, see the [Rhodia No. 16 dot pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/). ## Which should you choose? **Choose the Archer & Olive if you use markers, brush pens or paint and want pages that hold up to them.** Its pen loop and back pocket make it a complete journal out of the box. For the same 160 gsm weight with numbered pages and a printed index, see the [Scribbles That Matter Pro](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/scribbles-that-matter-pro-a5-dotted-journal/). Choose a Leuchtturm1917 if you mostly write with gel pens or ballpoints and want more pages, page numbers and an index. For yearly planners, see our [best 2027 journals](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/) roundup. ## Where are Archer & Olive notebooks made? **Swedish retailer Tidformera's listing says "Tillverkad i Kina", made in China, and notes the books are hand-bound.** Archer & Olive's FAQ calls the company a small business in the USA, and its terms are governed by Texas law. We found no country of manufacture on Archer & Olive's pages, so check the label on your copy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Archer & Olive A5 notebook? Archer & Olive lists it at 5.75 × 8.25 inches, which is about 146 × 210 mm. That is standard A5 height and within a few millimetres of A5 width (148 mm). ### How many pages does an Archer & Olive A5 have? The A5 dot grid notebook has 192 pages, per Archer & Olive's own listing and several retailers. That is fewer than a Leuchtturm1917 Medium because each sheet is much thicker. ### What gsm is Archer & Olive paper? 160 gsm. Archer & Olive calls it ultra-thick, no-bleed paper, and some designs also come with black pages. That is twice the weight of Leuchtturm1917's 80 g/m² paper. ### Do markers bleed through Archer & Olive paper? Archer & Olive sells the 160 gsm paper as thick enough for heavy journaling, and bullet journal reviewers generally rate it highly for markers. We haven't run our own bleed test yet, so treat that as the maker's and reviewers' view. ### What is the dot spacing in an Archer & Olive notebook? The dots are 5 mm apart, the usual bullet journal spacing. One retailer notes that because the books are hand-bound, dots may be slightly out of line across some spreads. ### Where are Archer & Olive notebooks made? Swedish retailer Tidformera lists the A5 dotted notebook as made in China ("Tillverkad i Kina"). Archer & Olive, a US company, doesn't name a country of manufacture on its own pages. ### Is Archer & Olive better than Leuchtturm1917 for bullet journaling? It depends on your pens. The Archer & Olive has much heavier 160 gsm paper for markers and paint; the Leuchtturm1917 Medium has numbered pages, an index and 80 g/m² paper that keeps the book thinner. ## Sources - [Archer & Olive: Apothecary Shelf Notebook (A5 192 pages, white or black dot grid, 160 gsm, vegan leather, item codes, US$37)](https://www.archerandolive.com/products/apothecary-shelf-notebook) - [Archer & Olive: Forest Foxes Notebook (A5 5.75 × 8.25 in, 192 pages; other sizes; buckram cloth)](https://www.archerandolive.com/products/forest-foxes-dot-grid-notebook-copy) - [Archer & Olive: FAQs (a small business in the USA; watercolor use)](https://www.archerandolive.com/pages/faqs) - [Archer & Olive: Store policies (governed by the laws of Texas)](https://www.archerandolive.com/pages/store-policies) - [Tidformera (Swedish): Dotted Notebook A5 192 s, Apothecary Shelf (160 gsm, 5 mm dots, trådbunden, tillverkad i Kina)](https://tidformera.se/products/dotted-notebook-a5-192-s-apothecary-shelf) - [All About Planners: Archer and Olive dot grid notebook, is the 160 gsm paper worth the hype?](https://allaboutplanners.com.au/archer-and-olive-dot-grid-notebook-is-the-160-gsm-paper-worth-the-hype/) - [Masha Plans: Bullet journal review, Archer and Olive dot grid notebook](https://mashaplans.com/bullet-journal-review-archer-and-olive-dot-grid-notebook/) - [GummySearch: Bullet journal reviews from Reddit](https://gummysearch.com/tools/best-products/bullet-journal/) --- # Baron Fig Confidant: Flagship Size, Pages & Paper > The Baron Fig Confidant is a cloth-covered hardcover notebook from New York's Baron Fig. The Flagship size measures 5.4 × 7.7 in (137 × 196 mm) and holds 192 pages of acid-free 90 gsm paper, the last 12 perforated, in blank, ruled or dot grid. Pack Hacker lists it as made in Taiwan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/baron-fig-confidant/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Baron Fig Confidant Flagship to scale: a light grey cloth hard cover, 196 mm (7.7 in) tall and 137 mm (5.4 in) wide, with a yellow ribbon, and opened flat on dot grid pages with a perforation line near the fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/baron-fig-confidant-16x9.png) *The Flagship Confidant closed and opened at its perforated back pages (1 mm = 1.1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/baron-fig-confidant-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Baron Fig Confidant Hardcover Notebook, Flagship (blank, ruled or dot grid) | Baron Fig | United States | Taiwan | Textured fabric hard cover, thread-bound, acid-free fine grain 90 gsm paper | 2014 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Baron Fig Confidant Hardcover Notebook, Flagship (blank, ruled or dot grid)): Taiwan. Per Pack Hacker's spec list for the Flagship Confidant; Baron Fig's own page says only "Made by Baronfig". A Mountain of Ink review of the Askew edition says Confidants have been made in Taiwan, China, Portugal and Germany, so origin may vary by edition or batch. Check the label on your copy. Source: https://www.packhacker.com/travel-gear/baron-fig/confidant-hardcover-notebook/ ## Key takeaways - The Flagship Confidant measures 5.4 × 7.7 in (137 × 196 mm): 7 mm wider but 14 mm shorter than a Moleskine Classic Large. - It has 192 pages, and the last 12 are perforated so they tear out without loosening the binding. - Baron Fig lists the paper as 90 gsm, versus 70 g/m² in a Moleskine Classic and 80 g/m² in a Leuchtturm1917 Medium. - Baron Fig sells it blank, ruled (7 mm) or dot grid (5 mm), thread-bound to open flat, at US$28 for the Flagship on October 20, 2026. - Pack Hacker lists Taiwan as the country of manufacture; one reviewer reports several countries across editions. ## What is the Baron Fig Confidant? **The Confidant is Baron Fig's hardcover notebook: a cloth-bound hard cover, 192 pages of 90 gsm paper and a ribbon bookmark.** The Flagship is the original, medium size. Baron Fig started as a small New York startup; Quartz profiled it in 2014, and The Pen Addict reviewed the Confidant in June 2014. Baron Fig's press kit says New York Magazine named it a "Best Bet" all-purpose notebook in September 2015. ## Baron Fig Confidant specs | Spec | Confidant Flagship | |---|---| | Size | 5.4 × 7.7 in (137 × 196 mm) | | Pages | 192, the last 12 perforated | | Paper | 90 gsm, acid-free | | Rulings | Blank, ruled (7 mm) or dot grid (5 mm) | | Binding | Thread-bound, opens flat | | Cover | Textured fabric hard cover | | Colours | Apple Cider, Blue Slate, Charcoal, Fig Wine, Light Gray | | Barcode | 853205006038 (Flagship, dot grid, Charcoal) | | Extras | Ribbon bookmark | | Made in | Taiwan (per Pack Hacker) | Baron Fig's product page gives the size, page count, perforated pages, paper, rulings and binding; Pack Hacker gives the metric size (19.6 × 13.7 cm) and origin. Tools and Toys reported that Baron Fig later added two more Confidant sizes; today Baron Fig lists the Flagship at US$28 and the larger Plus (7 × 10 in, 208 pages) at US$32. At US$28, the Flagship sits in our $$$ band ($20–75). ![To-scale drawing: Baron Fig Confidant Flagship at 137 × 196 mm with 192 pages, beside a Moleskine Large at 130 × 210 mm with 240 pages and a Field Notes memo book at 89 × 140 mm with 48 pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/baron-fig-confidant-sizes.svg) *The Flagship Confidant beside a Moleskine Large and a Field Notes memo book (1 mm = 1.1 px).* ## Why 192 pages instead of 240? **Baron Fig chose thicker paper over a higher page count.** In Quartz's 2014 profile, a co-founder said competitors offered around 220 pages of thinner paper, so Baron Fig went with better, thicker paper and cut the count to 192. The perforated last 12 pages are for notes you want to hand over or file. Tearing them out doesn't loosen the binding, as tearing a normal page can. ## Is Baron Fig paper good for pens? **It's good for pencil and most everyday pens, but reviewers report show-through with ink.** The Pen Addict found it excellent for pencil and saw ink show through on the back of the page. The Well-Appointed Desk's 2015 review judged it better-quality paper than most A5 notebooks sold in bookshops at a similar price. At 90 gsm, the paper is heavier than the 70 g/m² Moleskine Classic sheet, but much lighter than 160 gsm journaling paper. For heavier paper, see our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## Which ruling should you pick: blank, ruled or dot grid? **Pick dot grid for a mix of writing and drawing, ruled for plain writing, and blank for sketching.** Baron Fig currently sells the Flagship Confidant in all three, with 7 mm ruled lines and a 5 mm dot grid, and the cover is the same whichever you choose. Dot grid is the usual choice for bullet journals, because the dots guide lines without crowding the page. If you want heavier paper for markers in a dot grid book, the [Archer & Olive A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/archer-and-olive-a5-dot-grid-notebook/) uses 160 gsm sheets. ## How does the Confidant compare to Moleskine and Field Notes? **The Confidant sits between the two: heavier paper and fewer pages than a Moleskine, and four times the pages of a Field Notes.** | | Baron Fig Confidant Flagship | [Moleskine Classic Large](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) | [Field Notes Original Kraft](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/field-notes-original-kraft/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 5.4 × 7.7 in (137 × 196 mm) | 5 × 8.25 in (130 × 210 mm) | 3.5 × 5.5 in (89 × 140 mm) | | Pages | 192 (12 perforated) | 240 | 48 | | Paper | 90 gsm | 70 g/m² | Finch 60#T | | Cover | Cloth hard cover | Hard cover, elastic | Kraft card, stapled | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $ | Moleskine and Field Notes figures come from our guides to each. ## Which should you choose? **Choose the Confidant for a clean desk notebook with better paper than a Moleskine and pages you can tear out.** The Flagship's shorter, wider page suits desk notes and sketches. Choose the [Leuchtturm1917 Medium](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) if you want numbered pages and an index, or a Field Notes for your pocket. For a gift journal with a decorative gold-tooled cover, see the [Paperblanks Black Moroccan Midi](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paperblanks-black-moroccan-midi-journal/). ## Where are Baron Fig notebooks made? **Pack Hacker lists Taiwan as the country of manufacture for the Flagship Confidant.** A Mountain of Ink review says Confidants have been made in Taiwan, China, Portugal and Germany, so origin may vary by edition. Baron Fig itself is an American brand. Check the label on your copy for its country of manufacture. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Baron Fig Confidant? The Flagship Confidant measures 5.4 × 7.7 inches, or about 137 × 196 mm. That is a little wider and shorter than a Moleskine Large (5 × 8.25 in). ### How many pages are in a Baron Fig Confidant? 192 pages. The last 12 are perforated, so you can tear them out cleanly. A Baron Fig co-founder told Quartz in 2014 that they chose thicker paper over a higher page count. ### What gsm is Baron Fig paper? Baron Fig lists the Confidant's paper as 90 gsm and acid-free. That is heavier than the 70 g/m² paper in a Moleskine Classic. ### Is Baron Fig good for fountain pens? Reviews are mixed. The Pen Addict found the paper excellent for pencil but saw ink show through on the back of the page with pens. We haven't tested it ourselves. ### Where are Baron Fig notebooks made? Pack Hacker lists Taiwan for the Flagship Confidant. A Mountain of Ink review says Confidants have been made in Taiwan, China, Portugal and Germany, so check the label on your copy. ### Is Baron Fig better than Moleskine? It depends what you want. The Confidant has heavier 90 gsm paper and perforated pages; the Moleskine Large has more pages (240), an elastic closure and a back pocket, per our Moleskine guide. ## Sources - [Baron Fig: Confidant Hardcover Notebook (Flagship 5.4 × 7.7 in, 192 pages; Plus 7 × 10 in, 208 pages; 90 gsm; 12 perforated; rulings; US$28)](https://baronfig.com/products/confidant-hardcover-notebook) - [Baron Fig: The best notebook, Baronfig vs Moleskine (90 gsm paper, 5.4 × 7.7 in, cloth-bound cover)](https://baronfig.com/blogs/blog/the-best-notebook-baronfig-vs-moleskine) - [Baron Fig: The best notebook, Baronfig vs Field Notes](https://baronfig.com/blogs/blog/the-best-notebook-baronfig-vs-field-notes) - [Pack Hacker: Baronfig Confidant Hardcover Notebook (19.6 × 13.7 cm, made in Taiwan)](https://www.packhacker.com/travel-gear/baron-fig/confidant-hardcover-notebook/) - [The Pen Addict: Baron Fig Confidant Review (June 18, 2014)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2014/6/18/baron-fig-confidant-review) - [Quartz: This startup thinks it knows what makes a perfect paper notebook (2014)](https://qz.com/188411/this-startup-thinks-it-knows-what-makes-a-perfect-paper-notebook) - [Mountain of Ink: Baron Fig Askew (90 gsm, countries of manufacture)](https://mountainofink.com/blog/baron-fig-askew) - [Tools and Toys: Two new sizes for the Baron Fig Confidant notebook](https://toolsandtoys.net/two-new-sizes-for-the-baron-fig-confidant-notebook/) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Notebook review, Baron Fig Confidant (2015)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2015/03/notebook-review-baron-fig-confidant/) --- # Rite in the Rain No. 135: Waterproof 3 × 5 Notebook > The Rite in the Rain No. 135 is a 3 × 5 in (76 × 127 mm) top-spiral pocket notebook with a yellow Polydura cover and 50 sheets (100 pages) of all-weather paper printed with a blue universal pattern. Pencils and all-weather pens write on it wet or dry. Rite in the Rain lists it as manufactured in the USA. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rite-in-the-rain-no-135/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Rite in the Rain No. 135 to scale: a yellow top-spiral notebook 5 in (127 mm) tall and 3 in (76 mm) wide, closed, and open on a white all-weather page with blue lines, pencil writing and raindrops](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/rite-in-the-rain-no-135-16x9.png) *The No. 135 closed and open, with water beading on the page (1 mm = 1.6 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/rite-in-the-rain-no-135-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Rite in the Rain All-Weather Top-Spiral Notebook No. 135, 3 × 5 in, Yellow, Universal Pattern | Rite in the Rain | United States | United States | 19-gauge Polydura cover; 20 lb Rite in the Rain all-weather paper; rust-resistant Wire-O | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Rite in the Rain All-Weather Top-Spiral Notebook No. 135, 3 × 5 in, Yellow, Universal Pattern): United States. Rite in the Rain's own specifications for the No. 135 give "Manufactured: U.S.A.", and its history page traces production in Tacoma, Washington, back to 1916. Cansel's listing also says proudly made in the U.S.A. Source: https://www.riteintherain.com/3x5-top-spiral-notebook ## Key takeaways - The No. 135 measures 3 × 5 in (76 × 127 mm) and holds 50 sheets, or 100 unperforated pages. - Its cover is 19-gauge yellow Polydura with a Wire-O top spiral, printed with rulers, conversion charts and map scales. - Rite in the Rain says pencils and all-weather pens write wet or dry, ballpoints and permanent markers only when dry, and gel pens, highlighters and fountain pens not at all. - Rite in the Rain's spec sheet says manufactured in the U.S.A.; the company has made all-weather paper in Tacoma, Washington, since 1916. - The UPC is 632281135111; 3 × 5 in top-spiral 3-packs led AS Insight's July 2026 Amazon sales estimates for the brand. ## What is the Rite in the Rain No. 135? **The No. 135 is Rite in the Rain's yellow 3 × 5 in top-spiral pocket notebook, with 50 sheets of all-weather paper that you can write on in the rain.** It carries a military stock number (NSN), and Cansel, a surveying and engineering supplier, stocks it. Rite in the Rain calls it a patented all-weather paper that sheds water. It says the paper is as recyclable as standard office paper, unlike synthetic or poly-coated papers, and that the Polydura cover goes in curbside recycling too. ## Rite in the Rain No. 135 specs | Spec | No. 135 | |---|---| | Sheet size | 3 × 5 in (76 × 127 mm) | | Notebook size | 3 × 5.25 × 0.375 in (76 × 133 × 10 mm) | | Weight | 0.12 lb (about 54 g) | | Pages | 50 sheets (100 pages), unperforated, unnumbered | | Paper | All-weather, white, 20 lb | | Pattern | Universal, printed in blue | | Binding | Wire-O top spiral, rust-resistant; rounded corners | | Cover | 19-gauge Polydura, yellow; imperial and metric rulers, conversion table, map scale | | UPC / NSN / ISBN | 632281135111 / 7530-01-544-9454 / 978-1-932149-94-4 | | Made in | United States | Everything in this table comes from Rite in the Rain's own specifications for the No. 135; Cansel, B&H and Bluewater give the same size and sheet count. ![To-scale drawing: Rite in the Rain No. 135 at 3 × 5 in (76 × 127 mm), beside the 4 × 6 in No. 146 (102 × 152 mm) and a Field Notes memo book at 3.5 × 5.5 in (89 × 140 mm)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/rite-in-the-rain-no-135-sizes.svg) *The No. 135 beside Rite in the Rain's 4 × 6 in size and a Field Notes memo book (1 mm = 1.5 px).* ## What pens work on Rite in the Rain paper? **Pencils and pressurized all-weather pens work wet or dry; ordinary ballpoints and permanent markers work only on dry paper.** Rite in the Rain says not to use gel pens, highlighters or fountain pens at all, because water-based inks bead up or wash off its paper. In practice, that means a pencil or an all-weather pen in the field. For a general pocket pen to use when it's dry, see our [best pocket pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pocket-pens/) roundup; for pencils, the [Ticonderoga No. 2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/). ## What's printed on the cover? **The No. 135's yellow Polydura cover carries imperial and metric rulers, a conversion table and a map scale, per Rite in the Rain's specifications.** That turns the notebook itself into a small field reference: you can measure a sketch or read a distance off a map without a separate ruler. Rite in the Rain lists the Polydura cover at 19 gauge. With the spiral at the top, pages flip up and over rather than sideways, and the maker says its rust-resistant Wire-O is impact-resistant, so it doesn't bend out of shape in a pack or pocket. ## Which Rite in the Rain size should you choose? **The 3 × 5 in No. 135 is the pocket size; step up to 4 × 6 in if you write a lot or sketch.** | | No. 135 | 4 × 6 in top spiral (e.g. No. 146) | [Field Notes Original Kraft](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/field-notes-original-kraft/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 3 × 5 in (76 × 127 mm) | 4 × 6 in (102 × 152 mm) | 3.5 × 5.5 in (89 × 140 mm) | | Sheets | 50 | 50 | 24 (48 pages) | | Binding | Wire-O top spiral | Wire-O top spiral | Three staples | | Writes in rain | Yes, with pencil or all-weather pen | Yes | No | The 3 × 5 in format also comes in black (No. 735) and tan (No. 935T), sold in 3-packs. AS Insight's July 2026 estimates put those 3-packs at the top of Amazon sales for Rite in the Rain notebooks, at about 900 to 1,000 units a month each. Rite in the Rain also makes the 391FX, a 4-5/8 × 7 in stapled notebook with 48 numbered pages that a retailer describes as an upgrade of its long-running No. 391. ## How much does the No. 135 cost? **The No. 135 sits in our $$ band ($5–20 per notebook).** It's sold singly and in 3-packs (No. 135-3); prices change, so check the current listing. ## Where are Rite in the Rain notebooks made? **Rite in the Rain's own specifications for the No. 135 say "Manufactured: U.S.A."** Its history page traces the company to 1916, when sheets were waterproofed by hand in Tacoma, Washington; Cansel's listing also says proudly made in the U.S.A. Listings for other top-spiral models, such as the 946T and 746, also say made in the USA. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Rite in the Rain No. 135? Its sheets measure 3 × 5 in, or about 76 × 127 mm; with the Wire-O spiral along the short top edge, Rite in the Rain gives the notebook as 3 × 5.25 × 0.375 in. That fits a shirt pocket or a uniform pocket. ### How many pages are in a Rite in the Rain No. 135? 50 sheets, which is 100 pages. Rite in the Rain lists them as white 20 lb all-weather paper, unperforated and unnumbered, printed with the Universal pattern in blue. ### What pens work on Rite in the Rain paper? Rite in the Rain says pencils and pressurized all-weather pens work wet or dry; permanent markers and standard ballpoints work only on dry paper; and gel pens, highlighters and fountain pens don't work, because water-based inks bead or wash off. ### Is Rite in the Rain paper really waterproof? Rite in the Rain calls it a patented all-weather paper that sheds water. It says the paper is as recyclable as office paper and, unlike synthetic papers, won't melt in heat. We haven't run our own wet test yet. ### What is the universal pattern in a Rite in the Rain notebook? It's Rite in the Rain's general-purpose page printing, in blue on white, and the pattern its spec sheet lists for the No. 135. Rite in the Rain also sells other page patterns, such as grid, in other models. ### Where are Rite in the Rain notebooks made? In the USA. Rite in the Rain's specifications for the No. 135 say manufactured in the U.S.A., and its history traces production in Tacoma, Washington, to 1916. ### What is the difference between the No. 135, 735 and 935T? They are the same 3 × 5 in top-spiral format in different cover colours: the No. 135 is yellow, the 735 black and the 935T tan. The black and tan versions are sold in 3-packs on Amazon. ## Sources - [Rite in the Rain: No. 135 Top Spiral Notebook (specifications: 19-gauge Polydura, 50 sheets of 20 lb paper, UPC, NSN, ISBN, manufactured U.S.A.)](https://www.riteintherain.com/3x5-top-spiral-notebook) - [Rite in the Rain: FAQs (what to write with; recyclability)](https://www.riteintherain.com/faqs) - [Rite in the Rain: History (Tacoma, Washington, since 1916)](https://www.riteintherain.com/rite-in-the-rain-history) - [Cansel: Rite in the Rain 135 Top Spiral Notebook, Universal, 3 × 5, Polydura, Yellow (made in USA, UPC, NSN)](https://cansel.ca/product/rite-in-the-rain-notebook-yellow-3x5-505660) - [B&H Photo: Rite in the Rain 135 All-Weather Pocket Notebook (100 pages, 20 lb paper, 3 × 5 in)](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/669760-REG/Rite_in_The_Rain_135_All_Weather_Pocket_Notebook.html) - [Bluewater: Rite in the Rain Top Spiral Notebook 3 × 5 in, No. 135 (100 pages / 50 sheets)](https://www.bluewaterweb.com/rite-in-the-rain-top-spiral-notebook-3-x5-135.html) - [Walmart: Rite in the Rain All-Weather Top-Spiral Notebook, 3 × 5 in, Yellow, 3-pack No. 135-3](https://www.walmart.com/ip/789250681) - [Walmart: Rite in the Rain all-weather notebook (made in Tacoma, Washington, since 1916)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/800075380) - [Bluewater: Rite in the Rain Top Spiral Notebook 4 × 6 in, No. 146 (Polydura, Wire-O)](https://www.bluewaterweb.com/rite-in-the-rain-top-spiral-notebook-4-x6-146.html) - [Do it Best: Rite in the Rain 4 × 6 in 50-sheet top-spiral notebook (paper, pen compatibility)](https://www.doitbest.com/product/349078/rite-in-the-rain-4-in-x-6-in-50-sheet-top-spiral-green-notebook-349078/) - [Knife Country USA: Rite in the Rain 946T 4 × 6 top-spiral notebook (made in USA)](https://knifecountryusa.com/store/product/203737.203766/rite-in-the-rain-946t-4-x-6-top-spiral-notebook-with-tan-polydura-cover.html) - [Modern Outpost: Rite in the Rain 391FX stapled notebook (4-5/8 × 7 in, 48 pages)](https://modernoutpost.com/product/rite-in-the-rain-391fx-notebook) - [AS Insight: Best-selling Rite in the Rain notebooks on Amazon (July 2026 estimates)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/rite-in-the-rain-notebooks) --- # Avery Planner Stickers Variety Pack: 1,656 Stickers > The Avery Planner Stickers Variety Pack (6785) is a book-style pack of planner stickers from Avery, the US label maker. Avery lists 30 sticker sheets with 1,656 stickers in themes such as work, holiday, budget and fitness. Some retailers list 1,744 stickers, and one distributor gives Mexico as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/avery-planner-stickers-variety-pack/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Avery Planner Stickers Variety Pack 6785 drawn to scale: 5 × 7.5 in sticker sheets fanned out, one with fitness and holiday stickers and one with work and budget stickers, from a pack of 30 sheets and 1,656 stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/avery-planner-stickers-variety-pack-16x9.png) *The pack's sheets fanned out, and a work and budget sheet beside them.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/avery-planner-stickers-variety-pack-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Avery Planner Stickers Variety Pack (6785) | Avery (by Avery Products Corporation) | United States | Mexico | Film and paper stickers (metallic, clear and white; glossy and matte), permanent adhesive | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Avery Planner Stickers Variety Pack (6785)): Mexico. Distributor OnTimeSupplies' spec table gives "Country of Origin: MX" (Mexico) for AVE6785. Avery's own product page doesn't state a country, so check the package. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ave6785-planner-sticker-variety-pack-budget-fitness-motivational-seasonal-work-assorted-colors-1744-pack.html ## Key takeaways - Avery lists the 6785 pack at 30 sticker sheets and 1,656 stickers, about 55 per sheet. - Each design sheet comes twice; OnTimeSupplies lists the pack at 5.41 × 7.55 × 0.29 in (137 × 192 × 7 mm). - Some retailers, including Newegg and OnTimeSupplies, list the same pack with 1,744 stickers. - Avery sells themed packs too: 1,452 stickers in the Student pack (6784) and 1,362 in the Fitness pack (6787), each on 30 sheets. - Distributor OnTimeSupplies gives Mexico as the country of origin; Avery's own page doesn't say. ## What is the Avery Planner Stickers Variety Pack? **It is a 30-sheet pack of planner stickers from Avery, the US label company, covering work, holidays, budgets and fitness in one pack.** The product number is 6785. Avery is best known for address labels and name badges, and its planner stickers are sold alongside them at office-supply stores. The variety pack is the generalist of the range: instead of one theme, it mixes functional stickers for appointments and bills with decorative ones for holidays. ## Avery 6785 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Avery | | Product number | 6785 | | Sheets | 30 | | Stickers | 1,656 (Avery); 1,744 at some retailers | | Pack size | 5.41 × 7.55 × 0.29 in (137 × 192 × 7 mm), per OnTimeSupplies | | Themes | Work, holiday, budget, fitness and more | | Finishes | Metallic, clear and white sheets; glossy and matte | | Adhesive | Permanent; not printer compatible | | UPC | 00072782067854 (OnTimeSupplies) | | Made in | Mexico (OnTimeSupplies) | Sheet count, sticker count, themes and finishes come from Avery's product page, which listed the pack at US$19.23 on October 20, 2026; Avery gives the stickers as "assorted dimensions" and no sheet size. The 1,744 count, pack size, UPC and origin come from OnTimeSupplies. ![Sticker sheets drawn to scale: Avery 6785 at 5 × 7.5 in (127 × 190.5 mm), a Happy Planner Classic sheet at 4.75 × 9 in and a Midori Yuru Log sheet at 4.5 × 6.8 in](https://stationerytimes.com/images/avery-planner-stickers-variety-pack-sheet-sizes.svg) *The Avery sheet is a little wider and shorter than a Happy Planner Classic sheet.* ## What stickers are in the pack? **Avery names work, holiday, budget and fitness themes, "and many more".** That covers the jobs most people use planner stickers for: flagging meetings and deadlines, marking paydays and bills, tracking workouts and water, and decorating holidays. At 1,656 stickers on 30 sheets, the pack averages about 55 stickers per sheet. Avery says each sticker page is included twice, and mentions calendar stickers and motivational quotes. It doesn't publish a sheet-by-sheet breakdown. ## Which Avery planner sticker pack should you buy? **Choose the 6785 variety pack if you want a bit of everything, or a themed pack if you plan around one thing.** | Avery pack | Product | Sheets | Stickers | |---|---|---|---| | Planner Stickers Variety Pack | 6785 | 30 | 1,656 | | Planner Stickers Variety Pack | 6780 | Not stated | 1,682 (Staples) | | Student Planner Stickers | 6784 | 30 | 1,452 | | Fitness Planner Stickers | 6787 | 30 | 1,362 | | Productivity Planner Sticker Pack | 6777 | 15 | 1,094 (1,090 in Avery's spec line) | | Seasons and Holidays Sticker Pack | 6776 | 15 | 571 (Walmart) | Counts are from Avery's pages except where a retailer is named. One reseller notes the 6785 pack may be out of stock or discontinued, so the themed packs are the fallback. ## Which Avery pack gives the most stickers per sheet? **The 15-sheet Productivity pack packs the most stickers onto each sheet, about 73, while the 6785 variety pack averages about 55.** More stickers per sheet usually means smaller stickers: checkboxes, icons and short labels rather than big decorative pieces. | Avery pack | Stickers per sheet (average) | |---|---| | Productivity (6777) | About 73 | | Variety (6785) | About 55 | | Student (6784) | About 48 | | Fitness (6787) | About 45 | We worked these out by dividing Avery's sticker count by its sheet count. For comparison, the Happy Planner Classic value packs we found average about 17 to 47 stickers per sheet, so Avery's sheets are densely filled for their size. If you mainly need small functional stickers for a weekly layout, the higher counts are useful. If you want larger decorative pieces, a lower count per sheet is a better sign. ## How does it compare to Happy Planner value packs? **Both are 30-sheet books of functional and decorative stickers, but [Happy Planner value packs](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers/) are sized for one planner system and come in many more themes.** A Happy Planner Classic sheet is 4.75 × 9 in; OnTimeSupplies lists the Avery pack at 5.41 × 7.55 in. Happy Planner packs we found hold 519 to 1,424 stickers, so the Avery pack sits at the high end for count. The Avery sheets also suit large undated planners such as the [Clever Fox Planner PRO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/clever-fox-planner-pro/). If you keep a small Japanese planner, such as a [Hobonichi Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/), smaller stickers like [Hobonichi's Transparent Dot Stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-transparent-dot-stickers/) or [Midori Yuru Log](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/) washi stickers fit its pages better. ## Where are Avery planner stickers made? **In Mexico, according to distributor OnTimeSupplies' spec table.** Avery doesn't state the country on its own 6785 page. Avery is an American brand, and where a given pack is printed can differ, so check the package. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in the Avery Planner Stickers Variety Pack? Avery lists 1,656 stickers on 30 sheets for product 6785. Some retailers, such as Newegg and OnTimeSupplies, list 1,744, so the count may differ between print runs. ### What size are Avery planner sticker sheets? Avery lists the stickers as assorted dimensions and doesn't give a sheet size. OnTimeSupplies lists the pack at 5.41 × 7.55 in (137 × 192 mm), a little smaller than US half-letter paper (5.5 × 8.5 in). ### What themes are in the Avery 6785 pack? Avery names work, holiday, budget and fitness stickers "and many more", including calendar stickers and motivational quotes. Each sticker page comes twice, so you can match weekly and monthly views. ### What's the difference between Avery 6785 and 6780? Both are called Planner Stickers Variety Pack. Avery lists 6785 at 1,656 stickers on 30 sheets, while Staples and Quill list 6780 at 1,682 stickers. ### Does Avery make other planner sticker packs? Yes. Avery lists a Student pack (6784, 1,452 stickers) and a Fitness pack (6787, 1,362 stickers) on 30 sheets each, plus 15-sheet Productivity (6777, 1,094 stickers) and Seasons and Holidays (6776) packs. ### Is the Avery 6785 pack still available? Avery still has a product page for it, but one reseller notes it may be out of stock or discontinued. If it's hard to find, the themed packs cover the same uses. ### Where are Avery planner stickers made? OnTimeSupplies, an office-products distributor, gives Mexico as the country of origin. Avery's own page doesn't say, and Avery is a US brand. ## Sources - [Avery: Planner Stickers Variety Pack, 6785 (30 sheets, 1,656 stickers, finishes, permanent adhesive)](https://www.avery.com/products/labels/6785) - [Avery: Student Planner Stickers Variety Pack, 6784 (30 sheets, 1,452 stickers)](https://www.avery.com/products/labels/6784) - [Avery: Fitness Planner Stickers Variety Pack, 6787 (30 sheets, 1,362 stickers)](https://www.avery.com/products/labels/6787) - [Avery: Productivity Planner Sticker Pack, 6777 (15 sheets, 1,094 stickers)](https://avery.com/products/labels/6777) - [Avery: Seasons and Holidays Sticker Pack, 6776](https://www.avery.com/products/labels/6776) - [OnTimeSupplies: AVE6785 Planner Sticker Variety Pack (1,744; 5.41 × 7.55 × 0.29 in; UPC; country of origin MX)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ave6785-planner-sticker-variety-pack-budget-fitness-motivational-seasonal-work-assorted-colors-1744-pack.html) - [Newegg: Avery 6785 Planner Sticker Variety Pack (1,744 stickers)](https://www.newegg.com/p/2US-0009-008G6) - [Walmart: Avery Fitness Planner Sticker Variety Pack, 1,362 Stickers (6787)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/110100030) - [Walmart: Avery Seasons and Holidays Sticker Pack, 15 sheets, 571 count (6776)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Avery-Seasons-and-Holidays-Sticker-Pack-15-Sheets-571ct-6776/5394502655) - [Staples: Avery Planner Stickers Variety Pack, 1,682 Stickers (6780)](https://www.staples.com/avery-planner-stickers-variety-pack-1-682-stickers-calendar-stickers-decorate-planners-and-journals-6780/product_24452702) --- # Decomposition Book: Size, Recycled Paper & Bindings > The Decomposition Book is a recycled-paper take on the composition notebook, sold by Brooklyn's Michael Roger. The large book measures 7.5 × 9.75 in (191 × 248 mm) and holds 80 college-ruled sheets (160 pages) of 100% post-consumer recycled paper, with a soy-ink-printed cover. It is made in the USA. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/decomposition-book/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a large Decomposition Book to scale: closed in the white-and-green Parsley design with a dark green spine, 9.75 × 7.5 in (248 × 191 mm), and opened flat on two college-ruled pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/decomposition-book-16x9.png) *A large Decomposition Book, closed and opened to its college-ruled pages (1 mm = 0.8 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/decomposition-book-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Decomposition Book, Composition Binding, College Ruled, 80 Sheets (7.5 × 9.75 in) | Decomposition (by Michael Roger (Brooklyn, New York)) | United States | United States | 100% post-consumer recycled paper, soy-ink-printed cover | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Decomposition Book, Composition Binding, College Ruled, 80 Sheets (7.5 × 9.75 in)): United States. Decomposition's product pages give the country of origin as US, and Michael Roger says it manufactures its products in the USA whenever possible. Retailer listings (Amazon, Labyrinth Books, Firestorm Books) also say made in the USA; we found none that names another country. Source: https://decomposition.com/products/parsley-decomposition-book-1 ## Key takeaways - Size: 7.5 × 9.75 in (191 × 248 mm), the same footprint as a standard composition book, and about 0.4–0.5 in thick. - Pages: 80 college-ruled sheets (160 pages), 20 sheets fewer than a 100-sheet Mead composition book. - Paper: 100% post-consumer waste recycled, made without bleach; covers are printed with soy ink, and Decomposition's notebook collection lists 134 products. - Bindings: composition (the classic), spiral, topbound, and a pocket size that Decomposition lists at 4 × 6¼ in with 60 sheets. - Decomposition Books are made in the USA, per the maker's site and retailer listings. ## What is a Decomposition Book? **A Decomposition Book is a composition-style notebook made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, with an illustrated cover instead of the usual black marble.** It is sold under the Decomposition name by Michael Roger, Inc., which lists a Brooklyn, New York, address. Michael Roger says it has been family-owned and operated since 1949. A March 2023 Ethos profile dates the recycled-notebook idea to a 2006 landfill visit, and Decomposition's notebook collection lists 134 products in October 2026. ## Decomposition Book specs | Spec | Large, composition binding | Large, spiral | Pocket | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 7.5 × 9.75 in (191 × 248 mm) | 7.5 × 9.75 in | 4 × 6¼ in (102 × 159 mm) | | Sheets | 80 (160 pages) | 80 (160 pages) | 60 (120 pages) | | Ruling | College ruled | College ruled | College ruled | | Paper | 100% post-consumer recycled, no bleach | Same | Same | | Weight | 0.9 lb (408 g) | 0.9 lb | 0.35 lb (159 g) | | Price at Decomposition | US$12 | US$12 | US$6 | | Cover | Printed with soy ink | Same | Same | | Thickness | 0.4–0.5 in (retailers) | Not listed | 0.25 in | | Made in | USA | USA | USA | Size, sheets, binding, weight, price and the US country of origin come from Decomposition's product pages, including the pocket size. Thickness comes from retailer listings; one UK seller lists the pocket at 15.5 × 10 cm with 80 sheets instead. ![To-scale drawing: the large Decomposition Book at 7.5 × 9.75 in and the pocket size at about 4 × 6 in, next to a dashed 8.5 × 11 in US Letter outline](https://stationerytimes.com/images/decomposition-book-sizes.svg) *The large book fits inside a sheet of US Letter; the pocket size is about a quarter of its area.* ## Is the Decomposition Book sewn or glued? **Our sources don't agree, so we can't say for certain.** Decomposition's own pages list the binding only as "Composition". EarthHero describes the book as sewn bound, while Amazon's listing for the Parsley design says "thermal binding", which usually means glued. If you want pages that tear out cleanly, buy the spiral version. Retailers describe its 80 sheets as micro-perforated for easy removal. ## How does it compare to a Mead composition book? **The two are the same size, but the Decomposition Book has 20 fewer sheets, recycled paper and a printed cover.** | | Decomposition Book (large) | [Mead Composition 09910](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/) | |---|---|---| | Size | 7.5 × 9.75 in | 7.5 × 9.75 in | | Sheets | 80 (160 pages) | 100 (200 pages) | | Ruling | College | Wide (college: 09932) | | Paper | 100% post-consumer recycled | 15 lb bond | | Binding | Composition (sewn or glued, see above) | Sewn | | Price band | $$ | $ | | Made in | USA | Vietnam (most listings) | For a smaller book, the pocket Decomposition is larger than the 4.5 × 3.25 in [mini composition books](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/). For more pages per notebook, a spiral like the [Five Star 5 Subject](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/) holds 200 sheets, while the [Oxford 1-Subject spiral notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/oxford-1-subject-spiral-notebook/) has 70 perforated, 3-hole-punched sheets. ## Which Decomposition Book should you buy? **Buy the composition-bound book for class or journal notes you want to keep together, and the spiral for pages you plan to tear out.** Both are 7.5 × 9.75 in with 80 college-ruled sheets. - **Composition binding:** the classic, with no wire to snag in a bag. - **Spiral:** folds back on itself and has micro-perforated sheets. - **Pocket:** 4 × 6¼ in, 60 sheets, in composition, spiral or topbound versions, for lists and field notes. Decomposition's site also offers a topbound version. The cover design is the main choice; the paper inside is the same college-ruled recycled stock. ## How much does a Decomposition Book cost? **A large Decomposition Book falls in our $$ band ($5–20 per notebook).** That makes it more than a basic composition book, which is usually in our lowest band ($, under $5). Staples, Amazon and many campus and museum shops stock it. ## Where are Decomposition Books made? **Decomposition Books are made in the USA.** Decomposition's product pages give the country of origin as US, and Michael Roger says it manufactures in the USA whenever possible; retailer listings including Amazon, Labyrinth Books and Firestorm Books agree. The company lists a Brooklyn, New York, address. If you write in a Japanese-style notebook instead, the [KOKUYO Campus](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-campus-notebook/) is a thinner, cheaper alternative at a similar page size. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a Decomposition Book? The large Decomposition Book measures 7.5 × 9.75 inches (191 × 248 mm), the same as a standard composition book. Decomposition lists the pocket version at 4 × 6¼ inches (102 × 159 mm). ### How many pages are in a Decomposition Book? The large composition-bound and spiral books have 80 sheets, which is 160 pages because both sides are ruled. Decomposition lists the pocket size with 60 sheets (120 pages), though one UK seller lists 80. ### Is a Decomposition Book college ruled or wide ruled? The standard large books are college ruled, according to Decomposition's product pages. The maker doesn't publish the exact line spacing in the sources we found. ### Is the Decomposition Book sewn or glued? Sources disagree. Decomposition's site lists the binding simply as "Composition", one retailer describes it as sewn bound, and an Amazon listing for the Parsley design says thermal binding. Check the spine of the copy you buy. ### What is the Decomposition Book made of? The pages are 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper, processed chlorine-free, and the cover is printed with soy ink, according to the maker and its retailers. ### Who makes the Decomposition Book? Michael Roger, Inc., a company in Brooklyn, New York, that says it has been family-owned and operated since 1949. The notebooks are sold under its Decomposition brand. ### Where are Decomposition Books made? In the USA. Decomposition's own site and every retailer listing we checked say the notebooks are made in the USA. ### Can you tear pages out of a Decomposition Book? The spiral version is designed for it: retailers describe its sheets as micro-perforated for easy removal. The composition-bound book has no perforations, so tearing a page out can loosen its partner page. ## Sources - [Decomposition: Parsley Decomposition Book (7.5 × 9.75 in, composition binding, 80 sheets, country of origin US, 0.9 lb, UPC 9781401540180, US$12)](https://decomposition.com/products/parsley-decomposition-book-1) - [Decomposition: Mountain Lake Pocket Sized Decomposition Book (4 × 6¼ in, 60 sheets, country of origin US, 0.35 lb, US$6)](https://decomposition.com/products/pocket-4x6-decomposition-book-mountain-lake-lined-pages) - [Decomposition: About (Michael Roger, family-owned since 1949, manufactures in the USA whenever possible)](https://decomposition.com/pages/about) - [Decomposition: The power of PCW (100% post-consumer-waste paper, no bleach)](https://decomposition.com/pages/the-power-of-pcw) - [Decomposition: Brownstone Composition Book, College Ruled, 9.75 × 7.5 in (80 sheets, 160 pages, composition binding, 0.9 lb)](https://decomposition.com/products/brownstone-decomposition-book-college-ruled-pages) - [Decomposition: Notebooks collection (134 products, October 2026)](https://decomposition.com/collections/recycled-notebooks) - [Decomposition: Big Sur Spiral Bound, College Ruled, 9.75 × 7.5 in](https://decomposition.com/products/big-sur-decomposition-book) - [Decomposition: Woodgrain Decomposition Book (composition, spiral and topbound bindings)](https://decomposition.com/product/decomposition-book-woodgrain-lined-pages/) - [Amazon: Decomposition Parsley College Ruled Composition Notebook, 9.75 × 7.5, 160 pages (thermal binding, made in USA)](https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Roger-Parsley-Decomposition-Book/dp/140154018X) - [Amazon: Decomposition Everglades College Ruled Spiral Notebook, 9.75 × 7.5, 160 pages](https://www.amazon.com/Everglades-Coilbound-Decomposition-Book-Ruled/dp/1412416256) - [Labyrinth Books: Michael Roger Parsley Decomposition Book, white cover with green printing, 7.5 × 9.75 in, college ruled](https://www.labyrinthbooks.com/parsley-decomposition-book/) - [Firestorm Books: Woodgrain Decomposition Book (80 college-ruled sheets, 0.5 × 7.5 × 9.8 in, ISBN 9781401519254)](https://www.firestorm.coop/products/6329-woodgrain-decomposition-book.html) - [EarthHero: Ruled Decomposition Notebook (sewn bound)](https://earthhero.com/products/decomposition-ruled-decomposition-notebook) - [Tenement Museum Shop: Brownstone Decomposition Notebook (0.4 in thick)](https://shop.tenement.org/product/brownstone-decomposition-notebook/) - [Tenement Museum Shop: Topographical Map Pocket Size Decomposition Book (6 × 4 × 0.25 in, 60 sheets)](https://shop.tenement.org/product/topographical-map-pocket-size-decomposition-book/) - [Methodist Bookshop: Decomposition Book Pocket Notebook (about 15.5 × 10 cm, 80 sheets)](https://www.methodistnottinghamtrent.co.uk/product/2870542/decomposition-book-pocket-notebook) - [Staples: Decomposition Jellyfish 1-Subject Composition Notebook, College Ruled, 80 Sheets](https://www.staples.com/decomposition-jellyfish-1-subject-composition-notebooks-college-ruled-80-sheets-multicolored-15606/product_24636715) - [Ethos: How the Decomposition Notebook Is Writing a New Chapter for Responsible Paper Production (March 5, 2023; 2006 landfill visit)](https://the-ethos.co/the-decomposition-notebook-responsible-paper-production/) - [ARTnews: The Best Composition Notebooks](https://www.artnews.com/art-news/product-recommendations/best-composition-notebooks-1202692487/) --- # Hobonichi Transparent Dot Stickers: 3 Sizes, 12 Colors > Hobonichi's Transparent Dot Stickers are small round stickers of clear, tinted PET in the 12 TSUKI no IRO monthly colors, made to sit in the Hobonichi Techo grid. They come in 3.5, 6 and 15 mm sets of two 126 × 74 mm sheets, with 576, 192 or 48 dots. Hobonichi sells each set for ¥440 (about US$2.80). - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-transparent-dot-stickers/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Hobonichi Transparent Dot Stickers drawn to scale: the 3.5, 6 and 15 mm sets, each two 126 × 74 mm sheets of 576, 192 and 48 dots in 12 colors, beside a Techo Original page using the dots, with the 3.7 mm grid showing through a clear dot](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/hobonichi-transparent-dot-stickers-16x9.png) *The three sets, and a few dots on a Techo Original daily page.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-transparent-dot-stickers-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Transparent Dot Stickers (3.5 mm, 6 mm, 15 mm) | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Clear PET (firm, ハリのあるPET) | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Transparent Dot Stickers (3.5 mm, 6 mm, 15 mm)): Japan. Luiban gives Japan as the country of origin for the 6 mm set. Hobonichi's Japanese and English store pages don't state a country of manufacture. Source: https://luiban.com/en/Planners/Covers-Accessories/HOB26121-hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-transparent-dot-stickers-6mm ## Key takeaways - Each set is 2 sheets of 126 × 74 mm (about 5 × 2.9 in) and weighs about 1 g, per Hobonichi's Japanese store. - The 3.5 mm set holds 576 dots (48 per color), the 6 mm set 192 (16 per color) and the 15 mm set 48 (4 per color). - A 3.5 mm dot fits inside one 3.7 mm square of the Techo's daily grid; a 15 mm dot spans about 4 squares. - Hobonichi's store lists each set at ¥440 (about US$2.80) including tax; European retailers list €7 (about US$7.80). - Luiban gives Japan as the country of origin; Hobonichi's own page doesn't say. ## What are Hobonichi Transparent Dot Stickers? **They are small round stickers of tinted, clear PET plastic that Hobonichi sells for marking and color-coding its Techo planners.** In Japanese they're シースルー丸シール (see-through round stickers), part of TSUKI no IRO ("colors of the months"), a line built on the 12 calm colors used in the Original, Cousin and HON books. Because the plastic is transparent, a dot can sit over a date, a grid square or a word and still let it show. Hobonichi says the three sizes are made to sit comfortably in the grid of the [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) and its other planners. ## Transparent Dot Sticker specs | Spec | 3.5 mm | 6 mm | 15 mm | |---|---|---|---| | Sheets per set | 2 | 2 | 2 | | Dots per color | 48 | 16 | 4 | | Dots per set | 576 | 192 | 48 | | Colors | 12 | 12 | 12 | | Sheet size | 126 × 74 mm (5 × 2.9 in) | same | same | | Weight | About 1 g | About 1 g | About 1 g | | Material | Clear PET | Clear PET | Clear PET | | Japan price | ¥440 (about US$2.80) | same | same | Counts, sheet size, weight, material and price come from Hobonichi's Japanese store listing (TSUKI no IRO シースルー丸シール), which gives the sheet as 126 mm tall and 74 mm wide; the price includes Japanese tax. Luiban gives the same 126 × 74 mm and 1 g. ![Hobonichi Transparent Dot Stickers drawn to scale over a 3.7 mm grid: a 3.5 mm dot fits one square, a 6 mm dot about 1.6 squares and a 15 mm dot about 4 squares; 576, 192 and 48 dots per set](https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-transparent-dot-stickers-sizes.svg) *The three dot sizes against the Techo Original's 3.7 mm grid.* ## Which size should you choose? **Pick 3.5 mm for checklists and habit trackers, 6 mm for highlighting or sorting, and 15 mm for pinning a memo or decorating a page.** Those are the uses Hobonichi suggests for each size. | Size | Grid squares it covers | Good for | |---|---|---| | 3.5 mm | 1 square on the 3.7 mm daily grid | Bullets, habit dots, color-coding lines | | 6 mm | About 1.6 squares | Marking a date on the monthly calendar | | 15 mm | About 4 squares | Circling a whole day number or a heading | On the monthly calendar pages, whose grid is 3.45 mm, a 3.5 mm dot is very slightly wider than one square. The 3.5 mm set gives the most dots per yen, at 576. ## What are the 12 colors? **The 12 colors are Hobonichi's TSUKI no IRO month colors, one for each month of the year.** In The Journal Shop's English names, January to June are Mandarin Orange, Brown Black, Plum Purple, Poppy Red, Avocado Green and Green Black; July to December are Nemophila Blue, Blue Black, Cappuccino Brown, Violet, Emerald and Red. Every set has all 12 colors in equal numbers, so you can give each month, person or project its own color. The same names appear on other TSUKI no IRO items, such as a set of uni-ball One gel pens. ## Can you write on or through the dots? **You can read through them: the dots are tinted clear PET, so the grid and handwriting underneath stay visible.** Hobonichi doesn't say which pens write on top of the plastic. PET is slick, so ink from water-based pens may bead or smear. ## How do they compare to other Hobonichi stickers? **The dot stickers are the plainest, most functional Hobonichi stickers: color, not pictures.** The other everyday Techo add-on is the [Hobonichi Pencil Board](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-pencil-board/), a 0.4 mm sheet that goes under the page you're writing on. | Hobonichi sticker | What you get | Material | |---|---|---| | Transparent Dot Stickers | 48 to 576 round dots, 2 sheets | Clear PET | | TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set (Schedule) | 5 sheets of 148 × 100 mm, including icon stickers | Paper | | Frame Stickers | 81 frames on 4 sheets, for writing inside | Tracing paper | For dating undated pages, the [Frame Stickers for Dates](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-frame-stickers-for-dates/) pack holds 100 see-through frames on 5 sheets. For illustrated stickers, washi sheets such as [Midori Yuru Log stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/) are removable and printed with small animals and flowers. Loose flake stickers such as [Mind Wave Washi Flowers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mind-wave-washi-flowers-foil-stickers/) come 40 to a pack, each about 1 in across. US sticker books such as [Happy Planner value packs](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers/) carry hundreds of stickers per book but are sized for larger planners. ## Where are Hobonichi Transparent Dot Stickers made? **Luiban gives Japan as the country of origin.** Hobonichi is based in Tokyo, but its Japanese and English store pages don't state where the stickers are made. ## Frequently asked questions ### What sizes do Hobonichi Transparent Dot Stickers come in? Three diameters: 3.5 mm, 6 mm and 15 mm. Each is sold as its own set of two sheets. ### How many stickers are in a set? Hobonichi's Japanese store lists 576 dots in the 3.5 mm set, 192 in the 6 mm set and 48 in the 15 mm set: 48, 16 and 4 dots per color across the 12 colors, on 2 sheets. ### What are the 12 TSUKI no IRO colors? TSUKI no IRO means "colors of the months", the 12 colors printed on the Techo's monthly pages. The Journal Shop names them Mandarin Orange, Brown Black, Plum Purple, Poppy Red, Avocado Green and Green Black for January to June, then Nemophila Blue, Blue Black, Cappuccino Brown, Violet, Emerald and Red. ### Do the dot stickers fit the Hobonichi Techo grid? Hobonichi says the three sizes are made to sit comfortably in the Techo's grid. On the 3.7 mm daily grid, a 3.5 mm dot fits inside one square; on the monthly pages, whose grid is 3.45 mm, it is a touch wider than a square. ### Can you see writing through the dots? The dots are tinted clear PET, so the grid and anything written under them show through. We haven't yet tested which pens write cleanly on top of the plastic. ### How much do Hobonichi Transparent Dot Stickers cost? Hobonichi's Japanese store lists each set at ¥440 (about US$2.80) including tax. Imported, they sell for more: Luiban lists €7 (about US$7.80) and Hunter Paper Co. £7 (about US$9.20). ### Where are Hobonichi Transparent Dot Stickers made? Luiban lists Japan as the country of origin. Hobonichi, a Tokyo company, doesn't state it on its store page. ## Sources - [TSUKI no IRO シースルー丸シール（3.5mm/6mm/15mm） - ほぼ日手帳 2027 (Hobonichi Japanese store: PET, 126 × 74 mm, 2 sheets, 1 g, counts per size, ¥440)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_dotsticker_tsuki/) - [Hobonichi: TSUKI no IRO Transparent Dot Stickers, 2027 store page (English)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_toolstoys/tt_dotsticker_tsuki/) - [Hobonichi: TSUKI no IRO lineup](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/magazine/contents/tsukinoiro/) - [Luiban: Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO Transparent Dot Stickers 6 mm (126 × 74 mm, 1 g, origin Japan, €7)](https://luiban.com/en/Planners/Covers-Accessories/HOB26121-hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-transparent-dot-stickers-6mm) - [Boston General Store: TSUKI no IRO Transparent Dot Stickers (clear PET)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/tsuki-no-iro-transparent-dot-stickers) - [The Journal Shop: TSUKI no IRO Transparent Dot Stickers (6 mm)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-transparent-dot-stickers-6mm) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Hobonichi TSUKI no IRO collection (£7)](https://hunterpaperco.com/collections/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro) - [The Journal Shop: TSUKI no IRO uni-ball One set (monthly color names)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/hobonichi-2026-accessories-tsuki-no-iro-uniball-one-0-38mm-set-of-6-with-case) - [The Journal Shop: TSUKI no IRO Sticker Set (Schedule)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/hobonichi-tsuki-no-iro-sticker-set-schedule) - [The Journal Shop: Hobonichi Frame Stickers, 4 sheets (81 stickers)](https://thejournalshop.com/products/hobonichi-frame-stickers-4-sheets) --- # STALOGY 365Days Notebook: A5, 368 Thin Pages > The STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days Notebook is a Japanese notebook built to last a year at a page a day. The A5 version measures 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in) and has 368 pages (184 sheets) of thin 52 g/m² white paper in grid or lined, with faint date and hour marks for optional diary use. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stalogy-365-days-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the STALOGY 365Days A5 notebook to scale: closed in a black soft cover, 210 × 148 mm with 368 pages, and opened flat on white grid pages with faint date and hour marks](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/stalogy-365-days-notebook-16x9.png) *The A5 365Days, closed and opened to its grid pages (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/stalogy-365-days-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days Notebook, A5, 368 pages | STALOGY (by Nitoms, Inc. (ニトムズ)) | Japan | Japan | 52 g/m² white paper (per retailers); paper cover with cloth (Amazon Japan) | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days Notebook, A5, 368 pages): Japan. Amazon Japan's listing for S4101 gives 原産国 (country of origin) 日本 (Japan), and Galen Leather lists Japan for its grid, dot grid and blank A5s. STALOGY's About page says Nitoms, a Japanese Nitto group company, develops, manufactures and sells the line; STALOGY's product pages don't name a country. Source: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00LFEBTCI ## Key takeaways - The A5 measures 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in) and has 368 pages, enough for one page a day for a full year. - Paper is 52 g/m² white, per retailer listings; reviewers compare it to Tomoe River, also sold at 52 g/m². - STALOGY's Japanese site lists the A5 in 4 cover colors (S4101 black, S4105 red, S4106 blue, S4107 yellow) with a 4 mm grid, plus a 7 mm lined A5 (SS1012). - Amazon Japan lists Japan as the country of origin; STALOGY says Nitoms develops, makes and sells the line. - Besides A5 (320 g), STALOGY sells the 365Days in B5 (470 g), B6 (235 g) and A6 (177 g), all with 184 sheets. ## What is the STALOGY 365Days notebook? **The STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days is a thick, soft-cover Japanese notebook with enough thin pages to write one page a day for a year.** STALOGY says it was designed around the way editors (編集者) work, hence the series name. Each page carries faint date numbers and hour marks, so it can serve as a diary, but the marks are light enough to ignore. Reviewers often describe it as a plainer alternative to the [Hobonichi Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). One reviewer called it a good substitute for the larger Hobonichi Cousin if you want less structure. ## STALOGY 365Days A5 specs | Spec | STALOGY 365Days A5 | |---|---| | Size | 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in) | | Pages | 368 (184 sheets) | | Paper | 52 g/m², white | | Layouts | 4 mm grid (STALOGY); 7 mm lined A5, SS1012 (STALOGY); dot grid and blank (Galen Leather) | | Cover colors | Black, red, blue, yellow (S4101, S4105, S4106, S4107) | | Page marks | Faint month, date and weekday marks; hours 0–24 down the side | | Thickness | 14 mm (0.55 in), per Amazon Japan | | Weight | 320 g (11.3 oz), per STALOGY | | List price (Japan) | ¥2,937 (about US$19) with tax | | Other sizes | B5, B6, A6 (see below) | | Made in | Japan (Amazon Japan, Galen Leather) | STALOGY's Japanese product page lists the A5 at 210 × 148 mm with 184 sheets (368 pages) and prices all four A5 colors at ¥2,937 (about US$19) including tax; its 365Days feature page adds the 4 mm grid and the 320 g weight, but still shows an older ¥2,550 (about US$16). STALOGY doesn't publish a paper weight: the 52 g/m² figure comes from Galen Leather and The Pen Addict. | Size (STALOGY) | Dimensions | Grid | Hour marks | Weight | Price (Japan, with tax) | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | A6 (S4103) | 148 × 105 mm | 5 mm | 8–21 | 177 g | ¥2,420 (about US$15) | | B6 (S4104) | 182 × 128 mm | 5 mm | 7–23 | 235 g | ¥2,816 (about US$18) | | A5 (S4101) | 210 × 148 mm | 4 mm | 0–24 | 320 g | ¥2,937 (about US$19) | | B5 (S4102) | 257 × 182 mm | 5 mm | 0–24 | 470 g | ¥4,026 (about US$25) | Every size has 184 sheets. STALOGY also sells a 96-sheet "1/2 Year Notebook" (192 pages) in A6, B6 and A5. STALOGY says the 365Days won a design-category prize at the 23rd Japan Stationery Awards (日本文具大賞). ## How thin is the paper, and does it ghost? **At 52 g/m², the paper is about two-thirds the weight of the 80 g/m² paper in a Leuchtturm1917 Medium, which is how STALOGY fits 368 pages into one book.** Thin paper keeps the book light, but it shows writing through from the other side (ghosting). Galen Leather describes the paper as bleed-proof, and reviewers at The Pen Addict and The Well-Appointed Desk generally like it with fountain pens. The Pen Addict's 2025 review found it indistinguishable from Tomoe River, while its 2017 review found it slightly more textured; a Wonder Pens customer review says it dries faster than Tomoe River. STALOGY's own claim is that it resists bleed-through (裏抜けしにくい). Ghosting is the main complaint, especially with very saturated inks. ![Bar chart: STALOGY 365Days A5 has 368 pages of 52 g/m² paper, versus 251 pages of 80 g/m² in the Leuchtturm1917 Medium, 240 pages of 70 g/m² in the Moleskine Classic Large and 176 pages of 80–90 g/m² in the Midori MD A5](https://stationerytimes.com/images/stalogy-365-days-notebook-pages.svg) *The 365Days fits the most pages of these A5-class books by using the lightest paper.* ## Can you use the STALOGY 365Days as a planner? **Yes, loosely: the faint date and hour marks let you use it as a daily diary, but nothing is pre-dated.** You write the date yourself, so you can start on any day and skip days without wasting pages. Reviewers describe the marks and grid as small and faint, which suits people who want a notebook first. One early reviewer noted that 368 pages cover a year well but leave little room for extra notes or reference pages. ## How does the STALOGY 365Days compare to a Hobonichi Techo? **The Hobonichi Techo Original is a dated A6 planner; the STALOGY 365Days is a plainer notebook that also comes in A5.** | | STALOGY 365Days A5 | [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) | |---|---|---| | Size | 148 × 210 mm | 105 × 148 mm (A6) | | Pages | 368 | 464 | | Paper | 52 g/m² | Tomoe River | | Dates | Faint marks, you fill them in | Printed for each day | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | If you mainly want good fountain pen paper and don't need a year in one book, see our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). The [Midori MD Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/) is a thread-bound option with heavier paper. If a page a day feels like too much, the [Q&A a Day 5-Year Journal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/qa-a-day-5-year-journal/) asks one short question per date. ## Which size and layout should you choose? **Choose the A5 for a desk journal with room to write, and the B6 or A6 if it has to fit in a bag.** The A5 page is about the size of a Leuchtturm1917 or Midori MD A5. - **Grid:** for lists, tables and sketches; the layout STALOGY sells in all four sizes. - **Lined:** STALOGY's 7 mm ruled A5 (SS1012), with triangle marks to split the page into two or four columns. - **Dot grid or blank:** listed by Galen Leather and other export retailers; we didn't find them on STALOGY's Japanese site, so they may be export-market versions. ## How much does the STALOGY 365Days cost? **The A5 365Days falls in our $$$ band ($20–75 per notebook).** That's more than a basic notebook, but it holds a full year of pages. It costs less in Japan: STALOGY's Japanese site lists the black A5 (S4101) at ¥2,937 (about US$19) including tax, just under our $$ ceiling. We keep the $$$ band because it reflects typical US retail after import, not the Japanese list price. ## Where is the STALOGY 365Days made? **In Japan: Amazon Japan lists 原産国 (country of origin) 日本 for the black A5, S4101.** Galen Leather also lists Japan for its grid, dot grid and blank versions. STALOGY's About page says Nitoms, Inc., a Japanese company in the Nitto group, develops, manufactures and sells STALOGY products; the product pages themselves don't name a country. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the STALOGY 365Days A5 notebook? STALOGY lists the A5 365Days at 210 × 148 mm, about 8.3 × 5.8 inches, and 320 g. It also makes the 365Days in B5 (257 × 182 mm), B6 (182 × 128 mm) and A6 (148 × 105 mm). ### How many pages does the STALOGY 365Days have? The A5 has 368 pages, which is 184 sheets. That is enough for a page a day for a year, with three pages to spare. ### What paper does STALOGY use? Retailers list the 365Days paper as 52 g/m² white paper. STALOGY doesn't call it Tomoe River; reviewers compare the two, and one found them hard to tell apart. ### Is the STALOGY 365Days good for fountain pens? Mostly. Reviewers generally like it with fountain pens and a retailer calls it bleed-proof, but the thin paper ghosts: writing shows through from the other side, especially with very saturated inks. ### Is the STALOGY 365Days a planner? Not a structured one. Each page carries faint date numbers and hour marks that you can use as a diary or ignore, so it works as an ordinary notebook too. ### STALOGY 365Days vs Hobonichi Techo: what's the difference? Both use thin paper to fit a year into one book. The Hobonichi Techo Original is an A6 planner with printed dates for each day, while the STALOGY 365Days is a plainer notebook with optional date marks, and it also comes in A5. ### Where is the STALOGY 365Days made? In Japan, according to Amazon Japan's listing (原産国: 日本) and Galen Leather. STALOGY says its maker, Nitoms, develops, manufactures and sells the line. ## Sources - [エディターズシリーズ 365デイズノート グリッド (STALOGY Japan product page, "Editor's Series 365 Days Notebook, Grid": sizes, 184 sheets, timeline hours, product codes S4101–S4107, A5 ¥2,937 with tax, 23rd Japan Stationery Award)](https://stalogy.com/products/018/) - [エディターズシリーズ 365デイズノート 罫線 (STALOGY Japan product page, "365 Days Notebook, Lined": A5, 7 mm ruling, SS1012, ¥2,937)](https://stalogy.com/products/018-lined) - [365デイズノートとは (STALOGY Japan feature page, "What is the 365 Days Notebook": A5 210 × 148 mm, 4 mm grid, 184 sheets, 320 g; B5/B6/A6 weights; older prices)](https://stalogy.com/special/365-days-notebook/) - [ブランド紹介 (STALOGY Japan About page: developed, made and sold by Nitoms, Inc.)](https://stalogy.com/about/) - [Amazon.co.jp: ニトムズ STALOGY ノート A5 方眼 365デイズノート ブラック S4101 (Nitoms STALOGY A5 grid notebook: 原産国 Japan, 14 mm thick, paper and cloth cover)](https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00LFEBTCI) - [Galen Leather: STALOGY 365Days Notebook, A5, Grid, 368 Pages, Black (21 × 14.8 cm, 184 sheets, 52 gsm, Japan)](https://www.galenleather.com/products/stalogy-editors-series-365days-notebook-a5-grid-368-pages-black) - [Galen Leather: STALOGY 365Days Notebook, A5, Dot Grid, 368 Pages, Black](https://galenleather.com/products/stalogy-editors-series-365days-notebook-a5-dot-grid-368-pages-black) - [Galen Leather: STALOGY 365Days Notebook, A5, Blank, 368 Pages, Red](https://www.galenleather.com/products/stalogy-editors-series-365days-notebook-a5-blank-368-pages-red) - [Galen Leather: STALOGY 365Days Notebook, A5, Grid, 368 Pages, Blue](https://www.galenleather.com/products/stalogy-editors-series-365days-notebook-a5-grid-368-pages-blue) - [Galen Leather: STALOGY 365Days Notebook, A5, Dot Grid, 368 Pages, Yellow](https://www.galenleather.com/products/stalogy-365-days-notebook-a5-dot-grid-368-pages-yellow) - [The Pen Addict: STALOGY Editor's Series 365Days A5 Notebook Review (2025)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2025/3/6/stalogy-editors-series-365days-a5-notebook-review) - [The Pen Addict: STALOGY Editor's Series 365-Days Notebook A6 Review (2017)](https://penaddict.com/blog/2017/3/9/stalogy-editors-series-365-days-notebook-a6-notebook-review) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Notebook Review, STALOGY 365 Days Notebook Editor's Series A5 (2021)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2021/09/notebook-review-stalogy-365-days-notebook-editors-series-a5/) - [Wonder Pens: STALOGY 365 Days Notebook, B5 (incl. customer reviews)](https://wonderpens.ca/products/stalogy-365-days-notebook-b5) - [Wonder Pens: STALOGY 365 Days Notebook, A5, Black, Graph](https://wonderpens.ca/products/stalogy-365-days-notebook-a5-black-graph) - [The Journal Shop: STALOGY Notebooks, the Complete UK Guide (2026)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/blogs/the-journal/stalogy-notebooks-the-complete-uk-guide-2026) - [JetPens: STALOGY Notebooks](https://www.jetpens.com/STALOGY-Notebooks/ct/6484) --- # Erin Condren Sticker Books: 12 Foil Sheets, 5 × 7.8 in > An Erin Condren sticker book is a 5 × 7.8 in book of 12 sticker sheets with gold-foil (mixed metallic) accents, sold by the US planner brand behind the LifePlanner. Current books hold 348 to 625 stickers by theme and list at US$16.50, in our $$ band ($5–20). Erin Condren marks them as imported. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/erin-condren-sticker-book/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Erin Condren sticker book drawn to scale: the closed 5 × 7.8 in book with a floral cover, beside a mixed-metallic sheet with gold-foil banners and checklists and a clear sticker sheet](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/erin-condren-sticker-book-16x9.png) *A 5 × 7.8 in Erin Condren book beside two of its 12 sheets.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/erin-condren-sticker-book-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Erin Condren Sticker Book (5 × 7.8 in, 12 sheets) | Erin Condren | United States | Not stated | Paper stickers with metallic foil; some books add clear sheets | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Erin Condren Sticker Book (5 × 7.8 in, 12 sheets)): Not stated. Erin Condren's pages for the Inspire and Meal Prep Functional sticker books (and earlier the Wildflowers, Hello Kitty and Friends and Star Wars Classic books) say only "Imported", and its stickers page says "Designed in the USA". No source we found names the country of manufacture. One eBay reseller lists the Harmony book as made in the United States, which contradicts the maker's label, so we don't use it. Source: https://www.erincondren.com/inspire-sticker-book ## Key takeaways - Erin Condren lists its sticker books at 5 × 7.8 in (about 127 × 198 mm) with 12 sheets of mixed metallic stickers. - Counts vary by theme: 348 in Inspire, 408 in Toile and Legacy Starburst, 432 in Legacy Special Edition and 550+ in Monthly Edition 12. - Functional books pack the most: 614 in Meal Prep Functional and 625 in Too Cool for School Edition 10, all on 12 sheets at US$16.50. - Older, now-discontinued books ran from 254 stickers (Star Wars Classic) to 624 (Functional); Erin Condren's pages for those were gone by October 20, 2026. - Product pages say "Imported"; Erin Condren's stickers page says its stickers are designed in the USA. ## What is an Erin Condren sticker book? **It is a small bound book of 12 planner sticker sheets, sold in dozens of themes by the US planner brand Erin Condren.** Each book mixes decorative stickers, such as florals and quotes, with functional ones: checklists, labels, banners and small icons. Northern Virginia Magazine dates Erin Condren's first LifePlanner to 2007, and a company document places its headquarters in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas. Every current book is listed at 5 × 7.8 in with 12 sheets of mixed metallic stickers, at US$16.50. ## Erin Condren sticker book specs | Spec | Themed sticker book | |---|---| | Book size | 5 × 7.8 in (about 127 × 198 mm) | | Sheets | 12 | | Stickers per book | 348 to 432 in themed books; 550+ to 625 in monthly and functional books | | Finish | "Mixed metallic": foil accents on most sheets | | Clear sheets | In some books (3 of 12 in Wildflowers, per Amazon) | | Adhesive | Not stated by the maker | | Price | US$16.50 list, our $$ band ($5–20) | | Made in | "Imported"; country not named | Sizes, sheet counts and list prices come from Erin Condren's product pages, checked October 20, 2026; the clear-sheet count comes from an Amazon listing. ![Erin Condren sticker book drawn to scale at 5 by 7.8 inches with 12 sheets, and a chart of 254 to 624 stickers per book by theme](https://stationerytimes.com/images/erin-condren-sticker-book-counts.svg) *Same 12 sheets, different counts: functional books fit more, smaller stickers.* ## How many stickers are in each Erin Condren sticker book? **Current themed books hold 348 to 432 stickers, and the functional books hold the most, up to 625.** Erin Condren rotates themes, so several books below are discontinued. | Book | Sheets | Stickers | Source | |---|---|---|---| | Inspire | 12 | 348 | Erin Condren (current) | | Toile | 12 | 408 | Erin Condren (current) | | Legacy Starburst | 12 | 408 | Erin Condren (current) | | Legacy Special Edition | 12 | 432 | Erin Condren (current) | | Monthly Edition 12 | 12 | 550+ | Erin Condren (current) | | Meal Prep Functional | 12 | 614 | Erin Condren (current) | | Too Cool for School Edition 10 | 12 | 625 | Erin Condren (current) | | Star Wars Classic (5 × 7.75 in) | 12 | 254 | Amazon (discontinued) | | Bold Blooms, Canvas | 12 | 328 | Erin Condren (discontinued) | | Wildflowers | 12 | 340 | Erin Condren (discontinued) | | Functional | 12 | 624 | Amazon (discontinued) | Decorative themes use larger florals and quote stickers, so they fit fewer per sheet. One reseller lists 326 stickers for Bold Blooms; we use Erin Condren's 328. ## Which planner do Erin Condren stickers fit? **They are general planner stickers, not cut for one layout, so they work in the LifePlanner and in other planners with similar boxes.** For the planner itself, see our [Erin Condren LifePlanner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/erin-condren-lifeplanner/) guide. For stickers sized to the 7 × 9 in LifePlanner itself, Erin Condren has sold LifePlanner sticker packs; the now-discontinued Wildflowers pack had 4 foiled sheets and 220 stickers. Each LifePlanner also comes with 4 metallic sticker sheets. Erin Condren's PetitePlanner is about 5.7 × 8.25 in, so a 5 × 7.8 in sticker book is close to the size of the planner you are decorating. Measure a weekly box before using functional stickers in a smaller book such as the [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). ## What are Erin Condren stickers made of? **They are mainly paper stickers with metallic foil, and some books add clear sticker sheets.** Erin Condren calls every current book "mixed metallic". The Amazon listing for the discontinued Wildflowers book says 3 of its 12 sheets were clear stock, which lets the planner page show through. The brand doesn't publish the adhesive type or say whether the stickers are removable. Treat them as permanent until you have tested one on a back page. ## Is an Erin Condren sticker book worth it compared with other sticker books? **It suits planners who want fewer, foil-accented stickers in one theme; budget books give you more stickers per dollar.** A 30-sheet [Happy Planner value pack](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers/) holds about 500 to 1,400 stickers, and Michaels' [Recollections planner sticker books](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/recollections-planner-sticker-book/) list 827 to 2,234. An Erin Condren book has 12 sheets and the most foil of the three. If you journal in a Japanese notebook and want stickers that peel off cleanly, removable washi stickers such as [Midori Yuru Log](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/) are a different approach. For a pocket-size book of bold, colorful stickers, a [ban.do sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bando-sticker-book/) packs 700+ onto 35 pages of 3.75 × 6.5 in. ## Where are Erin Condren sticker books made? **Erin Condren labels its sticker books "Imported" without naming the country.** Its stickers page says they are designed in the USA. The one stickers product we found marked "Made in USA" is a single School Supplies sticker sheet, not a book. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in an Erin Condren sticker book? It depends on the theme. Erin Condren lists 348 in Inspire, 408 in Toile and Legacy Starburst, 432 in Legacy Special Edition, 550+ in Monthly Edition 12, 614 in Meal Prep Functional and 625 in Too Cool for School Edition 10. ### What size is an Erin Condren sticker book? Erin Condren lists every current sticker book at 5 × 7.8 in, about 127 × 198 mm. The discontinued Star Wars Classic book was listed at 5 × 7.75 in. ### How many sheets are in an Erin Condren sticker book? Current books have 12 sheets. Erin Condren calls them mixed metallic, meaning the designs carry metallic foil accents; older Classic editions on Amazon list 10 pages. ### Do Erin Condren sticker books fit the LifePlanner? The stickers are sized to decorate and label planner pages, and the brand sells them alongside its LifePlanner. For refills sized to the 7 × 9 in LifePlanner itself, Erin Condren sells separate LifePlanner sticker packs of 4 foiled sheets. ### How much is an Erin Condren sticker book? Erin Condren lists its current 12-sheet books at US$16.50 each, in our $$ price band ($5–20), and some go on sale for less. ### Are Erin Condren stickers clear or paper? Mostly paper with metallic foil, and some books mix in clear sheets. An Amazon listing says 3 of the 12 sheets in the Wildflowers book are clear sticker stock. ### Where are Erin Condren sticker books made? Erin Condren's product pages say "Imported" without naming a country, and its stickers page says they are designed in the USA. ## Sources - [Erin Condren: Inspire Sticker Book (5 × 7.8 in, 12 sheets of mixed metallic stickers, 348 stickers, imported, US$16.50)](https://www.erincondren.com/inspire-sticker-book) - [Erin Condren: Stickers, Sticker Books & Washi Tape (current books; designed in the USA)](https://www.erincondren.com/stickers) - [Erin Condren: Meal Prep Functional Sticker Book (5 × 7.8 in, 12 sheets, 614 stickers, imported)](https://www.erincondren.com/meal-prep-functional-sticker-book) - [Erin Condren: Too Cool for School Sticker Book, Edition 10 (12 sheets, 625 stickers)](https://www.erincondren.com/too-cool-for-school-sticker-book-edition-10) - [Erin Condren: Monthly Sticker Book, Edition 12 (12 sheets, 550+ stickers)](https://www.erincondren.com/monthly-sticker-book-edition-12) - [Erin Condren: Legacy Special Edition Sticker Book (12 sheets, 432 stickers)](https://www.erincondren.com/legacy-special-edition-sticker-book) - [Erin Condren: Legacy Starburst Sticker Book (12 sheets, 408 stickers)](https://www.erincondren.com/legacy-starburst-sticker-book) - [Erin Condren: Wildflowers Sticker Book (12 sheets, 340 stickers, imported; discontinued, page redirects by October 2026)](https://www.erincondren.com/wildflowers-sticker-book) - [Erin Condren: Bold Blooms Sticker Book (5 × 7.8 in, 12 sheets, 328 stickers; discontinued)](https://api.erincondren.com/bold-blooms-sticker-book) - [Erin Condren: Canvas Sticker Book (328 stickers; discontinued)](https://www.erincondren.com/canvas-sticker-book) - [Erin Condren: Toile Sticker Book (5 × 7.8 in, 12 sheets, 408 stickers, US$16.50)](https://www.erincondren.com/toile-sticker-book) - [Erin Condren: Star Wars Classic Sticker Book (imported; discontinued)](https://www.erincondren.com/star-wars-classic-sticker-book) - [Erin Condren: Wildflowers Assorted LifePlanner Sticker Pack (4 foiled sheets, 220 stickers, 7 × 9 in; discontinued)](https://www.erincondren.com/wildflowers-assorted-lifeplanner-sticker-pack) - [Amazon: Erin Condren Wildflowers Sticker Book (340 stickers, 12 sheets, 3 clear)](https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Condren-Wildflowers-stickers-12-Celebrations/dp/B0C17P7SG2) - [Amazon: Star Wars x Erin Condren Classic Sticker Book (254 stickers, 12 mixed metallic sheets, 5 × 7.75 in)](https://www.amazon.com/Star-Erin-Condren-Classic-Sticker/dp/B09TDMCWDP) - [Amazon: Erin Condren Functional Sticker Book (624 stickers, 12 sheets)](https://www.amazon.com/clp/B0BH59D1H2) - [Amazon: Erin Condren Classic Sticker Book, Edition 2 (10 pages)](https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Condren-Multicolor-ACC-SBCLS2/dp/B01I4QVF46) - [Planners Avenue: Erin Condren Legacy Special Edition Sticker Book (432 stickers, 12 sheets)](https://plannersavenue.com/products/erin-condren-design-legacy-special-edition-sticker-book) - [Northern Virginia Magazine: Good on paper (June 12, 2019; first LifePlanner in 2007)](https://northernvirginiamag.com/style/shopping/2019/06/12/good-on-paper-erin-condrens-colorful-calendars-arrive-at-mosaic-district/) - [Erin Condren company document (headquarters in Los Angeles and Austin)](https://cdn.erincondren.com/ec-image-resources/861620083_Erin Condren_WWC1116.pdf) --- # Recollections Planner Stickers: Sheet Sizes & Counts > Recollections planner sticker books are Michaels' own budget planner sticker books. Most have 5 × 9 in sheets of paper and PVC stickers; counts run from 827 in the 4.5 × 8 in Bright book to 2,234 in the Calendar book. Most sit at the bottom of our $5–20 band, and Michaels doesn't state where they are made. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/recollections-planner-sticker-book/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Three Recollections planner sticker books from Michaels drawn to scale: Creative Year Basics at 4.5 × 11.75 in, Bright at 4.5 × 8 in and Calendar at 5 × 9 in with round date stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/recollections-planner-sticker-book-16x9.png) *Three Recollections books at their listed sheet sizes, from 827 to 2,234 stickers.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/recollections-planner-sticker-book-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Recollections Planner Sticker Book (5 × 9 in sheets) | Recollections (by Michaels (store brand)) | United States | Not stated | Paper and PVC stickers | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Recollections Planner Sticker Book (5 × 9 in sheets)): Not stated. The Michaels listings we found (Calendar, Say Chic, Bright, Wellness, Modern Inks, Plant Person and Creative Year Basics) give sizes, counts and materials but no country of origin. In October 2026 michaels.com blocked automated readers and the Michaels Canada pages had been removed, so we couldn't recheck. Check the back of the book in store. ## Key takeaways - Michaels lists the Calendar, Say Chic and Wellness planner sticker books with 5 × 9 in sheets of paper and PVC stickers. - Sticker counts run from 827 (Bright, 4.5 × 8 in sheets) to 2,234 (Calendar), the largest count we found. - At Michaels' US list prices, Calendar, Say Chic and Bright sit at the bottom of our $5–20 band per book. - Creative Year Basics has 15 sheets of 4.5 × 11.75 in with 1,092 labels, headers and icons. - Michaels' listings don't name a country of manufacture for Recollections sticker books. ## What is a Recollections planner sticker book? **It is a budget book of planner sticker sheets sold under Recollections, the Michaels craft-store brand.** Each book follows one theme or job, such as Calendar (dates and month stickers), Say Chic, Wellness or Bright, and mixes functional labels with decorative stickers. Michaels sells the books in its stores and on michaels.com, and some are listed as in-store only. Michaels also sells Recollections books in 12-packs through Walmart's marketplace. ## Recollections planner sticker book specs | Book | Sheet size | Sheets | Stickers | Material | Price band | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Calendar | 5 × 9 in | Not stated | 2,234 | Paper and PVC | $$, low end (in store) | | Say Chic | 5 × 9 in | Not stated | 1,107 | Paper and PVC | $$, low end (in store) | | Wellness | 5 × 9 in | Not stated | 1,072 | Paper and PVC | Canada listing (since removed) | | Bright | 4.5 × 8 in | Not stated | 827 | Not stated | $$, low end | | Creative Year Basics | 4.5 × 11.75 in | 15 | 1,092 | Not stated | $$ (list), often on sale | | Modern Inks | Not stated | 20 | 1,029 | Not stated | Canada listing (since removed) | | Plant Person | Not stated | 20 | 853 | Not stated | Canada listing (since removed) | All figures come from Michaels' US and Canadian product pages. By October 2026 the three Canadian pages had been taken down, and michaels.com blocks automated readers, so we couldn't recheck the US figures; check the book in store. A 5 × 9 in sheet is about 127 × 229 mm; Michaels doesn't publish the thickness of the books. ![Recollections sticker sheet sizes drawn to scale, 4.5 by 11.75, 5 by 9 and 4.5 by 8 inches, beside Happy Planner and Erin Condren sizes, with counts of 827 to 2,234 stickers per book](https://stationerytimes.com/images/recollections-planner-sticker-book-sizes.svg) *Recollections' 5 × 9 in sheets are close to a Happy Planner Classic sheet.* ## Which Recollections book should you buy? **Buy the Calendar book for dates and months, a themed book such as Say Chic or Wellness for decoration, and Creative Year Basics for headers and labels.** The Calendar book's 2,234 stickers is the highest count we found, because date numbers are small. Creative Year Basics uses taller 4.5 × 11.75 in sheets for labels, headers and icons, aimed at journals as well as planners. ## Do Recollections stickers fit a Happy Planner or Erin Condren planner? **Mostly yes, because the 5 × 9 in sheets are about the size of a Happy Planner Classic sheet and most stickers are generic.** A Happy Planner Classic value-pack sheet is 4.75 × 9 in, per retailers. Michaels doesn't say which planner layout the stickers are cut for, so measure a daily box before using full-box stickers. For stickers sized to one planner, the brand packs are the safer choice: [Happy Planner value packs](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers/) are cut for the Classic layout, and [Erin Condren sticker books](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/erin-condren-sticker-book/) come from the LifePlanner's maker. A [Blue Sky sticker book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blue-sky-sticker-book/) is the closest match in count, with up to 2,200+ stickers on 24 sheets of 4.49 × 9.06 in. ## Are Recollections stickers paper or plastic? **Michaels lists the Calendar, Say Chic and Wellness books as paper and PVC.** The PVC stickers are plastic, which can be harder to write on with water-based ink than paper. Michaels doesn't describe the adhesive or say whether the stickers are removable. On thin paper, such as the Tomoe River paper in a [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/), test one on a back page first. ## Are Recollections sticker books good value? **On count per dollar, yes: at the low end of our $5–20 band, the Calendar book's 2,234 stickers work out to roughly 400 or more per dollar.** A Happy Planner Classic value pack holds about 500 to 1,400 stickers, and an Erin Condren book 254 to 624 with more metallic foil. The trade-off is fit: Recollections books aren't sized to one planner. ## Where are Recollections sticker books made? **Michaels doesn't state the country of manufacture on the listings we found.** Recollections is a Michaels store brand, so the brand is American, but where each book is printed isn't published. Check the back of the book in store. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in a Recollections planner sticker book? It depends on the book. Michaels lists 827 in Bright, 1,072 in Wellness, 1,107 in Say Chic and 2,234 in the Calendar Planner Sticker Book. ### What size are Recollections planner sticker sheets? Most planner books, including Calendar, Say Chic and Wellness, have 5 × 9 in sheets. Bright has 4.5 × 8 in sheets, and Creative Year Basics has tall 4.5 × 11.75 in sheets. ### Where can you buy Recollections sticker books? Recollections is a Michaels brand, so the books are sold at Michaels stores and on michaels.com. Some, such as Calendar and Say Chic, are listed as in-store only. ### How much are Recollections planner sticker books? Michaels' US list prices put Calendar, Say Chic and Bright at the bottom of our $5–20 band. Creative Year Basics lists higher in the same band and is often on sale. ### Are Recollections stickers paper or plastic? Michaels lists the Calendar, Say Chic and Wellness books as paper and PVC, so each book mixes paper stickers with plastic ones. ### Do Recollections stickers fit a Happy Planner? The 5 × 9 in sheets are close to Happy Planner Classic sheets (4.75 × 9 in), and many stickers are generic dates, labels and icons. Michaels doesn't say which planner they are sized for, so check your box sizes. ### Where are Recollections sticker books made? Michaels' product listings don't say. Check the country of origin printed on the back of the book. ## Sources - [Michaels: Calendar Planner Sticker Book by Recollections (2,234 stickers, 5 × 9 in, paper and PVC)](https://www.michaels.com/product/calendar-planner-sticker-book-by-recollections-10703617) - [Michaels: Say Chic Planner Sticker Book by Recollections (1,107 stickers, 5 × 9 in, paper and PVC)](https://www.michaels.com/product/say-chic-planner-sticker-book-by-recollections-10703598) - [Michaels: Bright Planner Sticker Book by Recollections (827 stickers, 4.5 × 8 in)](https://www.michaels.com/product/bright-planner-sticker-book-by-recollections-10818681) - [Michaels: Creative Year Basics Sticker Book by Recollections (15 sheets, 1,092 stickers, 4.5 × 11.75 in)](https://www.michaels.com/creative-year-basics-sticker-book-by-recollections/10516488.html) - [Michaels Canada: Wellness Planner Sticker Book by Recollections (1,072 stickers, 5 × 9 in, paper and PVC; page removed by October 2026)](https://canada.michaels.com/en/wellness-planner-sticker-book-by-recollections/10703621.html) - [Michaels Canada: Modern Inks Planner Sticker Book by Recollections (20 sheets, 1,029 stickers; page removed by October 2026)](https://canada.michaels.com/en/modern-inks-planner-sticker-book-by-recollections/10688216.html) - [Michaels Canada: Plant Person Planner Sticker Book by Recollections (20 sheets, 853 stickers; page removed by October 2026)](https://canada.michaels.com/en/plant-person-planner-sticker-book-by-recollections/10688227.html) - [Michaels: Planner stickers and accessories](https://www.michaels.com/shop/papercraft/planners/stickers-accessories) - [Walmart: Recollections Butterflies Teacher Sticker Book, 12 pack (12 sheets per book)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1812974201) - [Walmart: Recollections Birthday Sticker Book, 12 pack (sold and shipped by Michaels)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1751728331) --- # Tombow MONO 100: 17 Grades, Size & the White Band > The Tombow MONO 100 is Tombow's top-grade wood-cased graphite pencil, sold in 17 grades from 6B to 9H. JetPens lists it at 17.7 cm (7.0 in) long and 7.8 mm across. It has a glossy black hexagonal barrel, gold lettering and a white band on its rounded end, and no eraser. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-100/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Glossy black hexagonal Tombow MONO 100 pencil with gold lettering and a white band on its rounded end, drawn to scale at 17.7 cm (7.0 in) long; inset: 17 grades from 6B to 9H](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tombow-mono-100-16x9.png) *The MONO 100 at its listed 17.7 cm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-mono-100-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tombow MONO 100 graphite pencil (6B–9H) | Tombow (by Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Cedar wood case per The Journal Shop (glossy black lacquer, gold foil lettering, ring cap), ultra-fine graphite core | 1967-09 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Tombow MONO 100 graphite pencil (6B–9H)): Japan. The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin, Brand Name Pencils lists its MONO 100 HB as made in Japan with the JIS mark, and The Gentleman Stationer also says made in Japan. Tombow's Japanese pages don't state a country. CW Pencil Enterprise wrote in 2017 that "the Mono pencils are no longer made in Japan, but rather in Vietnam", without saying whether that covered the MONO 100, and bleistift.blog found other Tombow pencils (ippo!) made in Vietnam, so check the pencil or box you buy. Source: https://brandnamepencils.com/product/mono-100-hb ## Key takeaways - JetPens lists 17 grades: 6B to B, HB, F and H to 9H, softest to hardest. - JetPens gives a body length of 17.7 cm (7.0 in) and a maximum diameter of 7.8 mm; one Japanese retailer says about 182 mm. - Tombow's own 100-year history dates the MONO 100 to September 1967, for the company's 55th anniversary, at ¥100 (about US$0.60) a pencil; today a box of 12 lists at ¥1,980 (about US$13). - Tombow says the name comes from the core's fineness: 10 billion (100億) graphite particles per cubic millimeter. - Brand Name Pencils and The Gentleman Stationer say made in Japan; a 2017 CW Pencil Enterprise post said MONO pencils had moved to Vietnam. ## What is the Tombow MONO 100? **The Tombow MONO 100 is the premium wood-cased graphite pencil from Tombow, the Tokyo pencil maker, sold one grade at a time in boxes of 12.** It sits above Tombow's everyday MONO pencils and is sold for drawing, drafting and fine writing. Tombow's own 100-year history dates it to September 1967 and says it marked the company's 55th anniversary. At ¥100 (about US$0.60) a pencil, or ¥1,200 (about US$7.60) a dozen, it matched the price of the [Mitsubishi Hi-Uni](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-hi-uni-pencil/), launched the year before. The same history credits the designer Takashi Kono (河野鷹思) with the pencil and its packaging, and says Tombow created the first MONO eraser as a free gift with a dozen MONO 100s. ## Tombow MONO 100 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd., Japan | | Grades | 17: 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB, F, H, 2H to 9H | | Length | 17.7 cm (7.0 in) per JetPens; about 182 mm per Bungu | | Diameter | 7.8 mm at the widest (JetPens) | | Barrel | Hexagonal wood, glossy jet-black lacquer, gold foil lettering | | End | Ring cap: a white band on a rounded black end; no eraser | | Packaging | Unsharpened, plastic case of 12 of one grade | | Item codes | MONO-1009H to MONO-1002H, MONO-100H, MONO-100HB, MONO-100F, MONO-100B, MONO-1002B to MONO-1006B (Tombow Japan) | | Price in Japan | ¥1,980 (about US$13) including tax, box of 12 | | Introduced | September 1967 (Tombow) | | Made in | Japan, per retailers (see below) | Tombow's Japanese product page confirms the 17 grades, the hexagonal barrel and the 12-pencil case, and describes the core as ultra-fine and dense, so it writes smoothly and darkly and resists breaking. It gives no length or diameter, so sizes come from JetPens and Bungu, which differ by about 5 mm on length. We use JetPens' figure in the drawings. ![Tombow MONO 100 drawn to scale at 17.7 cm (7.0 in) long and 7.8 mm across; its 17 grades from 6B to 9H, with 6B to 4B suggested for sketching and 6H to 9H for lithography and maps; grade ranges compared: MONO 100 17 grades, Hi-Uni 22, Mars Lumograph 24, Castell 9000 16](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tombow-mono-100-grades.svg) *The MONO 100 covers 6B to 9H: less soft than the Hi-Uni or Lumograph, but further into the hard grades than the Castell 9000.* ## What grades does the MONO 100 come in? **Tombow's Japanese site and JetPens list 17 MONO 100 grades, from 6B (softest, darkest) to 9H (hardest, lightest).** HB, F and B are the everyday writing grades. Nine of the 17 grades are H or harder, so the range is weighted toward drafting and fine line work more than heavy shading. ## Why is it called the MONO 100? **Tombow's Japanese site says the name comes from the fineness of the core: 10 billion (100億) graphite particles per cubic millimeter, or 100 times 100 million.** It is a 1960s marketing figure, not a grade or a length. The MONO name itself is older. Tombow's history says the 1963 MONO pencil, at ¥60 (about US$0.40) a pencil, had advertised 8 billion particles per cubic millimeter, and followed the 1952 HOMO pencil; CW Pencil Enterprise calls the MONO 100 the higher-end version of that line. ## How does the MONO 100 compare to other pencils? **Against other premium graphite pencils, the MONO 100 has fewer soft grades but reaches 9H; against a school #2, it is a drawing pencil with no eraser.** | | MONO 100 | Hi-Uni | Mars Lumograph 100 | Ticonderoga #2 | |---|---|---|---|---| | Grades | 17 (6B–9H) | 22 (10B–10H) | 24 (12B–10H) | HB (#2) | | Length | 17.7 cm | Not published in our sources | 17.5 cm | 190 mm | | Eraser | No | No | No | Yes | | Made in | Japan (retailers) | Japan (retailers) | Germany | China, some Mexico | For the European equivalents, see the [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/) and [Faber-Castell 9000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-9000/). For an everyday #2 with an eraser, see the [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/). ## Which MONO 100 grade should you buy? **Start with HB or B for writing, 2B to 6B for shading, and 2H or harder for light, precise lines.** Each box holds 12 of one grade, so buy single pencils if you only need a few of the extreme grades. - **Writing and notes:** HB, B or F. - **Sketching:** 2B, 4B, 6B. - **Drafting and technical lines:** 2H to 4H; 5H and up for very light construction lines. A long-point sharpener such as the [KUM Long Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kum-long-point-sharpener/) exposes more of the core for shading. ## Where is the Tombow MONO 100 made? **Retailers list Japan for the MONO 100.** The Journal Shop gives Japan as the country of origin, Brand Name Pencils describes its HB as made in Japan with the JIS mark, and The Gentleman Stationer also says made in Japan. Tombow's Japanese pages don't state a country. There is a caveat. CW Pencil Enterprise wrote in 2017 that "the Mono pencils are no longer made in Japan, but rather in Vietnam", noting that the "Made in Japan" stamp had gone from the barrel, and bleistift.blog found Tombow's ippo! school pencils made in Vietnam. Check the stamp on the barrel or box if origin matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many grades does the Tombow MONO 100 come in? Tombow's Japanese site and JetPens list 17 grades: 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB, F, H and 2H through 9H. It stops at 6B on the soft end, so artists who want very dark tones often add a softer pencil. ### How long is a Tombow MONO 100 pencil? JetPens lists the body at 17.7 cm (7.0 in) with a maximum diameter of 7.8 mm. Bungu, a Japanese retailer, gives about 182 mm, so allow a few millimeters either way. ### Does the Tombow MONO 100 have an eraser? No. The end is a rounded black cap with a white band, not an eraser, so pair it with a separate eraser such as Tombow's MONO plastic erasers. ### What does the 100 in MONO 100 mean? Tombow's Japanese site says the name comes from the core's fineness: 10 billion (100億) graphite particles per cubic millimeter. Tombow's earlier MONO pencil had advertised 8 billion. It is a 1960s marketing figure, not a grade. ### Is the Tombow MONO 100 good for writing? Its HB, F and B grades work as writing pencils, and the line is often recommended on pencil forums alongside the Mitsubishi Hi-Uni. It is sold as a premium drawing and drafting pencil, though, and costs more than a school #2. ### Tombow MONO 100 or Mitsubishi Hi-Uni: which is better? They are Japan's two flagship graphite pencils and were launched a year apart: Tombow's history dates the Hi-Uni to 1966 and the MONO 100 to 1967, both at ¥100 (about US$0.60) a pencil. The Hi-Uni has more grades (22, 10B to 10H, against 17); choose by the grades you need and the feel you prefer. ### Where is the Tombow MONO 100 made? Retailers including Brand Name Pencils and The Gentleman Stationer say Japan. A 2017 CW Pencil Enterprise post said MONO pencils had moved to Vietnam, so check the pencil or box. ## Sources - [モノ100 (Tombow Japan product page, "MONO 100": ultra-fine core, 17 grades 9H to 6B with item codes, hexagonal, 12 in a plastic case, ¥1,980 (about US$13) with tax, name from 10 billion particles per mm³)](https://www.tombow.com/products/mono100/) - [トンボ鉛筆100年史 p. 44 (Tombow's 100-year company history: MONO 100 launched September 1967, ¥100 a pencil and ¥1,200 a dozen, design by Takashi Kono, MONO eraser created as a giveaway)](https://www.tombow.com/100th/tombow100/HTML/index44.html) - [JetPens: Tombow MONO 100 pencil, 8H, pack of 12 (17 grades, 17.7 cm length, 7.8 mm diameter)](https://www.jetpens.com/Tombow-MONO-100-Pencil-8H-Pack-of-12/pd/5049) - [Bungu Store: MONO 100 wooden pencil, dozen pack (about 182 mm, hexagonal, glossy black lacquer, ring cap)](https://bungu.store/collections/pencil/products/mono-100-wooden-pencil-dozen-pack-tombow) - [The Journal Shop: Tombow MONO 100 drawing pencils, box of 12 (cedar wood, 75 × 20 × 224 mm box, country of origin Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/tombow-mono-100-drawing-pencils-box-of-12) - [Brand Name Pencils: MONO 100 HB (made in Japan, JIS mark)](https://brandnamepencils.com/product/mono-100-hb) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Tombow MONO 100 pencil](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/the-curated-shop/tombow-mono-100-pencil) - [CW Pencil Enterprise: A Moment in Pencil History, Tombow MONO 100 (1967, Takashi Kono, 10 billion particles per mm³, Vietnam)](https://www.cwpencils.com/blog-archive/a-moment-in-pencil-history-tombow-mono-100) - [Yoseka Stationery: MONO 100 pencil (55th anniversary, Hi-Uni rival)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/mono-100-pencil) - [bleistift.blog: Made in Vietnam (Tombow ippo! pencils made in Vietnam)](https://bleistift.blog/tag/made-in-vietnam/) - [Amazon: Tombow MONO 100 2H, 1 dozen (MONO-1002H; case 75 × 20 × 224 mm)](https://www.amazon.com/Tombow-Mono-1002H-Pencils-Dozen/dp/B0016GHXCU) - [Amazon: Tombow MONO 100 HB wood-cased pencils, 12-pack](https://www.amazon.com/TOMBOW-MONO-Wood-cased-Pencils-12-Pack/dp/B06Y38XFXC) - [Fountain Pen Network: Any good wooden pencils? (MONO 100 and Hi-Uni recommendations)](https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/270211-any-good-wooden-pencils) --- # uni Hi-Uni Pencil: 22 Grades From 10B to 10H > The Hi-Uni is Mitsubishi Pencil's top-grade wood-cased graphite pencil, sold under the uni brand in 22 grades from 10B to 10H. It has a maroon, wine-red hexagonal barrel with a gold ring and a black end, and no eraser. Mitsubishi launched it in 1966, and retailers list it as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-hi-uni-pencil/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Maroon, wine-red hexagonal uni Hi-Uni pencil with a gold ring and a black end, drawn in proportion; inset: 22 grades from 10B to 10H](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/uni-hi-uni-pencil-16x9.png) *The Hi-Uni, drawn in proportion: Mitsubishi's length isn't in our sources.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-hi-uni-pencil-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | uni Hi-Uni graphite pencil (10B–10H) | uni (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Wood case, graphite core | 1966 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (uni Hi-Uni graphite pencil (10B–10H)): Japan. Hunter Paper Co. lists the single Hi-Uni pencil and the Art Set as made in Japan, and STL Art Supply and The Journal Shop say the same; we found no retailer listing another country. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product pages don't state it. Source: https://hunterpaperco.com/products/mitsubishi-hi-uni-pencil ## Key takeaways - Mitsubishi Pencil lists 22 grades, 10B to 10H, at ¥1,980 (about US$13) a dozen in Japan; the 22-pencil Art Set is ¥3,960 (about US$25). - Mitsubishi Pencil launched the uni in 1958 and the Hi-Uni in 1966, per its September 14, 2026 press release. - The 22-pencil Art Set comes unsharpened in a metal tin that retailers list at 187 × 199 × 12 mm. - PencilTalk measured a Hi-Uni 10B at 7.25 mm across the flats with a micrometer. - Hunter Paper Co. and STL Art Supply list Japan as the country of origin. ## What is the uni Hi-Uni? **The Hi-Uni is the top-grade wood-cased graphite pencil from Mitsubishi Pencil Co., sold under its uni brand in 22 grades.** It is sold for drawing, drafting and writing, one grade at a time or in sets. Mitsubishi Pencil's press release of September 14, 2026 says the uni pencil arrived in 1958 and the Hi-Uni in 1966. The same release announced new packaging from September 16, 2026, starting with the HB, B and 2B grades, at ¥1,980 (about US$13) a dozen. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese page says the lead uses fine graphite and clay with few impurities, mixed evenly so it writes darker and breaks less. ## uni Hi-Uni specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd., Japan (brand: uni) | | Grades | 22: 10B to B, HB, F, H to 10H | | Barrel | Hexagonal wood, maroon (wine red), grade printed in gold on all six sides | | End | Gold ring, then a rounded black end; no eraser | | Width | 7.25 mm across the flats (PencilTalk, measured on a 10B) | | Length | Not published in our sources | | Item codes | HU + grade, e.g. HUHB (JAN 4902778972984), HU2H, HU6B (dozen boxes) | | Price in Japan | ¥1,980 (about US$13) a dozen; Art Set ¥3,960 (about US$25) | | Art Set | 22 pencils, 10B to 10H, unsharpened, metal tin 187 × 199 × 12 mm (The Journal Shop) | | Introduced | 1966 (Mitsubishi Pencil) | | Made in | Japan (retailers) | We couldn't find a published length, so the cover is drawn in proportion rather than to scale. The width is a reviewer's micrometer reading, not a maker figure. ![uni Hi-Uni grades from 10B to 10H, 22 in all; the 22-pencil Art Set tin drawn to scale at 199 by 187 mm and 12 mm deep; and a hexagonal Hi-Uni cross-section at 10 times, 7.25 mm across the flats](https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-hi-uni-pencil-grades.svg) *All 22 grades fit in one flat tin about the size of a paperback cover.* ## What grades does the Hi-Uni come in? **Mitsubishi Pencil lists 22 Hi-Uni grades, from 10B to 10H.** That is ten B grades, HB, F and ten H grades, symmetrical around the middle. Few graphite pencil lines go as soft as 10B; the Castell 9000 stops at 8B and the MONO 100 at 6B. PencilTalk reviewed the Hi-Uni 10B alongside Mitsubishi's 10B brush pencil. ## How can you tell a Hi-Uni from a regular uni? **Look for the gold ring: a Japanese news history of the line notes that it is a Hi-Uni feature the regular uni lacks.** Mitsubishi Pencil describes the color as a blend of the traditional Japanese ebicha (maroon) and wine red, with the grade printed in gold on all six sides. One retailer adds that the hexagonal barrel turns cylindrical above the gold ring. The ring and the "Hi-uni" imprint on the barrel are the quick check. ## Which Hi-Uni set should you buy? **Buy the 22-pencil Art Set if you want every grade; buy dozen boxes of HB or B if you mostly write.** Most people use only a handful of grades. - **Writing:** HB, B or F. - **Sketching and shading:** 2B, 4B, 6B; 8B to 10B for the darkest tones. - **Drafting:** 2H to 4H; harder grades for faint construction lines. Pencils come unsharpened. A long-point sharpener such as the [KUM Long Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kum-long-point-sharpener/) exposes more of the soft cores. ## How does the Hi-Uni compare to other drawing pencils? **The Hi-Uni sits between the Tombow MONO 100 and the Staedtler Mars Lumograph on range: 22 grades, against 17 and 24.** | | Hi-Uni | MONO 100 | Mars Lumograph 100 | Castell 9000 | |---|---|---|---|---| | Grades | 22 (10B–10H) | 17 (6B–9H) | 24 (12B–10H) | 16 (8B–6H) | | Launched | 1966 | 1967 (retailers) | 1930 (retailer history) | 1905 | | Eraser | No | No | No | No | | Made in | Japan | Japan (retailers) | Germany | Germany | The [Tombow MONO 100](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-100/) was launched a year later as its direct rival. For German alternatives, see the [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/) and the [Faber-Castell 9000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-9000/). ## Where is the Hi-Uni made? **Hunter Paper Co., STL Art Supply and The Journal Shop list Japan as the Hi-Uni's country of origin.** We found no listing that gives another country, and Mitsubishi Pencil's own pages don't state it. Mitsubishi Pencil, the brand owner, is based in Tokyo. Hunter Paper Co. says the company was founded there by Niroku Masaki in 1887. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many grades does the Hi-Uni come in? Mitsubishi Pencil lists 22 grades, from 10B (softest, darkest) to 10H (hardest, lightest). The Hi-Uni Art Set holds one pencil of each. ### Who makes the Hi-Uni pencil? Mitsubishi Pencil Co., the Tokyo maker of uni pencils and uni-ball pens, sells it under the uni brand. Hunter Paper Co. says the company was founded by Niroku Masaki in 1887. ### What is the difference between uni and Hi-Uni pencils? The Hi-Uni is the top grade of the uni pencil series, launched in 1966, eight years after the uni. Mitsubishi Pencil gives it a maroon and wine-red barrel with the grade in gold on all six sides and a gold ring; a dozen costs ¥1,980 (about US$13) in Japan against ¥1,320 (about US$8) for the uni. ### What comes in the Hi-Uni Art Set? One pencil of each of the 22 grades from 10B to 10H, unsharpened, in a metal tin that The Journal Shop lists at 187 × 199 × 12 mm. Mitsubishi Pencil sells it for artists and designers at ¥3,960 (about US$25) in Japan. ### Does the Hi-Uni have an eraser? No. The end above the gold ring is a plain black end, so you need a separate eraser. ### Hi-Uni or Tombow MONO 100: which is better? They are Japan's two flagship graphite pencils. The Hi-Uni has more grades (22 against 17) and goes softer, to 10B; pick by the grades you need and the feel you prefer. ### Where is the Hi-Uni pencil made? Hunter Paper Co., STL Art Supply and The Journal Shop list Japan as the country of origin; Mitsubishi Pencil's own pages don't say. Mitsubishi Pencil is based in Tokyo. ## Sources - [三菱鉛筆: ハイユニ (Mitsubishi Pencil product page: fine, pure graphite and clay; maroon and wine-red barrel, gold grade marks, gold ring)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/pencils/black/uni_series/hi_uni.html) - [三菱鉛筆: ハイユニ ラインナップ (Mitsubishi Pencil lineup, read in full: 22 grades, HU order codes, JAN, ¥1,980)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/pencils/black/uni_series/hi_uni/hi_uni.html) - [三菱鉛筆: ハイユニ アートセット (Mitsubishi Pencil: 22-grade set for artists and designers, ¥3,960)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/pencils/black/uni_series/hi_uni_art/art_set.html) - [鉛筆『uni』『Hi-uni』パッケージリニューアル (Mitsubishi Pencil press release, September 14, 2026: uni 1958, Hi-uni 1966; dozen prices)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/143458) - [Hokkaido Shimbun: uni and Hi-uni history (gold ring)](https://www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1370244/) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Mitsubishi Hi-Uni pencil (made in Japan; Mitsubishi Pencil founded 1887)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/mitsubishi-hi-uni-pencil) - [Cult Pens: Mitsubishi Hi-Uni pencil (maroon finish, gold ring)](https://cultpens.com/products/mitsubishi-hi-uni-pencil) - [Cult Pens: Mitsubishi Hi-Uni pencil Art Set of 22 grades](https://cultpens.com/products/mitsubishi-hi-uni-pencil-art-set-of-22-grades) - [The Journal Shop: Mitsubishi Hi-Uni Pencil Art Set, 22 degrees (187 × 199 × 12 mm, made in Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/mitsubishi-hi-uni-pencil-art-set-22-degrees-22-pencils) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Mitsubishi Hi-Uni pencil Art Set of 22 grades (metal tin, made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/mitsubishi-hi-uni-pencil-art-set-of-22-grades) - [Bungu Store: Hi-uni Art Set 22 pencil set](https://bungu.store/products/hi-uni-art-set-22-pencil-set-mistubishi-pencil) - [Tacto Studio: Hi-Uni pencils, box of 12](https://tacto-studio.com/products/hi-uni-pencils-box-of-12) - [STL Art Supply: Hi-Uni pencil, B (made in Japan)](https://shop.stlartsupply.com/products/hi-uni-pencil-b) - [PencilTalk: Mitsubishi 10B pencils, the brush pencil and the Hi-uni (7.25 mm measurement)](https://www.penciltalk.org/?p=326) - [Yahoo! Shopping Japan: Mitsubishi Pencil Hi-uni, hexagonal, HB, 1 dozen (HUHB)](https://shopping.yahoo.co.jp/products/09fc50cbf9) - [Fountain Pen Network: Any good wooden pencils? (Hi-Uni and MONO 100 recommendations)](https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/270211-any-good-wooden-pencils) --- # Carl Angel-5 Royal Sharpener: Point Settings & Size > The CARL Angel-5 Royal 3 (A5RY3) is a Japanese hand-crank desk pencil sharpener with a two-step point adjuster: a sharp 0.5 mm or a blunt 0.9 mm lead tip. Retailers list it at 73 × 121 × 132 mm and 484 g. CARL says it is made in Japan, but CARL Japan now lists it as discontinued. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/carl-angel-5-royal-sharpener/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![CARL Angel-5 Royal 3 hand-crank pencil sharpener in Empire Red, side view drawn to scale, 121 mm (4.8 in) long and 132 mm (5.2 in) tall, with a pencil in the chuck; inset: 0.5 or 0.9 mm point settings](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/carl-angel-5-royal-sharpener-16x9.png) *The Royal 3 from the crank side, 121 × 132 mm (drawn at 1 mm = 1.6 px; details by eye).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/carl-angel-5-royal-sharpener-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | CARL Angel-5 Royal 3 Pencil Sharpener | CARL (by CARL Office Machines Co., Ltd. (カール事務器株式会社), Japan) | Japan | Japan | Double-thickness steel case, zinc die-cast cutter and internal gear, resin clutch (CARL International) | – | $$$: $20–75 per item | - Made in (CARL Angel-5 Royal 3 Pencil Sharpener): Japan. CARL International's Royal 3 page says Made in Japan, The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin, and the Amazon US listing says Original Made in Japan. The plain Angel-5 sold in US office-supply channels (19016) is a different model; Blue Dog Ink lists China for it. Source: https://carl-officeproducts.com/products/spice-up-your-life-with-new-made-in-japan-a-5-royal-3/ ## Key takeaways - Two point settings: a sharp 0.5 mm or a blunt 0.9 mm lead tip, per CARL Japan's FAQ. - Retailers list the Royal 3 at 73 × 121 × 132 mm (2.9 × 4.8 × 5.2 in) and 484 g (about 1.07 lb). - CARL Japan's list of discontinued models includes the A5RY3 with no successor; the stepless Angel-5 Grand costs ¥4,400 (about US$28) in Japan. - US listings sell 4 colors (Aqua Sky Green, Empire Red, Peri Blue, Antique White); Japan sold cream, pink, light blue and light green. - CARL's international site and The Journal Shop say the Royal 3 is made in Japan. ## What is the Carl Angel-5 Royal? **It's a hand-crank desk pencil sharpener from the Japanese maker CARL (カール事務器), with a two-step point adjuster.** The version still sold in the US is the Angel-5 Royal 3 (Japanese code A5RY3). You pull the chuck out, clamp a pencil in it and turn the crank. The Angel-5 family has a following among pencil users. A long-term review on The Gentleman Stationer says it has developed a cult following for the long point it makes. ## How do the 0.5 and 0.9 mm settings work? **The adjuster has two steps: a sharp setting that leaves a 0.5 mm lead tip and a blunt one that leaves 0.9 mm.** CARL Japan's FAQ gives both figures as a guide to the tip thickness (芯先の太さの目安), not the pencil size. The sharp setting suits fine lines and drawing. The blunt tip is sturdier, which is useful for writing with soft grades that snap easily. ![CARL Angel-5 Royal 3 drawn to scale from the side and front: 121 mm (4.8 in) long, 73 mm (2.9 in) wide, 132 mm (5.2 in) tall, 484 g; with the 0.5 mm sharp and 0.9 mm blunt point settings](https://stationerytimes.com/images/carl-angel-5-royal-sharpener-size.svg) *The Royal 3 at 1 mm = 1.5 px, from retailers' listed size; outline details are drawn by eye.* ## Carl Angel-5 Royal 3 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | CARL (Japan) | | Model | Angel-5 Royal 3 (Japanese code A5RY3) | | Size (W × L × H) | 73 × 121 × 132 mm (2.9 × 4.8 × 5.2 in) | | Weight | 484 g (1.07 lb) | | Point settings | 2 steps: 0.5 mm (sharp) or 0.9 mm (blunt) lead tip | | Feed | Auto-feed and auto-stop | | Build | Steel case, zinc die-cast cutter and gear, resin clutch (CARL International) | | Pencil shapes | Round, triangular, hexagonal (Yoseka) | | US colors | Aqua Sky Green, Empire Red, Peri Blue, Antique White | | Japanese colors | Cream, pink, light blue, light green | | Made in | Japan (per CARL International) | | Price band ($$$ = $20–75) | $$$ | The Journal Shop and Bungu Store list 73 × 121 × 132 mm, and a Japanese-market listing on Wafuu gives the same size and 484 g. The point settings come from CARL Japan's FAQ, the Japanese colors from CARL Japan's discontinued-models list, and the US colors from the Amazon US listing. CARL doesn't give a maximum pencil diameter in the sources we found. ## Why doesn't it over-sharpen? **It has an auto-stop: once the point is formed, the handle turns lightly and the cutter stops removing wood.** Retailers describe this, along with an auto-feed that pulls the pencil in as you turn the crank, so you don't push it. The Gentleman Stationer reports that its plain Angel-5 still showed no sign of a dull cutter after five years of heavy use. ## How does the Royal compare with the plain Angel-5 and the Grand? **The Royal adds the two-step adjuster; the Grand has a stepless one.** The plain Angel-5 makes one fixed point; The Gentleman Stationer names that as its main drawback. | | Angel-5 | Angel-5 Royal 3 | Angel-5 Grand | |---|---|---|---| | Point adjuster | None (fixed point) | 2 steps: 0.5 or 0.9 mm | Stepless | | Size | 73 × 124 × 130 mm (Classic) | 73 × 121 × 132 mm | 124 × 73 × 132 mm | | Weight | 450 g (Classic) | 484 g | 540 g | | Japan list price | ¥2,750 (about US$17) | Discontinued | ¥4,400 (about US$28) | | Made in | Varies by listing | Japan | Japan | Figures for the plain Angel-5 are CARL Japan's for the current Angel-5 Classic (A5CL), which has no point adjuster; its page doesn't state where it's made. The Grand figures are CARL Japan's: a stepless adjuster from about 0.5 to 0.9 mm, in Sharp (A5GRS) and Conic (A5GRC) versions, both described as made in Japan. Japanese prices include tax. The earlier Angel-5 Royal (A5RY) came in blue, red and green, per CARL Japan's discontinued list. ## Which should you choose? **Pick the Royal 3 if you want one desk sharpener that makes two point styles.** If a fixed point is enough, the plain Angel-5 is the simpler model. For a long point on the go, the two-hole [KUM Automatic Long Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kum-long-point-sharpener/) splits the wood and graphite into two steps. Try it with a [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/), a [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/) or a [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/). For a classroom's worth of pencils, an electric sharpener such as the [X-ACTO School Pro](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/x-acto-school-pro-sharpener/) is faster. ## Is the Royal 3 still made? **No, not in Japan: CARL Japan's list of discontinued models (生産終了品/後継品一覧) includes the Angel-5 Royal 3 (A5RY3) and leaves the successor column blank.** We read the full list on October 20, 2026; the earlier Royal (A5RY), the Premium (A5PR) and the Premium 3 (A5PR3) are on it too. CARL Japan's current Angel-5 range is the Classic and the two Grand models. CARL Japan's repair-fee notice of January 1, 2025, still covers the A5RY3, and its FAQ still sells a replacement shavings tray (PCSA003) for it. US retailers such as Amazon still list the Royal 3 in four colors, but Japanese-market colors such as light blue (A5RY3-T) may be harder to find as stock runs out. ## Where is the Carl Angel-5 Royal made? **CARL's international site labels the Royal 3 "Made in Japan".** The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin, and the Amazon US listing says Original Made in Japan. Not every Angel-5 is. Blue Dog Ink lists China as the country of origin for the plain Angel-5 (19016), so check the model name if origin matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between the Carl Angel-5 and the Angel-5 Royal? The Royal models add a two-step point adjuster for a sharp 0.5 mm or blunt 0.9 mm tip, and CARL sells the Royal 3 as made in Japan. The plain Angel-5 makes one fixed point, which The Gentleman Stationer calls its one drawback. ### How big is the Carl Angel-5 Royal 3? The Journal Shop and Bungu Store list it at 73 × 121 × 132 mm, about 2.9 × 4.8 × 5.2 in, and a Japanese-market listing on Wafuu gives 484 g (about 1.07 lb). ### Does the Carl Angel-5 Royal over-sharpen pencils? Not by design. Retailers describe an auto-feed and auto-stop: cranking draws the pencil in, and the handle turns freely once the point is formed, so it stops cutting. ### What pencil shapes fit the Angel-5 Royal 3? Yoseka Stationery says it takes standard round, triangular and hexagonal pencils. We didn't find a published maximum pencil diameter, so check jumbo pencils before buying. ### Where is the Carl Angel-5 Royal made? In Japan, according to CARL International's Royal 3 page. The Journal Shop also lists Japan as the country of origin, and the Amazon US listing says Original Made in Japan. ### What colors does the Angel-5 Royal 3 come in? US listings on Amazon name Aqua Sky Green, Empire Red, Peri Blue and Antique White. CARL Japan lists the A5RY3 in cream, pink, light blue and light green. ### Is the Carl Angel-5 good for colored pencils? With care. CARL Japan's FAQ warns that colored pencils and soft, dark graphite pencils can be over-sharpened or break because their cores are soft. We haven't tested colored pencils in it yet. ## Sources - [生産終了品/後継品一覧｜カール事務器 (CARL Japan discontinued models list: A5RY3 in cream, pink, light blue, light green, no successor)](https://www.carl.co.jp/business/model/) - [よくある質問｜カール事務器 (CARL Japan FAQ: A5RY3 point 0.5 mm / 0.9 mm; colored pencils)](https://www.carl.co.jp/information/faq/) - [定額修理料金改定のご案内｜カール事務器 (CARL Japan repair-fee notice from January 1, 2025, listing the A5RY3)](https://www.carl.co.jp/news/notice/5891/) - [エンゼル５グランシャープ A5GRS｜カール事務器 (CARL Japan: Angel-5 Grand Sharp, ¥4,400, 540 g, made in Japan)](https://www.carl.co.jp/products/category/a5grs/) - [エンゼル5クラシック A5CL｜カール事務器 (CARL Japan: Angel-5 Classic, no point adjuster, 450 g)](https://www.carl.co.jp/products/category/a5cl/) - [CARL International: New colours of Angel-5 Royal (MADE IN JAPAN), A-5 Royal 3](https://carl-officeproducts.com/products/spice-up-your-life-with-new-made-in-japan-a-5-royal-3/) - [CARL International: Angel-5 Grand, A5GR (stepless adjuster, 124 × 73 × 132 mm)](https://carl-officeproducts.com/products/angle-5-grand-a-5-gr/) - [The Journal Shop: CARL Angel 5 Royal 3 Desktop Pencil Sharpener (W73 × L121 × H132 mm, PVC and stainless steel, Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/collections/carl/products/carl-angel-5-royal-3-pencil-sharpener) - [Wafuu: カール事務器 鉛筆削り エンゼル5 ロイヤル3 ライトブルー A5RY3-T (121 × 73 × 132 mm, 484 g)](https://wafuu.com/en-us/products/carl-office-equipment-pencil-sharpener-angel-5-royal-3-light-blue-a5ry3-t) - [Yoseka Stationery: CARL Angel5 Royal-3 (2.87 × 4.76 × 5.19 in, sharp 0.5 or blunt 0.9 mm)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/carl-angel5-pencil-sharpener-ones-color-royal-3) - [Bungu Store: Manual Pencil Sharpener Angel-5 Royal 3 / CARL (W73 × L121 × H132 mm)](https://bungu.store/products/manual-pencil-sharpener-angel-5-royal-3-carl) - [Amazon: CARL Angel 5 Royal 3 Pencil Sharpener, Peri Blue (US colors, made in Japan)](https://www.amazon.com/CARL-Angel-Royal-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B0C24WBKTJ) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Desktop tools, Carl Angel-5 pencil sharpener (long-term review)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2019/7/23/desktop-tools-carl-angel-5-pencil-sharpener) - [Blue Dog Ink: CARL Angel-5 19016 (country of origin China)](https://www.bluedogink.com/carl-angel-5-pencil-sharpener-19016.html) --- # Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil: Shaker & Fat Grip > The Pilot Dr. Grip is an ergonomic mechanical pencil with a fat, double-layer grip and a shaker mechanism: shake it and a sliding weight advances the lead. Pilot launched the pencil in Japan in 1992. Pilot's Japanese catalog lists its top model, THE Dr. GRIP 0.5 mm, at 153.3 mm long, 14.6 mm thick and 23.1 g. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-dr-grip-mechanical-pencil/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Silver Pilot THE Dr. GRIP mechanical pencil drawn to scale at 153 mm (6.0 in) long and 14.6 mm across the fat grip; inset: a weight inside the barrel slides when you shake the pencil, advancing the lead](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-dr-grip-mechanical-pencil-16x9.png) *THE Dr. GRIP 0.5 mm at 153 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-dr-grip-mechanical-pencil-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot THE Dr. GRIP shaker mechanical pencil (HTDG-90R, 0.5 mm) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Resin barrel; silicone rubber grip (Pilot); a retailer also lists brass in the grip | 2022-12-16 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot THE Dr. GRIP shaker mechanical pencil (HTDG-90R, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Per a retailer spec sheet (Paper Whisper: made in Japan). Pilot's Japanese catalog page for HTDG-90R (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state the country. Source: https://paperwhisper.com/products/pilot-the-dr-grip-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm ## Key takeaways - Pilot launched Dr. Grip as a ballpoint in 1991 and added the shake-to-advance mechanical pencil in 1992. - Pilot's Japanese catalog lists THE Dr. GRIP 0.5 mm at 153.3 mm (6.0 in) long, 14.6 mm (0.57 in) at the widest and 23.1 g, about 4 mm thicker than a Kuru Toga. - A Fure Fure Lock turns the shaker off; at the December 16, 2022 launch, Japanese press reported the click and shaker noise as about 50% quieter than earlier models. - In Japan THE Dr. GRIP has a maker's suggested price of ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) including tax. - Pilot's US site says Dr. Grip is certified for Ease-of-Use by the Arthritis Foundation. ## What is the Pilot Dr. Grip mechanical pencil? **The Dr. Grip is Pilot's ergonomic mechanical pencil: a thick barrel with a soft, double-layer grip and a lead that advances when you shake it.** Pilot Corporation of Tokyo makes it, and Pilot Corporation of America sells the line in the US. Japanese press coverage says Pilot launched Dr. Grip in 1991 as a ¥500 (about US$3.20) ballpoint, with a barrel diameter worked out with input from doctors. The mechanical pencil followed in 1992 with the shaker mechanism Pilot calls "Fure Fure". In October 2021 Pilot marked 30 years of the line with a limited run of 30 colors based on the first model. THE Dr. GRIP, the current top model, went on sale in Japan on December 16, 2022. ## How does the shake-to-advance mechanism work? **A metal weight sits loose around the lead tube; each shake slides it into the lead advancer, which feeds out a little lead.** Wikipedia notes that pencils built this way are often called "shaker pencils". The top button still works as a normal click. On THE Dr. GRIP a Fure Fure Lock stops lead from creeping out in a bag or pocket. Pilot's Japanese catalog says you turn the grip section to switch the lock on or off, and the click still works while it's locked. Yoseka Stationery's instructions add that the shaker is on when the lock mark no longer lines up with the notch on the grip. ## THE Dr. GRIP specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation, Tokyo, Japan | | Model | HTDG-90R: dark gray (DGY), navy (NV), olive (OL), bordeaux (BO), silver (S) | | JAN (dark gray) | 4902505653278 | | Lead size | 0.5 mm (a 0.3 mm version, HTDG13, is also sold in Japan) | | Lead feed | Click, or shake (Fure Fure), with a lock; Pilot calls it a quiet type | | Length | 153.3 mm (6.0 in) | | Widest diameter | 14.6 mm (0.57 in) | | Weight | 23.1 g (0.81 oz); Paper Whisper lists 25 g | | Barrel | Resin | | Grip | Silicone rubber (Paper Whisper also lists brass) | | Replacement eraser | HERF-10 | | Japanese suggested price | ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) including tax | | Made in | Japan (per a retailer spec sheet) | Model codes, size, weight, materials, eraser and price come from Pilot's Japanese web catalog. The country of origin comes from Paper Whisper, because Pilot's page doesn't state it. ## How thick is the Dr. Grip? **At 14.6 mm across, THE Dr. GRIP is about 4 mm thicker than a typical slim mechanical pencil.** That width is the point: a fatter barrel lets your fingers relax instead of pinching. ![Widest diameter to scale: THE Dr. GRIP 14.6 mm versus uni Kuru Toga Standard 10.6 mm; lengths: Dr. GRIP 153 mm and 25 g (retailer figure; Pilot lists 23.1 g), Kuru Toga 142 mm and about 10 g, GraphGear 1000 about 149 mm and about 20 g](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-dr-grip-mechanical-pencil-thickness.svg) *THE Dr. GRIP is the longest, thickest and heaviest of the three.* Yoseka Stationery describes the grip as two layers: a firm outer layer over a softer inner one. Retailers add that Dr. Grip pencils are weighted toward the tip, and Paper Whisper lists brass in the grip of THE Dr. GRIP, which Pilot's own material list (silicone rubber grip, resin barrel) doesn't mention. ## Is the Dr. Grip good for arthritis or hand pain? **Pilot's US site says Dr. Grip is certified for Ease-of-Use by the Arthritis Foundation.** It credits the balanced design and a cushioned grip that eases writing fatigue, and Yoseka Stationery says the original Dr. Grip pencil received the foundation's Commendation for Ease-of-Use. We haven't tested it with arthritic hands, so treat comfort as the maker's claim. ## Which Dr. Grip pencil should you buy? **THE Dr. GRIP is the current top model; the Classic and Play Balance are cheaper versions of the same idea.** Model names differ between the US and Japan, so check the lead size before you buy. | Model | What's different | Lead sizes we found | |---|---|---| | THE Dr. GRIP (HTDG-90R, HTDG13) | Top model: quieter click and shaker, Fure Fure Lock; ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) | 0.3, 0.5 mm | | Dr. Grip Classic (HDG50R, HDGC13) | Cushioned silicone grip and shaker; ¥825 (about US$5.20) | 0.3, 0.5 mm | | Dr. Grip CL Play Balance (2021) | Swappable inner grips; Impress Watch lists 8 weight and balance settings from 19.6 to 27.4 g | 0.3, 0.5 mm | | Center of Gravity (US) | US model; Wikipedia says no click, shaker only | 0.7 mm | | G-Spec (Japan) | Japanese equivalent of the Center of Gravity, with a click; ¥880 (about US$5.60) | 0.3, 0.5, 0.9 mm | Japanese model codes, prices (including tax) and lead sizes come from Pilot's Japanese web catalog, read on October 20, 2026; the prices took effect with Pilot's July 1, 2026 price list, which raised THE Dr. GRIP from ¥1,045 (about US$6.60). If you write with a light touch and want a thin, sharp line, compare it with the [uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/). For a heavier metal drafting pencil, see the [Pentel GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/). ## How does the Dr. Grip compare to other mechanical pencils? **It trades slimness for comfort: it is longer, thicker and heavier than most everyday pencils.** | | THE Dr. GRIP | uni Kuru Toga Standard | Pentel GraphGear 1000 | |---|---|---|---| | Main feature | Fat grip, shaker | Rotating lead | Retractable 4 mm sleeve | | Length | 153.3 mm | 142 mm | About 149 mm | | Weight | 23.1 g | About 10 g | About 20 g | | Japanese price | ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) | ¥495 (about US$3.10) | ¥1,650 (about US$10) | Our [best mechanical pencils](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-mechanical-pencils/) roundup compares more picks side by side. If you press hard and snap lead, the [Zebra DelGuard](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-delguard/) uses two springs to protect it. Pilot's gel-ink Dr. Grip pens take the same refill as the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/). ## Where is the Pilot Dr. Grip made? **A retailer spec sheet lists THE Dr. GRIP as made in Japan.** Paper Whisper states it on its product page. Pilot's Japanese catalog page doesn't give the country, and US-market models may differ, so check the packaging if it matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the Dr. Grip shaker pencil work? A small metal weight sits around the lead tube inside the barrel. When you shake the pencil, the weight slides back and forth and pushes the lead advancer, so lead comes out without clicking. You can still click the top button as usual. ### How do you turn off the shaker on a Dr. Grip? THE Dr. GRIP has a Fure Fure Lock: Pilot's Japanese catalog says you turn the grip section to switch it on or off, and clicking still works while it's locked. Retailer instructions say the lock is on when the lock mark lines up with the notch on the grip. ### Is the Pilot Dr. Grip good for arthritis? Pilot's US site says Dr. Grip is certified for Ease-of-Use by the Arthritis Foundation, and Yoseka Stationery says the original Dr. Grip pencil received the foundation's Commendation for Ease-of-Use. We haven't tested it with arthritic hands. ### How thick is the Dr. Grip mechanical pencil? Pilot's Japanese catalog lists THE Dr. GRIP 0.5 mm at 14.6 mm across at the widest point, compared with 10.6 mm for a uni Kuru Toga Standard. That makes it one of the fattest everyday mechanical pencils. ### What lead size does the Dr. Grip use? In Pilot's Japanese catalog THE Dr. GRIP comes in 0.5 mm (HTDG-90R) and 0.3 mm (HTDG13), and the G-Spec in 0.3, 0.5 and 0.9 mm. Wikipedia says the US Center of Gravity pencil has been sold in 0.7 mm only. ### When did the Dr. Grip mechanical pencil come out? Pilot released the Dr. Grip ballpoint in Japan in 1991 and the shake-to-advance Dr. Grip mechanical pencil in 1992, according to Japanese press coverage of the line's 30th anniversary. ### Where is the Pilot Dr. Grip made? A retailer spec sheet (Paper Whisper) lists THE Dr. GRIP as made in Japan; Pilot's Japanese catalog page doesn't state the country. Pilot Corporation is based in Tokyo, and Pilot Corporation of America sells the line in the US. ## Sources - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「ザ・ドクターグリップ 0.5mm」HTDG-90R (Pilot Japanese catalog: THE Dr. GRIP 0.5 mm; size, 23.1 g, materials, JAN, price, colors)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100003588) - [Pilot USA (Power to the Pen): Dr. Grip, certified for Ease-of-Use by the Arthritis Foundation](https://powertothepen.com/brands/dr-grip/) - [Paper Whisper: Pilot THE Dr. GRIP mechanical pencil 0.5 mm (153 mm, 14.6 mm, 25 g, materials, made in Japan)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/pilot-the-dr-grip-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm) - [パイロット「価格表 2026年7月1日付」(Pilot Japan price list effective July 1, 2026, PDF: Dr. Grip prices)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/information/pricelist_202607.pdf) - [Yoseka Stationery: Pilot THE Dr. GRIP shaker mechanical pencil 0.5 mm (Fure Fure Lock, double-layer grip, Ease-of-Use commendation)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/pilot-dr-grip-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm) - [GetNavi「振動で芯が出るのを防ぐ「フレフレロック」搭載！ 静音設計シャープペンシル「THE Dr．Grip」」(December 16, 2022 launch, about 50% quieter; Japanese)](https://getnavi.jp/variety/815986/) - [Gendai Business: the history of Pilot Dr. Grip (1991 ballpoint, 1992 shaker pencil) (Japanese)](https://gendai.media/articles/-/89199) - [AdverTimes: Pilot Dr. Grip history (Japanese)](https://www.advertimes.com/20191120/article302553/) - [GetNavi: Dr. Grip turns 30, 30-color limited edition based on the first model (Japanese)](https://getnavi.jp/variety/712165/) - [Impress Watch: Dr. Grip CL Play Balance with adjustable weight and balance (Japanese)](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1362217.html) - [Wikipedia: Dr. Grip (shaker mechanism, double-layer grip, US Center of Gravity and G-Spec)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Grip) - [Bungu Store: Pilot Dr. Grip Classic mechanical pencil 0.5 mm](https://bungu.store/products/dr-grip-classic-0-5mm-pilot) --- # Best Pens of All Time (2027): 10 Icons Since 1941 > On documented evidence, the BIC Cristal is the greatest pen of all time: launched in December 1950, it passed 100 billion sold in the mid-2000s, the basis of its best-selling-pen title. The Parker 51, Parker Jotter, Montblanc 149, Pentel Sign Pen and Fisher Space Pen complete the core of our ten icons, and all ten are sold today. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-of-all-time/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Lineup of ten classic pens standing tip down in launch-year order: Parker 51 (1941), BIC Cristal (1950), Montblanc Meisterstück 149 (1952), Parker Jotter (1954), Pentel Sign Pen (1963), Fisher Space Pen AG7 (1965), Paper Mate Flair (1966), LAMY safari (1980), Sakura Pigma Micron (1982) and Pilot G2 (1997)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/best-pens-of-all-time-16x9.png) *The ten picks closed, in launch-year order. Drawn in proportion, since not every maker publishes a length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/best-pens-of-all-time-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Parker 51 fountain pen | Parker (by Parker Pen Company (part of Newell Brands)) | United States | France | Resin barrel, stainless steel cap, hooded steel or 18K gold nib (2021 edition) | 1941 | $$$$: over $75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | BIC Cristal ballpoint pen | BIC (by Société BIC (France); sold in the US by BIC Corporation) | France | Mexico | Polystyrene barrel, polypropylene ink tube, brass tip, tungsten-carbide ball | 1950-12 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Montblanc Meisterstück 149 fountain pen | Montblanc | Germany | Germany | Black resin body, piston filler | 1952 | $$$$: over $75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Parker Jotter Stainless Steel CT ballpoint pen | Parker (by Parker Pen Company (part of Newell Brands)) | United States | France | Stainless steel cap and barrel, chrome-plated trim, Quinkflow ballpoint refill | 1954-01 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pentel Sign Pen (S520) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Acrylic fiber tip in a metal sleeve, water-based ink; 80% recycled plastic body in black, red, blue and green (Pentel of America) | 1963 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Fisher Space Pen AG7 Original Astronaut Space Pen | Fisher Space Pen | United States | United States | Chrome-plated brass, pressurized PR-series refill | 1965 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Paper Mate Flair felt tip pen | Paper Mate (by Newell Brands) | United States | Mexico | Plastic body, metal clip, felt tip | 1966 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | LAMY safari fountain pen | LAMY (by C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg (part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.)) | Germany | Germany | ASA plastic body, steel nib | 1980 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Sakura Pigma Micron pen | Sakura (by Sakura Color Products Corporation (Osaka); sold in the US by Sakura of America) | Japan | Japan | PP barrel, cap and end plug; steel clip; brass tip holder; POM tip (per Sakura Japan, Pigma 01); pigment ink | 1982 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pilot G2 retractable gel pen | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel, rubber grip | 1997 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Parker 51 fountain pen): France. Goldspot lists the 2021 Parker 51 fountain pen as made in France; Unsharpen gives Germany, and a Galaxus listing gives China for the 51 ballpoint. We use Goldspot's figure for the fountain pen; check the box. Parker was founded in Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1888. Source: https://www.goldspot.com/products/parker-51-fountain-pen-in-black-with-chrome-trim - Made in (BIC Cristal ballpoint pen): Mexico. BIC's French 75th-anniversary press kit (2025) says the Cristal is still made in BIC's own factories in France, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa, on machines BIC designs. For US packs, a Stop & Shop listing for a blue Cristal Xtra Smooth 10-pack gives Mexico, as did distributor listings for MS11 black and red (Aztek, Dealer Commander). European packs of the Cristal Original have been listed as made in France (Farnell). Check the pack. Source: https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/bic-cristal-ball-point-pens-xtra-smooth-medium-blue-ink-10-ct-pkg/27921 - Made in (Montblanc Meisterstück 149 fountain pen): Germany. Per an authorised Montblanc retailer's listing for reference 132105 (country of manufacture Germany); vintage 149s are marked W.-Germany. Montblanc's own page doesn't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://iguanasell.com.au/products/montblanc-meisterstuck-149-platinum-fountain-pen-black-132105 - Made in (Parker Jotter Stainless Steel CT ballpoint pen): France. Sainsbury's lists France as the country of origin for the stainless steel Jotter, and Bruneau (Belgium), PartsSource and Galaxus also give France. Wikipedia says production moved from Newhaven, England, to Nantes, France, after Parker closed its English factory late in 2010. Source: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/parker-jotter-stainless-steel-ball-pen - Made in (Pentel Sign Pen (S520)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide gives the S520's origin as Japan. Retailer spec sheets agree: Officeworks (Australia) lists Japan as the country of manufacture for the black 12-pack (S520-A) and the assorted 6-pack, Brock's Compass (UK) lists Japan for the red S520-B, and Aztek (US) lists Japan for the black S520A dozen. Digitec (Switzerland) lists China for the violet S520-V, so origin may vary by color or market. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/86/ - Made in (Fisher Space Pen AG7 Original Astronaut Space Pen): United States. GP Knives lists the country of origin as the USA, and Primer Peak says Fisher pens are made in Boulder City, Nevada. We couldn't reach Fisher's own site. Source: https://www.gpknives.com/fisher-space-pen-original-astronaut-space-pen-chrome-ag7 - Made in (Paper Mate Flair felt tip pen): Mexico. Giant Food Stores' listing for the Medium black 2-pack says Made in Mexico. Distributors ADI Global (noting origin is subject to change) and OnTimeSupplies also list Mexico. Paper Mate's own site blocked our reader, so we couldn't check it there. Source: https://giantfoodstores.com/groceries/product/paper-mate-flair-pen-fiber-tip-medium-point-black-ink-2-ct-pkg/172506 - Made in (LAMY safari fountain pen): Germany. LAMY's own product listing (India storefront) gives Germany as the country of origin and names C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg, as the manufacturer, and also says made in Germany. LAMY's German page names no country. Source: https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-safari-fountain-pen - Made in (Sakura Pigma Micron pen): Japan. Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin (read October 20, 2026). Sakura's Japanese product page for the Pigma 01 doesn't state a country. Digitec and Galaxus (Switzerland), cited earlier for Japan, blocked our access on that date. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/sakura-pigma-micron/ - Made in (Pilot G2 retractable gel pen): Japan. Per US retailer spec sheets (Stop & Shop, OnTimeSupplies for item 31171). Some grocery listings for a 4-pack say "Japan, USA", so origin may vary by pack. Pilot's US site doesn't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://stopandshop.com/groceries/home-office/school-office/office-supplies/pens/pilot-g2-pens-fine-blue-ink-7mm-2-ct-pkg.html ## Key takeaways - BIC announced its 100 billionth disposable ballpoint in 2005, and BIC says the Cristal has sold about 57 pens a second since 1950. - Collector sources say the Parker 51 sold about 20 million pens between 1941 and 1972; Parker brought it back in a reimagined form in February 2021. - The Parker Jotter has sold more than 750 million units since 1954, according to widely repeated (but unaudited) figures. - Paul Fisher filed the patent for the AG7 anti-gravity pen on May 19, 1965, and it flew on Apollo 7 in October 1968. - Six of the ten have been made continuously for more than 50 years; the Parker 51 is the only one with a 49-year gap. ## What are the best pens of all time? **On documented evidence (units sold, years in production and genuine firsts), the BIC Cristal is the best pen of all time, and nine more classics each hold a record of their own.** We judged history, not handwriting feel: picks are based on published specs and maker claims; we haven't tested them yet. - **Best overall (most sold):** [BIC Cristal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/). Launched in December 1950; BIC announced its 100 billionth disposable ballpoint in 2005. - **Best fountain pen icon:** Parker 51. About 20 million sold from 1941 to 1972, per collector sources, and back in production since 2021. - **Best luxury pen:** Montblanc Meisterstück 149. An oversize piston-filler made since 1952, 147.3 mm (5.8 in) long per Montblanc. - **Best refillable ballpoint:** Parker Jotter. More than 750 million sold since 1954, per widely repeated figures. - **Best fiber-tip pen:** [Pentel Sign Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sign-pen/). Launched in 1963; ITmedia reported 2.1 billion sold in over 100 countries by 2017. - **Best extreme-conditions pen:** Fisher Space Pen AG7. Patented in 1965 and flown on Apollo 7 in 1968. - **Best American felt tip:** [Paper Mate Flair](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-flair/). Sold since 1966 and still a top Amazon seller, per ASINsight estimates. - **Best design icon:** [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/). Designed in 1980 by Wolfgang Fabian and held by Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. - **Best archival drawing pen:** [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/). Part of Sakura's Pigma pigment-ink line, launched in 1982. - **Best modern gel pen:** [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/). Sold since 1997; Pilot USA calls G2 America's No. 1 selling gel ink pen brand, citing Circana dollar sales (older packaging cites NPD). ## How do the ten pens compare? **Sorted by launch year, the list spans 56 years, from the 1941 Parker 51 to the 1997 Pilot G2.** | Year | Pen | Why it's on the list | Still worth buying today? | Band | |---|---|---|---|---| | 1941 | Parker 51 | About 20 million sold by 1972 (collector sources) | Yes, if you want the shape; the 2021 edition has a screw cap and cartridges | $$$$ | | 1950 | BIC Cristal | 100 billionth BIC ballpoint announced in 2005; in MoMA's collection | Yes: cheap, everywhere, unchanged | $ | | 1952 | Montblanc 149 | Made for over 70 years; Adenauer offered his to Kennedy in 1963 | Only as a lifetime pen; it's the priciest here | $$$$ | | 1954 | Parker Jotter | 750 million+ sold, per widely repeated figures | Yes: the cheapest metal classic, standard refill | $$$ | | 1963 | Pentel Sign Pen | 2.1 billion sold in 100+ countries (ITmedia, 2017) | Yes, for notes and signing | $ | | 1965 | Fisher Space Pen AG7 | Patent filed May 19, 1965; Apollo 7, 1968 | Yes, if you write outdoors or upside down | $$$ | | 1966 | Paper Mate Flair | Paper Mate's felt-tip debut, design kept since | Yes, for color-coded notes | $ | | 1980 | LAMY safari | 1980 design in a museum collection, never out of production | Yes: a first fountain pen | $$$ | | 1982 | Sakura Pigma Micron | Pigma line launched 1982 | Yes, for drawing and archival notes | $ | | 1997 | Pilot G2 | Pilot's No. 1 US gel ink pen brand claim (Circana) | Yes: the default US gel pen | $ | Launch years come from makers where possible, otherwise from collector histories; see Notes on these facts. Units-sold figures are maker or press figures, not audited data. ## What is the best-selling pen of all time? **The BIC Cristal, by a wide margin.** BIC announced its 100 billionth disposable ballpoint in 2005, and BIC says the Cristal has sold about 57 pens a second since 1950. You'll often read that Guinness World Records lists it as the best-selling pen. We couldn't find that entry, so we credit the figures to BIC. The next-largest published numbers are far smaller: 2.1 billion Pentel Sign Pens and 750 million Parker Jotters. ## Which pen changed writing the most? **The BIC Cristal made the ballpoint disposable and cheap enough for everyone, which ended the fountain pen's role as the default everyday pen.** BIC's 60th-anniversary release says the pen sold about 10,000 a day in its first year, 1950. Two later firsts matter too. The 1963 Pentel Sign Pen, the oldest fiber-tip pen here, sold in the billions, and Pentel says it flew on a NASA Gemini mission in 1966. The Fisher AG7's pressurized cartridge made writing in zero gravity routine; NASA's Spinoff site says Apollo 7's Walter Schirra floated one on live TV in October 1968. On the Space Pen myth, Scientific American reports that Paul Fisher paid for development himself and NASA simply bought the pens. ## Which classic pens are still made today? **All ten are on sale in 2026, and nine have never left production; the Parker 51 is the exception.** | Pen | Production | |---|---| | Parker 51 | 1941–1972, reimagined edition since February 2021 | | BIC Cristal, Montblanc 149, Parker Jotter | Continuous since 1950, 1952 and 1954 | | Pentel Sign Pen, Fisher AG7, Paper Mate Flair | Continuous since 1963, 1965–68 and 1966 | | LAMY safari, Pigma Micron, Pilot G2 | Continuous since 1980, 1982 and 1997 | "Continuous" doesn't mean unchanged. The Jotter's first barrels were nylon, and the 2021 Parker 51 swaps the original slip-on cap for a screw cap, per Parker's own launch release. ## Which pens almost made the list? **The uni-ball Jetstream, Pilot Vanishing Point, Sheaffer Snorkel and Pelikan Souverän M800 came closest.** We left them out because we couldn't find documented sales or firsts as strong as the ten above. The Jetstream, from 2006, may earn a place as its history lengthens. ## Where are these pens made? **Three are made in Japan, two each in France, Germany and Mexico, and one in the United States, per makers and retailer spec sheets.** Of the four American brands, only Fisher makes its pen in the US; Parker builds the Jotter and 51 in France, and Paper Mate makes the Flair in Mexico. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the most popular pen in the world? By units sold, the BIC Cristal. BIC announced its 100 billionth disposable ballpoint in 2005, and the Cristal is generally described as the best-selling pen ever. No other pen has a published figure in the same range. ### Is the BIC Cristal in the Guinness World Records? It is often said to be, but we couldn't find a Guinness World Records entry that confirms a best-selling-pen record. The figures behind the claim, such as 100 billion pens and 57 a second, come from BIC. ### What is the most famous fountain pen ever made? The Parker 51 and the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 are the two usual answers. The 51 is the volume icon, with about 20 million sold from 1941 to 1972 per collectors; the 149, from 1952, is the luxury icon still made today. ### Did NASA spend millions developing the Space Pen? No. Scientific American reports that Paul Fisher developed the pressurized pen with his own money and NASA bought it afterward. It first flew on Apollo 7 in October 1968. ### How many Parker Jotters have been sold? More than 750 million since 1954, according to Wikipedia and pen retailers that repeat the figure. We haven't seen a Parker document that confirms it, so treat it as an estimate. ### Which came first, the Pentel Sign Pen or the Paper Mate Flair? The Pentel Sign Pen, launched in Japan in 1963. Paper Mate's Flair, the brand's felt-tip debut, followed in the US in 1966. Both are still made, and both are capped pens with water-based ink. ### Which classic pen is still worth buying today? For everyday use, the cheap ones: a BIC Cristal, Pentel Sign Pen or Pilot G2 costs little and is unchanged in spirit. For a pen to keep, the Parker Jotter or LAMY safari is the most affordable classic. ## Sources - [BIC: 60 years of the BIC Cristal (press release, December 10, 2010)](https://us.bic.com/media/bicworld/Communications/News%20Archive/English/2010%20EN%20Backup/60_Years_of_BIC_Cristal_10DEC2010.pdf) - [NBC News: Disposable ballpoint writes its way into history (100 billionth BIC, 2005)](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna9256481) - [Wikipedia: Bic Cristal (best-selling pen; 100 billionth in September 2006; MoMA collection)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bic_Cristal) - [MoMA: BIC Cristal ballpoint pen in the collection](https://www.moma.org/collection/works/82141) - [Parker: A 20th century classic reimagined (Parker 51, February 2021)](https://www.parkerpen.com/parker-news-parker-51.html) - [Wikipedia: Parker 51 (produced until 1972)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_51) - [Parkerpens.net: Parker 51 (over 20 million sold)](https://parkerpens.net/parker51.html) - [Inkstable: Parker 51, a prominent place in fountain pen history (close to 20 million over about 30 years)](https://inkstable.com/parker-51-a-prominent-place-in-fountain-pen-history/) - [Goldspot: Parker 51 fountain pen, black with chrome trim (141 mm closed, 152.5 mm posted, made in France)](https://www.goldspot.com/products/parker-51-fountain-pen-in-black-with-chrome-trim) - [Montblanc: Meisterstück platinum-coated 149 fountain pen, MB132105 (147.3 × 17.3 mm)](https://www.montblanc.com/en-li/meisterstuck-platinum-coated-149-fountain-pen-MB132105.html) - [Robb Report: Why the Montblanc Meisterstück is still an icon after 100 years (149 introduced 1952, piston filler)](https://robbreport.com.my/2024/05/14/montblanc-meisterstuck-writing-instrument-100-years-icon/) - [Inkstable: The power of 9 (Montblanc 149, Adenauer and Kennedy, 1963)](https://inkstable.com/the-power-of-9/) - [Swisswatches Magazine: 100 years of Montblanc Meisterstück](https://swisswatches-magazine.com/writing-with-the-flow-of-time-100-years-of-montblanc-meisterstuck/) - [Iguanasell: Montblanc Meisterstück 149 platinum fountain pen 132105 (country of manufacture Germany)](https://iguanasell.com.au/products/montblanc-meisterstuck-149-platinum-fountain-pen-black-132105) - [Wikipedia: Parker Jotter (1954; over 750 million sold; T-Ball textured tip)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_Jotter) - [Phidon Pens: Everything you need to know about the Parker Jotter](https://blog.phidonpens.com/blog/2020/8/12/history-of-the-parker-jotter) - [Parkerpens.net: Parker Jotter history (1954 nylon barrels, plastic by 1955)](https://parkerpens.net/jotter.shtml) - [Sainsbury's: Parker Jotter stainless steel ball pen (country of origin France)](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/parker-jotter-stainless-steel-ball-pen) - [Bruneau: Parker Jotter stainless steel GT ballpoint (made in France)](https://www.bruneau.be/en/product/parker-jotter-stainless-steel-gt-medium-ballpoint-pen/607026) - [G. Edward: Parker Jotter ballpoint pen 775819 (129 mm)](https://gedward.aimsmarter.co.uk/product/Parker_Jotter_ballpoint_pen_775819) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (Sign Pen 1963, Gemini 1966)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) - [ITmedia (Japanese): Why Pentel's Sign Pen is easy to write with (2.1 billion in 100+ countries)](https://www.itmedia.co.jp/business/spv/1704/24/news029.html) - [Science Museum Group: Fisher Space Pen, model AG7 (patent 3,285,228, Anti-Gravity Pen)](https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co40490/fisher-space-pen-model-ag7) - [NASA Spinoff: Space pens (Apollo 7, Walter Schirra, October 1968)](https://spinoff.nasa.gov/space-pens) - [ASI Central: Fisher Space Pen celebrates 50 years in space (Apollo 7, October 11, 1968)](https://members.asicentral.com/news/web-exclusive/september-2018/fisher-space-pen-celebrates-50-years-in-space/) - [Scientific American: Fact or fiction? NASA spent millions to develop a pen that would write in space](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-nasa-spen) - [GP Knives: Fisher Space Pen Original Astronaut Space Pen, chrome AG7 (country of origin USA)](https://www.gpknives.com/fisher-space-pen-original-astronaut-space-pen-chrome-ag7) - [DLT Trading: Fisher Space Pen Astronaut pen, chrome (5.11 in, 1.10 oz)](https://www.dlttrading.com/fisher-space-pen-astronaut-pen-chrome) - [Primer Peak: Fisher Space Pen review (made in Boulder City, Nevada)](https://www.primerpeak.com/fisher-space-pen-review-zero-g-writing-2023/) - [Paper Mate: About us (Flair felt tip debut)](https://www.papermate.com/about-us) - [ASINsight: Best-selling Paper Mate Flair pens on Amazon (sales estimates, July 2026)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/flair-pens-paper-mate) - [Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: Safari (1980, Wolfgang Fabian)](https://www.boijmans.nl/en/collection/artworks/110383/safari) - [Wikipedia: Sakura Color Products Corporation (Pigma 1982)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakura_Color_Products_Corporation) - [Pilot Pen UK: Gel ink pens (G-2 "the original since 1997")](https://www.pilotpen.co.uk/our-products/gel-ink-pens/) - [Stop & Shop: Pilot G2 Fine Black 0.7 mm (No. 1 selling gel ink brand claim, NPD 2021)](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/pilot-g2-pens-fine-black-ink-7mm-2-ct-pkg/170943) --- # Best Pocket Pens for 2027: Kaweco Sport, Fisher & More > On published specs, the Kaweco Classic Sport ballpoint is the best pocket pen for most people: 10.5 cm (4.1 in) long with a standard D1 refill. Pick the Fisher Space Pen Bullet for everyday carry, the Kaweco Sport fountain pen for ink, Rite in the Rain for wet weather and the Zebra T-3 to spend least. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pocket-pens/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![To-scale lineup of six closed pocket pens standing tip down: Kaweco Classic Sport ballpoint 105 mm (best overall), Fisher Space Pen Bullet 95 mm (everyday carry), Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen 105 mm (fountain), Rite in the Rain No. 92 86 mm (wet weather), Zebra T-3 100 mm (cheapest) and uni Jetstream 4&1 148.8 mm (multi-pen)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/best-pocket-pens-16x9.png) *The six picks closed, lengths to scale (1 mm = 1.2 px); only the Jetstream 4&1 is longer than a typical pocket pen.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/best-pocket-pens-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Kaweco Classic Sport ballpoint pen | Kaweco | Germany | Germany | Plastic body with octagonal top, D1 ballpoint refill | – | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Fisher Space Pen Bullet (400 series) | Fisher Space Pen (by Fisher Space Pen Co.) | United States | United States | Chrome-plated brass cap and barrel (or coated finishes), pressurized PR4 refill | 1948 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen | Kaweco | Germany | Germany | ABS plastic body with octagonal cap, gold-plated steel nib, short international cartridges | 1911 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Rite in the Rain All-Weather Pocket Pen No. 92 | Rite in the Rain | United States | United States | Plastic body and cap, pressurized ink cartridge | – | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Zebra T-3 mini stainless steel ballpoint pen, 0.7 mm | Zebra | Japan | Japan | Stainless steel body, D1 ballpoint refill | – | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | uni Jetstream 4&1 multi pen, 0.5 mm | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plated brass front barrel, coated ABS resin rear barrel, rubber grip, steel clip; four Jetstream ballpoint refills and a 0.5 mm pencil | 2008-11 | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Kaweco Classic Sport ballpoint pen): Germany. Kaweco's Classic Sport series page says its writing instruments are produced and assembled in Germany, and retailers such as Akkerman describe the ballpoint as designed and made in Germany. Source: https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/Series/CLASSIC-SPORT/ - Made in (Fisher Space Pen Bullet (400 series)): United States. Fisher's own Bullet pages carry a made in USA notice, and GP Knives and Pack Hacker list the country of origin as the United States. Wikipedia says the pens are manufactured in Boulder City, Nevada. Source: https://www.packhacker.com/travel-gear/fisher-space-pen/bullet-space-pen-400b/ - Made in (Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen): Germany. Kaweco's German product page labels the Classic Sport fountain pen "100% Made in Germany" and says all nibs and the pen itself are made in Germany; its series page says Classic Sport pens are produced and assembled in Germany. Source: https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/Series/CLASSIC-SPORT/ - Made in (Rite in the Rain All-Weather Pocket Pen No. 92): United States. GP Knives lists the country of manufacture as the United States, and Knife Country and Blade HQ also say USA. Rite in the Rain's own page wasn't reachable in our research. Source: https://www.gpknives.com/rite-in-the-rain-bk92-black-pokka-all-weather-pocket-pen-2-pack.html - Made in (Zebra T-3 mini stainless steel ballpoint pen, 0.7 mm): Japan. Per Hunter Paper Co.'s listing. We found no Zebra page for the T-3 in our searches. Source: https://hunterpaperco.com/products/zebra-t-3-mini-stainless-steel-ballpoint-pen-0-7mm - Made in (uni Jetstream 4&1 multi pen, 0.5 mm): Japan. The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin for the 0.5 mm 4&1, and Phidon Pens also says made in Japan. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page and press releases don't state it. Source: https://phidonpens.com/products/mitsubishi-uni-jetstream-msxe50005-4-1-multi-pen-black ## Key takeaways - Unsharpen defines a pocket pen as about 3.5 to 4.5 in (89 to 114 mm) capped; five of our six picks fit, from 86 mm (Rite in the Rain No. 92) to 105 mm (both Kaweco Sports). - The Fisher Space Pen Bullet grows from 96 mm (3.77 in) closed to 136 mm (5.35 in) with the cap posted, per Fisher. - Fisher and Rite in the Rain both rate their pressurized cartridges from -30 °F to 250 °F (-34 °C to 121 °C) and say they write upside down and underwater. - The Zebra T-3 is a 100 mm (3.9 in) stainless steel ballpoint of about 7 g, made in Japan, per Hunter Paper Co. - The uni Jetstream 4&1 packs four ballpoint colors and a 0.5 mm pencil into 148.8 mm, so it rides in a shirt pocket rather than a trouser pocket. ## What is the best pocket pen? **On published specs, the Kaweco Classic Sport ballpoint is the best pocket pen for most people, while the best pick for everyday carry, fountain ink, wet weather, a low price or several colors is a different pen.** Picks are based on published specs and maker claims; we haven't tested them yet. - **Best overall:** Kaweco Classic Sport ballpoint. Kaweco lists it at 10.5 cm (4.1 in) and 11.3 g; its push-button mechanism leaves no cap to lose, and it takes standard D1 refills. - **Best for everyday carry (EDC):** Fisher Space Pen Bullet. A chrome-plated brass pen of 96 mm (3.77 in) closed and 136 mm (5.35 in) posted, per Fisher, whose pressurized cartridge is sold as writing upside down and from -30 °F to 250 °F. - **Best fountain pocket pen:** Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen. It is 10.5 cm (4.1 in) capped and 13 cm (5.1 in) posted, per Kaweco, and takes short international cartridges. - **Best for wet weather:** Rite in the Rain No. 92. At about 86 mm (3.4 in) capped it is the shortest pick, and retailers say it writes underwater to 35 ft (10.6 m). - **Cheapest:** Zebra T-3. A 100 mm (3.9 in) stainless steel ballpoint of about 7 g, made in Japan, and the lowest-priced pick in the listings we checked ($$ band). - **Best multi-pen:** uni Jetstream 4&1 (MSXE5-1000-05). Four ballpoint colors and a 0.5 mm pencil in 148.8 mm (5.9 in), so it's a shirt-pocket pen. ## How do the six pocket pens compare? **Five of the six are 105 mm (4.1 in) or shorter when closed; capped pens then grow to a full writing length once you post the cap.** | Pen | Closed | Posted or open | Type | Refill | Made in | Band | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Kaweco Classic Sport ballpoint | 105 mm (4.1 in) | No cap; push button | Ballpoint | D1 | Germany | $$$ | | Fisher Space Pen Bullet | 96 mm (3.77 in) | 136 mm (5.35 in) | Pressurized ballpoint | Fisher PR4 | United States | $$$ | | Kaweco Classic Sport fountain | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | Fountain | Short international | Germany | $$$ | | Rite in the Rain No. 92 | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | Pressurized ballpoint | Cartridge | United States | $$ | | Zebra T-3 | 100 mm (3.9 in) | No cap; extended length not published | Ballpoint | D1 | Japan | $$ | | uni Jetstream 4&1 | 148.8 mm (5.9 in) | No cap | 4 ballpoints + pencil | Jetstream multi | Japan | $$ | Fisher Bullet lengths are Fisher's; some retailers round them to 3.75 and 5.25 in. Rite in the Rain lengths vary between retailers: Knife Country gives 3.38 in closed and 5.5 in open, Heinnie 5.25 in open. Some retailers list the Kaweco ballpoint at 13–13.5 cm, which we couldn't match to a writing position. Kaweco lists the fountain pen at €24.95 (about US$28). ## What counts as a pocket pen? **Unsharpen's working definition is about 3.5 to 4.5 in (89 to 114 mm) capped, with a smooth shape and no sharp end to poke through fabric.** The trick of the capped pocket pens is posting: the Fisher Bullet and Kaweco Sport fountain pen are short in the pocket but 130 mm or more in the hand. A clip matters too. The Kaweco Sport ships without one (Kaweco sells it separately), so it sinks to the bottom of a jeans pocket, while a clipped pen rides at the top of a shirt pocket. Gentleman Stationer warns that the Sport ballpoint can click open in a pocket without its clip. Several pens people call pocket pens are full length: | Pen | Length | Note | |---|---|---| | Pilot Petit1 | 107–108 mm capped, 132 mm posted | Pocket size, but availability is unclear in 2026 | | [Zebra F-701](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-f-701/) | 133 mm retracted | Stainless steel, per Unsharpen | | Tombow Zoom 707 | 136.1 mm | Slim, steel clip | | rOtring 600 ballpoint | 137 mm retracted | Brass, like the [rOtring 600 pencil](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-600/) | | [Platinum Preppy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/) | 138 mm capped, 154 mm posted | A full-size fountain pen | | [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) | Full size; Pentel publishes no length for the RTX | We found no compact EnerGel model | ## Which pocket pens write upside down or in the cold? **Only the two pressurized pens, the Fisher Space Pen Bullet and the Rite in the Rain No. 92, are sold as writing upside down, underwater and in extreme cold.** Both claims come from the makers, as repeated in retailer listings; we haven't tested them. | Pen | Maker claim, per retailers | |---|---| | Fisher Space Pen Bullet | Writes at any angle, underwater and over grease; -30 °F to 250 °F (-34 °C to 121 °C) | | Rite in the Rain No. 92 | Writes upside down and underwater to 35 ft (10.6 m); -30 °F to 250 °F (-34 °C to 121 °C) | | Kaweco Sport, Zebra T-3, Jetstream 4&1 | No upside-down or temperature claim in the sources we found | Kaweco makes no cold-weather claim for the Sport fountain pen either. If you write outdoors in all weather, the two pressurized pens are the only picks here sold for it. ## Ballpoint or fountain pen for a pocket? **Choose a ballpoint if the pen lives in a pocket every day, and the Kaweco Sport fountain pen if you want ink and accept a cap.** Kaweco's ballpoint and fountain pen share the same 10.5 cm octagonal body, so the choice comes down to refill and care. The fountain pen takes short international cartridges; our [beginner fountain pen roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners/) compares it with five full-size pens. For a smooth low-viscosity ballpoint in a longer body, see our [uni-ball Jetstream RT guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/); the 4&1 uses the same ink family. ## What do other reviewers recommend? **Reviewers mostly agree on two pocket pens, the Fisher Space Pen Bullet and the Kaweco Sport.** - **Unsharpen** names the Fisher Bullet for its all-metal body and lifetime guarantee, and the Kaweco Classic Sport for posting to an almost full-size pen. - **The Gentleman Stationer** calls the Kaweco Sport a core pocket recommendation; for Fisher, it prefers the longer AG7 or Shuttle to the Bullet. - **Goldspot's** everyday carry roundup includes both the Fisher Space Pen and the Kaweco Sport. - **The Pen Addict** (2011) liked the Zebra Mini T3's durable metal barrel but found the clip release sometimes got in the way while writing. ## Where are these pocket pens made? **The two Kawecos are made in Germany, the Fisher and Rite in the Rain pens in the United States, and the Zebra T-3 and Jetstream 4&1 in Japan.** These come from Kaweco's and Fisher's own pages and from retailer spec sheets; see Notes on these facts. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the smallest good pocket pen? Of our picks, the Rite in the Rain No. 92 is shortest at about 86 mm (3.4 in) capped, then the Fisher Space Pen Bullet at 96 mm (3.77 in), per Fisher. Both post their caps to reach a usable 136–140 mm (5.35–5.5 in). ### Does the Fisher Space Pen really write upside down? Fisher's pressurized cartridge is sold as writing at any angle, underwater and from -30 °F to 250 °F, according to retailer listings that repeat the maker's claims. We haven't tested it ourselves. ### Is the Kaweco Sport a good pocket pen? Yes, on its specs: Kaweco lists the Classic Sport at 10.5 cm (4.1 in) closed, and the fountain pen reaches 13 cm (5.1 in) with the cap posted. The clip is sold separately, so it rides loose in a pocket unless you add one. ### What is the best pen to carry in a wallet or notebook loop? A slim pen such as the Zebra T-3, which retailers list at 100 mm long and about 6 mm across. Wider pens like the 13 mm Kaweco Sport fit a notebook loop less easily. ### Which pocket pen is best in the rain? The Rite in the Rain No. 92, from the maker of all-weather notebooks. Retailers say its pressurized cartridge writes at any angle and underwater to 35 ft (10.6 m). ### Can you get a multi-color pen that fits in a pocket? Only a shirt pocket, in our picks: the uni Jetstream 4&1 is 148.8 mm (5.9 in) long and 13.7 mm across, per retailers. It holds black, blue, red and green ballpoints plus a 0.5 mm pencil. ### Do pocket pens use standard refills? The Kaweco Sport ballpoint and Zebra T-3 take D1 mini refills, a shared size. The Fisher Bullet takes Fisher's pressurized PR4 refill, and the Kaweco fountain pen short international cartridges. ## Sources - [Fisher Space Pen: 400USAF chrome Bullet Space Pen (Open 5.35 in, Closed 3.77 in, .38 in diameter, made in USA)](https://www.spacepen.com/400usaf-chrome-bullet-space-pen-usaf) - [Kaweco: Classic Sport ballpoint, black, item 10000017 (10.5 cm, 11.3 g, D1 refill)](https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/Kaweco-CLASSIC-SPORT-Ball-Pen-Black/10000017/) - [Kaweco: Classic Sport fountain pen, black, item 10000000 (10.5 cm closed, 13 cm opened, €24.95)](https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/pens/fountain-pens/4/kaweco-classic-sport-fountain-pen-black) - [Kaweco: Classic Sport series (produced and assembled in Germany)](https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/Series/CLASSIC-SPORT/) - [Kaweco: D1 ball pen refills (0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 mm)](https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/Kaweco-D1-Ball-Pen-Refills/99000125/) - [Akkerman: Kaweco Sport ballpoint (10.5 cm, heart-curve mechanism, made in Germany)](https://akkermandenhaag.nl/en/products/kaweco-sport-classic-green-ballpoint-pen) - [Milligram: Kaweco Classic Sport ballpoint pen](https://milligram.com/products/kaweco-classic-sport-ballpoint-pen-red) - [Goulet Pens: Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pens (US listings)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/kaweco-classic-sport-fountain-pens) - [Digitec: Kaweco Classic Sport M (13 cm posted)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/product/kaweco-classic-sport-m-black-pens-8713513) - [OpticsPlanet: Fisher Matte Black Bullet Space Pen (95 mm closed, 133 mm open)](https://www.opticsplanet.com/fisher-space-pens-matte-black-bullet-pen.html) - [Altman Luggage: Fisher 400B Matte Black Bullet Space Pen (3.75 in closed, 5.25 in open)](https://altmanluggage.com/products/fisher-400b-matte-black-bullet-space-pen) - [DLT Trading: Fisher Space Pen Bullet, matte black with clip (-30 °F to 250 °F)](https://www.dlttrading.com/fisher-space-pen-bullet-pen-matte-black-with-clip) - [Pack Hacker: Fisher Space Pen Bullet 400B (21 g, made in the United States)](https://www.packhacker.com/travel-gear/fisher-space-pen/bullet-space-pen-400b/) - [Primer Peak: Fisher Space Pen review (made in Boulder City, Nevada)](https://www.primerpeak.com/fisher-space-pen-review-zero-g-writing-2023/) - [Goldspot: Fisher Space Pen collection](https://goldspot.com/collections/fisher-space-pen?page=4) - [GP Knives: Rite in the Rain No. BK92 all-weather pocket pen, 2-pack (made in USA, -30 °F to 250 °F)](https://www.gpknives.com/rite-in-the-rain-bk92-black-pokka-all-weather-pocket-pen-2-pack.html) - [Knife Country USA: Rite in the Rain BK92 pocket pen 2-pack (3.38 in closed, 5.5 in open)](https://www.knifecountryusa.com/store/product/306286.306291/rite-in-the-rain-bk92-pocket-pen-2-pack-black.html) - [Heinnie: Rite in the Rain pocket pen (5.25 in open)](https://heinnie.com/rite-in-the-rain-pocket-pen) - [Paul B. Hardware: Rite in the Rain all-weather pen OD92 (underwater to 35 ft)](https://paulbhardware.com/2pk-all-weather-pen-olive-green-rod92) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Zebra T-3 mini stainless steel ballpoint 0.7 mm (10.0 cm, 7 g, D1 refills, made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/zebra-t-3-mini-stainless-steel-ballpoint-pen-0-7mm) - [LarryPOST: Zebra T3 pocket ballpoint, steel (100 mm, 5.6 mm across)](https://www.larrypost.com.au/apps/aeo/ai/md/default/products/zebra-t3-pocket-ballpoint-pen-steel-0-7mm.md) - [bungu.store: uni Jetstream 4&1 multifunction pen (148.8 × 13.7 mm)](https://bungu.store/products/jetsream-4-1-multifunctional-pen-uni-mitsubishi-pencil) - [Wafuu: uni Jetstream multi-function pen 4&1 MSXE5-1000 0.5 mm (148.8 mm)](https://wafuu.com/collections/multi-function-pens/products/mitsubishi-pencil-uni-jetstream-multi-function-pen-4-1-msxe5-1000-0-5mm) - [Phidon Pens: uni Jetstream MSXE5-1000-05 4&1 multi pen (made in Japan)](https://phidonpens.com/products/mitsubishi-uni-jetstream-msxe50005-4-1-multi-pen-black) - [JetPens: uni Jetstream 4&1 0.5 mm, navy body](https://www.jetpens.com/Uni-Jetstream-4-1-4-Color-0.5-mm-Ballpoint-Multi-Pen-0.5-mm-Pencil-Navy-Body/pd/9669) - [Unsharpen: Pilot Petit1 (10.8 cm capped, 13.2 cm posted)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-petit1/) - [Yoseka Stationery: Pilot Petit1 mini fountain pen (10.7 cm closed, 13.2 cm posted)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/pilot-petit1-mini-fountain-pen) - [Cult Pens: Tombow Zoom 707 ballpoint (136.1 mm)](https://cultpens.com/products/tombow-zoom-707-ballpoint-pen) - [JetPens: rOtring 600 ballpoint pen (13.7 cm retracted, brass body)](https://www.jetpens.com/Rotring-600-Ballpoint-Pen-1.0-mm-Madder-Red/pd/29717) - [Unsharpen: Zebra F-701 (13.3 cm retracted)](https://unsharpen.com/?p=598) - [Digitec: Pentel EnerGel 0.7 mm (14.5 cm)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/pentel-energel-1x-pens-10758762) - [Unsharpen: Best pocket pens (3.5 to 4.5 in capped; Fisher Bullet, Kaweco Classic Sport)](https://unsharpen.com/best-pocket-pens/) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Guide to top pocket pens (updated 2023)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/guide-to-pocket-writing) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Kaweco Sport, it's more than just a fountain pen (September 26, 2020)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2020/9/26/kaweco-sport-its-more-than-just-a-fountain-pen) - [Goldspot: The 8 best everyday carry pens for every budget](https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/best-edc-pens) - [The Pen Addict: Zebra Mini T3 ballpoint pen review (October 3, 2011)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2011/10/3/zebra-mini-t3-ballpoint-pen-review.html) --- # Best Fountain Pens for Beginners (2027): 6 Picks > On published specs, the Pilot Metropolitan is the best fountain pen for most beginners: a brass-bodied pen with a fine Japanese steel nib that comes with a converter. The Platinum Preppy is the cheapest start, the Pilot Kakuno suits kids, the LAMY safari LH suits left-handers, the TWSBI ECO holds the most ink and the Kaweco Sport pockets best. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![To-scale lineup of six capped beginner fountain pens: Pilot Metropolitan 138 mm, Platinum Preppy 138 mm, Pilot Kakuno 130.9 mm, LAMY safari 139.5 mm, TWSBI ECO 138.8 mm and Kaweco Classic Sport 105 mm, 33 mm shorter than the Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners-16x9.png) *The six picks capped, lengths to scale (1 mm = 1.5 px); the Kaweco Sport is the only true pocket pen.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Brass body and cap (painted; per Pilot Japan for the Cocoon and JetPens for the Metropolitan), resin section, steel nib | 2012 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen (02 EF / 03 F / 05 M) | Platinum (by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Polycarbonate (PC resin) body, stainless steel nib (ST-27), per Platinum Japan | 2007 | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan)) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap (recycled PC; recycled AS section, per Pilot Japan), steel nib | 2013-10 | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | LAMY safari Fountain Pen (LH left-hand nib) | LAMY (by C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg (part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.)) | Germany | Germany | ASA plastic body, steel nib | 1980 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen | TWSBI (by TaShin Precision (Taiwan)) | Taiwan | Taiwan | Solid and transparent resin; stainless steel nib | 2015 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen | Kaweco | Germany | Germany | ABS plastic body with octagonal cap, gold-plated steel nib | 1911 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen): Japan. Per Milligram's listing (made in Japan). Pilot's Japanese catalog page for the Cocoon (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state a country. eBay and Rokomari listings cited earlier blocked our access on that date, so we dropped them. Source: https://milligram.com/products/pilot-pen-metropolitan-fountain-pen - Made in (Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen (02 EF / 03 F / 05 M)): Japan. Per retailer listings: Hunter Paper Co says made in Japan and Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin (both read on October 20, 2026). Platinum's Japanese product pages don't state it. Source: https://hunterpaperco.com/products/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen-fine-nib - Made in (Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen): Japan. Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin, and Mynavi News calls the Kakuno a domestic (kokusan) fountain pen. Pilot's Japanese catalog page for FKA-1SR (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state a country. LarryPost, cited earlier, no longer loads. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-kakuno/ - Made in (LAMY safari Fountain Pen (LH left-hand nib)): Germany. LAMY's own product listing (India storefront) gives Germany as the country of origin and names C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg, as the manufacturer, and also says made in Germany. LAMY's German page names no country. Source: https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-safari-fountain-pen - Made in (TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen): Taiwan. Goldspot's ECO spec sheet says "Made in Taiwan", and Pen Chalet shows "ECO-T Taiwan" engraved on the ECO-T's cap band. TWSBI's own product pages don't print a country of manufacture, and its Taiwanese site, twsbi.com.tw, didn't load for us on October 20, 2026. JetPens says TWSBI nibs are made in Germany. Source: https://goldspot.com/products/twsbi-eco-fountain-pen-in-black - Made in (Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen): Germany. Kaweco's German product page labels the Classic Sport "100% Made in Germany" and says all nibs and the pen itself are made in Germany; its series page says Classic Sport pens are produced and assembled in Germany. Cornelissen says hand assembled in Germany, and Milligram says designed and made in Germany. Source: https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/Series/CLASSIC-SPORT/ ## Key takeaways - Four of the six pens sit in our $$$ band ($20–75 per pen); the Platinum Preppy and Pilot Kakuno are $$ ($5–20). - The TWSBI ECO holds about 1.76 ml of ink by Goulet Pens' measurement, more than four times the 0.4 ml of Pilot's CON-40 converter. - Capped lengths run from 105 mm (Kaweco Classic Sport) to 139.5 mm (LAMY safari); the Pilot Kakuno is the lightest at 11.0 g. - Japanese nibs run finer: The Journal Shop says a Pilot Fine writes about like a Western Extra Fine, and Cult Pens gives the Preppy 03 Fine as a 0.3 mm line. - LAMY sells the safari with a left-hand (LH) nib, which The Journal Shop describes as ground to write more reliably when you push the pen. ## What is the best fountain pen for beginners? **On published specs, the Pilot Metropolitan is the best fountain pen for most beginners, while the best pick for a tiny budget, a child, a left-hander, a big ink supply or a pocket is a different pen.** Picks are based on published specs and maker claims; we haven't tested them yet. - **Best overall:** [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/). A 26.0 g brass body, a fine Japanese steel nib, and a converter in the box, so you can use cartridges or bottled ink from day one. - **Cheapest first pen:** [Platinum Preppy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/). It shares our $$ band ($5–20 per pen) with the Kakuno but costs less, and has a Slip & Seal cap that Platinum says keeps a cartridge from drying out for 1 year. - **Best for kids:** [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/). At 11.0 g it is the lightest here, and Pilot designed it for children, with a triangular grip and a smiley-face nib that shows which way is up. - **Best for left-handers:** [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) with the LH nib. LAMY grinds this nib for left-handed writers, and the nib pushes off by hand if you later want a different size. - **Best piston filler and ink capacity:** [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/). Its built-in piston holds about 1.76 ml by Goulet Pens' measurement, more than four times a Pilot CON-40 converter. - **Most pocketable:** Kaweco Classic Sport. Kaweco's German site gives it as 10.5 cm (4.1 in) closed and 13 cm (5.1 in) with the cap posted. Our [Kaweco Sport guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kaweco-sport/) covers its cartridges, clip and nibs. ## How do the six beginner fountain pens compare? **The Metropolitan, Preppy, safari and ECO are all about 138–140 mm capped; the Kakuno is shorter and lightest, and the Kaweco Sport is the only pocket-size pen.** | | Metropolitan | Preppy | Kakuno | safari | TWSBI ECO | Kaweco Sport | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Body | Brass | Clear polycarbonate | Resin, hexagonal | ASA plastic | Plastic, clear options | Plastic, octagonal cap | | Steel nibs | F, M, 1.0 stub | 02 EF, 03 F, 05 M | EF, F, M | EF, F, M, B, LH, italics | EF, F, M, B, 1.1 stub | EF, F, M, B, BB | | Filling | Pilot cartridge or converter (included) | Platinum cartridge or converter | Pilot cartridge or converter | T10 cartridge or Z28 converter | Piston, bottle only | Short international cartridge or mini converter | | Capped | 138 mm | 138 mm | 130.9 mm | 139.5 mm | 138.8 mm | 105 mm | | Weight | 26.0 g | 13 g | 11.0 g | 17.0 g | 21 g | 10.7 g | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | Germany | Taiwan | Germany | | Price band | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | Figures come from each pen's guide. Kaweco Sport figures are from Kaweco's German site (length, 10.7 g and nibs); Missing Pen lists 11.0 g. ## Which nib size should a beginner choose? **Choose Fine for most first pens, Extra Fine for small handwriting or cheap paper, and Medium only if you like a bold, wet line on good paper.** A finer nib puts down less ink, which usually means less bleed and feathering on thin paper. Nib names aren't standard. Japanese makers such as Pilot and Platinum run finer: The Journal Shop says a Pilot Fine writes about like a Western Extra Fine, and Cult Pens gives the Preppy 03 Fine as a 0.3 mm line. LAMY and Kaweco use German sizing, so their Fine is broader. | If you want… | Japanese pens (Pilot, Platinum) | German pens (LAMY, Kaweco) | |---|---|---| | A very fine line | F (or Preppy 02 EF) | EF | | An everyday line | F or M | F | | A bold line | M or 1.0 stub | M or B | ## Cartridge, converter or piston: which is easiest? **Cartridges are easiest: you push one in and write, with no bottle and no mess.** A converter lets the same pen fill from a bottle, and a piston filler like the TWSBI ECO uses only bottled ink. | Method | How it works | Pens here | Trade-off | |---|---|---|---| | Cartridge | Sealed ink tube pushed onto the nib unit | All but the ECO | Simple; fewer colors; each brand has its own fit | | Converter | Refillable tube that replaces the cartridge | Metropolitan (in box), Preppy, Kakuno, safari, Sport | Any bottled ink; holds less than a cartridge on some pens | | Piston | The barrel itself is the ink tank | TWSBI ECO | About 1.76 ml; bottle needed every time | Cartridges don't cross brands. The Pilot pens share Pilot cartridges and converters, the safari needs LAMY T10s, and the Preppy needs Platinum's. The Kaweco Sport takes short standard international cartridges; full-length ones don't fit. ## How much does a beginner fountain pen cost in the US? **Expect $5–20 for a Platinum Preppy or a Pilot Kakuno, with the Preppy the cheaper of the two, and $20–75 for the Metropolitan, safari, TWSBI ECO and Kaweco Sport at US pen shops.** Those are bands from the US listings we checked in October 2026 (Goulet Pens and others), not exact prices. By our site bands, the Preppy and Kakuno are $$ ($5–20 per pen) and the other four are $$$ ($20–75). The ECO also needs a bottle of ink, and converters for the Preppy, Kakuno and safari are sold separately. ## What do other reviewers recommend? **Other US reviewers mostly agree on the same short list, though they rank it differently.** - **JetPens'** [2026 best pens roundup](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-47-Best-Pens-for-2026-Gel-Ballpoint-Rollerball-and-Fountain-Pens/pt/974) names the Pilot Metropolitan its top beginner fountain pen, and notes that the Pilot Kakuno uses the same swappable nib. - **The Gentleman Stationer's** [2026 "Best Pen" list](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/best-pens-2026) puts the TWSBI ECO first for beginners willing to use bottled ink, with the LAMY safari and Pilot Kakuno also listed. - **The Pen Addict** ran a [2014 guest post](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2014/8/26/guest-post-i-think-i-want-to-try-out-this-whole-fountain-pen-thing) comparing beginner pens, including the Metropolitan and the Kaweco Classic Sport. We couldn't find a current Wirecutter fountain pen pick to cite. ## Where are these fountain pens made? **Three are made in Japan (Metropolitan, Preppy, Kakuno), two in Germany (safari, Kaweco Sport) and one in Taiwan (TWSBI ECO).** LAMY and Kaweco state German manufacture themselves (Kaweco labels the Classic Sport "100% Made in Germany"); the rest come from retailer listings, as each guide explains. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a good first fountain pen? The Pilot Metropolitan is the most common recommendation: JetPens names it its top beginner fountain pen, and it comes with a converter and a black Pilot cartridge. For the lowest price, start with a Platinum Preppy. ### What is the cheapest decent fountain pen for a beginner? The Platinum Preppy, the cheapest pen here and one of only two in our $$ band ($5–20 per pen), with the Pilot Kakuno. It has a steel nib in 02 Extra Fine, 03 Fine or 05 Medium and a Slip & Seal cap that Platinum says stops a cartridge drying out for a year. ### What fountain pen is best for a child? The Pilot Kakuno, which Pilot designed for children and first-time users. It weighs 11.0 g by Goulet Pens' measurement, has a triangular grip and a hexagonal body that doesn't roll, and its nib has a smiley face that shows which way is up. ### What fountain pen is best for left-handed writers? A LAMY safari with LAMY's LH nib is the usual choice. The Journal Shop describes the LH as a medium nib ground at a slightly steeper, rounder angle so it writes more reliably when pushed across the page. A fine Japanese nib, which lays down less ink, is another option. ### Should a beginner get a fine or medium nib? Fine suits most beginners, especially on everyday paper. Remember that a Japanese Fine, as on Pilot and Platinum pens, writes narrower than a German Fine from LAMY or Kaweco. ### Do beginner fountain pens use cartridges? Five of the six do, but each takes its own type: Pilot, Platinum and LAMY T10 cartridges are proprietary, and the Kaweco Sport takes short standard international cartridges. The TWSBI ECO takes no cartridges and fills only from a bottle. ### What is the most pocketable beginner fountain pen? The Kaweco Classic Sport. Kaweco's German site gives it as 10.5 cm (4.1 in) closed and 13 cm (5.1 in) with the cap posted, so it becomes a full-size pen when you write. ## Sources - [Kaweco: Classic Sport series (10.5 cm closed, made and assembled in Germany)](https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/Series/CLASSIC-SPORT/) - [LAMY: LAMY safari fountain pen (country of origin, features)](https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-safari-fountain-pen) - [Platinum Pen press release via Kyodo News PR Wire (Japanese): Preppy since 2007, Slip & Seal 1 year (August 2026, PDF)](https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100864/202608214500/_prw_PR1fl_55L406xi.pdf) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen, Black Plain (measurements, converter)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/pilot-metropolitan-fountain-pen-black-plain) - [Goulet Pens: Platinum Preppy fountain pen, Black (cartridges, converter)](https://gouletpens.com/products/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen-black) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Kakuno fountain pen, Clear (130.9 mm, 11.0 g, converters)](https://gouletpens.com/products/pilot-kakuno-fountain-pen-clear) - [Goulet Pens: LAMY safari fountain pen, charcoal (139.5 mm, 17.0 g)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/lamy-safari-fountain-pens/products/lamy-safari-fountain-pen-charcoal) - [Goulet Pens: TWSBI ECO, Espresso with Bronze Trim (measured ink capacity 1.76 ml)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/bottom-shelf-eco-fountain-pen-espresso-w-bronze-trim) - [Goulet Pens: Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen, Black (10.0 g, short international cartridges)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/kaweco-classic-sport-fountain-pen-black) - [Goulet Pens: Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pens collection (US listings)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/kaweco-classic-sport-fountain-pens) - [Goldspot: TWSBI ECO fountain pen, Black (138.8 mm capped)](https://goldspot.com/products/twsbi-eco-fountain-pen-in-black) - [JetPens: TWSBI ECO Caffe Bronze (bottled ink only, about 1.7 ml)](https://www.jetpens.com/TWSBI-ECO-Caffe-Bronze-Fountain-Pen-Fine-Limited-Edition/pd/42697) - [JetPens: Pilot Kakuno fountain pen (beginners, smiley nib, triangular grip)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Kakuno-Fountain-Pen-Light-Blue-Fine/pd/21935) - [JetPens: LAMY safari fountain pen, Blue, Left-Handed](https://www.jetpens.com/LAMY-safari-Fountain-Pen-Blue-Left-Handed/pd/29303) - [JetPens: The 47 Best Pens for 2026 (Pilot Metropolitan as best beginner fountain pen)](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-47-Best-Pens-for-2026-Gel-Ballpoint-Rollerball-and-Fountain-Pens/pt/974) - [The Journal Shop: LAMY safari fountain pen, left-handed nib (LH grind)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/lamy-safari-left-fp) - [The Journal Shop: Pilot Metropolitan complete guide (Japanese nib sizing)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/blogs/guides/pilot-metropolitan-complete-guide) - [Cult Pens: Platinum Preppy 03 Fine (0.3 mm line)](https://cultpens.com/products/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen-03-fine) - [Unsharpen: Pilot CON-40 converter (0.4 ml)](https://unsharpen.com/refill/pilot-con-40-fountain-pen-converter/) - [Digitec: Kaweco Classic Sport M (13 cm posted)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/product/kaweco-classic-sport-m-black-pens-8713513) - [Endless Pens: Kaweco Classic Sport (EF to BB nibs)](https://endlesspens.com/products/kaweco-fountain-pen-classic-sport) - [Missing Pen: Kaweco Classic Sport, Black (11.0 g, cartridge or mini converter)](https://missing-pen.com/en/products/kaweco-classic-sport-fountain-pen-black) - [Hunter Paper Co: Kaweco Frosted Sport (hand-assembled in Nuremberg)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/kaweco-frosted-sport-fountain-pen-blush-pink) - [The Gentleman Stationer: "Best Pen" Recommendations (2026 Edition)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/best-pens-2026) - [The Pen Addict: Guest post, "I think I want to try out this whole fountain pen thing" (August 2014)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2014/8/26/guest-post-i-think-i-want-to-try-out-this-whole-fountain-pen-thing) --- # Best Gel Pens for 2027: G2, EnerGel, Sarasa & More > On published specs, the Pilot G2 is the best all-round gel pen: four tip sizes from 0.38 to 1.0 mm, refills in every size, and Pilot calls it America's No. 1 gel ink pen brand, citing Circana. Pick the Pentel EnerGel if you smear, the 0.25 mm Pilot Hi-Tec-C for the finest line and the Pilot FriXion to erase. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Eight gel pens drawn side by side and labeled with their pick: Pilot G2 best overall, Pentel EnerGel left-handed, Pilot Hi-Tec-C finest line, Sharpie S-Gel bulk buy, Pilot FriXion erasable, uniball ZENTO smoothest, uni-ball Signo 207 for checks, Zebra Sarasa Clip most sizes](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/best-gel-pens-16x9.png) *One pick per job. Drawn in proportion at a common length, in neutral grays rather than the pens' real colors.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/best-gel-pens-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot G2 Premium Retractable Gel Pen | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel, rubber grip | 1997 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pentel EnerGel RTX | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan or Mexico | 54% recycled plastic body, latex-free rubber grip | 2001 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pilot Hi-Tec-C gel pen (0.25 / 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 mm) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan)) | Japan | Japan | Resin barrel and cap (Pilot); metal pipe tip | 1994 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Sharpie S-Gel retractable gel pen | Sharpie (by Sanford L.P., a Newell Brands company) | United States | United States | Plastic barrel, contoured rubber grip | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pen | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Not stated | – | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | uniball ZENTO, Standard model (0.38 / 0.5 mm) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Plastic body, rubber grip | 2025-02 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | uni-ball Signo 207 retractable gel pen | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Translucent PC/PP plastic barrel, rubber grip, stainless steel clip, chrome-finished plastic tip cone | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Zebra Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel (76% recycled plastic by Eco Mark calculation in standard colors), rubber grip, movable binder clip | 2003 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot G2 Premium Retractable Gel Pen): Japan. Per US retailer spec sheets (Stop & Shop, OnTimeSupplies for item 31171). Some grocery listings for a 4-pack say "Japan, USA", so origin may vary by pack. Pilot's US site doesn't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://stopandshop.com/groceries/home-office/school-office/office-supplies/pens/pilot-g2-pens-fine-blue-ink-7mm-2-ct-pkg.html - Made in (Pentel EnerGel RTX): Japan or Mexico. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the EnerGel RTX (BL77 metal tip and BLN73/75/77 needle tips) as 'Japan / Mexico' without saying which SKU comes from where. Retailer listings match: OfficeSupply.com lists Mexico for one RTX listing. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. Check the package of the exact pen you buy. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/20 - Made in (Pilot Hi-Tec-C gel pen (0.25 / 0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 mm)): Japan. Unsharpen lists Japan as the country of origin. Pilot's Japanese catalog pages for LH-20C3, LH-20C4 and LH-20C5 (read in full on October 20, 2026) don't state a country of manufacture. Simple Paper, which earlier listed Japan, blocked our access on that date. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-hi-tec-c/ - Made in (Sharpie S-Gel retractable gel pen): United States. Per Sharpie's product records for several 12-count packs (they no longer load for us as of October 20, 2026) and distributor spec sheets. A reviewer reports the packaging reads 'assembled in the U.S.A.', which may mean imported parts; one third-party database lists China. Inbound Logistics (October 2025) reports that Newell's Maryville, Tennessee Sharpie plant had to learn to make ink refills for the gel pen as production moved back from China. Source: https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_2096152/Sharpie(r)-S-Gel-Gel-Pens-Medium-Point-(0-7mm)-Blue-Ink-Gel-Pen-12-Count/ - Made in (Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pen): Not stated. Pilot's US product page and Pilot Japan's catalog don't state the country, and the Amazon listing for item 31450 we read on October 20, 2026 gives none. An earlier version of this guide cited Japan from McKesson and OnTimeSupplies listings, but on October 20, 2026 the McKesson page required a business login and the OnTimeSupplies page was gone, so we couldn't confirm it. - Made in (uniball ZENTO, Standard model (0.38 / 0.5 mm)): Japan. Per The Journal Shop's listing for the Standard 0.38 mm; Simple Paper and Hunter Paper Co. also list ZENTO pens as made in Japan. Our ZENTO Signature guide covers the metal Signature model, which uses the same ZENTO ink. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/mitsubishi-uni-ball-zento-gel-pen-standard - Made in (uni-ball Signo 207 retractable gel pen): Japan. OnTimeSupplies gives country of origin Japan (JP) for the 0.7 mm black 8-pack and a 0.5 mm 4-pack. uni-ball UK and Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese pages don't state it. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc1756584-signo-207-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-black-ink-translucent-black-barrel-8-pack.html - Made in (Zebra Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen): Japan. Per retailer spec sheets: FairPrice (Singapore) lists Japan for the 0.7 mm pen and the JF-0.5 refills, Carrefour UAE lists Japan for the Sarasa Push Clip, and SM Stationery (Philippines) says made in Japan. Zebra's Japanese and global product pages don't state a country of manufacture. Source: https://www.fairprice.com.sg/product/zebra-sarasa-clip-gel-pen-0-7mm-b-jjb15-fb-navy-blue-ink-10-pc-90118544 ## Key takeaways - Tip sizes run from 0.25 mm (Pilot Hi-Tec-C, still sold though Pilot Japan's catalog now lists only 0.3 to 0.5 mm) to 1.0 mm (G2, EnerGel, S-Gel, FriXion, Signo 207 and Sarasa Clip). - Pentel markets EnerGel as quick-drying and recommends it for left-handed writers; no maker here publishes a dry time in seconds. - Pilot says FriXion ink turns invisible above 60 °C (140 °F), the heat its eraser makes by friction. - Mitsubishi Pencil says ZENTO ink has about 40% less writing friction than its earlier water-based pens. - All eight are in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen); the Hi-Tec-C and ZENTO Standard cost the most per pen. ## What is the best gel pen? **The Pilot G2 is the best gel pen for most people, but the best pick for smearing, fine lines, bulk buying, erasing or smoothness is a different pen.** Picks are based on published specs and maker claims; we haven't tested them yet. - **Best overall:** [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/). Four tip sizes from 0.38 to 1.0 mm, refills in every size, and Pilot USA calls it America's No. 1 selling gel ink pen brand, citing Circana dollar sales. - **Best fast-drying, for left-handers:** [Pentel EnerGel RTX](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/). Pentel markets its "liquid gel" ink as quick-drying and recommends it for left-handed writers; the 0.5 mm needle tip puts down less ink than the classic 0.7 mm. - **Finest line:** Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.25 mm. Its needle tip is the finest of the eight, though JetPens warns the flow can be inconsistent, and Pilot Japan's catalog now lists only the 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm, so the 0.25 mm is left to shops' stock. - **Budget bulk:** [Sharpie S-Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/) 0.7 mm. Sharpie sells it in 36-count packs that work out to well under $5 per pen, our lowest band, and 0.7 mm refills exist. - **Erasable:** [Pilot FriXion Clicker](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-frixion-clicker/) 0.7 mm. Pilot says its ink turns invisible above 60 °C (140 °F), the heat its rubber eraser makes. - **Smoothest:** uniball ZENTO Standard, 0.38 or 0.5 mm. Mitsubishi Pencil says ZENTO ink has about 40% less friction than its earlier water-based pens; its sibling is covered in our [ZENTO Signature guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-signature/). - **For checks and documents:** uni-ball Signo 207. Its pigment Super Ink is sold as resisting check washing, in 0.38 to 1.0 mm. - **Most sizes and colors:** [Zebra Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/). Five sizes from 0.3 to 1.0 mm, and JetPens' chart lists 84 color options. ## How do the eight gel pens compare? **All eight are retractable or capped gel-style pens from Japanese or American brands; they differ most in tip range, ink and refills.** | Pen | Tip sizes | Ink | Refills | Made in | Band | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot G2 | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | Gel | All sizes | Japan | $ | | Pentel EnerGel RTX | 0.3 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | Liquid gel | All sizes (LR, LRN) | Japan or Mexico | $ | | Pilot Hi-Tec-C | 0.25 · 0.3 · 0.4 · 0.5 mm (Japan catalogs 0.3–0.5) | Gel, needle tip | None from Pilot Japan; export refills abroad | Japan | $ | | Sharpie S-Gel | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | Water-based gel | 0.7 mm only | United States | $ | | Pilot FriXion Clicker | 0.7 · 1.0 mm | Erasable gel | 0.7 mm (US) | Not stated | $ | | uniball ZENTO Standard | 0.38 · 0.5 mm | Water-based pigment, black only | Yes (UBR-Z) | Japan | $ | | uni-ball Signo 207 | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | Pigment gel (Super Ink) | Black and blue, per retailers | Japan | $ | | Zebra Sarasa Clip | 0.3 · 0.4 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | Water-based pigment gel | JF series | Japan | $ | Origins are from retailer spec sheets and Pentel of America's catalog; see Notes on these facts. Mitsubishi Pencil lists the ZENTO Standard in Japan at ¥275 (about US$1.70) including tax; US shops charge more. ## Pilot G2 vs Pentel EnerGel: which should you buy? **Buy the Pilot G2 for the most colors and easy refills, and the Pentel EnerGel if gel ink smears for you.** Both are retractable, refillable Japanese gel pens in our lowest price band, with tips from about 0.3 to 1.0 mm. | | Pilot G2 | Pentel EnerGel RTX | |---|---|---| | Tips | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | 0.3 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm, needle or metal | | Ink | Gel | Low-viscosity "liquid gel" | | Drying | Pilot says quick-drying; no time published | Pentel says quick-drying, recommends it for left-handers | | Colors | Up to 41 core colors, per Pilot USA | Not counted in our sources | | Refills | All four sizes (BLS-G2 outside the US) | Any EnerGel refill: LR metal, LRN needle | | Launched | 1997 | EnerGel ink 2001 | The evidence for EnerGel drying faster is consistent but informal. In a 2011 blog test, Mark Dominus at leancrew.com found EnerGel smudged only if touched within a second or two, while the G2 sometimes left smeary blobs; The Pen Addict has called EnerGel lines cleaner and faster-drying than the G2's. ## Which gel pen is best for left-handed writers? **The Pentel EnerGel is the usual answer, in the finest tip you're comfortable with.** JetPens says it always recommends EnerGel to left-handed writers who smear. Unsharpen and other reviewers also point lefties to Zebra's Sarasa Dry, a quick-drying sibling of the Sarasa Clip. ## What is the finest gel pen? **The Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.25 mm has the finest tip of the eight, though Pilot Japan's catalog now lists only 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm and the 0.25 mm survives in some shops.** Pilot Japan also says it offers no Hi-Tec-C refill, though export refills are sold outside Japan. JetPens calls the 0.25 mm the size the pen is best known for, and says its biopolymer ink is thick enough to resist feathering. The trade-off is flow: JetPens says it may skip or flow too much, so scribble on scrap paper first. If you want a fine line with less fuss, the EnerGel 0.3 mm needle and the Sarasa Clip 0.3 mm are the next finest. ## Which gel pen should you use for checks? **Use the uni-ball Signo 207, whose pigment Super Ink retailers say bonds with paper to resist check washing, fading and water.** Never sign with FriXion ink, which heat can erase. Sharpie says the S-Gel is not permanent and should not be used for checks. ## What do other reviewers recommend? **Specialist reviewers mostly agree with these picks, with a few twists.** - **JetPens** recommends the [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) to left-handed writers and calls the Hi-Tec-C best known for its 0.25 mm tip. - **The Pen Addict** found the uniball ZENTO Basic's ink great but not superior, and filed it with gel pens because it writes like one. - **Unsharpen** names the Sarasa Dry for left-handers and calls the Signo 207's ink archival and fade-resistant. - **Well Appointed Desk** weighed the ZENTO Standard at 10 g and preferred its rubber grip to the metal Flow model. ## Where are these gel pens made? **Retailers list five of the eight as made in Japan and the Sharpie S-Gel as made in the United States.** Pentel of America's 2022 catalog gives Japan or Mexico for the EnerGel RTX without saying which pack comes from where, and no source we could confirm states the FriXion Clicker's origin, so check the pack you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best gel pen for everyday writing? The Pilot G2 in 0.7 mm is the safe default: it is sold almost everywhere in the US, comes in four sizes and takes refills in all of them. Pilot USA calls G2 America's No. 1 selling gel ink pen brand, citing Circana dollar sales. ### Which gel pen dries fastest? Among widely sold pens, the Pentel EnerGel is the one most often recommended for fast drying. Pentel markets it as quick-drying, and JetPens recommends it to left-handed writers who smear. No maker publishes a dry time in seconds. ### What is the best gel pen for left-handed writers? The Pentel EnerGel, ideally in a fine size such as the 0.5 mm needle tip, because finer tips lay down less ink. Zebra's Sarasa Dry is another pen reviewers often name for left-handers. ### What is the finest gel pen tip you can buy? Of the widely sold pens here, the Pilot Hi-Tec-C's 0.25 mm needle tip is the finest, though Pilot Japan's catalog now lists only 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mm and the 0.25 mm survives in some shops. JetPens notes its ink flow can be inconsistent, so it may skip until you scribble on scrap paper. ### Is the Pilot G2 better than the Pentel EnerGel? Neither is better at everything. The G2 comes in up to 41 ink colors, per Pilot USA, and refills in every size; the EnerGel is marketed as quicker drying and is the usual pick for people who smear gel ink. ### Which gel pen is safe for signing checks? The uni-ball Signo 207, whose pigment Super Ink retailers describe as resisting check washing. Avoid erasable FriXion ink, and Sharpie says its S-Gel is not permanent or meant for checks. ### Are erasable gel pens permanent? No. Pilot says FriXion ink turns invisible above 60 °C (140 °F), so heat from a car or heater can erase it too. Pilot advises against using it for signatures or official documents. ### Is the uniball ZENTO a gel pen? Mitsubishi Pencil classes ZENTO as a water-based rollerball, but many US retailers sell it as a gel pen and The Pen Addict found it writes like one. Its pigment ink comes in black only. ## Sources - [Mitsubishi Pencil (via Digital PR Platform): uniball ZENTO Standard and Flow models, new colors August 27, 2025 (Standard ¥275, 0.38 and 0.5 mm, black ink)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/115789) - [The Journal Shop: Mitsubishi Uni-ball ZENTO Gel Pen, Standard 0.38 mm (country of origin Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/mitsubishi-uni-ball-zento-gel-pen-standard) - [Cloth & Paper: Uni-ball Zento Standard Gel Pen, 0.38 or 0.5 mm](https://www.clothandpaper.com/collections/all/products/uni-ball-zento-standard-model-gel-pen) - [Well Appointed Desk: uni-ball ZENTO gel pen 0.38 mm, Standard vs Flow models (October 2025; Standard 10 g)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2025/10/pen-review-uni-ball-zento-gel-pen-0-38-mm-comparing-the-standard-flow-models/) - [The Pen Addict: uniball Zento Basic gel (or maybe rollerball?) pen review (June 16, 2025)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2025/6/16/uniball-zento-basic-gel-or-maybe-rollerball-pen-review) - [JetPens: Pilot Hi-Tec-C, a comprehensive guide (0.25 mm tip, biopolymer ink, inconsistent flow)](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/Pilot-Hi-Tec-C-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/629) - [Unsharpen: Pilot Hi-Tec-C (0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 mm; country of origin Japan)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-hi-tec-c/) - [Simple Paper: Pilot Hi-Tec-C gel pen 0.4 mm black (origin Japan)](https://simplepaper.co/products/pilot-hi-tec-c-gel-pen-0-4-mm-black) - [Staples: uni-ball 207 retractable gel pens, medium point (fraud-resistant ink)](https://www.staples.com/uni-ball-207-Retractable-Gel-Pens-Medium-Point-Black-4-pk-33960/product_555024) - [Walmart: uniball 207 retractable gel pens, micro point 0.38 mm](https://walmart.com/ip/seort/604992332) - [OnTimeSupplies: Signo 207 gel pen, 0.7 mm black 8-pack (country of origin JP)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc1756584-signo-207-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-black-ink-translucent-black-barrel-8-pack.html) - [Unsharpen: uni-ball 207 vs uni-ball 307 (207 sizes 0.38, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm)](https://unsharpen.com/uni-ball-207-vs-uni-ball-307-gel-pen-comparison/) - [Sharpie product records: S-Gel medium point 0.7 mm, black, 36 count](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_2096193/Sharpie(r)-S-Gel-Gel-Pens-Medium-Point-(0-7mm)-Black-Ink-Gel-Pen-36-Count/) - [Staples: Sharpie S-Gel medium point, black, 36-pack (item 2096193)](https://www.staples.com/sharpie-s-gel-gel-pen-medium-point-black-ink-36-pack-2096193/product_SAN2096193) - [JetPens: Left-handed supplies (quick-drying inks; EnerGel recommendation)](https://www.jetpens.com/Left-Handed-Supplies/ct/555) - [JetPens: Pentel EnerGel, a comprehensive guide](https://jetpens.com/blog/Pentel-EnerGel-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/678) - [The Pen Addict: Pentel EnerGel Tradio gel ink pen review (November 11, 2013)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2013/11/11/pentel-energel-tradio-gel-ink-pen-review) - [leancrew.com: EnerGel (February 2011; EnerGel vs G2 smearing)](https://leancrew.com/all-this/2011/02/energel/) - [Unsharpen: The best gel pens (Sarasa Dry for left-handers; Signo 207 archival ink)](https://unsharpen.com/the-best-gel-pens/) - [Pilot Corporation (Japan): How FriXion ink works](https://pilot.co.jp/media_english/002/index.html) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Pentel renames itself ASTRUM Corporation from April 1, 2026](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2094175.html) - [CIPO (Canadian trademark database): SHARPIE registration TMA1147563, registered owner Sanford, L.P., Atlanta](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/cipo/trademark-search/1980166) --- # Best Highlighters That Don't Bleed (2027): 7 Compared > On published specs and maker claims, the Staedtler Textsurfer Gel is the highlighter least likely to bleed through paper, because its solid gel goes on dry in a 3 mm line. For Bible pages pick the Zebra Zebrite Bible highlighter, for pastels the Zebra Mildliner, for erasing the Pilot FriXion Light, and for a see-through tip the Sharpie Clear View. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-highlighters-that-dont-bleed/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Seven capped highlighters drawn in proportion and grouped by ink: dry gel (Staedtler Textsurfer Gel, 137 mm; Sharpie Gel), pigment (Zebra Zebrite Bible highlighter, 133 mm; Zebra Mildliner, 141.5 mm) and liquid ink (Pilot FriXion Light, Sharpie Clear View with a see-through tip, and the flat Stabilo Boss Original)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/best-highlighters-that-dont-bleed-16x9.png) *The seven highlighters, grouped by ink: dry gels on the left, liquid inks on the right.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/best-highlighters-that-dont-bleed-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Staedtler Textsurfer Gel highlighter (264) | Staedtler (by Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG (Nuremberg)) | Germany | South Korea | Polypropylene twist-up barrel, solid gel/wax ink | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Zebra Zebrite double-ended Bible highlighter (Eco Zebrite) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Japan | Recycled plastic barrel (74% recycled content per a distributor), chisel and fine bullet tips, pigment ink | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Zebra Mildliner double-ended highlighter (WKT7) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Japan or Mexico (varies by pack) | Plastic barrel, felt chisel and bullet tips, water-based pigment ink | 2009 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pilot FriXion Light erasable highlighter (SFL-10SL) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan)) | Japan | Not stated | Plastic barrel (JetPens says 87% recycled material), chisel tip, thermo-sensitive erasable ink | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Stabilo Boss Original highlighter (70) | Stabilo (by Schwan-STABILO (Heroldsberg, Germany)) | Germany | Germany | Plastic barrel, 2–5 mm chisel tip, water-based ink; refillable except pastels | 1971 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Sharpie Gel highlighter, bullet tip | Sharpie (by Sanford L.P., a Newell Brands company) | United States | South Korea | Twist-up plastic barrel, solid gel ink | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Sharpie Clear View highlighter, see-through chisel tip | Sharpie (by Sanford L.P., a Newell Brands company) | United States | China or Japan (varies by pack) | Plastic stick or tank barrel, translucent chisel tip | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Staedtler Textsurfer Gel highlighter (264)): South Korea. Officeworks (Australia) lists South Korea as the country of manufacture for the green 264-5. Staedtler's own pages don't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/staedtler-textsurfer-gel-highlighter-green-st2645gn - Made in (Zebra Zebrite double-ended Bible highlighter (Eco Zebrite)): Japan. Per OnTime Supplies' spec table for the Eco Zebrite 5-pack (item 75005). Bible-store listings for the Zebrite Bible highlighter don't state an origin. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb75005-eco-zebrite-double-ended-highlighter-chisel-fine-point-tip-5-set.html - Made in (Zebra Mildliner double-ended highlighter (WKT7)): Japan or Mexico (varies by pack). Hamster (Canada) lists Japan for the 5-pack MPN 78205, and Japanese-market retailers sell the WKT7 as made in Japan. Nordisco lists Mexico for the US 10-pack, item 78101, and Boston General Store lists a single Mildliner as made in Mexico. Zebra's Japanese product page doesn't state a country of manufacture, so check the pack. Source: https://www.hamster.ca/en/highlighters/mildliner-highlighters-845924 - Made in (Pilot FriXion Light erasable highlighter (SFL-10SL)): Not stated. JetPens and Galaxus give specs for the FriXion Light but no country of origin, and we found no Pilot page that states it. Check the pack. - Made in (Stabilo Boss Original highlighter (70)): Germany. Galaxus, BSL-IT and Icecat product data all give Germany for Boss Original packs. Stabilo's own pages don't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/stabilo-boss-original-naturecolors-10x-markers-40792030 - Made in (Sharpie Gel highlighter, bullet tip): South Korea. ADI Global Distribution lists Korea, Republic of, for the 5-count set (SKU 1803277) and notes origin is subject to change. One retailer marks the 12-pack retractable yellow (1780478) as discontinued; 3- and 5-count sets are still listed. Source: https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-1803277 - Made in (Sharpie Clear View highlighter, see-through chisel tip): China or Japan (varies by pack). Distributor listings give China for most packs (for example the 12-pack tank, 2149298) and Japan for some (the 4-pack 2128213 and 3-pack 1950748, per OnTime Supplies and ADI). Check the pack. Source: https://adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-2149298 ## Key takeaways - Bleed depends on ink and paper: liquid water-based ink can soak through thin sheets, while solid gel highlighters such as the Staedtler Textsurfer Gel and Sharpie Gel go on dry. - Bible paper is very thin: one Bible printer gives 28–40 g/m² as the standard range, against 75 g/m² for everyday copy paper. - Line widths differ: Staedtler Textsurfer Gel 3 mm, Zebra Mildliner chisel 4 mm, Stabilo Boss Original 2 and 5 mm, Pilot FriXion Light 1.0–3.3 mm. - The Zebra Mildliner comes in 40 colors in Japan and the Stabilo Boss Original in 30, including 14 pastels, per their makers. - All seven sit in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per highlighter in a multi-pack). ## Which highlighter doesn't bleed through paper? **A solid gel highlighter such as the Staedtler Textsurfer Gel is the least likely to bleed through paper, because it goes on dry instead of soaking the sheet with liquid ink.** Picks are based on published specs and maker claims; we haven't tested them yet. - **Least bleed overall:** Staedtler Textsurfer Gel. A twist-up solid gel with a 3 mm line that Staedtler, via JetPens, calls bleed-free even on Bible pages, and that can stay uncapped for up to three days. - **Best for Bible and thin paper:** Zebra Zebrite double-ended Bible highlighter. Bible stores sell it with a chisel for highlighting and a fine tip for underlining, and say its pigment ink won't bleed through thin pages. - **Most colors and pastels:** [Zebra Mildliner](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-mildliner/). Forty muted colors in Japan, a 4 mm chisel plus a 1.0–1.4 mm bullet, and pigment ink Zebra says is unlikely to show through. - **Best erasable:** Pilot FriXion Light. Its ink turns invisible above 60 °C (140 °F) when rubbed with the end tip, so a wrong highlight comes off. - **Budget bulk:** Sharpie Gel highlighter. A low-band gel stick that Sharpie says won't bleed through thin papers, magazines or Bibles. - **Mistake-proof window:** Sharpie Clear View. A translucent chisel tip lets you see the words under it, so you stop at the right letter. ## How do the seven highlighters compare? **The gels and pigment inks are the ones sold as no-bleed; the Stabilo Boss Original and Sharpie Clear View are classic liquid highlighters for ordinary paper.** | | Ink | Tip / line | No-bleed claim | Price band | Made in | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Staedtler Textsurfer Gel | Solid gel | 3 mm twist-up | Yes, incl. Bible pages | $ | South Korea | | Zebra Zebrite Bible | Pigment | Chisel + fine bullet | Yes, thin pages | $ | Japan | | Zebra Mildliner | Water-based pigment | 4 mm chisel + 1.0–1.4 mm bullet | "Unlikely to show through" | $ | Japan or Mexico | | Pilot FriXion Light | Erasable thermo ink | Chisel, 1.0–3.3 mm | None found | $ | Not stated | | Stabilo Boss Original | Water-based | Chisel, 2 and 5 mm | None found | $ | Germany | | Sharpie Gel | Solid gel | Bullet, twist-up | Yes, incl. Bibles | $ | South Korea | | Sharpie Clear View | Liquid, smear-resistant | See-through chisel | None found | $ | China or Japan | Line widths are from Staedtler-, Zebra- and Stabilo-sourced listings and, for the FriXion Light, Officeworks. Sharpie and Zebrite don't publish tip widths in the sources we found. ## Why do highlighters bleed through? **Highlighters bleed when liquid ink soaks through the fibers faster than it dries, and thin, soft paper lets that happen sooner.** A standard felt-tip highlighter lays down water-based ink; a gel highlighter rubs off a solid stick, so almost nothing wet reaches the back. Paper weight matters as much as ink. Everyday copy paper such as [Hammermill](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hammermill-copy-paper/) is 75 g/m² (20 lb); one Bible printer gives 28–40 g/m² as the standard range for Bible text paper. On a 30 g/m² page, even a non-bleeding highlighter can ghost, meaning the color shows through without ink on the back. Pressing hard and going over a line twice both add ink. A fresh, sharp chisel needs less pressure than a worn one. ## What is the best highlighter for Bible pages? **For Bible pages, choose a dry gel (Staedtler Textsurfer Gel or Sharpie Gel) for zero-wet highlighting, or the Zebra Zebrite Bible highlighter if you also want a fine tip for underlining.** Staedtler and Sharpie both name Bibles in their no-bleed claims, and Bible stores sell the Zebrite in marking kits with a fine pen. Gels have trade-offs. The Pen Addict's 2016 review of the Textsurfer Gel praised it on thin paper but found the soft gel wears down fast and leaves a slightly waxy, uneven line. Whatever you pick, test it on a blank page at the back of your Bible first. The same applies to thin planner paper like the [Hobonichi Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/)'s. ## Which highlighter is best for pastel colors? **The Zebra Mildliner has the widest pastel range: Zebra says it reached 40 colors in January 2025.** The Stabilo Boss Original Pastel is the main alternative, with 14 pastel shades in a 30-color range, per Stabilo. The Mildliner's fine bullet end also makes it a writing pen for headings and color-coding. ## Can you erase a highlighter? **Yes, the Pilot FriXion Light erases: rubbing creates friction heat, and Pilot says FriXion ink turns invisible above 60 °C (140 °F).** Erased marks can return below about −10 °C (14 °F), and heat can make highlights vanish by accident. It uses the same ink principle as the [Pilot FriXion Clicker](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-frixion-clicker/) pen, so keep it off documents that must last. ## Which highlighter lasts longest? **The Stabilo Boss Original is the long-life pick: Stabilo says it survives up to 4 hours uncapped and sells refills for its fluorescent colors.** Pastel Boss colors can't be refilled. Gel sticks don't dry out in the same way; JetPens says the Textsurfer Gel can stay uncapped for up to three days. ## What do other reviewers recommend? **Other reviewers point to the same gel and pigment picks for thin paper.** JetPens' highlighter guide recommends gel highlighters such as the Ohto Rouge for avoiding bleed, and sells the Textsurfer Gel as suited to Bible pages. The Well-Appointed Desk found Mildliners smudged handwritten notes noticeably less than a standard highlighter, except over fountain pen ink. ## Where are these highlighters made? **Origins vary by pack: retailers give South Korea for the Textsurfer Gel and Sharpie Gel, Germany for the Stabilo Boss, and Japan for the Eco Zebrite.** The Mildliner and Clear View come from more than one country, and we found no origin for the FriXion Light, so check the label. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do gel highlighters bleed through paper? They are the least likely to. A gel highlighter is a solid stick that goes on dry, so there is little liquid to soak into the sheet. Staedtler and Sharpie both say their gel highlighters won't bleed through, including on thin paper; we haven't tested that yet. ### Do Zebra Mildliners bleed through paper? Zebra says the Mildliner's water-based pigment ink is unlikely to show through the back of the page. On thin Bible or planner paper, expect some show-through from the 4 mm chisel, so try it on a back page first. ### Can you use a FriXion highlighter in a Bible? You can, and it can be erased by rubbing, but Pilot's FriXion ink turns invisible above 60 °C (140 °F), so heat can make marks fade. FriXion highlights are liquid ink, so test them on a blank page of thin paper first. ### Which highlighter can stay uncapped the longest? Of these seven, JetPens says the Staedtler Textsurfer Gel can stay uncapped for up to three days. Stabilo says the Boss Original lasts up to 4 hours with the cap off thanks to its anti-dry-out ink. ### What is the difference between bleed-through and ghosting? Bleed-through is ink soaking through to the back of the sheet; ghosting (show-through) is seeing the mark through the paper without any ink on the back. Thin Bible paper ghosts with almost any highlighter, even ones that don't bleed. ### Are Stabilo Boss highlighters refillable? Yes, Stabilo sells a Boss Original refill for the fluorescent colors. Stabilo says the pastel colors can't be refilled. ### Which highlighter has a see-through tip? The Sharpie Clear View has a translucent chisel tip, which Sharpie says lets you see the text under the tip so you know where to stop. Uni's Propus Window is another see-through design. ## Sources - [Staedtler (via JetPens): Textsurfer Gel Highlighter 3-Color Set (bleed-free on Bible pages, uncapped up to three days)](https://www.jetpens.com/Staedtler-Textsurfer-Gel-Highlighter-3-Color-Set/pd/16398) - [JetPens: Staedtler Textsurfer Gel Highlighter, Green (137 mm capped, 12 mm diameter)](https://www.jetpens.com/Staedtler-Textsurfer-Gel-Highlighter-Green/pd/16397) - [Officeworks: Staedtler Textsurfer Gel Highlighter Green 264-5 (9 mm lead, about 3 mm line, twist mechanism, made in South Korea)](https://officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/staedtler-textsurfer-gel-highlighter-green-st2645gn) - [Doublet: Staedtler 264 Textsurfer Gel highlighter (3 mm line, does not bleed through paper)](https://totalofficetest.doublet.com.au/product/staedtler-264-textsurfer-gel-highlighter-bullet-orange/7014069) - [Zebra Co., Ltd. (Japan): Mildliner product page (pigment ink, 4 mm / 1.0–1.4 mm)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/mildliner/) - [Zebra press release via Digital PR Platform (Japanese): five new Mildliner colors, January 20, 2025](https://digitalpr.jp/r/100979) - [Calvary GS shop: Zebrite Bible Marking Kit (no-bleed pigmented ink, double-ended highlighters)](https://shops.calvarygs.org/products/zebrite-bible-marking-kit-no-bleed-pigmented-ink-no-fading-or-smearing-double-ended-highlighters-millipen-books-of-the-bible-ruler-bookmark-set-of-5-ruler) - [Apologetics Press store: Zebrite Bible Highlighter, Yellow](https://store.apologeticspress.org/products/zebrite-bible-highlighter-yellow) - [OnTime Supplies: Eco Zebrite Double-Ended Highlighter 5-pack, item 75005 (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb75005-eco-zebrite-double-ended-highlighter-chisel-fine-point-tip-5-set.html) - [Pilot Pen UK: FAQ (how FriXion ink works; 60 °C and −10 °C)](https://pilotpen.co.uk/faq) - [JetPens: Pilot FriXion Light Erasable Highlighter, Pink (SFL-10SL-P, 87% recycled)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-FriXion-Light-Erasable-Highlighter-Pink/pd/3370) - [Officeworks: Pilot FriXion highlighters 4-pack (1.0–3.3 mm line)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/pilot-frixion-highlighters-4-pack-pi111111nt) - [H-E-B: Pilot FriXion Light chisel-tip erasable highlighters, 3-pack](https://www.heb.com/product-detail/pilot-frixion-light-chisel-tip-erasable-highlighters-assorted-ink-3-pk/2644025) - [Stabilo (UK): STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL (2 and 5 mm lines, up to 4 hours cap-off, refills)](https://www.stabilo.com/uk/stabilo-boss-original/70-56) - [Stabilo: BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel (14 pastel shades; no refills for pastels)](https://stabilo.com/uk/highlighter-stabilo-boss-original-pastel/70-8-3) - [Stabilo: BOSS ORIGINAL 23-color set (30 colors in the range)](https://stabilo.com/com/highlighter-stabilo-boss-original/7023-01-06) - [Galaxus: Stabilo Boss Original NatureColors 10-pack (country of origin Germany)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/stabilo-boss-original-naturecolors-10x-markers-40792030) - [Sharpie: Clear View stick highlighters, see-through chisel tip](https://www.sharpie.com/highlighters/sharpie-clear-view-stick-highlighters-see-through-chisel-tip/SP_1184441.html) - [ADI Global Distribution: Sharpie Clear View 12-pack tank highlighters, 2149298 (country of origin China)](https://adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-2149298) - [OnTime Supplies: Sharpie Clear View 4-pack, 2128213 (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/san2128213-clear-view-highlighter-pack-chisel-marker-point-style-assorted-4-pack.html) - [Sharpie (via Salsify): Gel Highlighters, bullet tip, 3 count (won't bleed through; thin papers and Bibles)](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_1780475/Sharpie(r)-Gel-Highlighters-Bullet-Tip-Assorted-Colors-3-Count/) - [ADI Global Distribution: Sharpie Gel Highlighter 5-count, 1803277 (country of origin Korea)](https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-1803277) - [Binding101: Sharpie Gel Highlighters 1780478, 12-pack (discontinued)](https://www.binding101.com/sharpie-gel-highlighters-1780478-fluorescent-yellow-retractable-12-pack) - [Qicai Press: Bible paper explained (28–40 g/m² standard range; opacity)](https://qicaipress-kz8ir.kinsta.page/blog/bible-paper-explained/) - [Thomas Nelson Bibles: Why is Bible paper important?](https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/?p=14838) - [The Pen Addict: Staedtler Textsurfer Gel Highlighter Review (November 23, 2016)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2016/11/23/staedtler-textsurfer-gel-highlighter-review) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Review, Zebra Mildliner in Mild Green (September 2014)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2014/09/review-zebra-mildliner-pen-in-mild-green/) - [CIPO (Canadian trademark database): SHARPIE registration TMA1147563, registered owner Sanford, L.P., Atlanta](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/cipo/trademark-search/1980166) --- # Best Mechanical Pencils for 2027: 8 Picks Compared > On published specs, the Pentel GraphGear 1000 is the best all-round mechanical pencil: a 20 g metal drafting pencil in 0.3 to 0.9 mm whose 4 mm sleeve retracts. Pick the rOtring 600 for drafting, the Pentel Orenz or Zebra DelGuard to stop lead breaking, the Kuru Toga for a sharp line and the BIC Xtra-Smooth for bulk. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-mechanical-pencils/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Eight mechanical pencils standing side by side, lengths to scale: Pentel GraphGear 1000 149 mm and 20 g, rOtring 600 142 mm and 22 g, Kuru Toga 142 mm and 10 g, Pentel Orenz 145 mm and 10 g, Zebra DelGuard 137 mm and 10 g, Pentel Sharp P205 145 mm and 10 g; the Twist-Erase III and BIC Xtra-Smooth have no published length](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/best-mechanical-pencils-16x9.png) *The eight picks at 1 mm = 1.4 px. The GraphGear 1000 is the longest; the dashed two have no published length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/best-mechanical-pencils-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil (PG1015, 0.5 mm) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Aluminum barrel, brass and silicone-rubber grip, brass tip, iron clip | 2002 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | | rOtring 600 mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, 1904443; 0.7 mm, 1904442) | rOtring (by rOtring, a Newell Brands company) | Germany | Japan | All-metal hexagonal body, brass mechanism, stainless steel tip, carbon tool steel clip | 1989 | $$$: $20–75 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Uni Kuru Toga Standard mechanical pencil (M5-450, 0.5 mm) | uni (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | PC resin (plastic) body, per The Journal Shop | 2008-03 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil (0.5 mm; PP505 in the US, XPP505 in Japan; also 0.2, 0.3 and 0.7 mm) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Recycled PC and PP plastics, brass, iron and stainless steel (per Pentel Japan) | 2014 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil, Standard (P-MA85, 0.5 mm) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Japan | Plastic (resin) body, metal tip | 2014 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pentel Sharp P205 mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P205A black) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Plastic body; metal tip, clip and push button | 1970 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pentel Twist-Erase III mechanical pencil (QE515 0.5 mm, QE517 0.7 mm, QE519 0.9 mm) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel, metal mechanism, latex-free grip | – | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | | BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencil, 0.7 mm, No. 2 (MPP40MJ-BLK 40-pack) | BIC (by Société BIC (France); sold in the US by BIC Corporation) | France | Mexico | Plastic barrel and grip | – | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil (PG1015, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide (and its 2022 catalog) gives the GraphGear 1000's origin as Japan, and PartsSource lists Japan as the country of origin for the PG1015A. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/57/ - Made in (rOtring 600 mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, 1904443; 0.7 mm, 1904442)): Japan. The Japanese retailer Maruzen Junkudo lists 原産国 日本 (country of origin: Japan) for the black 0.5 mm (1904443), and the distributor ADI Global Distribution gives Japan for the black and silver 0.5 mm, noting that country of origin is subject to change. Wikipedia says production moved to Japanese maker Holbein and other manufacturers after rOtring's Hamburg factory closed. rOtring's own site blocked our reader, so check the packaging. Source: https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/3501179044439 - Made in (Uni Kuru Toga Standard mechanical pencil (M5-450, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Per retailer spec sheets (The Journal Shop: country of origin Japan; Bungu Store: made in Japan). Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product pages don't state it. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/mitsubishi-kuru-toga-mechanical-pencil-standard-model-0-5mm - Made in (Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil (0.5 mm; PP505 in the US, XPP505 in Japan; also 0.2, 0.3 and 0.7 mm)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the ORENZ 1-Click (PP502 to PP507) as Japan. The Journal Shop and Monk Office's listing for the PP505A also say Japan. Pentel's Japanese pages don't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/104 - Made in (Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil, Standard (P-MA85, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Per Noble's government-supply listing for a DelGuard 0.5 mm 3-pack (country of origin Japan). Zebra's Japanese product page doesn't state a country of manufacture. Source: https://gsacp.noble.com/delguard-mechanical-pencil,-0.5-mm,-hb-2,-black-lead,-black-barrel,-3/pack/ecomm-product-detail/434792 - Made in (Pentel Sharp P205 mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P205A black)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the Sharp P205, P207 and P209 as Japan. STL Art Supply, Azor and Monk Office also say Japan. Pentel's Japanese site doesn't sell the P200 series. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/106 - Made in (Pentel Twist-Erase III mechanical pencil (QE515 0.5 mm, QE517 0.7 mm, QE519 0.9 mm)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide and 2022 catalog give the Twist-Erase III's origin (QE515, QE517, QE519) as Japan; OnTimeSupplies and PartsSource also list Japan. The same product guide gives Mexico for the separate Twist-Erase CLICK (PD275 to PD279). Pentel's Japanese site doesn't sell either model. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/64/ - Made in (BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencil, 0.7 mm, No. 2 (MPP40MJ-BLK 40-pack)): Mexico. Retailer and distributor spec sheets give Mexico for the 12-pack MP11 (PartsSource), the 40-pack clear barrel (Noble), the 5-pack MPP51 (OnTime Supplies, Gateway) and the MP320 and MP40TX packs (MX). One Noble listing for a dozen with a tube of lead gives France, so origin can vary by pack. PartsSource still gave Mexico for MP11 on October 20, 2026; the Noble pages no longer loaded. BIC's French corporate site has no product pages, and its former consumer product sites now return 'gone', so check the box. Source: https://www.partssource.com/parts/bic/mp11 ## Key takeaways - Weights run from about 10 g for plastic pencils (Kuru Toga Standard, Orenz, DelGuard, Sharp P205) to about 20 g for the GraphGear 1000 and 22 g for the all-metal rOtring 600. - The Kuru Toga turns its lead about 9° per stroke, a full turn every 40 strokes, so the point wears to a cone instead of a flat edge. - Pentel's Orenz sleeve slides back as the lead wears, which Pentel says lets even 0.2 mm lead write without snapping; Zebra's DelGuard uses two springs instead. - A 0.9 mm lead is three times the diameter of a 0.3 mm lead; 0.5 mm is the size with the most models, and 0.7 mm is the BIC Xtra-Smooth's only size. - The College Board bans mechanical pencils on AP exams, while its SAT rules allow any pen or pencil for scratch work, not only a No. 2. ## What is the best mechanical pencil? **On published specs, the Pentel GraphGear 1000 is the best mechanical pencil for most people, while drafting, lead breakage, budget packs and exams each have a different best pick.** Picks are based on published specs and maker claims; we haven't tested them yet. - **Best overall:** [Pentel GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/). A metal drafting pencil of about 20 g in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 mm, whose 4 mm sleeve retracts so it can ride in a pocket. - **Best for drafting:** [rOtring 600](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-600/). An all-metal hexagonal body of about 22 g with a fixed sleeve and a lead-grade indicator, in 0.5 and 0.7 mm. - **Best budget drafting:** [Pentel Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/). A 10 g, 0.5 mm pencil with the same 4 mm drafting sleeve, in a design retailers date to 1970. - **Best for writing without lead breakage:** Pentel Orenz. Its sleeve slides back as the lead wears, so the lead never sticks out unprotected; Pentel of America sells it in 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 mm. - **Best for heavy-handed writers:** Zebra DelGuard. Two springs let the 10 g Standard model absorb hard straight-down and angled pressure, per Zebra. - **Best for a consistently sharp line:** [Uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/). It turns the lead about 9° per stroke, so the point stays conical, in a 10 g plastic body. - **Best for students and bulk:** [BIC Xtra-Smooth](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil/). 0.7 mm No. 2 lead in packs of 5 to 320, in our lowest price band (under $5 a pencil). - **Best for erasing a lot:** [Pentel Twist-Erase III](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-twist-erase-iii/). A jumbo twist-up eraser with E10 refills, in 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 mm. - **Best for tests:** a wooden No. 2 pencil, not a mechanical one. AP exams ban mechanical pencils; the SAT allows any pen or pencil for scratch work. ## How do the eight mechanical pencils compare? **The two metal pencils are about twice as heavy as the plastic ones, and only the Orenz, DelGuard and Kuru Toga have a mechanism aimed at lead breakage or wear.** | | Lead sizes (mm) | Length | Weight | Lead protection | Price band | Made in | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | GraphGear 1000 | 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 | ≈149 mm | ≈20 g | Retracting 4 mm sleeve | $$ | Japan | | rOtring 600 | 0.5, 0.7 | ≈142 mm | ≈22 g | Fixed sleeve | $$$ | Japan | | Kuru Toga Standard | 0.3, 0.5 | 142 mm | ≈10 g | Rotating lead | $$ | Japan | | Orenz | 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 | 145 mm (Pentel Japan; JetPens 142 mm for 0.5) | 10 g | Sliding sleeve | $$ | Japan | | DelGuard Standard | 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 | ≈137 mm | ≈10 g | Two springs | $$ | Japan | | Sharp P205 | 0.5 (P207, P209: 0.7, 0.9) | 145 mm | 10 g | Fixed 4 mm sleeve | $$ | Japan | | Twist-Erase III | 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 | Not published | Not published | None | $$ | Japan | | BIC Xtra-Smooth | 0.7 | Not published | Not published | None | $ | Mexico | Figures are from retailer spec sheets and our guides to each pencil; DelGuard sizes come from Zebra's Japanese site and the Orenz's from Pentel of America. Price bands are per pencil: $ under $5, $$ $5–20, $$$ $20–75. ## Which mechanical pencil stops lead from breaking? **The Pentel Orenz and the Zebra DelGuard are the two built for it, and they work in opposite ways.** The Orenz keeps the lead inside a metal sleeve that slides back as the lead wears, so you click once and write until the sleeve is used up. Unsharpen notes the sleeve length varies, which makes it a poor fit for ruler work. The DelGuard lets the lead give way instead: one spring pulls it back under straight-down pressure and a second extends a guard against angled pressure, per retailers. Zebra warns that colored leads and soft grades (2B or softer in 0.3 mm, 3B or softer in 0.5 mm) may still break. The Kuru Toga tackles a related cause. Mitsubishi Pencil says lead worn to a slanted edge snaps more easily, and its rotation keeps the point round. ## Which mechanical pencil is best for drafting? **The rOtring 600 is the classic heavy drafting pencil, with the GraphGear 1000 the pick if you also carry it.** All three drafting picks have long metal sleeves that let the point run along a ruler. The P205 does the same job at 10 g, in the same $$ band as the GraphGear and below the $$$ rOtring. ## Can you use a mechanical pencil on the SAT or AP exams? **Not on AP exams; on the SAT the College Board allows a pen or pencil for scratch work, and its rules don't mention mechanical pencils.** For AP, the College Board lists mechanical pencils among prohibited items and asks for No. 2 pencils or dark pens for paper booklets. The digital SAT's rules say the pencil doesn't have to be a No. 2, and proctors hand out the scratch paper. Test-prep sites report some proctors still refuse mechanical pencils, so bring a wooden pencil or a pen. ## Which lead size should you choose: 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 0.9 mm? **Choose 0.5 mm for everyday writing, 0.3 mm for small handwriting, 0.7 mm if you press hard, and 0.9 mm for bold sketching.** A 0.9 mm lead is three times the diameter of a 0.3 mm one, so it is much harder to snap. | Size | Best for | Picks in that size | |---|---|---| | 0.2–0.3 mm | Tiny handwriting, fine technical lines | Orenz, Kuru Toga, GraphGear, DelGuard | | 0.5 mm | Notes, math, general drafting | All except BIC | | 0.7 mm | Heavy pressure, school | BIC, rOtring, GraphGear, Orenz, DelGuard, Twist-Erase | | 0.9 mm | Sketching, very heavy hands | GraphGear, P209, Twist-Erase | Thin leads break most, so if you want 0.3 mm or finer, an Orenz or DelGuard makes sense. ## What do other reviewers recommend? **Other reviewers converge on the same core names, led by the GraphGear 1000, rOtring 600 and Kuru Toga.** Everyman's 2026 test of 9 models named the GraphGear 1000 best overall and the rOtring 600 for drafting, though Everyman also sells its own pencil. The Journal Shop's guide calls the Kuru Toga a good first upgrade, the Orenz its precision pick and the DelGuard the choice for heavy-handed writers. The Gentleman Stationer credits Uni with perfecting the rotating-lead mechanism, and The Pen Addict calls the GraphGear a "beloved drafting and engineering pencil". ## Where are these mechanical pencils made? **Seven of the eight are listed as made in Japan; the BIC Xtra-Smooth is mostly made in Mexico.** rOtring is a German brand, but its US distributor gives Japan as the origin for the 600. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best mechanical pencil for most people? On published specs, the Pentel GraphGear 1000: a metal drafting pencil in four lead sizes whose 4 mm sleeve retracts, so it suits a desk and a pocket. Everyman's 2026 test of 9 models also named it best overall. ### Which mechanical pencil doesn't break lead? The Pentel Orenz and the Zebra DelGuard are both built for it. The Orenz keeps the lead inside a sliding sleeve; the DelGuard uses two springs that absorb straight-down and angled pressure. Zebra warns that very soft or colored leads can still break. ### Can you use a mechanical pencil on the SAT? The College Board's SAT rules let you bring a pen or pencil for scratch work and say it doesn't have to be a No. 2; they don't mention mechanical pencils. Some proctors are reported to be stricter, so a wooden pencil or pen is the safe choice. ### Are mechanical pencils allowed on AP exams? No. The College Board lists mechanical pencils among items students may not bring to AP exams. Bring sharpened No. 2 pencils or dark blue or black pens for free-response booklets, and pencils or pens for scratch work. ### Is the rOtring 600 better than the GraphGear 1000? It is heavier and simpler: an all-metal hexagonal body at about 22 g with a fixed sleeve. The GraphGear 1000 weighs about 20 g, comes in more lead sizes and retracts its sleeve, which makes it easier to carry. ### What mechanical pencil is best for students on a budget? The BIC Xtra-Smooth, sold in packs of 5 up to 320 with 0.7 mm No. 2 lead, sits in our lowest price band ($, under $5 a pencil). The Pentel Sharp P205 is the step up: a refillable drafting pencil with a lifetime limited warranty, per retailers. ### What lead size is best for writing? 0.5 mm suits most handwriting and has the widest choice of pencils. Choose 0.3 mm or finer for very small writing, and 0.7 mm if you press hard or keep snapping 0.5 mm leads. ## Sources - [Pentel of America: GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil](https://pentel.com/products/graph-gear-1000-mechanical-drafting-pencil) - [Staples: Pentel GraphGear 1000 0.5 mm (4 mm retractable sleeve)](https://www.staples.com/product_24610879) - [PartsSource: Pentel PG1015A (country of origin Japan)](https://www.partssource.com/parts/pentel-of-america/pg1015a) - [Zebra (global): DelGuard (lead protection from any angle; soft-lead caveat)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/global/products/del_guard/) - [JetPens: Zebra DelGuard, a comprehensive guide (models, lengths, weights, lead sizes)](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/Zebra-DelGuard-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/69) - [Unsharpen: Zebra DelGuard mechanical pencil (about 10 g, plastic body)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/zebra-delguard-mechanical-pencil/) - [Yoseka Stationery: Zebra DelGuard Type-ER (double-spring mechanism)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/zebra-delguard-mechanical-pencil-type-er-0-5mm-limited-gold-black) - [Noble: DelGuard mechanical pencil 0.5 mm, 3-pack (country of origin Japan)](https://gsacp.noble.com/delguard-mechanical-pencil,-0.5-mm,-hb-2,-black-lead,-black-barrel,-3/pack/ecomm-product-detail/434792) - [Kroger: Zebra DelGuard 0.5 mm mechanical pencil with bonus lead](https://www.kroger.com/p/zebra-delguard-fine-point-mechanical-pencil/0004588858691) - [Pentel UK: Orenz marks another first from Pentel](https://pentel.co.uk/trade-news/orenz-marks-another-first-from-pentel) - [President Online: how Pentel developed the Orenz (in Japanese)](https://president.jp/articles/-/23265) - [Lexikaliker: Pentel Orenz (April 2014)](https://www.lexikaliker.de/2014/04/pentel-orenz/) - [The Journal Shop: Pentel Orenz mechanical pencil 0.5 mm (made in Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/pentel-orenz-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm) - [Monk Office: Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm black, PP505A (made in Japan)](https://monkapi.store.commercebuild.com/office-products/writing-correction/mechanical-pencils/penpp505a-orenz-mech-pencil-05mm-black) - [Officeworks: Pentel Orenz 0.5 mm, XPP505](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/pentel-orenz-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm-sky-blue-barrel-pexpp505sb) - [Orosy: Pentel Orenz 0.2 mm (145 mm, 10 g)](https://wholesale.orosy.com/products/pentel-orenz-never-break-mechanical-pencil-0-2-mm) - [Unsharpen: Pentel Orenz (sizes; sleeve length varies)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/pentel-orenz/) - [College Board: SAT testing rules (pen or pencil for scratch work, not necessarily No. 2)](https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/testing-rules) - [College Board: What to bring on exam day for digital AP exams (no mechanical pencils)](https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/digital-ap-exams/what-to-bring) - [College Board: What to bring on AP exam day](https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-policies-guidelines/what-to-bring-on-exam-day) - [Everyman: The best mechanical pencil in 2026, 9 models tested](https://everyman.co/blogs/news/best-mechanical-pencil) - [The Journal Shop: Best mechanical pencils guide](https://www.thejournalshop.com/blogs/guides/best-mechanical-pencils) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Uni Kuru Toga Switch Alpha Gel review (March 13, 2024)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2024/3/13/mechanical-pencil-review-the-uni-kuru-toga-switch-alpha-gel) - [The Pen Addict: Pentel Graph 1000 review](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2021/8/2/pentel-graph-1000-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-red-gradation-review) - [ADI Global Distribution: rOtring 600 0.5 mm, 1904443 (country of origin Japan)](https://adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-1904443) - [Digital PR Platform: Mitsubishi Pencil, 2023 Kuru Toga Standard (sizes, ¥605 price)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/67368) - [Galaxus: Pentel Sharp 0.50 mm HB (14.5 cm, 10 g)](https://www.galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/pentel-sharp-050-mm-hb-1-x-pencil-7945915) - [Pentel of America: 2023–2024 product guide (Twist-Erase III models)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/64/) - [Staples: BIC Xtra-Smooth 0.7 mm, 40-pack, MPP40MJ-BLK](https://www.staples.com/bic-mechanical-pencil-xtra-life-mechanical-pencil-2-0-7mm-40-pack-mpp40mj-blk/product_24276526) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Pentel renames itself ASTRUM Corporation from April 1, 2026](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2094175.html) --- # Best Notebooks for Fountain Pens (2027): 9 Compared > Based on published specs and maker claims, the Midori MD Notebook A5 is the best all-round notebook for fountain pens: 176 pages of MD Paper that Midori says resists feathering and bleed-through. For a tear-off pad pick the Rhodia No. 16, for most pages per millimetre the Hobonichi Techo, and on a budget a KOKUYO Campus. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![To-scale drawing of nine notebooks with paper weights: Midori MD A5 80–90 g/m², Hobonichi Techo A6 Tomoe River, Rhodia No. 16 80 g/m², KOKUYO Campus Semi-B5, Leuchtturm1917 A5 80 g/m², Bullet Journal Edition 2 120 g/m², Apica CD 86.5 g/m², Clairefontaine 90 g/m², Moleskine Large 70 g/m²](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens-16x9.png) *The nine notebooks at 1 mm = 0.6 px, with each one's published paper weight.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Midori MD Notebook A5, 176 pages (lined, grid or blank) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT) | Japan | Japan | Cream MD Paper, 80 g/m² (text, cover and endpapers); glassine jacket | 2008 | $$: $5–20 per notebook | | Hobonichi Techo Original Book, A6 | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Not stated | Tomoe River paper (Tomoe River S since the 2024 edition), thread-sewn binding | 2001-10-05 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | | Rhodia No. 16 DotPad, A5, top-stapled, black cover (16559C) | Rhodia (by Clairefontaine Rhodia (Exacompta Clairefontaine group); sold in the US by Exaclair) | France | France | 80 g/m² Clairefontaine vellum paper, coated card cover | 1934 | $$: $5–20 per notebook | | KOKUYO Campus Notebook, Semi-B5, 30 sheets (NO-3BN 6 mm rule) | KOKUYO (by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Woodfree forest-certified paper (上質紙, 森林認証紙), laminated spine cloth | 1975 | $: under $5 per notebook | | Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Medium (A5), Hardcover, dotted | Leuchtturm1917 (by Leuchtturm Gruppe (Geesthacht, Germany)) | Germany | Varies (Taiwan or Germany) | Synthetic leather hard cover, 80 g/m² FSC-certified, slightly cream paper | 2005 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | | Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, Medium (A5), dotted | Leuchtturm1917 (by Leuchtturm Gruppe (Geesthacht, Germany)) | Germany | Not stated | Hard cover, 120 g/m² smooth, low-transparency paper, thread-sewn book block | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | | Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5 | Apica (by Nippon Note Co., Ltd. (日本ノート株式会社)) | Japan | Japan | A.Silky 865 Premium paper (86.5 g/m², per retailers), fancy-paper card cover, thread-sewn binding | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | | Clairefontaine 1951 Staplebound Notebook A5, 48 sheets | Clairefontaine (by Clairefontaine Rhodia (Exacompta Clairefontaine group); sold in the US by Exaclair) | France | France | Grained card cover, 90 g/m² Vélin Velouté paper (PEFC), staple binding | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | | Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Large | Moleskine (by Moleskine S.r.l. (D'Ieteren Group)) | Italy | China | Cardboard hard cover, 70 g/m² ivory acid-free paper (FSC-certified and controlled sources) | 1997 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Midori MD Notebook A5, 176 pages (lined, grid or blank)): Japan. Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store gives 原産国 (country of origin) Made in Japan for the A5, as did the older Midori online store listing for the lined A5 (15294006). The Journal Shop, Galen Leather and Boston General Store agree. Source: https://md-product.com/products/md-notebook-a5 - Made in (Hobonichi Techo Original Book, A6): Not stated. Hobonichi's Japanese store listing for the 2027 English Original gives size, weight, pages and paper but no country of manufacture (it names one only for a free charm, made in China), and we found no retailer spec sheet that states it for the Original Book. Hunter Paper Co. says its Original Avec book is made in Japan by Hobonichi, but that is a different product. Check the back of the book. - Made in (Rhodia No. 16 DotPad, A5, top-stapled, black cover (16559C)): France. Rhodia says all its notepads are manufactured at its plant near Mulhouse, Alsace; its 2024 French press kit places the plant at Illzach, on the edge of Mulhouse, since 1997. Retailers The Journal Shop, Dromgooles, Bruneau and Wonderpens also list the No. 16 as made in France. Source: https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/gb/page/rhodia-universe/our-manufacturing-secrets - Made in (KOKUYO Campus Notebook, Semi-B5, 30 sheets (NO-3BN 6 mm rule)): Japan. KOKUYO's own global online store gives Country of Origin: Japan for the NO-3BN 3-pack and 10-pack and for the NO-3BTN and NO-3ATN dotted books. KOKUYO's Japanese catalog pages don't list origin; other Campus lines and sizes may differ. Source: https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/campus-notebook-b5-6mm-rule-30-sheets-pack-of-3/NO-3BNX3.html - Made in (Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Medium (A5), Hardcover, dotted): Varies (Taiwan or Germany). Retailer data conflicts. Galaxus has listed Germany for a forest-green Medium dotted hard cover; Digitec has listed Germany, Taiwan and United Kingdom for a red-violet one; several eBay listings for Medium A5 notebooks have given Taiwan (all three now block automated reading). Leuchtturm1917's German and US product pages name no country for the standard notebook; its US 120G page says that edition's paper is made in Germany. Check the label on your copy. Source: https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/leuchtturm1917-notebook-a5-dotted-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-12221141 - Made in (Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, Medium (A5), dotted): Not stated. Retailer listings have conflicted: one gave Taiwan as the country of origin and another the United Kingdom (Digitec, which now blocks automated reading). Leuchtturm1917's German product page names only the maker, LEUCHTTURM1917 GmbH in Geesthacht, not a country of manufacture. Check the label on your copy. - Made in (Apica Premium C.D. Notebook A5): Japan. Papeterie Makkura lists Made in Japan for the blank and grid A5; The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin for the ruled A5, and Write Gear says all CD Notebooks are made in Japan. Nippon Note's Japanese product pages give codes, JAN, weight and price but no country of manufacture. Source: https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/notebooks/4325-apica-premium-cd-notebook-a5-blank-4970090340095.html - Made in (Clairefontaine 1951 Staplebound Notebook A5, 48 sheets): France. Clairefontaine's French product page for the Carnet piqué collection 1951 says 'Fabriqué en France'; Gentleman Stationer and Hunter Paper Co. agree. Galaxus lists Morocco as the origin of a 1951 Back to Basics A5 notebook, so check the label. Source: https://www.clairefontaine.com/fr/3029-1615-carnet-pique-collection-1951-195136c.html - Made in (Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Large): China. Per retailer spec sheets: Galaxus/Digitec list China for the Large and Pocket hard covers, and the Australian promotional supplier Good Things lists China for the XL hard cover. Moleskine's Italian product page doesn't state the country, and Galaxus blocked our reader when we rechecked on October 20, 2026. Source: https://goodthings.com.au/products/pens-stationery/notebooks-journals-stationery/moleskine-classic-hard-cover-notebook-extra-large/ ## Key takeaways - Most fountain-pen notebooks use paper of 80–90 g/m² (about 21–24 lb bond); the Moleskine Classic's 70 g/m² is the lightest common hardcover paper here. - The Hobonichi Techo Original fits 464 pages of thin Tomoe River paper into a 15 mm A6 book; loose Tomoe River S paper is sold at 52 g/m². - Leuchtturm1917's Bullet Journal Edition 2 uses 120 g/m² paper, 50% heavier than the standard Medium's 80 g/m², with 206 numbered pages. - Five picks sit below our $$$ band: the KOKUYO Campus ($, under $5 per notebook) and the Midori MD A5, Rhodia No. 16, Apica Premium C.D. and Clairefontaine staplebound A5 ($$, $5–20). - Paper weight isn't everything: sizing decides whether ink sits on the surface or wicks into the fibres and feathers. ## What is the best notebook for fountain pens? **The Midori MD Notebook A5 is the best all-round notebook for fountain pens on published specs, but the best pad, budget, hardcover and bullet-journal picks are different books.** Picks are based on published specs and maker claims; we haven't tested them yet. - **Best overall:** [Midori MD Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/). 176 pages of cream MD Paper, which Midori says resists feathering and bleed-through, in a thread-bound book that lies flat. - **Thinnest, most pages:** [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). Its thin Tomoe River paper packs 464 pages into a 15 mm A6 book, if you accept show-through. - **Best pad:** [Rhodia No. 16 DotPad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/). 80 sheets of smooth 80 g/m² Clairefontaine paper with a 5 mm dot grid, in our $$ band ($5–20 per pad). - **Budget:** [KOKUYO Campus](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-campus-notebook/). A Semi-B5, 30-sheet school notebook under $5; The Pen Addict saw feathering on a Campus Shizuku only with very broad, wet nibs. - **Best hardcover dotted:** [Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/). 251 numbered pages of 80 g/m² paper with an index; Wirecutter's testers saw no bleeding with fountain pens. - **Best for bullet journaling:** Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2. It has 206 numbered pages of 120 g/m² paper, the heaviest here, plus a dot-grid index and an intentions page. The Apica Premium C.D. (86.5 g/m²) and Clairefontaine's 90 g/m² staplebound notebooks are strong alternatives. The [Moleskine Classic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) is the caution case: its 70 g/m² paper often bleeds. ## How do the nine notebooks compare? **Paper weights run from about 52 g/m² for Tomoe River to 120 g/m² for the Bullet Journal Edition 2.** | Notebook | Size | Pages | Paper | Binding | Band | Made in | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Midori MD A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 176 | MD Paper, 80 g/m² (per Midori) | Thread | $$ | Japan | | Hobonichi Techo Original | 105 × 148 mm | 464, dated | Tomoe River (no weight published) | Stitched | $$$ | Not stated | | Rhodia No. 16 | 148 × 210 mm | 160, tear-off | 80 g/m² | Top staple | $$ | France | | KOKUYO Campus | 179 × 252 mm | 60 | Not published | Glued | $ | Japan | | Leuchtturm1917 Medium | 145 × 210 mm | 251, numbered | 80 g/m² | Thread, hard cover | $$$ | Varies | | Bullet Journal Edition 2 | 145 × 210 mm | 206, numbered | 120 g/m² | Hard cover | $$$ | Not stated | | Apica Premium C.D. A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 192 | 86.5 g/m² | Thread | $$ | Japan | | Clairefontaine 1951 staplebound A5 | 145 × 210 mm | 96 | 90 g/m² | Staple | $$ | France | | Moleskine Classic Large | 130 × 210 mm | 240 | 70 g/m² | Hard cover | $$$ | China | Figures are from maker and retailer listings in the Sources. Clairefontaine's French site lists its staplebound A5 at 14.5 × 21 cm, while Galaxus rounds it to A5's 14.8 × 21 cm; Goulet, JetPens and The Pen Addict give 86.5 g/m² for the A5 Apica, while some B5 listings say 81.4 g/m². ## What paper weight do fountain pens need? **As a rule of thumb, look for 80–100 g/m² paper, which is about 21–27 lb bond.** Wikipedia's bond-paper table pairs 75 g/m² with 20 lb office paper and 90 g/m² with 24 lb; Endless Pens calls 80–100 g/m² the sweet spot for many writers. Weight is a guide, not a guarantee. Tomoe River works at about 52 g/m² because it is heavily sized, while some 70 g/m² papers bleed. ## Why does fountain pen ink feather and bleed? **Fountain pen ink is thin and water-based, so on absorbent paper it wicks along the fibres (feathering) and soaks through the sheet (bleed-through).** Ferris Wheel Press compares unsized paper to a paper towel. Sizing, a treatment added to the pulp or the sheet surface, slows absorption and keeps ink on top. That is also why well-sized paper dries more slowly and shows more shading and sheen. Wet inks and broad nibs make every problem worse, so try a fine nib on the last page first. ## Hobonichi vs Moleskine: which is better for fountain pens? **For fountain pens, the Hobonichi Techo is better than the Moleskine Classic: its Tomoe River paper is made to resist bleed-through, while reviewers often see Moleskine's 70 g/m² paper feather and bleed.** The Hobonichi's trade-off is show-through, because its sheets are much thinner. | | Hobonichi Techo Original | Moleskine Classic Large | |---|---|---| | Size | A6, 105 × 148 mm | 130 × 210 mm | | Pages | 464, one per day | 240, undated | | Paper | Tomoe River | 70 g/m² ivory | | Fountain pens | Bleed-resistant per Hobonichi; shows through | Feathering and bleed in reviewer tests | Hobonichi says it reworked its Tomoe River paper for the 2024 edition to resist bleed-through better. A stefanv.com paper test found a Moleskine feathered with every pen and ink tried. ## What do other reviewers recommend? **Other reviewers agree on Japanese and French papers and steer away from Moleskine.** - **Wirecutter** names the Apica Premium C.D. A5 its best medium softcover and the Leuchtturm1917 A5 its best medium hardcover. Its panelists said the Apica's paper showed little feathering with fountain pen ink. - **The Pen Addict** recommended the Apica Premium C.D. in 2020 for its very smooth paper. Its September 2026 follow-up saw some feathering with one ink. - **Gentleman Stationer** says Clairefontaine paper should handle even the wettest fountain pen nibs. - **Goldspot and Galen Leather** both list Rhodia and Tomoe River notebooks. Goldspot says there is no single best notebook for every fountain pen user. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best notebook for fountain pens? On published specs and maker claims, the Midori MD Notebook A5. Midori says its MD Paper resists feathering and bleed-through, and the thread binding lies flat. We haven't tested it ourselves. ### What gsm paper is best for fountain pens? Around 80–100 g/m² suits most fountain pens, which is roughly 21–27 lb bond. Lighter paper can still work if it is well sized, as Tomoe River shows at about 52 g/m². ### Is Moleskine good for fountain pens? Usually not. Its 70 g/m² paper often feathers and bleeds through with fountain pen ink in published reviewer tests, especially with wet inks and broad nibs. ### Is Tomoe River paper good for fountain pens? Yes for ink and sheen, but it is thin, so writing shows through from the other side and ink dries slowly. Hobonichi says it reworked its Tomoe River paper for 2024 to resist bleed-through better. ### Is Leuchtturm1917 good for fountain pens? With fine nibs and normal inks, mostly yes; Wirecutter's testers saw no bleeding on the standard 80 g/m² paper. For wet inks, Leuchtturm1917's 120 g/m² editions are the safer choice. ### What is the cheapest fountain pen friendly notebook? The KOKUYO Campus is the only pick in our lowest band, under $5 per notebook. The Rhodia No. 16 pad and a Clairefontaine staplebound A5 with 90 g/m² paper cost a little more, in our $$ band ($5–20). ### What is the difference between feathering, bleed-through and ghosting? Feathering is ink spreading sideways along paper fibres into fuzzy lines. Bleed-through is ink soaking through to the back of the sheet; ghosting is only seeing the writing through the page. ## Sources - [JetPens: MD Notebook A5 Dot Grid (Midori's testing; fountain-pen friendly claim)](https://www.jetpens.com/MD-Notebook-A5-Dot-Grid/pd/26421) - [The Journal Shop: Midori MD Notebook A5 Lined (176 pages, country of origin Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/midori-md-notebook-a5-lined) - [Hobonichi: 2027 English Original Book (size, 464 pages)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_cover/ob27_jan_en/) - [Hobonichi: 2025 English Original Book (Tomoe River paper changes for 2024)](https://1101.com/store/techo/en/2025/pc/detail_cover/ob25_jan_en) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Hobonichi Techo 2027 English Cousin Book (Tomoe River S)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/hobonichi-techo-2027-english-cousin-book-january-start-a5) - [JetPens: Tomoe River S 52 gsm loose-leaf paper, A5](https://www.jetpens.com/Tomoe-River-S-52-gsm-Loose-Leaf-Paper-A5-Blank-White-100-Sheets/pd/34674) - [Rhodia: Our manufacturing secrets (Mulhouse plant)](https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/gb/page/rhodia-universe/our-manufacturing-secrets) - [Swiss Post shop: Rhodia Dot Pad A5 16559C (80 sheets, 80 g/m², 5 mm dots)](https://shop.post.ch/en/stationery/paper-notebooks/writing-pad/rhodia-dot-pad-schwarz-a5-16559c-raster-80-blatt/p/818793) - [KOKUYO: Campus Notebook NO-3BN (Semi-B5, 30 sheets, 6 mm rule)](https://www.kokuyo.com/en/stationery/category/notebook-paper/notebook/4531/) - [The Pen Addict: KOKUYO Campus Notebook Shizuku Semi B5 review (70 gsm)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2022/8/4/kokuyo-campus-notebook-shizuku-semi-b5-review) - [Leuchtturm1917: Notebook Medium (A5), Hardcover, 251 numbered pages, dotted](https://www.leuchtturm1917.com/notebook-medium-a5-hardcover-251-numbered-pages-black-dotted.html) - [Spilhaus: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, Medium A5 (206 numbered pages)](https://spilhaus.co.za/products/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2-medium-a5-hardcover-206-numbered-pages-dotted) - [Larry Post: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2, 120 gsm, Medium A5](https://www.larrypost.com.au/products/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2-120gsm-paper-medium-a5-dotted-black) - [The Journal Shop: Apica Premium CD Notebook A5 Ruled (96 sheets, A.Silky 865, made in Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/apica-cd-notebook-ruled-a5) - [Goulet Pens: Apica Premium CD A5 Notebook (86.5 g paper)](https://gouletpens.com/products/apica-premium-cd-a5-notebook-black-blank) - [The Pen Addict: Apica CD Premium Notebook Review (April 2, 2020)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2020/4/2/apica-cd-premium-notebook-review) - [The Pen Addict: Apica Notebooks, A Quick Review (September 24, 2026)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2026/9/24/apica-notebooks-a-quick-review) - [Goulet Pens: Clairefontaine Classic Staplebound A5 Notebook, Graph (48 sheets, 90 g)](https://gouletpens.com/products/clairefontaine-classic-staplebound-a5-notebook-graph) - [Gentleman Stationer: Clairefontaine Side Staplebound A5 Notebook (made in France)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/the-curated-shop/clairefontaine-staplebound-a5-notebook-french-ruled-p6b2a-pj44l-2t6mj) - [BIC Graphic: Moleskine Classic Notebook Large (13 × 21 cm, 240 pages, 70 g/m²)](https://www.bicgraphic.com/ee/moleskine-large-classic-notebook-ruled-paper-3460015056.html) - [stefanv.com: A Comparison of Fountain Pens, Inks, and Papers (Moleskine test)](https://www.stefanv.com/pens/paper_tests.html) - [Wirecutter: The Best Notebooks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-notebooks/) - [Goldspot: Best Notebooks for Fountain Pens Reviewed](https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens) - [Galen Leather: Best Notebooks for Fountain Pens](https://www.galenleather.com/blogs/news/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens) - [Wikipedia: Bond paper (75 g/m² = 20 lb, 90 g/m² = 24 lb)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bond_paper) - [Endless Pens: Best GSM paper for fountain pens (80–100 gsm range)](https://endlesspens.com/blogs/endless-journal/best-gsm-paper-for-fountain-pens) - [Ferris Wheel Press: Paper Matters, Bleedthrough & Feathering (sizing)](https://ferriswheelpress.com/blogs/ferris-wheel-press-blog/paper-matters-bleedthrough-feathering) --- # Best Pens for Left-Handed Writers (2027): 6 Picks > On published specs and maker claims, the Pentel EnerGel RTX in 0.5 mm is the best all-round pen for left-handed writers. For the fastest-drying gel pick the Zebra Sarasa Dry X20, which JetPens found smear-free in 2–3 seconds; for a ballpoint, the uni-ball Jetstream RT; for a fountain pen, a LAMY safari with LH nib. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-for-left-handed-writers/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Six pens for left-handed writers drawn in proportion, each labeled with its pick: Pentel EnerGel RTX best overall, Zebra Sarasa Dry X20 best gel, uni-ball Jetstream RT best ballpoint, Pilot Acroball 0.5 mm for underwriters, LAMY safari with LH nib best fountain pen, Sakura Pigma Micron 01 best fine-line pen](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/best-pens-for-left-handed-writers-16x9.png) *One pick per use case, drawn in proportion (not every maker publishes a length).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/best-pens-for-left-handed-writers-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel EnerGel RTX (0.5 mm needle tip, BLN75) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan or Mexico | 54% recycled plastic body, latex-free rubber grip | 2001 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Zebra Sarasa Dry X20 Retractable Gel Pen (0.7 mm) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Not stated | – | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | uni-ball Jetstream RT Retractable Ballpoint (0.7 mm) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | PC/PP plastic barrel, rubber grip | 2006 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Pilot Acroball Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 mm Extra Fine) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Recycled plastics (recycled PP barrel, recycled PC cap and front, per Pilot Japan), rubber grip | 2008 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | LAMY safari Fountain Pen with LH (left-handed) nib | LAMY (by C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg (part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.)) | Germany | Germany | ASA plastic body, steel nib | 1980 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | | Sakura Pigma Micron 01 (0.25 mm) | Sakura (by Sakura Color Products Corporation (Osaka); sold in the US by Sakura of America) | Japan | Japan | PP barrel, cap and end plug; steel clip; brass tip holder; POM tip (per Sakura Japan, Pigma 01); pigment ink | 1982 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel EnerGel RTX (0.5 mm needle tip, BLN75)): Japan or Mexico. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the EnerGel RTX (BL77 metal tip and BLN73/75/77 needle tips) as 'Japan / Mexico' without saying which SKU comes from where. Retailer listings match: OfficeSupply.com lists Mexico for one RTX listing. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. Check the package of the exact pen you buy. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/20 - Made in (Zebra Sarasa Dry X20 Retractable Gel Pen (0.7 mm)): Not stated. Zebra doesn't state it in the sources we found, and US listings disagree: PartsSource lists Mexico for the 0.7 mm black 36-pack (46136) and Dealer Commander lists MX for the 0.7 mm blue 12-pack (46820), while a GSA reseller lists Japan for the Sarasa Dry X20+. Check the pack. - Made in (uni-ball Jetstream RT Retractable Ballpoint (0.7 mm)): Japan. Per US business-supplier spec sheets for items 62152 (0.7 mm black), 62153 (0.7 mm blue) and 73834 (1.0 mm red), all listing Japan; Unsharpen also lists Japan. uni's US store, uni-ball UK and Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site don't state it. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc62152-jetstream-retractable-ballpoint-pen-fine-07-mm-black-ink-blue-barrel.html - Made in (Pilot Acroball Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 mm Extra Fine)): Japan. Per US business-supplier spec sheets: OnTimeSupplies lists Japan for the 0.7 mm 2-pack (item 31895), and Aztek lists Japan for the 0.7 mm 3-pack (item 31859). Australian and US retailers also label Acroball refills as made in Japan. Pilot's Japanese web catalog doesn't state it. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pil31895-acroball-7mm-retractable-pens-fine-pen-point-07-mm-pen-point-size-refillable-retractable-black-advanced-ink-ink-white-barrel-2-pack.html - Made in (LAMY safari Fountain Pen with LH (left-handed) nib): Germany. LAMY's own product listing (India storefront) gives Germany as the country of origin and names C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg, as the manufacturer, and also says made in Germany. LAMY's German page names no country. Source: https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-safari-fountain-pen - Made in (Sakura Pigma Micron 01 (0.25 mm)): Japan. Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin (read October 20, 2026). Sakura's Japanese product page for the Pigma 01 doesn't state a country. Digitec and Galaxus (Switzerland), cited earlier for Japan, blocked our access on that date. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/sakura-pigma-micron/ ## Key takeaways - In JetPens' test on smooth Rhodia paper, every Zebra Sarasa Dry tip size was smear-free within 2–3 seconds. - JetPens found every 1.0 mm gel pen it tested needed over 30 seconds to dry on Rhodia, which is why a bold Pilot G2 smears under a left hand. - Zebra says its Rapid Dry Ink dries in less than a second on most surfaces; Pentel, uni-ball, Pilot and Sakura publish no dry time in seconds. - Five of the six picks fall in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen in a multi-pack); the LAMY safari is $$$ ($20–75). - Overwriters, who hook the hand above the line, smudge most; Goulet Pens says underwriters need little special consideration. ## What is the best pen for left-handed writers? **On published specs and maker claims, the Pentel EnerGel RTX in 0.5 mm is the best all-round pen for left-handed writers, while a different pen is best for each other style of writing.** Picks are based on published specs and maker claims; we haven't tested them yet. - **Best overall:** [Pentel EnerGel RTX](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/), 0.5 mm needle tip (BLN75). Pentel markets its liquid gel ink as quick-drying and recommends it to left-handers. - **Best gel pen:** Zebra Sarasa Dry X20, 0.7 mm. Zebra says its Rapid Dry Ink dries in less than a second on most surfaces, and JetPens found the Sarasa Dry smear-free within 2–3 seconds on Rhodia paper. - **Best ballpoint:** [uni-ball Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/), 0.7 mm. uni-ball markets its low-viscosity oil ink as quick-drying and smudge-resistant for lefties. - **Best fountain pen:** [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) with the LH nib. LAMY says the LH nib is designed so left-handers write without scratching or smudging, and the nib swaps by hand. - **Best fine-line pen:** [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) 01, a 0.25 mm line. A thin line of pigment ink that The Pen Addict says dries fairly quickly. - **Best for overwriters:** Zebra Sarasa Dry X20. If your hand hooks over the line, the shortest published dry time matters most. - **Best for underwriters:** [Pilot Acroball](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/), 0.5 mm. Pilot says its Acro ink has about one-fifth the viscosity of ordinary oil ink, which helps on the pushing strokes a left hand makes. ## How do the six picks compare? **All six are sold as quick-drying or recommended for left-handers, but only Zebra puts a number on drying, and only JetPens has published a timed test.** | | EnerGel RTX | Sarasa Dry X20 | Jetstream RT | Acroball | LAMY safari LH | Pigma Micron 01 | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Type | Gel | Gel | Ballpoint | Ballpoint | Fountain pen | Fineliner | | Ink | Liquid gel | Rapid Dry gel | Low-viscosity oil, pigment | Low-viscosity oil | Bottled or T10 cartridge | Water-based pigment | | Tip | 0.3–1.0 mm | 0.7 mm | 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 mm | 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 mm | LH nib (EF–B also sold) | 0.25 mm line | | Published dry time | None in seconds | Under 1 s (Zebra); 2–3 s on Rhodia (JetPens) | None | None | Depends on the ink | None | | Refillable | Yes (LRN5) | No refill found for the X20 | Yes (SXR-7) | Yes (BRFV-10) | Yes | No | | Made in | Japan or Mexico | Not stated | Japan | Japan | Germany | Japan | | Price band | $ | $ | $ | $ | $$$ | $ | Price bands use our site-wide ranges: $ under $5, $$ $5–20, $$$ $20–75, $$$$ over $75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count). Zebra's US listings disagree on the Sarasa Dry's origin, giving Mexico for some packs and Japan for the X20+. Pentel of America's 2022 catalog gives Japan or Mexico for the EnerGel RTX without saying which pack comes from where. ## Why do left-handers smudge ink? **Because a left hand writing English moves to the right, behind the pen, so it travels over ink that has just gone down.** Pilot Australia describes three left-handed postures, and says all three can smudge. - **Overwriters** hook the hand above the line, so the palm and side of the hand pass over fresh ink. - **Underwriters** keep the hand below the line, much like a right-hander. Goulet Pens says they need little special consideration. - **Sidewriters** move the hand alongside the text; Pilot Australia calls this the most smudge-prone style. Left-handers also push the pen rather than pull it. Pilot Australia notes that ballpoints smudge less but can skip under that pushing, which is why a smooth, low-viscosity ink helps. ## Which ink dries fastest? **Of the inks here, Zebra's Sarasa Dry has the only published number and the only published timed test.** JetPens brushed a finger over test marks at 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30 seconds on Rhodia paper, which dries more slowly than copy paper. | Pen | Maker's claim | Published test | |---|---|---| | Zebra Sarasa Dry | Dries in under 1 s on most surfaces; Zebra cites an unnamed third-party lab | JetPens: smear-free in 2–3 s at every tip size, on Rhodia | | Pentel EnerGel | Quick-drying, smudge-resistant; no seconds given | JetPens: at 1.0 mm it took over 30 s but smeared much less than rival 1.0 mm gels | | uni-ball Jetstream | Quick-drying, for left-handers; no seconds given | None found | | Pilot Acroball | No dry time published | None found | | Sakura Pigma Micron | No dry time published; retailers say fast-drying | None found | The Well-Appointed Desk compared three dry gel pens in 2018 and found none much better than the others, noting that the Sarasa Dry tended to blob. On fountain pens, ink matters more than the pen: Goulet Pens points to fast-drying inks such as Noodler's Brevity and De Atramentis Document. ## Why can the Pilot G2 1.0 mm smear? **Because a 1.0 mm gel tip lays down the most ink, and wet gel ink stays on the surface longest.** JetPens found that every 1.0 mm gel pen in its test needed more than 30 seconds to dry on Rhodia, and Pilot publishes no dry time for the G2. In a 2011 blog test, leancrew.com found the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) could leave a blob of ink that stayed smeary, while the EnerGel smudged only if touched within a second or two. If you like the G2, a 0.38 or 0.5 mm tip puts down far less ink. ## Which pen should overwriters and underwriters choose? **Overwriters should choose the fastest-drying ink they can find; underwriters can choose mostly for feel.** - **Overwriters:** the Sarasa Dry X20 first, then the EnerGel RTX in 0.5 mm. A finer tip also cuts the ink under your hand. - **Underwriters:** the Acroball 0.5 mm or Jetstream RT for a smooth push, or the LAMY safari if you want a fountain pen; Goulet Pens says most nib sizes work. ## Do left-handers need a special fountain pen nib? **Not always, but LAMY's LH nib is the easiest way to try one: it pushes onto any safari.** LAMY's German site says the LH nib has a special bevelled cut for left-handers; its US and UK nib guides instead group it with the round M nib as an all-round nib optimised for left-handers. Goulet Pens says flex nibs are close to unusable for overwriters, while stub nibs can work. ## What do other reviewers recommend? **Specialist reviewers name the same few pens: quick-dry gels and low-viscosity ballpoints.** - **[JetPens](https://jetpens.com/blog/Pentel-EnerGel-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/678):** its team recommends EnerGel to left-handers who smear, and its quick-drying test put the Sarasa Dry ahead. - **[The Pen Addict](https://penaddict.com/blog/2015/2/12/askpa-let-it-go):** names the Jetstream as a popular lefty choice and the Pigma Micron as a pen that dries fairly quickly. - **[Your Best Digs](https://www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/gel-pens/):** picks the Sarasa Dry for left-handed writers in its gel pen test. - **Wirecutter:** retailer copy says the Jetstream RT has been its everyday pen pick since 2013; that pick isn't left-handed-specific, and we couldn't open the current page. cd /home/user/stationery-blog && node scripts/check-content.mjs 2>&1 | grep -i "left-handed\|passed\|failed" ## Frequently asked questions ### What pen doesn't smudge for left-handed writers? No pen is smudge-proof under a hand that drags over wet ink, but quick-drying inks smear least. The Zebra Sarasa Dry was smear-free in 2–3 seconds in JetPens' Rhodia test, and Pentel and uni-ball market EnerGel and Jetstream ink as quick-drying for left-handers. ### Are gel pens bad for left-handed writers? Not all of them. Standard gel ink, especially in 1.0 mm tips, can take over 30 seconds to dry on smooth paper per JetPens, but quick-dry gels such as the Zebra Sarasa Dry and Pentel EnerGel are sold specifically to cut smearing. ### Is the Pilot G2 good for left-handers? Only in its finer tips. The 0.7 and 1.0 mm G2 put down a lot of ink, Pilot publishes no dry time, and left-handed users often report smearing. A 0.38 or 0.5 mm G2 is safer, or switch to a quick-dry gel. ### Do left-handers need a special fountain pen nib? Not always. LAMY sells an LH nib for its safari that it says is designed so left-handers write without scratching or smudging, but Goulet Pens says underwriters can use most nib sizes, and fast-drying ink matters as much as the nib. ### What is the difference between an overwriter and an underwriter? An overwriter hooks the hand above the line of writing, so it passes over fresh ink. An underwriter keeps the hand below the line, like a right-hander, and smudges much less. Pilot Australia also describes sidewriters, who move the hand alongside the text. ### Are ballpoint pens better for left-handed writers? Ballpoints smudge less than most gel and fountain pens, Pilot Australia says, but can skip when pushed. Low-viscosity oil inks such as the uni-ball Jetstream and Pilot Acroball aim to write smoothly while drying like a ballpoint. ### Is the Sakura Pigma Micron good for left-handed writers? It's a reasonable fine-line choice: The Pen Addict says it dries fairly quickly, and retailers describe its pigment ink as fast-drying. Sakura doesn't publish a dry time, so lefties should still let fine lines settle before crossing them. ## Sources - [Zebra Pen: Sarasa Dry X30 (Rapid Dry Ink, less than a second on most surfaces; third-party lab claim)](https://zebrapen.com/pages/sarasa-dry-x30-gel-retractable) - [Zebra Pen: Sarasa Dry X1 product page](https://www.zebrapen.com/collections/all/products/sarasa-dry-x1) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-rtx-gel-pen) - [LAMY: Nibs (LH nib for left-handers, without scratching or smudging)](https://www.lamy.com/en-de/equipment-accessories/nibs) - [LAMY: LAMY safari fountain pen (country of origin Germany)](https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-safari-fountain-pen) - [Pilot Pen Australia: Smudge-free writing tips for left-handers (overwriters, underwriters, sidewriters)](https://pilotpen.com.au/blog/smudge-free-writing-tips-for-left-handers) - [Pilot refill site: BRFV-10F Acro ink refill](https://pilot-refill.jp/en/oil/brfv10f) - [JetPens: The Best Quick-Drying Gel Pens (Rhodia smear test; Sarasa Dry 2–3 s; 1.0 mm gels over 30 s)](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-Best-Quick-Drying-Gel-Pens/pt/905) - [JetPens: Zebra Sarasa, a comprehensive guide (Sarasa Dry ink)](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/Zebra-Sarasa-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/652) - [JetPens: Pentel EnerGel, a comprehensive guide (recommended to left-handed writers)](https://jetpens.com/blog/Pentel-EnerGel-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/678) - [JetPens: Left-handed supplies](https://www.jetpens.com/Left-Handed-Supplies/ct/555) - [JetPens: LAMY safari Fountain Pen, Left-Handed](https://www.jetpens.com/LAMY-safari-Fountain-Pen-Blue-Left-Handed/pd/29303) - [JetPens: Pilot Acroball 0.5 mm (weight, viscosity claim)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Acroball-Ballpoint-Pen-0.5-mm-Black/pd/7123) - [Goulet Pens: Fountain Pens for Lefties (overwriters, underwriters, fast-drying inks)](https://www.gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/fountain-pens-for-lefties) - [The Pen Addict: AskPA, Let It Go (Jetstream and Pigma Micron for lefties)](https://penaddict.com/blog/2015/2/12/askpa-let-it-go) - [Your Best Digs: The best gel pens (Sarasa Dry pick for left-handed writers)](https://www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/gel-pens/) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Three dry gel pens compared (2018)](https://wellappointeddesk.com/2018/09/pen-review-three-dry-gel-pens-compared) - [leancrew.com: G2 vs EnerGel smearing (2011 blog test)](https://leancrew.com/all-this/2011/02/energel/) - [OnTimeSupplies: Sarasa Dry Gel X20 0.7 mm black, 12-pack (46810)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/zeb46810-sarasa-dry-gel-x20-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-black-ink-smoke-barrel-12-pack.html) - [PartsSource: Zebra Sarasa Dry X20 0.7 mm black, 36-pack (46136; origin Mexico)](https://partssource.com/parts/zebra-pen-corporation/46136) - [Dealer Commander: Sarasa Dry Gel X20 0.7 mm blue, 12-pack (ZEB46820; origin MX)](https://demo.dealercommander.com/Sarasa-Dry-Gel-X20-Gel-Pen-Retractable-Medium-0-7-mm-Blue-Ink-Clear-Blue-Barrel-12-Pack/Zebra/ZEB46820/details.php) - [GSA Advantage reseller (Noble): Sarasa Dry X20+ 0.7 mm (origin Japan)](https://gsacp.noble.com/sarasa-dry-x20+-gel-pen,-retractable,-fine-0.7-mm,-blue-ink,-white/blue-barrel,-dozen/ecomm-product-detail/434811) - [Walmart: Sarasa Dry Gel X20 0.7 mm, 36-pack](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sarasa-Dry-Gel-X20-Gel-Pen-Retractable-Medium-0-7-Mm-Blue-Ink-Translucent-Blue-Barrel-36-Pack/48420097) - [OnTimeSupplies: Jetstream RT 0.7 mm black, item 62152 (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc62152-jetstream-retractable-ballpoint-pen-fine-07-mm-black-ink-blue-barrel.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pilot Acroball 0.7 mm 2-pack, item 31895 (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pil31895-acroball-7mm-retractable-pens-fine-pen-point-07-mm-pen-point-size-refillable-retractable-black-advanced-ink-ink-white-barrel-2-pack.html) - [Digitec: Sakura Pigma Micron 0.25 mm (country of origin Japan)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/sakura-pigma-micron-1x-pens-8058559) - [Kmart Australia: Sakura Pigma Micron 02 (fast-drying ink claim)](https://www.kmart.com.au/product/sakura-pigma-micron-02-pen-0.30mm-black-110057450/) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Pentel renames itself ASTRUM Corporation from April 1, 2026](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2094175.html) --- # Best 2027 Journals: Hobonichi, Moleskine & 3 More > Based on published specs, the Hobonichi Techo 2027 Original is the best all-round 2027 journal: an A6 page-a-day book with 464 pages of Tomoe River paper. For more daily space, pick the A5 Cousin or the Midori MD Diary; for a weekly planner, the Leuchtturm1917 Weekly Planner & Notebook; for time-blocking, KOKUYO's Jibun Techo. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![To-scale drawing of five closed 2027 journals: Hobonichi Techo Original A6 105 × 148 mm, Midori MD Diary A6 112 × 154 mm, Moleskine Large 130 × 210 mm, Leuchtturm1917 Medium 145 × 210 mm and KOKUYO Jibun Techo A5 Slim 138 × 217 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/best-2027-journals-16x9.png) *The five journals side by side at 1 mm = 1 px, from pocketable A6 to the tall A5 Slim.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/best-2027-journals-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Hobonichi Techo 2027, Original (A6) or Cousin (A5) book | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Not stated | Tomoe River paper, 3.7 mm grid | 2001-10-05 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | | Moleskine 12-Month Planner 2027, Large (daily or weekly) | Moleskine (by Moleskine S.r.l. (D'Ieteren Group)) | Italy | China | Hard or soft cover, 70 g/m² ivory acid-free paper | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | | Leuchtturm1917 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook, Medium (A5) | Leuchtturm1917 (by LEUCHTTURM1917 GmbH (Geesthacht, Germany)) | Germany | Not stated | Hard or soft cover, 80 g/m² ivory paper | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | | Midori MD Diary 2027, 1 Day 1 Page (A6, A5 or A5 Square) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT) | Japan | Japan | MD Paper, thread binding, PVC cover | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | | KOKUYO Jibun Techo DIARY 2027, A5 Slim | KOKUYO (by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | KOKUYO THIN PAPER (the Biz edition uses MIO PAPER) | – | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Hobonichi Techo 2027, Original (A6) or Cousin (A5) book): Not stated. Hobonichi's store listings for the 2027 English Original and Cousin books don't state a country of manufacture, and we found no retailer spec sheet that states it for the Original. Boston General Store files the 2027 Cousin in its Made in Japan collection. Check the back of the book. - Made in (Moleskine 12-Month Planner 2027, Large (daily or weekly)): China. Per John Lewis's spec tables for the 2027 12-month weekly and daily planners and the 2026–2027 18-month weekly diaries. Moleskine's own 2027 listings don't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://www.johnlewis.com/moleskine-12-month-weekly-diary-planner-2027-hard-cover-sage/p115470670 - Made in (Leuchtturm1917 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook, Medium (A5)): Not stated. Neither Leuchtturm1917's German product page, which names only the maker, LEUCHTTURM1917 GmbH in Geesthacht, nor the US and Australian retailer listings we read state where the 2027 planners are made. The Journal Shop lists a 2026 Medium softcover notebook (a different product) as made in Germany. - Made in (Midori MD Diary 2027, 1 Day 1 Page (A6, A5 or A5 Square)): Japan. Per retailer listings for the 2027 1 Day 1 Page diaries (Pulp Addiction and others). We did not find Midori's own product page in our searches. Source: https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/midori-md-notebook-a6-1-day-1-page-diary-2027 - Made in (KOKUYO Jibun Techo DIARY 2027, A5 Slim): Japan. KOKUYO's global online store gives Country of Origin: Japan for the 2027 First Kit and the 2027 DIARY and Biz; The Journal Shop and Nomado also say Japan. Source: https://www.kokuyostore.com/en_US/jibun_techo/jibun-techo-firstkit-%28diary%2Bidea%2Blife%29-2027-a5-slim/NI-JF1-27.html ## Key takeaways - The Hobonichi Techo 2027 lineup went on sale September 1, 2026; KOKUYO's store gives September 4, 2026 for the 2027 Jibun Techo. - Start months differ: Jibun Techo DIARY starts November 2026, Moleskine and Leuchtturm1917 sell 18-month books from July 2026, and Hobonichi's April editions go on sale each February 1. - Paper ranges from Moleskine's 70 g/m² and Leuchtturm1917's 80 g/m² to Midori's MD Paper and Hobonichi's thin Tomoe River. - Daily books run long: the Hobonichi Original has 464 pages, the Midori MD Diary A6 415 and the Leuchtturm1917 Daily Planner A5 464. - All five sit in our $$$ band ($20–75 per notebook) at US retail. ## What is the best 2027 journal? **On published specs, the Hobonichi Techo 2027 Original is the best all-round 2027 journal, while the best pick for daily writing, weekly planning, a lower price or time-blocking is a different book.** We chose from maker and retailer data; we haven't yet tested the 2027 editions. - **Best overall:** [Hobonichi Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) 2027 Original. A6, one page per day, 464 pages of Tomoe River paper in a 15 mm book. - **Best for long daily writing:** Midori MD Diary 1 Day 1 Page in A5, or the Hobonichi Cousin (A5) if you also want weekly pages. - **Best weekly:** Leuchtturm1917 Weekly Planner & Notebook, Medium. A week on the left, a ruled page on the right, on 80 g/m² paper. - **Lower price:** a Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 weekly. They are still in our $$$ band, but they were the cheapest of the five in the listings we checked. - **Best for time-blocking:** KOKUYO Jibun Techo DIARY, with a 24-hour vertical week. Our [Jibun Techo First Kit guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-jibun-techo-first-kit/) covers the set with the LIFE and IDEA books. ## How do the five 2027 journals compare? **The table sets out the main 2027 edition of each journal; all five are in our $$$ band ($20–75 per notebook).** | | Hobonichi Original / Cousin | Moleskine Large | Leuchtturm1917 Medium | Midori MD Diary | Jibun Techo DIARY | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Size | A6 148 × 105 mm / A5 210 × 148 mm | 210 × 130 mm | 210 × 145 mm | A6 154 × 112 mm; also A5, A5 Square | A5 Slim 217 × 136 mm | | Layout | Daily (Cousin adds weekly) | Daily, weekly notebook, weekly horizontal or vertical | Daily, weekly, weekly + notebook, monthly | 1 day 1 page | Monthly, 24-hour weekly vertical, Gantt | | Pages | 464 / 544 | Weekly 144; daily 400 | Weekly + notebook 144; daily 464 | A6 415 | 112 sheets (224 pages) | | Paper | Tomoe River | 70 g/m² ivory | 80 g/m² ivory | MD Paper | THIN PAPER | | Starts | Jan (Apr in Japanese) | Jan; July 2026 for 18-month | Jan; Nov or Dec 2026 for monthlies | Monthly pages from Dec 2026 | Nov 2026 (Biz Dec, DAYs Jan) | | Made in | Not stated (Cousin: Japan, per one retailer) | China | Not stated | Japan | Japan | Hobonichi figures, including the Cousin's page count, are from its store; the Jibun Techo figures are from KOKUYO. The rest are from maker and retailer listings in the Sources. Hobonichi lists the Original at ¥2,860 (about US$18) and the Cousin at ¥4,620 (about US$29), tax included; US shops charge more. ## When do 2027 journals go on sale? **The two big Japanese planners, Hobonichi and Jibun Techo, went on sale in early September 2026; Hobonichi's April-start books follow on February 1.** | Journal | 2027 edition on sale | |---|---| | Hobonichi Techo | September 1, 2026, 11 a.m. Japan time; April editions every February 1 | | Jibun Techo | September 4, 2026, per KOKUYO's store; KOKUYO's August 7 press release says from mid-September | | Leuchtturm1917 | 18-month A5 agenda listed for April 18, 2026, by Digitec; no date found for 12-month books | | Moleskine | No official date found; on Moleskine's US store by October 2026 | | Midori MD Diary | No Midori date found; one retailer took pre-orders to ship in September 2026 | Popular Hobonichi covers sell out early, so order in September if you want a particular one. ## Which start month should you choose? **Choose January for a calendar year, an early start to settle in before New Year, and April for a school or Japanese fiscal year.** - **November or December 2026:** KOKUYO starts the DIARY and First Kit in November, and the Biz and Lite in December. - **July 2026:** Moleskine's and Leuchtturm1917's 18-month planners run to December 2027. - **April 2027:** Hobonichi sells April-start Original, Cousin and Weeks books in Japanese. - **Monthly overlap:** Hobonichi's 2027 Original has monthly calendars from December 2026 to March 2028. ## Which 2027 journal has the best paper for fountain pens? **The Midori MD Diary is the safest choice for fountain pens, because retailers describe its MD Paper as fountain-pen friendly.** Hobonichi's Tomoe River is a close second if you don't mind writing showing through the thin pages. The Leuchtturm1917's 80 g/m² paper handled fine nibs well in Wirecutter's tests, as our [Leuchtturm1917 A5 guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) notes. Reviewers report bleed-through on Moleskine's 70 g/m² paper with wet inks; see our [Moleskine Classic guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/). ## How much room do you get each day? **Every daily book here gives each day its own page, and the A5 versions (Hobonichi Cousin, Midori A5, Leuchtturm1917 Daily) give twice the area of A6.** An A6 page is 105 × 148 mm; an A5 page is 148 × 210 mm. The Midori MD Diary gives 385 daily pages, per retailers, with a timeline from 8:00 to 24:00 down one side. The Leuchtturm1917 Daily Planner has one line per hour from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you prefer undated pages, our [Midori MD Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/) guide covers the same paper without dates. ## Can you use a refillable cover instead? **Yes: Hobonichi sells covers for its books, and ring-binder brands such as PLOTTER sell 2027 diary refills.** Our [notebook systems comparison](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-systems-compared/) explains rings vs elastic covers. ## Where are 2027 journals made? **KOKUYO's global store gives Japan for the 2027 Jibun Techo DIARY, retailers give Japan for the Midori MD Diary, and John Lewis gives China for the Moleskine planners.** Hobonichi doesn't state it for the 2027 Original (one US shop files the Cousin under Made in Japan), and Leuchtturm1917 doesn't state it for its 2027 planners, so check the label. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best 2027 journal for daily journaling? A page-a-day book: the Hobonichi Techo 2027 Original (A6) or Cousin (A5), or the Midori MD Diary 1 Day 1 Page. The Midori gives 385 free daily pages per retailers; the Hobonichi Original has 377 daily pages. ### When does the Hobonichi Techo 2027 go on sale? It went on sale September 1, 2026, at 11 a.m. Japan time. Hobonichi says its April-start editions go on sale every year on February 1. ### Can I start a 2027 planner before January? Yes. KOKUYO's Jibun Techo DIARY starts in November 2026 and the Biz and Lite in December 2026. Moleskine and Leuchtturm1917 also sell 18-month planners that run from July 2026 to December 2027. ### Is Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 better for a 2027 weekly planner? Both make A5-height weekly planners with a week on the left and a notes page on the right. The Leuchtturm1917 is wider (145 vs 130 mm) and uses 80 g/m² paper against Moleskine's 70 g/m². ### Which 2027 planner is best for fountain pens? The Midori MD Diary, whose MD Paper retailers describe as fountain-pen friendly. Hobonichi's Tomoe River also takes ink well but is thin, so writing shows through. We haven't tested the 2027 books ourselves. ### What size is the Hobonichi Techo Cousin 2027? The Hobonichi Techo Cousin 2027 is A5, 210 × 148 × 18 mm, per Hobonichi's store. Hobonichi lists 544 pages, including 377 daily pages and 106 weekly pages. ### What is the difference between Jibun Techo DIARY and Biz? The DIARY starts in November and uses KOKUYO's THIN PAPER with a 24-hour weekly vertical layout. The Biz starts in December, per KOKUYO, and uses the slightly thicker MIO PAPER. ## Sources - [Hobonichi: 2027 English Original Book, January start (size, weight, 464 pages, price)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_cover/ob27_jan_en/) - [Hobonichi: 2027 English Cousin Book, January start (A5, price)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/pc/detail_cover/cb27_jan_en/) - [Hobonichi Help: When will the April start edition go on sale? (February 1 each year)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/faq/articles/4889935445534.html) - [Hobonichi Techo NEWS: 2027 lineup on sale September 1, 2026](https://www.1101.com/pl/techo_news_en/statuses/469846) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Hobonichi Techo 2027 English Cousin Book (544 pages, Tomoe River S)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/hobonichi-techo-2027-english-cousin-book-january-start-a5) - [Dromgoole's: Hobonichi 2027 A5 Techo Cousin Book, English (US price)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/hobonichi-2027-a5-techo-cousin-book-english) - [SoraNews24: Hobonichi unveils 2027 planners (August 28, 2026)](https://soranews24.com/2026/08/28/hobonichi-unveils-new-2027-planners-diaries-and-stationery-with-one-piece-suica-penguin-hello-kitty-and-a-must-buy-mini-techo/) - [Moleskine (US): 12-Month Weekly Notebook Planner 2027, Large (13 × 21 cm, 70 g/m² paper)](https://www.moleskine.com/en-us/turn-the-page-keep-the-fun/classic-planner-2027-large-sage-green-8056999279165.html) - [Moleskine: 12-Month Daily Planner 2027, Large, hard cover](https://www.moleskine.com/back-to-school/agenda-classic-2027-large-negro-8056999279363.html) - [Moleskine (US): 18-Month Weekly Planner 2026/2027, Large (July 2026 to December 2027)](https://www.moleskine.com/en-us/shop/planners/18-month-planner/classic-weekly-planner-2026%2F2027-black-8056999279929.html) - [John Lewis: Moleskine 12-Month Weekly Planner 2027 (144 pages, 21 × 13 × 1.4 cm, made in China)](https://www.johnlewis.com/moleskine-12-month-weekly-diary-planner-2027-hard-cover-sage/p115470670) - [John Lewis: Moleskine 12-Month Daily Planner 2027 (made in China)](https://www.johnlewis.com/moleskine-12-month-daily-diary-planner-2027-hard-cover-black/p115470672) - [Harry Hartog: Moleskine 2027 Daily Diary, Large (400 pages)](https://www.harryhartog.com.au/products/2027-daily-diary-black-soft-cover-large) - [Goulet Pens: Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 2027 Weekly Planner & Notebook (144 pages, 80 g/m²)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/leuchtturm1917-medium-a5-2027-weekly-planner-notebook-black-lined) - [Pulp Addiction: Leuchtturm1917 2027 Daily Planner A5 (464 numbered pages, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/leuchtturm1917-2027-daily-planner-a5-hardcover-sage) - [Jenni Bick: 2027 Leuchtturm1917 Booklet Monthly Planner (December 2026 to March 2028)](https://www.jennibick.com/products/2027-leuchtturm-1917-booklet-monthly-planner) - [Larry Post: 2027 Leuchtturm1917 Monthly Planner B6+ (November 2026 to February 2028)](https://www.larrypost.com.au/products/2027-leuchtturm1917-monthly-planner-with-dotted-notebook-soft-cover-paperback-b6) - [Digitec: Leuchtturm1917 18-month A5 weekly agenda (release date April 18, 2026)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/leuchtturm1917-leuchtturm-1w2s-med18mon-hc-schw-a5-1-week-2-pages-agenda-69552322) - [The Journal Shop: Leuchtturm1917 Medium Softcover, 2026 Colours (country of origin Germany)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/leuchtturm1917-medium-softcover-notebook-a5-2026-colors-collection) - [Hunter Paper Co.: MD Paper A6 1 Day 1 Page 2027 Diary (154 × 112 × 23 mm, 415 pages)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/md-paper-a6-1-day-1-page-2027-diary) - [Pulp Addiction: Midori MD Notebook A6 1 Day 1 Page Diary 2027 (made in Japan)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/midori-md-notebook-a6-1-day-1-page-diary-2027) - [Akker Den Haag: Midori MD Notebook Diary A5 1 day 1 page 2027 (385 daily pages)](https://akkermandenhaag.nl/en/collections/notebooks-and-agendas/products/midori-md-notebook-diary-a5-1-day-1-page-2027) - [Simple Paper: MD Diary 2027 A5 Square 1 Day 1 Page (158 × 158 mm, 80 g/m² MD Paper)](https://simplepaper.co/products/md-diary-2027-a5-square-1-day-1-page) - [Paperwhisper: MD Notebook Diary 1 Day 1 Page 2027 A6 (pre-order, shipping September)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/md-notebook-diary-1-day-1-page-2027-a6) - [Kokuyo Store: Jibun Techo Diary 2027 A5 slim (start months, September 4, 2026 sales start)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/jibun_techo/jibun-techo-diary-2027-a5-slim/NI-JCD1-27.html) - [Kokuyo Store: Jibun Techo Biz 2027 A5 slim (MIO PAPER, 217 × 136 mm)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/jibun_techo/jibun-techo-biz-2027-a5-slim/NI-JB-27.html) - [Kokuyo: Jibun Techo Biz 2027 (217 × 138 mm, 104 sheets)](https://www.kokuyo.com/en/stationery/category/diary/diary/23225/) - [DIME / PR TIMES: Kokuyo 2027 Jibun Techo press release (August 7, 2026; prices before tax)](https://dime.jp/company_news/detail/?pr=2663256) - [Yoseka Stationery: Jibun Techo 2027 Standard DIARY A5 Slim (24-hour weekly vertical)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/kokuyo-jibun-techo-2027-standard-diary-a5-slim) - [Nomado Store: Jibun Techo DAYs 2027 A5 Slim limited (made in Japan)](https://www.nomadostore.com/products/jibun-techo-days-2027-a5-slim-limited-matsumoto-2-colours) --- # Pentel Sign Pen: The 1963 Fiber-Tip Pen Explained > The Pentel Sign Pen (S520) is a capped, disposable fiber-tip pen with water-based ink that Pentel launched in Japan in 1963. Its 2.0 mm acrylic fiber tip in a metal sleeve writes a line retailers give as 0.8–1.0 mm. Pentel says it flew on a NASA Gemini mission in 1966, and Pentel of America gives Japan as its origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sign-pen/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped black Pentel Sign Pen S520, 133 mm (5.2 in) long: slim black barrel with white printed lettering, black cap with molded clip, and a close-up of the pointed fiber tip in its metal sleeve](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-sign-pen-16x9.png) *A black Sign Pen (S520A), capped, to JetPens' 133 mm capped length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-sign-pen-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Sign Pen (S520) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Acrylic fiber tip in a metal sleeve, water-based ink; 80% recycled plastic body in black, red, blue and green (Pentel of America) | 1963 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel Sign Pen (S520)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide gives the S520's origin as Japan. Retailer spec sheets agree: Officeworks (Australia) lists Japan as the country of manufacture for the black 12-pack (S520-A) and the assorted 6-pack, Brock's Compass (UK) lists Japan for the red S520-B, and Aztek (US) lists Japan for the black S520A dozen. Digitec (Switzerland) lists China for the violet S520-V, so origin may vary by color or market. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/86/ ## Key takeaways - Pentel launched the Sign Pen in 1963; ITmedia reported in 2017 that more than 2.1 billion had sold in over 100 countries. - The tip is a 2.0 mm acrylic fiber point in a metal sleeve; retailers give the line as 0.8 mm or about 1 mm. - JetPens lists the pen at 13.3 cm (5.2 in) capped, 15.8 cm (6.2 in) posted and 11 g. - Pentel UK says NASA adopted the Sign Pen and that it went into space on a Gemini mission in 1966. - Pentel of America's product guide gives Japan as the origin; in Japan the pen lists at ¥165 (about US$1.00) including tax from October 1, 2026. ## What is the Pentel Sign Pen? **The Sign Pen is Pentel's capped, disposable fiber-tip pen with water-based ink, first sold in Japan in 1963.** Pentel's Japanese site calls it the world's first water-based pen with a fiber ink reservoir (中綿式), made to write like both a pen and a brush without showing through paper. Its point is made of acrylic fibers in a metal sleeve, and it writes a line between a fine marker and a ballpoint. The name says what it was for: signing. Pentel's UK site tells the launch story: after a trade fair, a sample reached US President Lyndon Johnson, who ordered it in quantity; Pentel's Japanese site adds that this made it famous across the US. Pentel Japan's design archive lists a Long Life Design Award in 2008. ITmedia reported in 2017 that more than 2.1 billion had been sold in over 100 countries. Pentel the company changed its legal name to ASTRUM Corporation on April 1, 2026, as part of the PLUS group, but says it keeps Pentel as its brand worldwide. ## Pentel Sign Pen specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo | | Model | S520 (S520-A black, S520-B red, S520-C blue in the US); S520-AD etc. and XS520 packs in Japan | | Type | Capped, disposable fiber-tip pen | | Tip | 2.0 mm acrylic fiber in a metal sleeve | | Line width | 0.8 mm (Officeworks, Monotaro) or about 1 mm (UK supplier) | | Ink | Water-based, non-permanent | | Colors | 12 at Pentel of America; 8 in Japan | | Body | 80% recycled plastic in black, red, blue and green (Pentel of America) | | Length | 13.3 cm (5.2 in) capped · 12.4 cm uncapped · 15.8 cm (6.2 in) posted, per JetPens | | Weight | 11 g, per JetPens | | Launched | 1963 (Pentel Japan) | | Japan list price | ¥165 (about US$1.00) including tax, from October 1, 2026 | | Made in | Japan (Pentel of America; one Swiss listing says China) | Pentel doesn't publish the size or weight, so those come from JetPens. Pentel Japan raised the list price from ¥132 (about US$0.80) to ¥165 (about US$1.00) including tax on October 1, 2026; the JAN code of the black S520-AD is 4902506340115. JetPens also notes the pen carries Japan's Eco Mark. ## How thick a line does the Sign Pen write? **Retailers give it as 0.8 mm or about 1 mm, from a 2.0 mm tip.** The fibers are pressed to a point, so the line gets wider as you press harder or as the tip wears. That makes it bolder than a [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) 05 (0.45 mm) and similar to a [Paper Mate Flair](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-flair/) Medium. It suits signatures, headings, labels and short notes rather than tiny handwriting. For true brush strokes from Pentel, see the refillable [Pentel Pocket Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-pocket-brush-pen/). ## Did the Sign Pen really go to space? **Pentel says it did: its Japanese site says the Sign Pen was taken aboard NASA spacecraft, and its UK site names a Gemini mission in 1966.** Other accounts name the Gemini 6 and Gemini 7 missions of 1965. We haven't seen NASA records that confirm either version, so treat it as the maker's story. ## Is Pentel Sign Pen ink waterproof? **No: retailers describe it as non-permanent, water-based ink.** A drop of water can make it run, and it isn't sold as archival. For permanent lines, use a pigment fineliner such as the Micron. Water-based ink in a fiber tip can also show through thin paper. Try it on the last page of a notebook first. ## How does the Sign Pen compare to other felt-tip pens? **The Sign Pen is the classic signing pen; the Flair is its main US rival, and the Micron is the permanent, finer option.** | | Pentel Sign Pen | Paper Mate Flair (Medium) | Sakura Pigma Micron 05 | |---|---|---|---| | Tip | 2.0 mm acrylic fiber, metal sleeve | Felt, 0.7 mm point | Fiber, 0.45 mm line | | Ink | Water-based, non-permanent | Water-based | Water-based pigment | | Launched | 1963 | 1966 | 1982 (Pigma line) | | Price band | $ | $ | $ | | Made in | Japan (most retailers) | Mexico (US packs) | Japan (retailers) | For a finer water-based felt tip in many colors, Korea's [Monami Plus Pen 3000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/monami-plus-pen-3000/) has a 0.4 mm point and comes in sets of up to 60 colors. ## Where is the Pentel Sign Pen made? **In Japan, according to Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide.** Officeworks in Australia, Brock's Compass in the UK and a US office supplier also list Japan. Digitec in Switzerland lists China for the violet pen, so origin may vary by color or market; Pentel's Japanese page doesn't state it. ## How much does a Pentel Sign Pen cost? **It's in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen), in a typical box of 12.** Single pens from specialist shops cost a little more. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Pentel Sign Pen a felt tip or a marker? It's a fiber-tip pen, often called a felt tip. The point is made of acrylic fibers in a metal sleeve and writes a line between a fine marker and a pen, which is why Pentel pitched it for signing. ### How thick is the Pentel Sign Pen line? Retailers give the line width as 0.8 mm (Officeworks, Monotaro) or about 1 mm (a UK supplier), from a 2.0 mm tip. Pressure and paper change the result, and Pentel doesn't publish one figure in the sources we found. ### Did the Pentel Sign Pen go to space? Pentel says so. Its Japanese site says the pen was taken aboard NASA spacecraft, and Pentel UK names a Gemini mission in 1966; other accounts name Gemini 6 and 7. We haven't seen NASA records confirming it. ### Is Pentel Sign Pen ink waterproof? No. Retailers describe it as non-permanent, water-based ink, so it can run if it gets wet. For permanent lines, a pigment fineliner is a better pick. ### Is the Pentel Sign Pen refillable? No. Pentel of America calls it nonrefillable, and Pentel Japan labels it a use-up (使いきり) pen. ### Where is the Pentel Sign Pen made? Pentel of America's product guide gives Japan, as do Officeworks, Brock's Compass and a US office supplier. One Swiss listing for the violet pen gives China, so check the pack. ### Is Pentel still called Pentel? The brand is. The company changed its legal name to ASTRUM Corporation on April 1, 2026, and says it keeps selling worldwide under the Pentel brand. ## Sources - [ぺんてるサインペン (Pentel Japan product page: 1963 launch, world's first fiber-reservoir water-based pen, Johnson and NASA story, S520 codes, JAN, ¥165 list price)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/pen/pentel_signpen/) - [サインペン (Pentel Japan design archive: released 1963, Long Life Design Award 2008, hexagonal body)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/about/design/08l01007/) - [ぺんてる: 製品価格改定のお知らせ (Pentel Japan: price revision from October 1, 2026; S520 ¥120 to ¥150 before tax)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/202600806/) - [Pentel of America: Sign Pen (12 colors, 80% recycled plastic, nonrefillable, UPCs)](https://www.pentel.com/products/sign-pen) - [Pentel of America: 2023–2024 product guide, Sign Pen family (S520 origin Japan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/86/) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (Sign Pen 1963, Johnson, Gemini 1966, ASTRUM)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Pentel renames itself ASTRUM Corporation from April 1, 2026](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2094175.html) - [ITmedia (Japanese): Why Pentel's Sign Pen is easy to write with (1963; 2.1 billion in 100+ countries)](https://www.itmedia.co.jp/business/spv/1704/24/news029.html) - [All About (Japanese): The Sign Pen's acrylic fiber tip](https://allabout.co.jp/gm/gc/441091/) - [JetPens: Pentel Sign Pen, Sky Blue (length, weight, Eco Mark)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-Sign-Pen-Fine-Point-Sky-Blue/pd/11091) - [JetPens: Pentel Sign Pen, Brown](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-Sign-Pen-Fine-Point-Brown/pd/11086) - [Officeworks: Pentel S520 Sign Pens 0.8 mm black, 12-pack (country of manufacture Japan)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/pentel-s520-sign-pens-0-8mm-black-12-pack-pe5534blk) - [Officeworks: Pentel S520 Sign Pen 0.8 mm assorted, 6-pack](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/pentel-s520-sign-pen-0-8mm-assorted-6-pack-pes5206as) - [Brock's Compass: Pentel Sign Pen red S520-B (country of origin Japan)](https://shop.brockscompass.co.uk/pentel-sign-pen-fibre-tip-red-s520-b--5) - [Aztek: Pentel S520A Sign Pens, dozen (country of origin Japan)](https://aztekc.com/product/1hd5wcvcsk5) - [Digitec: Pentel Sign Pen violet S520-V (country of origin China)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/pentel-sign-pen-1-x-pencils-5609716) - [Service Graphics: Pentel Sign Pen S520 (2.0 mm tip, 1.0 mm line, 12 colors)](https://evolution.servicegraphics.co.uk/pentel-sign-pen-s520-fibre-tipped-2-0mm-tip-1-0mm-line-black-ref-s520-a-pack-12--10) - [Monotaro (Japanese): Pentel Sign Pen (0.8 mm line)](https://www.monotaro.com/g/00012724/) - [Stationery World: Pentel Sign Pen fibre tip 2.0 mm S520A (metal-encased tip)](https://stationeryworld.com.sg/pentel-sign-pen-fibre-tip-20mm-s520a) - [Postshop.ch: Pentel Sign Pen 2.0 mm S520A (classic since 1963)](https://shop.post.ch/en/stationery/writing-utensils/pentel-fibre---tip-pen-sign-pen-2-0mm-s520a-black/p/758185) - [CompSource: Pentel Sign Pen S520A](https://www.compsource.com/buy/S520A/Pentel-1914/Sign-Pen-Porous-Point-Pen-S520A/) - [Wikipedia: Pentel (Sign Pen history, over two billion sold)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentel) --- # Pilot Acroball: Acro Ink, Tip Sizes & BRFV-10 Refills > The Pilot Acroball is a retractable, refillable ballpoint that Pilot launched in Japan in 2008. Its Acro ink is an oil-based ink with about one-fifth the usual viscosity, per Pilot. Pilot Japan lists 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm at 142.5 mm and 9.5 g; it takes BRFV-10 refills, and US suppliers list Japan as its origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the Pilot Acroball 0.7 mm retractable ballpoint with the tip out, 142 mm (5.6 in) long retracted: black barrel with a textured black rubber grip, black plastic clip and push button, and a close-up of the conical tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-acroball-16x9.png) *The Pilot Acroball 0.7 mm Fine, the size most US packs are sold in.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-acroball-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Acroball Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; BAB-15) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Recycled plastics (recycled PP barrel, recycled PC cap and front, per Pilot Japan), rubber grip | 2008 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot Acroball Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; BAB-15)): Japan. Per US business-supplier spec sheets: OnTimeSupplies lists Japan for the 0.7 mm 2-pack (item 31895), and Aztek lists Japan for the 0.7 mm 3-pack (item 31859). Australian and US retailers also label Acroball refills as made in Japan. Pilot's Japanese web catalog doesn't state it. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pil31895-acroball-7mm-retractable-pens-fine-pen-point-07-mm-pen-point-size-refillable-retractable-black-advanced-ink-ink-white-barrel-2-pack.html ## Key takeaways - Pilot launched the Acroball in 2008; Pilot says Acro ink has about 1/5 the viscosity of ordinary oil-based ballpoint ink. - Three common US ball sizes: 0.5 mm Extra Fine, 0.7 mm Fine and 1.0 mm Medium; Pilot Japan also sells a 0.3 mm Acroball 150 (BAB-15MF), after first offering 0.3 mm in the Acroball T on November 24, 2020. - Pilot's Japanese catalog lists the Acroball 150 at 142.5 mm (5.6 in) long, 11.4 mm wide and 9.5 g in every ball size; JetPens gives 14.2 cm and 9–10 g. - Refills are Pilot's BRFV-10 family: BRFV-10EF (0.5 mm), BRFV-10F (0.7 mm) and BRFV-10M (1.0 mm). - US business-supplier spec sheets list Japan as the country of origin. ## What is the Pilot Acroball? **The Acroball is Pilot's retractable, refillable everyday ballpoint, built around its low-viscosity Acro ink.** Pilot Corporation of Japan launched it in 2008, according to Impress Watch, and has sold it worldwide since. In March 2024 Pilot redesigned the body in Japan, then at ¥165 (about US$1.00) for the single-color pen and ¥660 (about US$4.20) for the Acroball 4+1 multi-pen. Pilot's price list raised the single pen, now sold as Acroball 150, to ¥198 (about US$1.30) on July 1, 2026. In the US it's sold in multi-packs, including Acroball Colors and the white-barrel Acroball PureWhite. ## Pilot Acroball specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation (Japan); US seller Pilot Corporation of America | | Type | Retractable ballpoint, low-viscosity oil-based Acro ink | | Ball sizes | 0.5 mm Extra Fine · 0.7 mm Fine · 1.0 mm Medium; 0.3 mm in Japan (BAB-15MF) and in the Acroball T | | Refills | BRFV-10MF · BRFV-10EF · BRFV-10F · BRFV-10M | | Length (retracted) | 142.5 mm (5.6 in), per Pilot Japan; 14.2 cm per JetPens | | Widest | 11.4 mm, per Pilot Japan | | Weight | 9.5 g, per Pilot Japan; 9–10 g per JetPens | | Japan list price | ¥198 (about US$1.30) including tax, from July 1, 2026 | | JAN (0.7 mm black) | 4902505375279 (BAB-15F-BB) | | Launched | 2008 in Japan | | Made in | Japan (per US supplier spec sheets) | Size, weight, refills and price come from Pilot's Japanese web catalog, which lists the same 142.5 mm and 9.5 g for every ball size; JetPens' figures are close. In Europe the pen is sold as Acroball BeGreen, and Pilot's Nordic data sheet gives its recycled-plastic share as 78%. In Europe the pen is sold as Acroball BeGreen, and Pilot's Nordic data sheet gives its recycled-plastic share as 78%. ## What is Acro ink, and is it a hybrid? **Acro ink is an oil-based ballpoint ink that Pilot says has about one-fifth the viscosity of ordinary oil ink.** Pilot's Japanese catalog says that makes it flow almost like water-based ink and soak into the paper fibers for a dark, even line; JetPens puts the claim as "80% less viscous". Thinner ink lets the ball turn with less drag, which is why Pilot promises a smooth feel and starts without skipping. In the US, Pilot sells it as Advanced Ink, and retailer copy calls it a gel and ballpoint hybrid that dries quickly. It is still a ballpoint ink, not a gel. Pilot doesn't publish a dry time, and we haven't measured one. ## Which Acroball tip size should you choose? **Choose 0.7 mm Fine for everyday notes, 0.5 mm for small handwriting and 1.0 mm for a dark, bold line.** - **0.3 mm (Acroball T, and Acroball 150 in Japan):** Pilot released it on November 24, 2020, as its first oil-based ballpoint with a 0.3 mm ball. Good for planners and tiny writing. - **0.5 mm Extra Fine:** a crisp line and the least ink of the standard sizes. - **0.7 mm Fine:** the size most US packs come in. - **1.0 mm Medium:** sold in the US as Acroball Colors; the boldest line. The number is the ball diameter. Pilot names run a step finer than many brands, so its "Fine" is a 0.7 mm ball. ## What refills does the Acroball use? **It takes Pilot's BRFV-10 Acro ink refill, the same one used in the Acro 300, Acro 1000 and ILMILY.** | Ball size | Refill | Ink colors listed | |---|---|---| | 0.3 mm | BRFV-10MF | Black, blue, red (Pilot Japan) | | 0.5 mm | BRFV-10EF | Black, blue, red (Pilot Japan) | | 0.7 mm | BRFV-10F | Black, blue, red (Pilot Japan) | | 1.0 mm | BRFV-10M | Black, blue, red (Pilot Japan) | Don't confuse it with the BRFN-30, Pilot's Acro ink refill for its higher-priced pens. It uses the same ink but doesn't fit the Acroball. ## How does the Acroball compare to the Jetstream RT? **They are the two best-known Japanese low-viscosity ballpoints, and they're close in size and price.** The [uni-ball Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/) came first, in 2006. | | Pilot Acroball | uni-ball Jetstream RT | |---|---|---| | Ink | Acro ink, low-viscosity oil | Jetstream, low-viscosity oil pigment | | US ink name | Advanced Ink | Super Ink | | Sizes | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm (0.3 mm in the T) | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | | Refill | BRFV-10 | SXR-5 / -7 / -10 | | Length | 142.5 mm (Pilot Japan) | 14.14 cm (uni-ball UK, 1.0 mm) | | Made in | Japan (retailer sheets) | Japan (retailer sheets) | Against a classic paste-ink ballpoint like the [BIC Cristal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/), both write darker and smoother. If you want a wetter line still, a gel pen such as the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) goes further, at the cost of slower drying. ## Where is the Pilot Acroball made? **US business-supplier spec sheets list the Acroball as made in Japan.** OnTimeSupplies gives Japan for the 0.7 mm 2-pack (item 31895), and Aztek gives Japan for the 0.7 mm 3-pack (item 31859). Retailers in Australia and the US also label BRFV-10 refills "Made in Japan"; Pilot's Japanese web catalog doesn't state a country. ## How much does a Pilot Acroball cost? **It's in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen), when bought in a multi-pack.** Most US listings are packs of 2 to 12; Pilot Japan's list price of ¥198 (about US$1.30) for a single pen since July 1, 2026 gives a sense of scale. For an even plainer everyday ballpoint at the same band, Korea's hexagonal [Monami 153](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/monami-153/) has been sold since 1963. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Pilot Acroball a gel pen or a ballpoint? It's a ballpoint. Pilot classes the Acroball as an oil-based ballpoint; its US packaging calls the ink Advanced Ink and retailer copy describes it as a gel and ballpoint hybrid because it writes more smoothly than ordinary ballpoint ink. ### What refill does the Pilot Acroball use? Pilot's BRFV-10 Acro ink refill in the matching size: BRFV-10MF for 0.3 mm, BRFV-10EF for 0.5 mm, BRFV-10F for 0.7 mm and BRFV-10M for 1.0 mm. Pilot's refill site says the same refill fits the Acro 300, Acro 1000 and ILMILY. ### Can I put a BRFN-30 refill in an Acroball? No. The BRFN-30 is Pilot's Acro ink refill for its higher-priced ballpoints. It uses the same ink but is a different refill size. ### Is the Acroball good for left-handed writers? Retailers market it to left-handed writers because the ink is quick-drying. Pilot doesn't publish a dry time, and we haven't timed it yet; the 0.5 mm puts down the least ink. ### Where is the Pilot Acroball made? US business-supplier spec sheets list Japan as the country of origin for Acroball packs, including item 31895. Pilot Corporation is based in Tokyo. ### What is the difference between the Acroball and the Acroball T? The Acroball T is a version sold with metallic-color bodies such as silver, gold and metallic red. Pilot released a 0.3 mm Acroball T on November 24, 2020, which it called its first oil-based ballpoint with a 0.3 mm ball; in Japan the 0.3 mm is now also sold as the standard Acroball 150 (BAB-15MF). ### How does the Acroball compare to the uni-ball Jetstream? Both are low-viscosity oil-based ballpoints from Japan. The Jetstream launched in 2006, two years before the Acroball, and uses pigment ink sold in the US as Super Ink; most US Acroball packs come in 0.7 and 1.0 mm. ## Sources - [PILOTウェブカタログ: アクロボール150 0.7細字 BAB-15F (Pilot Japan web catalog: 1/5 viscosity Acro ink, 142.5 mm, 11.4 mm, 9.5 g, BRFV-10F refill, recycled plastics, ¥198)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000572) - [PILOTウェブカタログ: アクロボール150 0.3激細 BAB-15MF (Pilot Japan web catalog: 0.3 mm, BRFV-10MF refill)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000588) - [PILOTウェブカタログ: アクロボール150 1.0中字 BAB-15M (Pilot Japan web catalog: 1.0 mm, BRFV-10M refill)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000587) - [パイロット: 価格表 2026年7月1日付 (Pilot Japan price list effective July 1, 2026: Acroball 150 ¥165 to ¥198, PDF)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/information/pricelist_202607.pdf) - [Pilot refill site: BRFV-10M Acro ink 1.0 mm refill (fits Acroball, Acro 300, Acro 1000, ILMILY)](https://pilot-refill.jp/en/oil/brfv10m) - [Pilot refill site: BRFV-10F Acro ink 0.7 mm refill](https://pilot-refill.jp/en/oil/brfv10f) - [Pilot Nordic: product data sheet (Acroball BeGreen recycled content, PDF)](https://justmore.dk/images/media/ProductsDocs/Pilot datablad.pdf) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Acroball redesign, March 19, 2024 (launched 2008; ¥165 and ¥660)](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1575884.html) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Acroball T Series 03, Pilot's first 0.3 mm oil ballpoint (November 24, 2020; Acro ink about 1/5 viscosity)](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1288814.html) - [JetPens: Pilot Acroball Ballpoint Pen 0.7 mm Blue (length, weight, viscosity claim)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Acroball-Ballpoint-Pen-0.7-mm-Blue/pd/4739) - [JetPens: Pilot Acroball Ballpoint Pen 0.5 mm Black](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Acroball-Ballpoint-Pen-0.5-mm-Black/pd/7123) - [JetPens: Pilot Acroball Ballpoint Pen 1.0 mm Black](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Acroball-Ballpoint-Pen-1.0-mm-Black/pd/34401) - [JetPens: Pilot BRFV-10M Acro ink refill 1.0 mm](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-BRFV-10M-Acro-Ink-Ballpoint-Pen-Refill-1.0-mm-Blue/pd/11121) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pilot Acroball 0.7 mm 2-pack, item 31895 (country of origin Japan; Advanced Ink)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pil31895-acroball-7mm-retractable-pens-fine-pen-point-07-mm-pen-point-size-refillable-retractable-black-advanced-ink-ink-white-barrel-2-pack.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pilot Acroball Colors 1.0 mm 5-pack, item 31820 (hybrid ink copy)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pil31820-acroball-colors-ball-point-pen-1mm-black-blue-green-purple-red-5-pack.html) - [Aztek: Pilot Acroball 0.7 mm 3-pack, item 31859 (country of origin Japan)](https://aztekc.com/product/1o2qrony3ie) - [Doublet: Pilot BRFV-10 Acroball refill 1.0 mm (made in Japan)](https://paperexpress.doublet.com.au/product/pilot-brfv10-acroball-ballpoint-refill-medium-10mm-black-box-12/7036220) - [Hunter Paper Co: Pilot Acroball refill 0.5 mm (made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/pilot-acroball-refill-0-5mm-black) - [Walmart: Pilot Acroball Colors 1.0 mm, 10 count](https://www.walmart.com/ip/433744441) - [Tingstad: Pilot Acroball BeGreen 0.7 mm (77.4% recycled plastic)](https://tingstad.com/se-en/office-supplies/pens-accessories/ballpoint-pens/acroball-begreen-fine-blue-pen-424090) - [unsharpen: Pilot BRFN-30F refill](https://unsharpen.com/refill/pilot-brfn-30f/) - [The Pen Addict: Pilot Acroball T 0.3 mm review](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2022/1/31/pilot-acroball-t-03-mm-ballpoint-pen-review) --- # Platinum Preppy: The Slip & Seal Starter Fountain Pen > The Platinum Preppy is a clear plastic cartridge fountain pen launched in 2007; Platinum says it passed 15 million sold in April 2024. It has a steel nib in 02 Extra Fine, 03 Fine or 05 Medium, a Slip & Seal cap that keeps ink fresh for a year, and measures 138 mm and 13 g. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a Platinum Preppy fountain pen with black ink and the cap posted, drawn at Goulet Pens' 154 mm (6.1 in) posted length: clear body showing the black ink cartridge and feed, smoke-black cap with molded clip, and a close-up of the steel nib](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/platinum-preppy-16x9.png) *A black Preppy, cap posted (138 mm capped, per Goulet Pens).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/platinum-preppy-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen (02 EF / 03 F / 05 M) | Platinum (by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Polycarbonate (PC resin) body, stainless steel nib (ST-27), per Platinum Japan | 2007 | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen (02 EF / 03 F / 05 M)): Japan. Per retailer listings: Hunter Paper Co says made in Japan and Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin (both read on October 20, 2026). Platinum's Japanese product pages don't state it. Source: https://hunterpaperco.com/products/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen-fine-nib ## Key takeaways - Platinum launched the Preppy in 2007 and says it passed 15 million pens sold in April 2024. - Three steel nibs: 02 Extra Fine (added October 25, 2014), 03 Fine (0.3 mm) and 05 Medium (0.5 mm). - Platinum says the Slip & Seal cap keeps a fitted cartridge from drying out for 1 year. - Platinum's Japanese site lists the Preppy at 138 mm (5.4 in) long, 13 mm at the widest and 13 g, in a polycarbonate body. - It launched in Japan at ¥210 (about US$1.30); Platinum now lists it at ¥660 (about US$4.20) including tax. ## What is the Platinum Preppy? **The Preppy is Platinum Pen's clear plastic cartridge fountain pen, made to be cheap enough to buy like a ballpoint.** Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. of Tokyo launched it in 2007, and All About reported a launch price of ¥210 (about US$1.30). In an October 2014 release, Platinum called the Preppy the world's best-selling ultra-low-price fountain pen, with about 5.3 million shipped by then. It says the Preppy passed 15 million pens sold in April 2024. Both are the maker's figures. It's the cheapest of the starter fountain pens we cover, with the [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/), [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/), [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) and [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/). ## Platinum Preppy specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) | | Type | Cartridge/converter fountain pen with Slip & Seal cap | | Model (Japan) | PSQ-300 (03 Fine, 05 Medium) · PSQ-400 (02 Extra Fine) | | Body | Clear polycarbonate (PC resin), per Platinum | | Nib | Stainless steel (ST-27): 02 Extra Fine · 03 Fine · 05 Medium | | Filling | Platinum cartridge (1 included) or Platinum converter | | Length | 138 mm (5.4 in), per Platinum; 15.1 cm (5.9 in) posted, per JetPens; Goulet Pens lists 138 mm capped and 154 mm posted (our drawing uses Goulet's figures) | | Widest diameter | 13 mm, per Platinum | | Grip diameter | 10.6 mm, per JetPens | | Weight | 13 g standard weight, per Platinum; 13.0 g, per Goulet Pens | | Japan list price | ¥660 (about US$4.20) including tax | | Launched | 2007 | | Made in | Japan (per retailers) | Platinum's Japanese product pages give 138 mm, 13 mm at the widest and a 13 g standard weight, which match Goulet's measurements. In Japan the PSQ-300 comes in black, blue-black and red in 03 or 05, plus pink, violet and green in 03 only. At 138 mm capped the Preppy is a full-size pen; for one that fits a jeans pocket, see our [best pocket pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pocket-pens/). ## What do the 02, 03 and 05 nibs mean? **The number is the nib size: 02 is Extra Fine, 03 is Fine and 05 is Medium.** Cult Pens gives the 03 as a 0.3 mm line, and the 05 writes about 0.5 mm. Platinum added the 02 on October 25, 2014, at ¥300 (about US$1.90) before tax against ¥200 (about US$1.30) for the 03 and 05. Today all three list at ¥660 (about US$4.20) including tax. - **02 Extra Fine:** small handwriting, planners and cheaper paper. - **03 Fine:** the usual first choice; The Journal Shop says it comes in the most body colors. - **05 Medium:** a wetter, bolder line; best on smooth paper such as a [Rhodia DotPad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/). Japanese nibs usually run finer than Western ones of the same name, though one retailer says the 05 writes more like a European Medium. ## What does Slip & Seal do? **Slip & Seal is Platinum's sealed inner cap, which Platinum says keeps the ink from drying out for a year.** The seal sits inside the cap and closes around the nib when you cap the pen. ASCII's 2014 review named it the pen's main advantage: you can pick it up after a year and it still writes. ## What cartridges and converter does the Preppy use? **It takes Platinum's own cartridges, and it comes with one.** For bottled ink, fit a Platinum converter, sold separately. Standard international cartridges need Platinum's international adapter, per The Journal Shop. Goulet Pens says the barrel can also be used as an eyedropper, filled straight from the bottle, if you add an O-ring and a little silicone grease to the threads. ## How does the Preppy compare to other starter fountain pens? **The Preppy is the cheapest and simplest; the others cost more but feel sturdier.** | | Platinum Preppy | Pilot Kakuno | Pilot Metropolitan | LAMY safari | |---|---|---|---|---| | Body | Clear polycarbonate | Resin, hexagonal | Brass | ASA plastic | | Filling | Platinum cartridge or converter | Pilot cartridge or converter | Pilot cartridge or converter | T10 cartridge or Z28 converter | | Steel nibs | 02 EF, 03 F, 05 M | EF, F, M | F, M, 1.0 stub | EF, F, M, B, LH, italics | | Capped | 138 mm | 130.9 mm | 138 mm | 139.5 mm | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | Germany | | Price band | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | Figures for the other pens come from their guides. In August 2026 Platinum also launched the PREFOUNTE in Japan, a Preppy spin-off with the same Slip & Seal cap, at ¥990 (about US$6.30). ## Where is the Platinum Preppy made? **Retailers list it as made in Japan.** Hunter Paper Co says made in Japan and Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin. Platinum's Japanese product pages don't state it. ## How much does a Platinum Preppy cost? **It's in our $$ price band, $5–20 per pen, in the US.** It shares that band with the Pilot Kakuno but costs less; the other starter fountain pens we cover are $$$ ($20–75). ## Frequently asked questions ### What do the Preppy nib numbers 02, 03 and 05 mean? They are nib sizes. 02 is Extra Fine, 03 is Fine (a 0.3 mm line, per Cult Pens) and 05 is Medium (about 0.5 mm). Japanese nib sizes usually run finer than Western ones of the same name. ### What is Slip & Seal on the Platinum Preppy? It's Platinum's sealed inner cap, which closes around the nib when the pen is capped. Platinum says it keeps the ink in a fitted cartridge from drying out for a year, so the pen writes even after long gaps. ### What cartridges does the Platinum Preppy take? Platinum's own proprietary cartridges, and it comes with one. You can also fit a Platinum converter, sold separately, for bottled ink; standard international cartridges need Platinum's adapter. ### Can you turn a Preppy into an eyedropper pen? Yes. Goulet Pens says the barrel can be filled directly with ink if you add an O-ring and a little silicone grease to the threads, which holds much more ink than a cartridge. ### Is the Platinum Preppy good for beginners? It's one of the cheapest ways to try a fountain pen, and Platinum says it passed 15 million sold in April 2024. The clear plastic body is light but less sturdy than the Kakuno or Metropolitan. ### Where is the Platinum Preppy made? Retailers list Japan: Hunter Paper Co says made in Japan and Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin. Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. is based in Tokyo. ### What is the Platinum PREFOUNTE? A grown-up spin-off of the Preppy. Platinum says it keeps the Preppy's basic performance, including Slip & Seal, and launched it in Japan on August 31, 2026 at ¥990 (about US$6.30), after selling it overseas since 2019. ## Sources - [プラチナ万年筆「プレピー」PSQ-300 (Platinum Japan product page: 03/05 nibs, PC resin, ST-27 stainless nib, 138 mm, 13 mm, 13 g, ¥660)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/fountain-pen/2209/) - [プラチナ万年筆「プレピー」PSQ-400 (Platinum Japan product page: 02 Extra Fine, ¥660)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/fountain-pen/2204/) - [プラチナ万年筆「プレピー万年筆、累計販売1,500万本を達成！」(Platinum Japan news, May 20, 2024: 15 million by April 2024)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/news/12438/) - [プラチナ万年筆「大人のための入門万年筆「プレフォンテ」を…国内定番商品として新発売」(Platinum press release, August 24, 2026: PREFOUNTE from August 31, 2026 at ¥990; Slip & Seal 1 year)](https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202608214500) - [プラチナ万年筆「世界一売れている超低価格万年筆、PREPPYに待望のペン先「極細02」が新登場。」(Platinum press release, October 20, 2014: 02 on sale October 25, 2014; prices)](https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/201410204727) - [Hokkaido Shimbun (Japanese): PREFOUNTE press release](https://www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1357539/) - [All About (Japanese): Platinum's ¥210 fountain pen, Preppy (2007)](https://allabout.co.jp/gm/gc/197212/) - [ASCII (Japanese): Preppy writes after a year unused (2014)](https://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/945/945097/) - [JetPens: Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen, Black, 03 Fine (dimensions; sold since 2007)](https://www.jetpens.com/Platinum-Preppy-Fountain-Pen-Black-03-Fine/pd/24028) - [JetPens: Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen, Black, 02 Extra Fine](https://www.jetpens.com/Platinum-Preppy-Fountain-Pen-Black-02-Extra-Fine/pd/24029) - [Goulet Pens: Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen, Black (Japanese-made, cartridges, converter, weight)](https://gouletpens.com/products/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen-black) - [Goulet Pens: Platinum Preppy Black Edition (Slip & Seal, eyedropper conversion)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen-black-edition-white-limited-edition) - [Cult Pens: Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen 03 Fine (0.3 mm line, PSQ-300)](https://cultpens.com/products/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen-03-fine) - [The Journal Shop: Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen (nibs, colors, cartridges, international adapter)](https://thejournalshop.com/products/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen) - [Hunter Paper Co: Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen, Fine nib (made in Japan, polycarbonate)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen-fine-nib) - [unsharpen: Platinum Preppy fountain pen](https://unsharpen.com/pen/platinum-preppy-fountain-pen/) --- # Zebra Sarasa Clip: The Binder-Clip Gel Pen Explained > The Zebra Sarasa Clip is a retractable gel pen with water-based pigment ink and a movable binder clip, made by Zebra of Tokyo since 2003. It comes in 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm and takes JF refills. Zebra says it has been Japan's best-selling gel pen for 14 years running. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.5 mm retractable gel pen with the tip out, 141 mm (5.6 in) long retracted: clear barrel showing the black ink refill and spring, black rubber grip, push button and the hinged black binder clip on top, with a close-up of the ball tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/zebra-sarasa-clip-16x9.png) *The Sarasa Clip 0.5 mm, with the binder clip that gives it its name.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/zebra-sarasa-clip-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Zebra Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen (0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; JJ15) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel (76% recycled plastic by Eco Mark calculation in standard colors), rubber grip, movable binder clip | 2003 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Zebra Sarasa Clip Retractable Gel Pen (0.3 / 0.4 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; JJ15)): Japan. Per retailer spec sheets: FairPrice (Singapore) lists Japan for the 0.7 mm pen and the JF-0.5 refills, Carrefour UAE lists Japan for the Sarasa Push Clip, and SM Stationery (Philippines) says made in Japan. Zebra's Japanese and global product pages don't state a country of manufacture. Source: https://www.fairprice.com.sg/product/zebra-sarasa-clip-gel-pen-0-7mm-b-jjb15-fb-navy-blue-ink-10-pc-90118544 ## Key takeaways - Zebra released the Sarasa Clip in 2003, three years after the first Sarasa pen in 2000; its birthday is October 16. - Zebra says it has been No. 1 in Japan's gel pen sales for 14 straight years (Nikkei POS, January 2012 to December 2025), with more than 1.4 billion pens shipped. - Five ball sizes: 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm; the 0.5 mm takes the JF-0.5 refill. - Zebra's Japanese site lists every size at 141.0 mm (5.6 in) long, 11.0 mm across and 10.9 g, for ¥132 (about US$0.80) including tax. - Retailer listings in Singapore, the UAE and the Philippines give Japan as the country of origin. ## What is the Zebra Sarasa Clip? **The Sarasa Clip is Zebra's retractable gel pen with water-based pigment ink and a movable binder clip.** Zebra's Japanese company history dates the first Sarasa to 2000 and the Sarasa Clip to 2003; Zebra-supervised material gives its birthday as October 16. Zebra's Japanese site lists it at ¥132 (about US$0.80) including tax. Zebra says the Sarasa Clip has been No. 1 in Japan's gel pen sales for 14 straight years, citing Nikkei POS data from January 2012 to December 2025, and that it had shipped more than 1.4 billion pens by December 2024. Those are Zebra's figures; we haven't seen the underlying data. ## Zebra Sarasa Clip specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); US arm Zebra Pen Corporation | | Type | Retractable gel pen, water-based pigment ink | | Ball sizes | 0.3 · 0.4 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | | Japanese model codes | JJH15 (0.3) · JJS15 (0.4) · JJ15 (0.5) · JJB15 (0.7) · JJE15 (1.0) | | Refill | JF series (JF-0.5 for the 0.5 mm) | | Length | 141.0 mm (5.6 in), per Zebra Japan (SM Stationery and JetPens agree) | | Diameter | 11.0 mm, per Zebra Japan (JetPens: 11.1 mm max, 10.3 mm grip) | | Weight | 10.9 g, per Zebra Japan (SM Stationery lists 10 g) | | List price (Japan) | ¥132 (about US$0.80) including tax | | JAN (0.5 mm black) | 4901681143115 | | Launched | 2003 (Sarasa series 2000) | | Made in | Japan (per retailer spec sheets) | All of those figures are the same for every ball size on Zebra's Japanese page. Zebra also says the standard-color bodies carry the Eco Mark, with 76% recycled plastic by the Eco Mark calculation (Vintage and Deco Shine colors excluded). ## What does the binder clip do? **It's a movable clip that opens like a binder clip, so it grips thicker things than a normal pen clip.** Zebra's Japanese site says the movable binder clip can grip thick boards and reduces clip breakage. In practice that means a notebook cover, a planner band or a stack of paper. ## Which Sarasa Clip size should you choose? **Pick 0.5 mm for everyday writing, 0.3 or 0.4 mm for small handwriting and planners, and 0.7 or 1.0 mm for bold lines.** - **0.3 and 0.4 mm:** fine lines for small notebooks and margins; less ink means faster drying. - **0.5 mm:** the standard Sarasa Clip and the size most sets and colors come in. - **0.7 mm:** a darker, wetter line with a smooth feel. - **1.0 mm:** signatures and headings. It puts down the most ink. The number is the ball diameter; the line on paper depends on paper and pressure. ## What colors and refills are there? **The Sarasa Clip comes in dozens of colors and takes Zebra's JF gel refill in the matching size.** JetPens' color chart lists 84 options across sizes and sub-series such as Milk (pastels), Vintage and Deco Shine. Zebra says the line started with 10 colors in 2003. For the 0.5 mm pen the refill is the JF-0.5. US distributors list JF refills as also fitting the Sarasa, Sarasa SE, Jimnie Gel and Z-Grip Gel, which makes them easy to find. ## Is Sarasa Clip ink waterproof? **It's sold as water-resistant, not waterproof.** Zebra's Japanese site says the water-based pigment ink has excellent water resistance and gives dark lines that don't feather; retailers add fade resistance and call it archival and acid-free. Zebra doesn't publish a dry time. ## How does the Sarasa Clip compare to the Pilot G2? **Both are cheap, refillable Japanese gel pens; the Sarasa Clip has pigment ink, a binder clip and more sizes at the fine end.** | | Zebra Sarasa Clip | [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) | |---|---|---| | Ink | Water-based pigment gel | Gel | | Sizes | 0.3 · 0.4 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | | Clip | Movable binder clip | Standard pocket clip | | Refill | JF series | 77240 etc. (BLS-G2) | | Launched | 2003 | 1997 | | Made in | Japan (retailer sheets) | Japan (retailer sheets) | If you smear gel ink, the [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) is the usual quick-drying alternative. For a gel pen sold in most US office stores, see the [Sharpie S-Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/). For another pigment gel pen, the [uni-ball One](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-one/) uses larger pigment particles that uni-ball says sit on the paper's surface. ## Where is the Zebra Sarasa Clip made? **Retailer spec sheets list the Sarasa Clip as made in Japan.** FairPrice in Singapore gives Japan for the 0.7 mm pen and the JF-0.5 refills, Carrefour UAE gives Japan for the Sarasa Push Clip, and SM Stationery in the Philippines says made in Japan. Zebra's Japanese product page doesn't state a country of manufacture. ## How much does a Sarasa Clip cost? **It falls in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen), in a typical multi-pack.** Single pens from specialist shops cost a little more, and large color sets cost less per pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why is it called the Sarasa Clip? Because of its clip. Zebra fitted it with a movable binder-style clip that opens wider than a normal pen clip, so it can grip a notebook cover or a thick stack of paper. ### What refill does the Zebra Sarasa Clip use? Zebra's JF gel refill in the matching size, such as JF-0.5 for the 0.5 mm pen. US distributors say the JF refill also fits the Sarasa, Sarasa SE, Jimnie Gel and Z-Grip Gel. ### Is Sarasa Clip ink waterproof? It's water-resistant rather than waterproof. Zebra's Japanese site says the water-based pigment ink has excellent water resistance and doesn't feather; we haven't tested it ourselves. ### Is the Sarasa Clip the best-selling gel pen in Japan? That's Zebra's claim. Zebra says the Sarasa Clip has ranked No. 1 in Japan's gel pen sales for 14 straight years, citing Nikkei POS data from January 2012 to December 2025, with over 1.4 billion pens shipped by December 2024. ### How many colors does the Sarasa Clip come in? Dozens. JetPens' color chart lists 84 options across sizes and sub-series such as Milk, Vintage and Deco Shine. Zebra says the line started with 10 colors in 2003. ### Where is the Zebra Sarasa Clip made? Retailer spec sheets in Singapore, the UAE and the Philippines list Japan as the country of origin; Zebra's own product pages don't say. Zebra Co., Ltd. is based in Tokyo; Zebra Pen Corporation is its US arm. ### How does the Sarasa Clip compare to the Pilot G2? Both are retractable, refillable gel pens from Japan. The Sarasa Clip uses pigment ink and a binder clip and comes as small as 0.3 mm; the G2 has a ribbed rubber grip, a standard pocket clip and runs from 0.38 to 1.0 mm. ## Sources - [ゼブラ株式会社: ジェルボールペン サラサクリップ (Zebra Japan product page, read in full: sizes, 141.0 mm, 11.0 mm, 10.9 g, ¥132, model codes, JAN, Eco Mark)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/sarasa-clip/) - [ゼブラ株式会社: 沿革 (Zebra company history: Sarasa 2000, Sarasa Clip 2003, Milk colors 2015)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/corp/history/) - [Zebra Co., Ltd.: SARASA CLIP (released 2003, binder clip, initial 10 colors)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/main/products/sarasa-clip/) - [「サラサクリップ3C/2+S レトロ・シック」8月6日に数量限定発売 (Zebra press release, July 22, 2026: 14 years No. 1, 1.4 billion pens)](https://digitalpr.jp/pdf.php?r=139546) - [GLT Japan: SARASA gel ballpoint pens (series launched 2000; Zebra-supervised)](https://www.gltjp.com/en/article/item/21476/) - [GLT Japan: Zebra, the company behind SARASA (Sarasa Clip birthday October 16)](https://www.gltjp.com/en/article/item/21501/) - [JetPens: Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pen 0.5 mm Gray (length, diameters, ink)](https://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-Sarasa-Clip-Gel-Pen-0.5-mm-Gray/pd/6394) - [JetPens: Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pen 0.3 mm Blue Black](https://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-Sarasa-Clip-Gel-Pen-0.3-mm-Blue-Black/pd/6367) - [JetPens: Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pen 0.7 mm 10-color set](https://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-Sarasa-Clip-Gel-Pen-0.7-mm-10-Color-Set/pd/6928) - [SM Stationery: Zebra Sarasa Clip Vintage 0.5 mm JJ15 (141 mm, 11 mm, 10 g, JF-0.5, made in Japan)](https://smstationery.com.ph/products/zebra-sarasa-clip-vintage-color-gel-ink-pens-0-5mm-jj15) - [FairPrice: Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.7 mm JJB15 (made in Japan)](https://www.fairprice.com.sg/product/zebra-sarasa-clip-gel-pen-0-7mm-b-jjb15-fb-navy-blue-ink-10-pc-90118544) - [FairPrice: Zebra Sarasa Clip refill 0.5 mm RJF5 (origin Japan)](https://www.fairprice.com.sg/product/zebra-sarasa-clip-gel-pen-refill-0-5mm-b-rjf5-bl-blue-ink-10-pc-90118540) - [Carrefour UAE: Zebra Sarasa Push Clip 0.5 mm (country of origin Japan)](https://www.carrefouruae.com/mafuae/en/roller-pen/zebra-pen-1-x-zebra-sarasa-push-clip-gel-ink-pen-05-mm-black/p/3233002493959) - [Tsuruha: Zebra Sarasa Clip 1.0 mm black, P-JJE15-BK](https://shop.tsuruha.co.jp/10168625.html) - [Tsuruha: Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.3 mm black, JJH15-BK](https://shop.tsuruha.co.jp/10168626.html) - [Pulp Addiction: Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.4 mm 5-pen set](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/zebra-sarasa-clip-gel-0-4mm-ballpoint-pens-5pc-set) - [Hunter Paper Co: Zebra JF gel refill 0.5 mm (fits Sarasa pens)](https://hunterpaperco.com/en-us/products/zebra-jf-gel-rollerball-pen-refill) - [Sigma Supply: Zebra JF refill (fits Jimnie, Sarasa, Z-Grip Gel)](https://devecomm-sigmasupply.vaicloud.net/item/ZEB87012-ES/JF-Refill-for-Jimnie-Sarasa-ecoSarasa-Orbitz-Z-Grip-and-GR8-Gel/) - [Staples: Zebra Sarasa Clip Vintage 0.5 mm, 10-pack](https://www.staples.com/sarasa-clip-vintage-gel-retractable-0-5mm-assort-10pk/product_24657674) - [unsharpen: Zebra Sarasa Clip](https://unsharpen.com/pen/zebra-sarasa-clip/) --- # Pilot Precise V5: Liquid Ink, Needle Tip & V5 RT > The Pilot Precise V5 is a capped, disposable liquid-ink rollerball with a 0.5 mm Extra Fine needle tip, sold outside the US as the Hi-Tecpoint V5. Pilot dates the design to 1984 and its US copy calls Precise America's #1 selling rolling ball brand. The retractable V5 RT takes refills; US listings give Japan as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-precise-v5/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a Pilot Precise V5 Extra Fine 0.5 mm rollerball with black ink and the cap posted, drawn in proportion: cap with metal pocket clip and band, black barrel with a clear window showing the liquid ink and its collector fins, and a close-up of the slim metal needle tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-precise-v5-16x9.png) *The Precise V5: the clear window shows how much liquid ink is left.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-precise-v5-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Precise V5 Premium Rolling Ball Pen, Extra Fine 0.5 mm (capped; item 35334 black dozen) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel with clear ink window, stainless-steel needle tip | 1984 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot Precise V5 Premium Rolling Ball Pen, Extra Fine 0.5 mm (capped; item 35334 black dozen)): Japan. Pilot's own promotional catalog (Pilot Pen Promo) gives Japan as the country of manufacture for both the capped Precise V5 and the V5 RT, and Stop & Shop and Hannaford list the black 2-pack as made in Japan (all read on October 20, 2026). The HD Supply listing cited earlier has been removed. Pilot Japan's own catalog doesn't sell the V5. Source: https://www.pilotpenpromo.com/p/product/f504babf-ef70-49f2-9e60-1e4d8ea6d741/precise-v5-premium-rolling-ball-pen-0-5mm ## Key takeaways - The V5 has a 0.5 mm Extra Fine needle tip; UK retailers say it draws a line about 0.3 mm wide. - JetPens lists the capped V5 at 13.4 cm (5.3 in) long and 10 g with ink; the retractable V5 RT is 14.2 cm and 11 g. - Pilot's European site dates the Hi-Tecpoint V5/V7 microball tip to 1984. - The capped V5 is not refillable; the V5 RT takes Pilot's 0.5 mm RT refill, black 2-pack item 77273. - US retailer spec sheets and Pilot's promotional catalog give Japan as the country of manufacture. ## What is the Pilot Precise V5? **The Pilot Precise V5 is a capped, disposable rollerball pen that writes with thin liquid ink through a 0.5 mm needle tip.** Pilot Corporation of Japan makes it, and Pilot Corporation of America sells it in the US under the Precise name. Outside the US, the same design is sold as the Hi-Tecpoint V5. Pilot's US packaging copy calls Precise America's #1 selling rolling ball pen brand, citing NPD Group US dollar sales data "on file". That is Pilot's claim; we haven't seen the data, and the copy doesn't say which year it covers. ## Pilot Precise V5 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation (Japan); US seller Pilot Corporation of America | | Type | Capped liquid-ink rollerball (Pilot says "rolling ball") | | Tip | 0.5 mm Extra Fine needle tip ("Precision Point") | | Line width | About 0.3 mm (per UK retailers) | | Length | 13.4 cm (5.3 in) capped · 12.2 cm (4.8 in) uncapped · 15.4 cm (6.1 in) posted | | Diameter | 9.2 mm at the grip · 10.6 mm max | | Weight | 10 g (0.35 oz) with ink | | Ink supply | Visible through a clear window in the barrel | | Refillable | No (the retractable V5 RT is) | | Made in | Japan (per US retailer spec sheets) | Length, diameter and weight are JetPens' figures. Goldspot lists slightly different ones (134.8 mm closed, about 8.5 g), so treat the last digit as approximate. Pilot doesn't publish dimensions in the sources we found. ## What makes a liquid-ink rollerball different? **A liquid-ink rollerball like the V5 feeds thin, free-flowing ink to the tip, so it glides with almost no pressure and lays down a dark, saturated line.** A [gel pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) uses thicker gel ink, and a [ballpoint](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/) uses oil-based paste that needs more pressure. Pilot's European site says the tip uses a tungsten-carbide microball held in a stainless-steel housing, a design it dates to 1984 and says it patented. Pilot's Japanese history traces the line back further, to the original Hi-Tecpoint (ハイテックポイント) of 1980, a water-based pen with a stainless pipe tip. The trade-off is that thin ink soaks into paper more, so paper matters. The Pen Addict called the V5 one of the smoothest writers around in a 2010 review and found it wrote well on Moleskine paper. ## Precise V5 vs V7 vs V5 RT: which should you choose? **Choose the V5 for small, crisp handwriting, the V7 for a bolder line, and the V5 RT if you want a click pen you can refill.** | Model | Tip | Line (per retailers) | Body | Refillable | |---|---|---|---|---| | Precise V5 | 0.5 mm Extra Fine | About 0.3 mm | Capped stick | No | | Precise V7 | 0.7 mm Fine | About 0.5 mm | Capped stick | No | | Precise V5 RT | 0.5 mm Extra Fine | About 0.3 mm | Retractable, rubber grip | Yes (item 77273, black) | | Precise V5 BeGreen | 0.5 mm Extra Fine | About 0.3 mm | Capped, recycled plastic | Retailer copy says it takes the V5 RT refill | JetPens lists the V5 RT at 14.2 cm (5.6 in) long and 11 g, a little longer and heavier than the capped V5. Staples says the BeGreen version is made from 89.2% recycled content. For an even finer needle tip with gel ink rather than liquid ink, Pilot's [Hi-Tec-C](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-hi-tec-c/) goes down to 0.25 mm. ## Is the Precise V5 sold in Japan? **Not that we could find: Pilot's Japanese catalog doesn't list a Hi-Tecpoint V5 or Precise V5.** The Precise and Hi-Tecpoint V5 names are for the US and export markets. Pilot Japan's own capped liquid-ink pen is the V-Corn (Vコーン), which Pilot's Japanese site dates to 1991 and calls a direct-liquid water-based pen, "like a fountain pen with a ball". Pilot's catalog lists the 0.5 mm V-Corn (LVE-10EF) at 135 mm long, 11.3 mm at its widest and 9.2 g, with a 0.3 mm line, for ¥110 (about US$0.70) including tax, and says it holds a Good Design Long Life Design Award. It is similar in concept but a different, Japan-market model, and Pilot doesn't say it is the same pen as the V5. Pilot Japan also sells a retractable V-Corn Knock in 0.5 and 0.7 mm at ¥220 (about US$1.40). ## Does the Precise V5 smear or bleed? **It can smear if touched straight after writing, because liquid ink takes longer to dry than ballpoint paste.** A ShopSavvy summary of user reviews says some buyers, especially left-handed writers, find it prone to smudging. Pilot doesn't publish a dry time. Bleed depends mostly on paper. On thin copy paper, expect a darker show-through than from a ballpoint; on smooth, heavier paper such as a [Midori MD notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/), the line should stay crisp. ## Is Precise V5 ink waterproof? **Pilot doesn't make a waterproof claim, and one artist's test found water reactivated the ink after 25 hours.** Some retailer copy calls the black ink water resistant or fade resistant, but that is a store summary rather than Pilot's wording. For checks, archival notes or ink-and-wash drawing, use a pigment pen such as the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) instead. ## Does the Precise V5 leak on planes? **Retailer copy says the V5 is airplane-safe, with an ink feed designed to resist leaks from air-pressure changes.** For the V5 RT, retailers credit the retracting mechanism. We haven't flown with one, so treat this as the maker's claim. ## Where is the Pilot Precise V5 made? **Pilot's own promotional catalog gives Japan as the country of manufacture for both the capped V5 and the V5 RT.** Stop & Shop and Hannaford also list the black 2-pack as made in Japan. ## How much does a Precise V5 cost? **The Precise V5 falls in our lowest price band, $: under $5 per pen in a typical multi-pack.** It is usually sold in 2-, 4-, 5- and 12-packs, and multi-color sets; check the per-pen price, since small packs cost more per pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Pilot Precise V5 a gel pen? No. It is a liquid-ink rollerball: the ink is thin and free-flowing and sits in an open reservoir you can see through the barrel, rather than a thick gel in a refill tube. ### What line does the Precise V5 draw? The tip is 0.5 mm, which Pilot calls Extra Fine. UK retailers selling the same pen as the Hi-Tecpoint V5 say it draws a line about 0.3 mm wide; one lists 0.5 mm, so the figure varies by listing. ### What is the difference between the Precise V5 and V7? Only the tip size. The V5 has a 0.5 mm Extra Fine tip and the V7 a 0.7 mm Fine tip, which UK retailers say draws about a 0.5 mm line. Both come capped or as retractable RT models. ### Can you refill a Pilot Precise V5? The capped stick V5 is disposable. The retractable Precise V5 RT takes Pilot's RT refill; the 0.5 mm black refill is sold in 2-packs as item 77273. ### Is Precise V5 ink waterproof? Don't rely on it. Some retailer copy calls the ink water resistant, but an artist's test reported that water still reactivated the ink after 25 hours. Pilot doesn't make a waterproof claim in the sources we found. ### Does the Precise V5 leak on planes? Retailer copy says the capped V5 has an airplane-safe ink feed designed to resist leaks from air-pressure changes. We haven't tested it in flight. ### Where is the Pilot Precise V5 made? US retailer spec sheets list Japan as the country of origin, and Pilot's promotional catalog gives Japan as the country of manufacture for the V5 RT. ## Sources - [100年の歴史 (Pilot Japan 100-year history: Hi-Tecpoint launched 1980)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/100th/history/) - [まるでボールのついた万年筆「Ｖコーン」（1991年発売） (Pilot Japan article: the V-Corn, launched 1991)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/media/knowledge/014.html) - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「Vコーン」LVE-10EF-B (Pilot Japan catalog: V-Corn 0.5 mm; 135 mm, 11.3 mm, 9.2 g, 0.3 mm line, ¥110)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100001085) - [Pilot Pen Europe: Liquid ink pens (Hi-Tecpoint V5/V7, microball tip launched 1984)](https://www.pilotpen.eu/our-products/liquid-ink-pens/) - [Pilot USA (Power to the Pen): Precise (America's #1 selling rolling ball pen brand, per Circana)](https://powertothepen.com/brands/precise/) - [Pilot Pen Promo: Precise V5 Premium Rolling Ball Pen 0.5 mm (country of manufacture Japan)](https://www.pilotpenpromo.com/p/product/f504babf-ef70-49f2-9e60-1e4d8ea6d741/precise-v5-premium-rolling-ball-pen-0-5mm) - [Pilot Pen Promo: Precise V5 RT Retractable Premium Rolling Ball Pen 0.5 mm (country of manufacture Japan)](https://www.pilotpenpromo.com/p/product/5bb09dc1-3d4a-499e-ab09-6b9f9e4b2746/precise-v5-retractable-premium-rolling-ball-pen-0-5mm) - [Pilot Pen Promo: Precise V5 Premium Rolling Ball Pen 0.5 mm](https://www.pilotpenpromo.com/p/product/f504babf-ef70-49f2-9e60-1e4d8ea6d741/precise-v5-premium-rolling-ball-pen-0-5mm) - [JetPens: Pilot Precise V5 Rollerball Pen, 0.5 mm, black (length, diameter, weight)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Precise-V5-Rollerball-Pen-0.5-mm-Black/pd/13995) - [JetPens: Pilot Precise V5 RT Retractable Rollerball Pen, 0.5 mm (length and weight)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Precise-V5-RT-Retractable-Rollerball-Pen-0.5-mm-Black-Pack-of-2/pd/17976) - [Stop & Shop: Pilot Precise V5 Extra Fine Black, 2 ct (made in Japan)](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/home-office/school-office/office-supplies/pilot-precise-v5-rolling-ball-pen-extra-fine-point-black-2-ct-pkg.html) - [Hannaford: Pilot Precise V5 Extra Fine Black, 2 ct](https://hannaford.com/groceries/home-office/school-office/office-supplies/pilot-precise-v5-rolling-ball-pen-extra-fine-point-black-2-ct-pkg.html) - [Publix: Pilot Precise V5 (No. 1 selling rolling ball pen brand, NPD data on file)](https://www.publix.com/pd/pilot-rolling-ball-pen-precise-v5-premium/RIO-PCI-142371) - [Target: Pilot Precise V5, 5 ct assorted (America's #1 selling rolling ball)](https://www.target.com/p/pilot-5ct-precise-v5-rolling-ball-pens-extra-fine-point-0-5mm-assorted-inks/-/A-13317328) - [Staples: Pilot Precise V5 red, 5-pack, item 26012 (airplane-safe copy)](https://www.staples.com/Pilot-Precise-V5-Premium-Rolling-Ball-Stick-Pens-Extra-Fine-Point-Red-5-Pack-26012/product_379739?back=true) - [OnTimeSupplies: Refill for Pilot Precise V5 RT, Extra Fine, black, 2-pack (77273)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pil77273-refill-for-pilot-precise-v5-rt-rolling-ball-extra-fine-conical-tip-black-ink-2-pack.html) - [Staples: Pilot Precise V5 BeGreen, black, dozen (26300; 89.2% recycled content)](https://www.staples.com/pilot-precise-v5-begreen-rollerball-pens-extra-fine-point-black-ink-dozen-26300/product_752367) - [Walmart: Pilot Precise V5, Extra Fine 0.5 mm, black, 4-pack](https://www.walmart.com/ip/17510764) - [Lyreco UK: Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V5, blue, 0.3 mm line width](https://www.lyreco.co.uk/en/product/147.622/pilot-hi-tecpoint-v5-roller-ball-blue-pens-0-3mm-line-width-box-of-12) - [Octopus Office: Pilot V7 Hi-Tecpoint, 0.7 mm tip, 0.5 mm line](https://supplies.octopus-office.co.uk/pilot-v7-red-hi-tec-liquid-rollerball-0-7mm-pk12) - [Unsharpen: Pilot Precise and Hi-Tecpoint pen guide (naming in and outside the US)](https://unsharpen.com/pilot-precise-and-hi-tecpoint-pen-guide/) - [The Pen Addict: Review, Pilot Precise V5 Extra Fine Blue (2010)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2010/10/27/review-pilot-precise-v5-extra-fine-blue.html) - [ShopSavvy: Pilot Precise V5 review summary (smudging reports)](https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/pilot-precise-v5-pens) - [Goodreads blog: Walmart art supply review, Pilot Precise V5 (water test after 25 hours)](https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/9374855-walmart-art-supply-review-pilot-precise-v5) --- # Sharpie Fine Point: Permanent Ink, Tip Size & Uses > The Sharpie Fine Point is the original Sharpie, a capped permanent marker with a bullet tip that draws a line about 1 mm wide. Sanford introduced it in 1964 as the first pen-style permanent marker. Sharpie says its alcohol-based ink is fade and water resistant and marks paper, plastic, metal and most surfaces; US spec sheets give US origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-fine-point/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped black Sharpie Fine Point permanent marker, about 13.7 cm (5.4 in) long: gray barrel printed with the Sharpie logo, black end cap and black snap-on cap with pocket clip, and a close-up of the bullet-shaped felt tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/sharpie-fine-point-16x9.png) *The classic black Sharpie Fine Point, item 30001.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/sharpie-fine-point-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Sharpie Permanent Marker, Fine Point (item 30001, black, box of 12) | Sharpie (by Sanford L.P., a Newell Brands company) | United States | United States | Plastic barrel and cap, felt bullet tip, alcohol-based ink | 1964 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Sharpie Permanent Marker, Fine Point (item 30001, black, box of 12)): United States. Per US business-supplier spec sheets for item 30001 (GoVets lists country of origin US; Officecrave says made in USA), and Hisco's listing for the replacement item 30001B. Inbound Logistics (October 2025) reports that Newell makes most Sharpies, in all 93 colors, at its Maryville, Tennessee factory, with only the felt tip imported from Japan; Wikipedia also names a plant in Mexicali, Mexico. One distributor notes that the country of origin is subject to change. Sharpie's product pages don't state it. Source: https://www.govets.com/newell-312-203349.html ## Key takeaways - Introduced by Sanford in 1964 as the first pen-style permanent marker; the Sharpie trademark was registered in 1966. - European retailers list the line width as about 1.0 mm, some as 0.9 mm; Sharpie doesn't publish a figure in the sources we found. - JetPens lists the marker at 13.7 cm (5.4 in) capped and 13.1 mm at its widest. - Black comes in boxes of 12 as item 30001; the 24-color assortment is item 75846. - US spec sheets list US origin for item 30001; Newell makes most Sharpies in Maryville, Tennessee, importing only the felt tip from Japan. ## What is the Sharpie Fine Point? **The Sharpie Fine Point is a capped permanent marker with a felt bullet tip and alcohol-based ink: the original Sharpie.** Sanford introduced it in 1964 as the first pen-style permanent marker, according to Sanford's company history, and Newell Brands says Sharpie invented the permanent marker category that year. Today the brand belongs to Newell Brands, through its Sanford L.P. subsidiary. When people say "a Sharpie", this is usually the marker they mean. The same brand also makes gel pens such as the [Sharpie S-Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/), which use a different, non-permanent ink. ## Sharpie Fine Point specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Sanford L.P. (Newell Brands), United States | | Type | Capped permanent marker with snap-on cap | | Tip | Felt bullet tip | | Line width | About 1.0 mm (some retailers list 0.9 mm) | | Ink | Alcohol-based, permanent; AP certified | | Length | 13.7 cm (5.4 in) capped · 12.3 cm (4.8 in) uncapped · 14.7 cm (5.8 in) posted | | Diameter | 10.6 mm at the grip · 13.1 mm max | | Black, box of 12 | Item 30001 | | 24-color assortment | Item 75846 | | Made in | United States (per US spec sheets) | Length and diameter come from JetPens. Sharpie doesn't publish dimensions, weight or line width in the sources we found. ## How wide is the line? **About 1 mm: wide enough for labels and signs, too bold for small handwriting.** Staples UK lists the black 12-pack at 1.0 mm; Digitec lists 1 mm for one 18-pack and 0.90 mm for another. ## What surfaces can a Sharpie Fine Point mark? **Sharpie says the ink is permanent on paper, plastic, metal and most other surfaces.** Sanford's history describes the 1964 original as made to write on glass, wood, stone, plastic, metal and paper. Sharpie also calls the ink quick-drying, fade resistant and water resistant. Water resistant is not the same as waterproof. For outdoor labels, Sharpie sells a separate Extreme Fine Point, which it markets as fade resistant against wet and dry conditions. ## Sharpie Fine Point vs Ultra Fine: which should you choose? **Choose the Fine Point for labels, boxes and signs, and the Ultra Fine for writing small or on narrow labels.** | | Sharpie Fine Point | Sharpie Ultra Fine Point | [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) 05 | |---|---|---|---| | Tip | Bullet, about 1 mm line | Finer point, thinner line | Fiber, 0.45 mm line | | Ink | Alcohol-based, permanent | Alcohol-based, permanent | Water-based pigment | | Marks plastic and metal | Yes (Sharpie) | Yes (Sharpie) | No | | Price band | $ | $ | $ | For writing in a notebook, a pigment fineliner such as the Micron or a felt tip like the [Paper Mate Flair](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-flair/) is the better pick: their water-based inks are made for paper, while alcohol ink is made for hard surfaces. ## Do Sharpies bleed through paper? **Expect show-through on thin paper: alcohol-based marker ink soaks into ordinary copy and notebook paper rather than sitting on top.** Sharpie markets the ink for plastic, metal and other hard surfaces, not for notebooks. We haven't tested specific papers yet; until then, use heavier paper, write on one side only, or slip a spare sheet behind the page. On a [Post-it Notes 654](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/post-it-notes-654/) square, show-through matters less, since only the note's front is ever read. ## Is the Sharpie Fine Point safe? **Sharpie says the ink is AP certified, and Office Depot's listing adds that it conforms to ASTM D4236.** AP certification means the art-materials body ACMI found no acute or chronic health risk in normal use. The ink is alcohol-based, so use it with some ventilation. ## Where is the Sharpie Fine Point made? **US business-supplier spec sheets list the United States as the country of origin for the black Fine Point, item 30001.** GoVets gives US and Officecrave says made in USA; Hisco says the same for the replacement item 30001B. One distributor adds that the country of origin is subject to change, and Sharpie's product pages don't state it. Inbound Logistics reported in October 2025 that Newell makes most Sharpies, in all 93 colors, at its Maryville, Tennessee factory, and that only the felt tip is imported, from Japan. Wikipedia also lists a Sharpie plant in Mexicali, Mexico. ## How much does a Sharpie Fine Point cost? **It falls in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per marker), in a typical multi-pack.** Black is most often sold by the dozen (item 30001), and color sets run from 8 to 24 markers. ## Frequently asked questions ### How wide is a Sharpie Fine Point line? About 1 mm. Sharpie doesn't publish a line width in the sources we found; European retailers list 1.0 mm for most packs and 0.9 mm for some. ### What is the difference between Sharpie Fine Point and Ultra Fine Point? The Ultra Fine Point has a finer tip for small writing and detail, while the Fine Point has the original bullet tip and a bolder line of about 1 mm. Both use the same permanent, alcohol-based ink. ### What surfaces can a Sharpie Fine Point write on? Sharpie says the ink is permanent on paper, plastic, metal and most other surfaces. Sharpie's own history describes the original marker as made for glass, wood, stone, plastic, metal and paper. ### Is Sharpie ink waterproof? Sharpie calls it water resistant and fade resistant, not waterproof. It sells a separate Sharpie Extreme Fine Point for outdoor use. ### Is the Sharpie Fine Point safe for kids? Sharpie says the ink is AP certified, and Office Depot's listing adds that it conforms to ASTM D4236. The ink is alcohol-based, so use it in a ventilated room and keep it away from skin. ### Do Sharpies bleed through paper? Yes, Sharpie Fine Point ink usually bleeds through ordinary notebook and copy paper, because alcohol-based marker ink soaks into thin paper. Use heavier paper or put a sheet behind the page; we haven't tested specific papers yet. ### Where are Sharpie Fine Point markers made? US business-supplier spec sheets for item 30001 list the United States as the country of origin. Sharpie is a Newell Brands brand based in the US. ### When was the Sharpie invented? Sanford introduced the Sharpie Fine Point in 1964 as the first pen-style permanent marker. The Sharpie logo trademark was first used in 1964 and registered in 1966. ## Sources - [Newell Brands: Sharpie brand page (launched in 1964; invented the permanent marker category)](https://www.newellbrands.com/our-brands/sharpie) - [Sharpie: Permanent Markers, Fine Point (ink and surface claims)](https://www.sharpie.com/markers/permanent-markers/sharpie-permanent-markers-fine-point/SP_1185579.html) - [Sharpie: Extreme Permanent Markers, Fine Point](https://www.sharpie.com/markers/permanent-markers/sharpie-extreme-permanent-markers-fine-point/SP_1185580.html) - [Sharpie: Retractable Permanent Markers, Fine Point](https://www.sharpie.com/markers/permanent-markers/sharpie-retractable-permanent-markers-fine-point/SP_1185598.html) - [That's a Trademark: Sharpie (first used 1964, registered 1966)](https://www.thatsatrademark.com/blog/sharpie) - [Reference for Business: Sanford L.P. company history (Sharpie 1964, first pen-style permanent marker)](https://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/71/Sanford-L-P.html) - [Goldspot: Sharpie history](https://goldspot.com/pages/sharpie-history) - [JetPens: Sharpie Permanent Marker, Fine Point, black (length, diameter, alcohol-based ink)](https://www.jetpens.com/Sharpie-Permanent-Marker-Fine-Point-Black/pd/14563) - [Office Depot: Sharpie Permanent Fine Point Markers, 12 assorted (AP certified, ASTM D4236)](https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/925531/Sharpie-Permanent-Fine-Point-Markers-Assorted/) - [GoVets: Sharpie Fine Point, gray barrel, black ink, 12-pack, MPN 30001 (country of origin US)](https://www.govets.com/newell-312-203349.html) - [Officecrave: Sharpie Fine Tip Permanent Marker, black (30001EA; made in USA)](https://www.officecrave.com/sharpie-30001ea.html) - [Hisco: Sharpie 30001B (made in the USA)](https://www.hisco.com/Product/10327019) - [ADI Global Distribution: Sharpie 30001 (country of origin US, subject to change)](https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-30001) - [Quill: Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, assorted, 24/pack (75846)](https://images.quill.com/sharpie-permanent-marker-fine-tip-assorted-24-pack-75846/cbs/204642.html?tab=3) - [Staples UK: Sharpie fine permanent marker, black, 12-pack (1.0 mm line width)](https://www.staples.co.uk/office-supplies-and-stationery/writing-supplies/marker-pens/permanent-markers/sharpie-08-permanent-marker-fine-black-pk-12-1985857/) - [Digitec: Sharpie Fine, 18 markers (line width)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/sharpie-fine-18x-markers-13915865) - [Inbound Logistics, October 2025: Sharpie rewrites supply chain strategy (most Sharpies made in Maryville, Tennessee; felt tip imported from Japan)](https://magazine.inboundlogistics.com/view/125389672/50) - [Wikipedia: Sharpie (marker) (manufactured in Mexicali, Mexico, and Maryville, Tennessee)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharpie_(marker)) - [CIPO (Canadian trademark database): SHARPIE registration TMA1147563, registered owner Sanford, L.P., Atlanta](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/cipo/trademark-search/1980166) --- # Zebra Mildliner: Mild Colors, Twin Tips & Ink > The Zebra Mildliner is a double-ended highlighter with a 4.0 mm chisel tip and a 1.0–1.4 mm bullet tip, filled with water-based pigment ink in muted 'mild' colors. Zebra of Tokyo launched it in Japan in 2009 and says the range reached 40 colors in 2025. It isn't refillable; origin is Japan or, for some US packs, Mexico. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-mildliner/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a Zebra Mildliner double-ended highlighter in Mild Blue with both caps off and lying above it, drawn in proportion: white barrel with a mild blue band, the fine bullet tip at one end and the 4 mm chisel tip at the other, with a close-up of the chisel](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/zebra-mildliner-16x9.png) *One Mildliner, two tips: a 4.0 mm chisel for highlighting and a fine bullet for writing.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/zebra-mildliner-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Zebra Mildliner double-ended highlighter (WKT7; US packs sold as Mildliner Double-Ended Creative Highlighter) | Zebra (by Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo); sold in the US by Zebra Pen Corporation) | Japan | Japan or Mexico (varies by pack) | Plastic barrel, felt chisel and bullet tips, water-based pigment ink | 2009 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Zebra Mildliner double-ended highlighter (WKT7; US packs sold as Mildliner Double-Ended Creative Highlighter)): Japan or Mexico (varies by pack). Hamster (Canada) lists Japan for the 5-pack MPN 78205, and Japanese-market retailers sell the WKT7 as made in Japan. Nordisco lists Mexico for the US 10-pack, item 78101, and Boston General Store lists a single Mildliner as made in Mexico. Zebra's Japanese product page doesn't state a country of manufacture, so check the pack. Source: https://www.hamster.ca/en/highlighters/mildliner-highlighters-845924 ## Key takeaways - Two tips on one pen: a 4.0 mm chisel for highlighting and a 1.0–1.4 mm bullet for underlining and writing, per Zebra Japan. - Zebra Japan lists the pen at 141.5 mm (5.6 in) long, 11.5 mm across and 10.1 g, for ¥132 (about US$0.80) including tax. - Zebra launched the Mildliner in 2009 and says the series passed 400 million pens shipped by February 2025. - The range grew to 35 colors in March 2022 and 40 colors with five new shades on January 20, 2025. - Japanese and Canadian retailers list Japan as the origin; several US listings for the 10-pack (item 78101) say Mexico. ## What is the Zebra Mildliner? **The Zebra Mildliner is a double-ended highlighter in muted "mild" colors, with a broad chisel tip on one end and a fine bullet tip on the other.** Zebra Co., Ltd. of Tokyo makes it; in the US it is sold by Zebra Pen Corporation as the Mildliner Double-Ended Creative Highlighter. Zebra's Japanese company history dates the launch to 2009, and the brand marked its 15th anniversary in 2024. Zebra's Japanese site lists one pen at ¥132 (about US$0.80) including tax. Its June 2025 press release says the series had passed 400 million pens shipped as of February 2025, by Zebra's own shipment figures. ## Zebra Mildliner specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Zebra Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) | | Model code | WKT7 (Japan); US packs by item number, e.g. 78101 | | Type | Double-ended highlighter / line marker | | Tips | 4.0 mm chisel · 1.0–1.4 mm bullet | | Ink | Water-based pigment | | Length | 141.5 mm (5.6 in) capped | | Diameter | 11.5 mm | | Weight | 10.1 g (0.36 oz), per Zebra Japan | | JAN (Mild Red) | 4901681401734 | | Refillable | No | | Made in | Japan or Mexico, depending on the pack | Tip sizes, size and weight come from Zebra's Japanese product page; retailers such as KDM give the same tip sizes. A few US listings give the chisel as 0.5 or 0.6 mm, which conflicts with Zebra's figure and looks like a listing error. ## What does "mild" mean? **"Mild" means softer, grayer versions of highlighter colors instead of bright fluorescent ink.** Zebra's Japanese copy describes them as calmer than conventional fluorescent highlighters, and the muted shades are why many people use Mildliners for color-coding notes, planners and bullet journals rather than only for highlighting. ## How many Mildliner colors are there? **Zebra's Japanese product page lists 40 colors: the range reached 35 in March 2022 and added five on January 20, 2025.** Outside Japan, Mildliners are mostly sold in themed sets of 5, plus 10-, 15- and 25-color assortments. JetPens has also sold a limited 40-color set. Set names and contents differ by country, so the same color can appear in different US and Japanese sets. Check the color names on the pack rather than the set name. ## What are the two tips for? **Use the 4.0 mm chisel to highlight a line of text and the 1.0–1.4 mm bullet to underline, box, write headings or draw small icons.** The chisel gives a thinner stroke if you turn it on its narrow edge. | Tip | Width | Good for | |---|---|---| | Chisel | 4.0 mm | Highlighting printed text, color blocks, headers | | Bullet | 1.0–1.4 mm | Underlining, handwriting, calendar marks | If you mainly write with color, the [Paper Mate Flair](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-flair/) felt tip gives a darker writing line, and a [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) is the usual choice for permanent outlines you later highlight. For brush lettering in color, see the [Tombow Dual Brush Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-dual-brush-pen/). To find highlighted pages again, [Post-it Flags 680](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/post-it-flags-680/) have a clear end that leaves the marked text readable. ## Do Mildliners bleed through paper? **Zebra's Japanese site says the water-based pigment ink doesn't show through to the back of the page.** That is the maker's claim. On thin planner paper, such as a [Hobonichi Techo](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/)'s, try a slow chisel stroke on a back page first. For gel and Bible highlighters that are sold as no-bleed, see our [highlighters that don't bleed](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-highlighters-that-dont-bleed/) comparison. To avoid dragging fresh gel or rollerball ink, let it dry before you highlight over it, or highlight first. ## Can you refill a Mildliner? **No: the double-ended Mildliner is disposable, and its tips aren't replaceable.** JetPens lists it as not refillable. Zebra Japan's "Mildliner no Moto" bottled ink (launched May 27, 2024; ¥935 (about US$5.90)) is for dipping a Mildliner tip into a second color to make gradients; Zebra counts 306 combinations. It isn't sold as a refill. ## Where is the Zebra Mildliner made? **It depends on the pack: Japanese and Canadian listings give Japan, while US listings for the 10-pack (item 78101) give Mexico.** Hamster in Canada lists Japan for the 5-pack MPN 78205, and Nordisco lists Mexico for item 78101. Zebra's Japanese product page doesn't state it, so check the packaging. ## How much does a Mildliner cost? **Mildliners fall in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen), in a typical multi-pack.** US 5-packs and larger assortments usually work out to well under $5 each; third-party sellers sometimes charge more for imported or limited sets. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size are the Mildliner tips? Zebra Japan gives 4 mm for the chisel end and 1.0–1.4 mm for the bullet end. The chisel covers a line of text; the bullet is for underlining, boxes and writing headings. ### How many Mildliner colors are there? Forty, according to Zebra's Japanese product page: the range reached 35 colors in March 2022 and Zebra added five more on January 20, 2025. Sets sold outside Japan usually contain 5, 10, 15 or 25 of them. ### Are Mildliners highlighters or markers? Both. Zebra sells them as line markers for highlighting, but the muted colors and the fine bullet end make them popular for writing, headings and color-coding in planners and journals. ### Do Mildliners bleed through paper? Zebra's Japanese site says the water-based pigment ink doesn't show through to the back of the page. That's the maker's claim; we haven't tested it yet, and on very thin paper some ghosting from the broad chisel end is possible. ### Can you refill a Mildliner? No. JetPens lists the double-ended Mildliner as not refillable, and the tips aren't replaceable. In 2024 Zebra Japan launched a bottled ink, Mildliner no Moto, for dipping a Mildliner tip into another color to make gradients, not for refilling. ### Where are Zebra Mildliners made? It depends on the pack. Japanese and Canadian listings give Japan, while US listings for the 10-pack item 78101 give Mexico. Zebra is a Tokyo company. ### What is the difference between the Mildliner and the Mildliner Brush? The standard Mildliner (WKT7) pairs a chisel tip with a fine bullet tip. The Mildliner Brush (WFT8), launched in Japan on March 18, 2019, pairs a brush tip with a 0.5–0.7 mm extra-fine bullet and comes in 25 colors in Japan. ## Sources - [ゼブラ株式会社: ラインマーカー マイルドライナー (Zebra Japan product page, read in full: 40 colors, 4 mm / 1.0–1.4 mm, 11.5 × 141.5 mm, 10.1 g, ¥132, JAN)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/mildliner/) - [ゼブラ株式会社: 沿革 (Zebra company history: Mildliner launched 2009)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/corp/history/) - [ゼブラ株式会社: マイルドライナーブラッシュ (Zebra Japan: brush and 0.5–0.7 mm extra-fine tips, 25 colors)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/mildliner_brush/) - [ゼブラ株式会社: マイルドライナーのもと (Zebra Japan: bottled Mildliner ink for dipping tips, 306 gradients)](https://www.zebra.co.jp/pro/detail/mildliner_no_moto/) - [「マイルドライナー新色」1月20日発売 (Zebra press release, Digital PR Platform: five new colors, 40 in all, January 20, 2025)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/100979) - [「マイルドライナー フレグランスシリーズ」6月23日限定発売 (Zebra press release: 2009 launch, 400 million pens shipped as of February 2025)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/110702) - [ReseMom / PR Times (Japanese): ten new Mildliner colors, March 22, 2022 (35 colors)](https://resemom.jp/release/prtimes/20220315/79955.html) - [GetNavi (Japanese): five 'chill' Mildliner colors added in 2025](https://getnavi.jp/variety/1009238/) - [Oggi (Japanese): Zebra Mildliner Brush on sale March 18, 2019 (15 colors at launch)](https://oggi.jp/449613) - [One Suite (Japanese): Mildliner no Moto ink, May 27, 2024](https://one-suite.jp/news/14847/) - [Zebra Pen (US): Mildliner Double-Ended Highlighter](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/mildliner-double-ended-highlighter) - [Zebra Pen (US): Zebra Pen Corp. celebrating 40 years in the US (founded Tokyo 1897; US company 1982)](https://www.zebrapen.com/blogs/news/zebra-pen-corp-celebrating-40-years-of-success-in-the-us) - [JetPens: Zebra Mildliner Double-Sided Highlighter, Fine / Bold, Mild Violet (length, weight, not refillable)](https://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-Mildliner-Double-Sided-Highlighter-Fine-Bold-Mild-Violet/pd/12733) - [JetPens: Zebra Mildliner Double-Sided Highlighter, US, 10-color set](https://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-Mildliner-Double-Sided-Highlighter-US-Fine-Bold-10-Color-Set-2/pd/26846) - [KDM (Japanese): Mildliner fine/bold, Mild Yellow (pigment ink, 4.0 mm and 1.0–1.4 mm)](https://www.kdm.bz/p65351.html) - [Hamster (Canada): Zebra Mildliner double-ended highlighters, MPN 78205 (country of origin Japan)](https://www.hamster.ca/en/highlighters/mildliner-highlighters-845924) - [Nordisco: Zebra 78101 Mildliner Double Ended Creative Marker, 10-color set (country of origin Mexico)](https://www.nordisco.com/products/zebra-pen-mildliner-double-ended-creative-markers-zeb78101.html) - [Boston General Store: Zebra Mildliner Double-Ended Highlighter (made in Mexico)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/zebra-midliner-double-ended-highlighter) - [Walmart: Mildliner Zebra listings (5- to 25-packs)](https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/mildliner-zebra) --- # Happy Planner Value Pack Stickers: Sizes & Counts > A Happy Planner Value Pack is a sticker book from The Happy Planner, the planner brand of California's me & my BIG ideas. A Classic pack holds 30 sheets of about 4.75 × 9 in, with roughly 500 to 1,400 stickers depending on the theme, sized for the Classic Happy Planner. Office-supply retailers list China as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Happy Planner Classic value pack sticker book drawn to scale: the closed 4.75 × 9 in book with a floral cover, and the book open on a decorative sheet and a sheet of fill-in checklists, labels and icons](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers-16x9.png) *A Classic value pack, closed and open on two of its 30 sheets.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | The Happy Planner Sticker Value Pack (Classic, 30 sheets) | The Happy Planner (by me & my BIG ideas (Fountain Valley, California)) | United States | China | Paper stickers, with clear stickers and metallic foil accents in some packs | – | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (The Happy Planner Sticker Value Pack (Classic, 30 sheets)): China. OnTimeSupplies and OfficeCrave list China (CN) as the country of origin for the All the Essentials Mega Value Pack, the Booklist pack (680 stickers) and the Essentials Home Classic pack (734 stickers). Several eBay listings also say China, but one seller lists a Teacher Notes pack as made in the United States. The Happy Planner's own pages don't state it in the sources we found, so check the pack. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/thlsp1h100005-all-the-essentials-mega-value-pack-stickers-productivity-theme-2172-stickers.html ## Key takeaways - A standard Classic value pack has 30 sheets; the sticker count runs from 519 (Pressed Florals) to 1,424 (Budget) in the packs we found. - The Happy Planner lists a Classic value pack at 9 × 0.25 × 4.75 in (about 23 × 0.6 × 12 cm), and the 100-sheet Mega pack at 9 × 1 × 4.75 in. - The All the Essentials Mega Value Pack (SP1H100-005) has 100 sheets and 2,172 stickers. - Mini packs exist too: Choose Happy for the Mini Happy Planner has 30 sheets and 749 stickers. - OnTimeSupplies and OfficeCrave list several value packs, including the mega pack, with China (CN) as the country of origin. ## What is a Happy Planner Value Pack? **A Happy Planner Value Pack is a bound book of planner sticker sheets, sold in dozens of themes by The Happy Planner.** Each Classic pack has 30 sheets that mix decorative stickers with functional ones: checklists, boxes, banners and labels sized for the brand's own disc-bound planners. The Happy Planner is the planner line of me & my BIG ideas, a Fountain Valley, California company started by Terri Gick and Stephanie Fleming. A review site dates the Happy Planner launch to 2015, after a scrapbook sticker business that began in 1998. ## Happy Planner Value Pack specs | Spec | Classic value pack | |---|---| | Maker | me & my BIG ideas (The Happy Planner) | | Sheets | 30 per book | | Sheet size | 4.75 × 9 in (about 12 × 23 cm); book 9 × 0.25 × 4.75 in, per The Happy Planner | | Stickers per book | About 500 to 1,400+, by theme | | Material | Paper; some packs add clear stickers | | Finish | Matte, with metallic foil accents in many themes | | Adhesive | Not stated by the maker | | Fits | Classic Happy Planner and Classic Happy Notes | | Made in | China, per office-supply retailers | Counts and fit come from The Happy Planner's product pages; sheet size, finish and origin come from retailer listings. ![Happy Planner Classic sticker sheet drawn to scale at 4.75 by 9 inches, with a chart of 30-sheet packs holding 519 to 1,424 stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/images/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers-sheet.svg) *Same 30 sheets, very different counts: functional packs pack in small stickers.* ## How many stickers are in each pack? **Sticker counts vary almost threefold between 30-sheet Classic packs, because themes with small functional stickers fit more per sheet.** | Pack | Size | Sheets | Stickers | |---|---|---|---| | Pressed Florals | Classic | 30 | 519 | | Fill In Productivity | Classic | 30 | 540 | | Peony & Sky | Classic | 30 | 594 | | Jungle Vibes | Classic | 30 | 778 | | Moods Mindfulness | Classic | 30 | 793 | | Essentials Trackers and Checklists | Classic | 30 | 990 | | Budget | Classic | 30 | 1,424 | | Choose Happy | Mini | 30 | 749 | | All the Essentials (Mega) | 4.75 × 9 in | 100 | 2,172 | Decorative themes such as Pressed Florals have fewer, larger stickers. The Budget pack, with its small icons and labels, has the most of any 30-sheet pack we found. ## Which Happy Planner size do the stickers fit? **Standard value packs are sized for the Classic Happy Planner, so buy Mini packs for the Mini.** The Happy Planner says the Fill In Productivity stickers fit the daily column of the Classic weekly view, and the Choose Happy Mini pack fits the horizontal weekly boxes of the Mini. The stickers work in other planners when the boxes are a similar size. Measure a daily column before using functional stickers in a different system, such as a [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/), whose A6 pages are much smaller. ## What are Happy Planner stickers made of? **They are paper stickers, and many packs mix in clear stickers and metallic foil.** A Walmart listing describes Pressed Florals as matte paper and transparent stickers with foil accents. Other listings mention gold-tone foil in Essentials Home and silver foil in the Budget pack. The Happy Planner doesn't publish the adhesive type or say whether the stickers are removable. Treat them as permanent until you have tested one. ## Can you write on Happy Planner stickers, and how do they behave on thin paper? **The matte paper stickers are meant to be written on, but the maker doesn't list which pens work.** Fill-in packs are made of checklists and boxes, so writing is the point. Foil and clear stickers are a different surface, and ink may sit on top of them. On thin paper such as the Tomoe River paper in a Hobonichi, any paper sticker adds a layer that can show through or wrinkle the page. We haven't tested this. ## Is a value pack better than single sticker sheets? **For heavy planner users, yes: one book covers months of weekly spreads in one coordinated theme.** Single sheets suit someone who decorates now and then. If you plan in a Japanese notebook and want stickers that peel off cleanly, removable washi stickers such as [Midori Yuru Log](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/) are the other common route. For a TRAVELER'S notebook, compare the [Customized Sticker Set](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-customized-sticker-set/). Avery's 30-sheet [Planner Stickers Variety Pack](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/avery-planner-stickers-variety-pack/) is a mixed-theme alternative sold at office-supply stores. Among other US sticker books, [Erin Condren's](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/erin-condren-sticker-book/) have 12 foil sheets, and Michaels' [Recollections planner books](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/recollections-planner-sticker-book/) list up to 2,234 stickers. ## Where are Happy Planner stickers made? **Office-supply retailers list China as the country of origin for Happy Planner value packs.** OnTimeSupplies and OfficeCrave give CN for the All the Essentials Mega Value Pack and for two Classic packs. One eBay seller lists a Teacher Notes pack as made in the United States, and The Happy Planner's own pages don't say, so check the back of the pack you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many stickers are in a Happy Planner value pack? It depends on the theme. The 30-sheet Classic packs we found range from 519 stickers (Pressed Florals) to 1,424 (Budget), and the 100-sheet All the Essentials Mega Value Pack has 2,172. ### What size are Happy Planner value pack sticker sheets? The Happy Planner lists a Classic value pack book at 9 × 0.25 × 4.75 in, so the sheets are about 4.75 × 9 in (12 × 23 cm); retailers give the same sheet size. The 100-sheet Mega pack is 1 in thick. ### Do Happy Planner Classic stickers fit a Mini or Big Happy Planner? Classic packs are fitted for the Classic Happy Planner. The Happy Planner sells separate Mini packs, such as Choose Happy with 749 stickers, whose designs fit the Mini's weekly boxes, so check the size on the pack. ### Are Happy Planner stickers removable? The Happy Planner doesn't say whether its value-pack adhesive is removable in the sources we found. Treat them as permanent until you have tested one on a spare page. ### Can you write on Happy Planner stickers? Many packs include fill-in stickers such as checklists, trackers and boxes meant to be written on. The maker doesn't list compatible pens, so test gel and felt-tip pens on a spare sticker first. ### Where are Happy Planner stickers made? Office-supply retailers list China as the country of origin for several value packs. The brand, The Happy Planner, belongs to me & my BIG ideas of Fountain Valley, California. ### Do Happy Planner stickers work in other planners? Yes, as long as the sizes match your boxes. Functional stickers are sized for the Classic weekly columns, so measure your planner's daily box before using them elsewhere. ## Sources - [The Happy Planner: Fill In Productivity Value Pack (30 sheets, 540 stickers, Classic daily column)](https://thehappyplanner.com/products/fill-in-productivity-value-pack) - [The Happy Planner: Peony & Sky Value Pack Stickers (SVP130-256: 30 sheets, 594 stickers, 9 × 0.25 × 4.75 in, fitted for Classic)](https://thehappyplanner.com/products/peony-sky-value-pack-stickers) - [The Happy Planner: Value Pack Stickers, Essentials Trackers and Checklists (990 stickers)](https://thehappyplanner.com/products/value-pack-stickers-essentials-trackers-and-checklists) - [The Happy Planner: Classic Budget Value Pack (30 pages, 1,424 stickers, silver foil)](https://thehappyplanner.com/collections/all-catalog-rewards/products/hp-cls-budget-vp-stkr) - [The Happy Planner: Value Pack Sticker Book, Choose Happy (Mini, 749 stickers)](https://thehappyplanner.com/collections/sticker-packs/products/value-pack-sticker-book-choose-happy-mini) - [The Happy Planner: Mega Value Pack, All the Essentials (SP1H100-005: 100 sheets, 2,172 stickers, 9 × 1 × 4.75 in)](https://thehappyplanner.com/collections/sale/products/mega-value-pack-stickers-100-sheets-all-the-essentials) - [OnTimeSupplies: All the Essentials Mega Value Pack SP1H100-005 (2,172 stickers, country of origin CN)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/thlsp1h100005-all-the-essentials-mega-value-pack-stickers-productivity-theme-2172-stickers.html) - [OfficeCrave: All the Essentials Mega Value Pack (4.75 × 9 in sheets, metallic foil)](https://www.officecrave.com/the-happy-planner-all-the-essentials-mega-value-pack-stickers-productivity-theme-2-172-stickers-sp1h100005.html) - [OfficeCrave: Essentials Tracker & Checklist Classic Stickers SVP130-151 (4.75 × 9 in)](https://www.officecrave.com/the-happy-planner-essentials-tracker-checklist-classic-stickers-productivity-theme-990-pack-svp130151.html) - [Walmart: Happy Planner Value Pack, Pressed Florals (30 sheets, 519 stickers, matte, clear and foil)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/649760439) - [Walmart: Happy Planner Value Pack, Jungle Vibes (778 stickers)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/921310229) - [Planners Avenue: Moods Mindfulness Value Pack (793 stickers, 9 × 4.75 in)](https://plannersavenue.com/products/happy-planner-moods-mindfulness-sticker-book-classic-value-pack) - [Walmart Corporate (2018): The mother-daughter team behind The Happy Planner](https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2018/08/15/meet-the-mother-daughter-team-behind-the-seasons-happiest-planner) - [CB Insights: The Happy Planner (Fountain Valley, California)](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/the-happy-planner) - [Honest Brand Reviews: The Happy Planner review (2015 launch, 1998 sticker business)](https://www.honestbrandreviews.com/reviews/the-happy-planner-review/) --- # Midori Yuru Log Stickers: Removable Washi Sheets > Midori Yuru Log stickers are small, removable washi-paper stickers from Midori, a brand of Japan's Designphil, made to decorate the Yuru Log journal and other notebooks. Each sheet is 11.5 × 17.2 cm; packs hold 29 to 62 stickers. Writable versions take water-based pens, and Midori lists them as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Midori Yuru Log washi sticker sheet drawn to scale: a 1-sheet pack of 119 × 176 mm, and the 11.5 × 17.2 cm sheet of small animal, flower and leaf stickers with three peeled off](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/midori-yuru-log-stickers-16x9.png) *A Yuru Log sheet in its pack and out of it, with a few stickers peeled off.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-yuru-log-stickers-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Midori Yuru Log Stickers (1-sheet removable pack, Animals 82677006) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Washi paper, re-peelable adhesive | – | $: under $5 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (Midori Yuru Log Stickers (1-sheet removable pack, Animals 82677006)): Japan. Midori's Japanese online store gives 原産国 (country of origin) MADE IN JAPAN for every Yuru Log sticker pack we checked: Animals (82677006), Decorations (82680006), My Life (82675006), Watercolor (82676006) and Motif Textile (82705006). Dromgooles and Hunter Paper Co. agree. Source: https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/82677006.html ## Key takeaways - Each Yuru Log sheet measures 11.5 × 17.2 cm (about 4.5 × 6.8 in), per JetPens. - JetPens lists 62 stickers on the 1-sheet Animals pack and 30 on the 2-sheet My Life pack, which pairs a large sheet with a small one. - Midori's Japanese store sells 1-sheet packs for ¥396 (about US$2.50) and 2-sheet packs for ¥572 (about US$3.60), tax included. - Midori's 2-sheet packs and the 1-sheet Decorations pack have a coating for water-based pens; the 1-sheet Animals, Motif and Feelings packs are decoration only. - Midori's Japanese store lists Yuru Log stickers as made in Japan, in a 176 × 119 × 1 mm pack. ## What are Midori Yuru Log stickers? **Yuru Log stickers are small washi-paper stickers from Midori, sold to decorate Designphil's Yuru Log journal.** Yuru Log ("relaxed log") is a notebook series for light, everyday record-keeping, and the stickers fill the gaps between short entries: animals, cats, flowers, textile motifs and small decorations. Midori is a brand of Designphil Inc. of Tokyo, the same company behind the [Midori MD Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/) and the [TRAVELER'S notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/). The stickers are not tied to one notebook size, so they work in any journal or planner. ## Midori Yuru Log sticker specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Designphil Inc. (Midori brand) | | Sheet size | 11.5 × 17.2 cm (4.5 × 6.8 in), per JetPens | | Pack size | 176 × 119 × 1 mm | | Packs | 1 sheet or 2 sheets (one large, one small) | | Stickers per pack | 29 to 62, by design (JetPens) | | Sticker size | About 0.7 cm square up to 5.5 × 8 cm (JetPens) | | Material | Washi (Japanese paper) | | Adhesive | Re-peelable (再剥離) | | Writable | 2-sheet packs and the 1-sheet Decorations pack take water-based pens | | Japan price | ¥396 (about US$2.50) for 1 sheet, ¥572 (about US$3.60) for 2 sheets, tax included | | Made in | Japan (Midori) | Material, adhesive, writability, pack size, prices and origin come from Midori's Japanese online store; sheet size, sticker counts and sizes from JetPens. ![Midori Yuru Log sticker sheet drawn to scale at 11.5 by 17.2 cm with stickers from 0.7 to 2 cm, and counts of 62, 58, 30 and 29 per pack](https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-yuru-log-stickers-sheet.svg) *Most Yuru Log stickers are small enough to fit beside a line of handwriting.* ## Which Yuru Log pack should you buy? **Choose a 1-sheet pack for many small accents, a 2-sheet pack for larger pictures, and a writable version if you want to label them.** | Pack | Item number | Sheets | Stickers (JetPens) | Sizes (JetPens) | Writable (Midori) | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Animals | 82677006 | 1 | 62 | About 0.7 to 2 cm | No | | Decorations | 82680006 | 1 | 58 | About 1.5 × 0.5 to 2 × 2 cm | Yes | | My Life | 82675006 | 2 | 30 | About 1.5 cm to 5.5 × 8 cm | Yes | | Motif Textile | 82705006 | 2 | 29 | Varies | Yes | Midori's 2-sheet writable packs pair a sheet of large stickers to write on with a sheet of small ones for margins. Other Japanese designs include Motif and Feelings (1 sheet) and Forest Animals, Cat, Nordic, Watercolor and Travel and Hotel (2 sheets); not all reach US shops. ## Can you write on Yuru Log stickers? **Yes on the writable versions, which Midori gives a special surface coating so water-based pens can write on the washi.** That group includes water-based pigment fineliners such as the [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/), and Midori also suggests stamping its Paintable Stamps on them. The 1-sheet Animals, Motif and Feelings packs are sold as decoration, without that claim. Midori also warns that ink or toner can get onto the adhesive side, so test first. ## Are Yuru Log stickers removable, and are they safe on thin paper? **Yes: Midori uses a re-peelable adhesive, so the stickers can be lifted and moved.** Midori suggests moving them after a page is written to rebalance the layout, and says to peel slowly because the material is very thin. Washi stickers are thin, which suits lightweight planner paper such as the Tomoe River paper in the [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). We haven't tested how cleanly they lift from it, so peel slowly and try a back page first. ## How do Yuru Log stickers compare to planner sticker books? **Yuru Log stickers are small, removable decorations, while US sticker books such as [Happy Planner value packs](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers/) are mostly functional, sized for one planner.** A Happy Planner Classic book has 30 sheets of paper stickers; a Yuru Log pack has one or two sheets of washi. Choose Yuru Log for light journaling, and a sticker book if you want boxes and checklists for every week. For borders and strips rather than shapes, a roll of [mt washi tape](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mt-washi-tape/) is 15 mm wide and, in current Japanese single rolls, 7 m long. ## Where are Midori Yuru Log stickers made? **Midori's Japanese online store lists Yuru Log stickers as made in Japan.** Every pack we checked, from the 1-sheet Animals to the 2-sheet Motif Textile, gives MADE IN JAPAN. Dromgooles and Hunter Paper Co. say the same. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are Midori Yuru Log stickers removable? Yes. Midori makes them from washi with a re-peelable adhesive and says you can move them after a page is finished to rebalance the layout. Because the washi is very thin, it says to peel slowly. ### Can you write on Midori Yuru Log stickers? The writable versions are made for it: every 2-sheet pack and the 1-sheet Decorations pack. Midori gives their washi a special surface coating so water-based pens work; the other 1-sheet packs are sold as decoration only. ### How big is a Yuru Log sticker sheet? JetPens lists the sheet at 11.5 × 17.2 cm, about 4.5 × 6.8 in. Midori gives the packaged size as 176 × 119 × 1 mm. ### How many stickers come in a Yuru Log pack? It varies by design. JetPens lists 62 stickers on the 1-sheet Animals pack, 58 on the Decorations sheet, 30 on the 2-sheet My Life pack and 29 on the 2-sheet Motif Textile pack. Midori doesn't publish counts. ### What is Yuru Log? Yuru Log is a Designphil notebook series for relaxed, low-effort journaling under the Midori brand. The stickers are sold to decorate it, but they work in any notebook or planner. ### Where are Midori Yuru Log stickers made? In Japan. Midori's Japanese online store lists every Yuru Log sticker pack we checked as MADE IN JAPAN. Midori is a brand of Designphil, based in Tokyo. ### Are Yuru Log stickers good for thin planner paper? Washi is thin, and the adhesive is re-peelable, which suits delicate pages; Midori says to peel slowly. We haven't tested them on Tomoe River paper, so try one on a back page first. ## Sources - [手帳シール｜ゆるログ 日々の記録を彩るシール 1枚入 動物柄(82677006) (Midori Japan online store: Animals, 1 sheet, washi, re-peelable, ¥396, 176 × 119 × 1 mm, made in Japan)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/82677006.html) - [手帳シール｜ゆるログ 水性ペンで書けるシール 1枚入 飾り柄(82680006) (Midori Japan online store: Decorations, writable with water-based pens, peel slowly)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/82680006.html) - [手帳シール｜ゆるログ 水性ペンで書けるシール 2枚入 マイライフ柄(82675006) (Midori Japan online store: My Life, 2 sheets, writable, ¥572)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/82675006.html) - [手帳シール｜ゆるログ 水性ペンで書けるシール 2枚入 モチーフテキスタイル柄(82705006) (Midori Japan online store: Motif Textile by Sarahbel, writable)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/82705006.html) - [JetPens: Midori Yuru Log Removable Stickers, Animals (62 stickers, 11.5 × 17.2 cm, pens)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Yuru-Log-Removable-Stickers-Animals/pd/43006) - [JetPens: Midori Yuru Log Removable Writable Stickers, Decorations (58 stickers)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Yuru-Log-Removable-Writable-Stickers-Decorations/pd/43009) - [JetPens: Midori Yuru Log Removable Stickers, My Life, 2 sheets (30 stickers)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Yuru-Log-Removable-Stickers-My-Life-2-Sheets/pd/43004) - [JetPens: Midori Yuru Log Removable Writable Stickers, Motif Textile (29 stickers)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Yuru-Log-Removable-Writable-Stickers-Motif-Textile/pd/49129) - [丸善ジュンク堂: ミドリ シール ゆるログ 2枚入 水彩柄 (Maruzen Junkudo, Japanese retailer: JAN 4902805826761, washi, writable, re-peelable)](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/4902805826761) - [丸善ジュンク堂: ミドリ シール ゆるログ 1枚入 飾り柄 (Maruzen Junkudo: JAN 4902805826808, 176 × 119 × 1 mm)](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/4902805826808) - [Bic Camera: Midori Yuru Log sticker, 2 sheets](https://www.biccamera.com/bc/item/13728090/) - [Dromgooles: Midori Yuru Log Decoration Sticker, Floral, 2 sheets (writable coating, made in Japan)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/midori-yuru-log-decoration-sticker-floral-2-sheets) - [Yoseka Stationery: Yuru Log 1 Sheet Sticker, Animal (US listing)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/yuru-log-1-sheet-sticker-animal) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Midori Yuru Log Stickers, Floral (2 sheets, washi, made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/midori-yuru-log-stickers-floral) - [Papeterie Makkura: Midori Yuru Log Sticker Set, Textile Patterns (82705006, Sarahbel, 2 sheets, writable)](https://papeterie-makkura.fr/en/stickers/6824-midori-yuru-log-sticker-set-textile-patterns-82705006-4902805827058.html) --- # TRAVELER'S Customized Sticker Set: 2027 Edition > The TRAVELER'S notebook Customized Sticker Set is a yearly set of stickers from Traveler's Company of Japan, released with its diaries. The 2027 set has index, pocket, icon and cover stickers plus dry transfers, on 6 PET and paper sheets of about 8.3 × 4.5 in. It fits Regular and Passport notebooks and is made in Japan, per Traveler's Company. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-customized-sticker-set/ - Category: Stickers - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![TRAVELER'S Customized Sticker Set drawn to scale: six 211 × 114 mm sheets with index tabs, icon, pocket, dry-transfer and cover stickers, beside a 220 × 120 mm Regular cover wearing cover stickers and index tabs](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/travelers-notebook-customized-sticker-set-16x9.png) *The six sheets, and a Regular cover wearing some of the stickers.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/travelers-notebook-customized-sticker-set-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | TRAVELER'S notebook Customized Sticker Set for 2027 Diary | Traveler's Company (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | PET and paper stickers, dry transfers | 2026-09-10 | $$: $5–20 per pack or book, as sold | - Made in (TRAVELER'S notebook Customized Sticker Set for 2027 Diary): Japan. Traveler's Company's Japanese product page marks the set MADE IN JAPAN next to No.84810006, and Boston General Store and Hunter Paper Co. (UK), which sell the 2027 set, also list it as made in Japan. Source: https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/2027-diary/sticker-set-2027 ## Key takeaways - The 2027 set went on sale in Japan with the 2027 diaries on September 10, 2026, and in the US and Canada on October 19, 2026, per Traveler's Company. - Boston General Store lists the set as 6 sheets of PET and paper stickers, each 8.3 × 4.5 in (about 211 × 114 mm). - The sheet is about the size of a Regular refill (110 × 210 mm), so it fits inside a Regular cover. - Traveler's Company lists 6 sticker types: customize, dry transfer (インレタ), index, schedule, clear round and film pocket stickers. - Traveler's Company lists the set (No. 84810006) at ¥924 (about US$5.80) in Japan, tax included, in a 210 × 110 × 1 mm package, made in Japan. ## What is the TRAVELER'S notebook Customized Sticker Set? **It is the yearly sticker set Traveler's Company issues with its diaries, for labeling and decorating a TRAVELER'S notebook.** In Japan it is called カスタマイズシール (customize stickers). Each year gets a new design, sold in limited quantities during diary season only, per Designphil; the 2027 theme is "Every TRAVELER'S notebook is unique and that's wonderful" (みんな違って、みんないい), shared with that year's plastic sheet and clear folder. Traveler's Company is a Designphil brand from Tokyo, the maker of the [TRAVELER'S notebook Regular](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/). The set is aimed at people using its weekly or monthly diary refills, but the stickers work in any insert. ## Customized Sticker Set specs | Spec | 2027 edition | |---|---| | Maker | Traveler's Company (Designphil Inc.) | | Item number | 84810006 | | Sheets | 6 (Traveler's Company) | | Sheet size | 8.3 × 4.5 in (about 211 × 114 mm), per Boston General Store | | Material | PET and paper | | Package | 210 × 110 × 1 mm (Traveler's Company) | | Japan list price | ¥924 (about US$5.80), tax included | | Contents | Customize, dry transfer, index, schedule, clear round and film pocket stickers | | Fits | Regular and Passport notebooks | | Released | September 10, 2026 (Japan); October 19, 2026 (US and Canada) | | Made in | Japan, per Traveler's Company and retailers | Contents, price, sheet count, package size, dates, item number and origin come from Traveler's Company's Japanese product page, and Designphil's press release confirms the price and date; the sheet size comes from Boston General Store. Note that Boston's 4.5 in (114 mm) width is slightly more than the 110 mm package width Traveler's Company gives, so treat it as approximate. Boston adds that the set includes nine limited-edition theme stickers, and Hunter Paper Co. in the UK lists it at £9 (about US$12). ![TRAVELER'S Customized Sticker Set sheet drawn to scale at about 211 by 114 mm beside a 110 by 210 mm Regular refill and an 89 by 124 mm Passport refill](https://stationerytimes.com/images/travelers-notebook-customized-sticker-set-size.svg) *The sheets are about the size of a Regular refill and larger than a Passport refill.* ## What do the different stickers do? **Each sticker type in the set has a job: tabbing, storing, marking plans or decorating.** | Type | What it's for | |---|---| | Index stickers | Tabs on page edges to find months or sections | | Pocket stickers | A sticker pocket for cards, receipts or tickets | | Icon stickers | Small symbols for plans such as travel or meetings | | Dry transfers | Rub-on designs that leave no sticker edge | | Cover stickers | Decoration for the leather cover or refill covers | Traveler's Company describes these groups on its product page but doesn't publish per-sheet sticker counts. Boston General Store adds that the set includes alphabet characters for headings and colored dots for habit tracking. ## Can you write on the stickers? **Traveler's Company doesn't say which pens work, and the answer differs by material.** Paper stickers usually accept pens like the paper around them. PET, a clear plastic film, is slick, so ink can sit on top and smear. Dry transfers leave just the printed image on the page, so you write around them rather than on them. ## Does it fit the Passport size? **Yes: Boston General Store and Hunter Paper Co. sell the same set for both Regular and Passport notebooks.** The sheets are about Regular size (a Regular refill is 110 × 210 mm), while a Passport refill is 89 × 124 mm. The individual stickers are small enough to move into either. ## How does it compare to other planner stickers? **It is a small, functional set tied to one notebook system, while [Happy Planner value packs](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/happy-planner-value-pack-stickers/) give 30 sheets of themed stickers per book.** Washi decorations such as [Midori Yuru Log stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-yuru-log-stickers/) come from the same parent company and are removable, as are Designphil's tiny PET [Midori Planner Stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-planner-stickers/). Traveler's Company also sells other sticker items: a 10-sheet Tokyo limited set, and refill 031, a 32-page sticker release paper insert (210 × 110 × 4 mm) made from the smooth backing paper left behind after you peel stickers, so you can park stickers and move them later. ## How do the stickers behave on thin paper? **PET and paper stickers add stiffness to a page, so place index tabs on heavier pages where you can.** TRAVELER'S refills use MD Paper, which is heavier than the thin Tomoe River paper in a Hobonichi. We haven't tested peeling these stickers from either paper. ## Where is the Customized Sticker Set made? **In Japan: Traveler's Company's Japanese product page marks the set MADE IN JAPAN, next to No.84810006.** Boston General Store and Hunter Paper Co., which sell the 2027 set, both say Japan too. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is in the TRAVELER'S notebook Customized Sticker Set? Traveler's Company says the 2027 set includes index and pocket stickers, icon stickers to mark different plans, dry transfers and stickers to decorate the cover. Its product page lists 6 sheets of PET and paper: customize, dry transfer, index, schedule, clear round and film pocket stickers. ### Does the Customized Sticker Set fit the Passport size? Yes. Boston General Store and Hunter Paper Co. say it works with both Passport and Regular TRAVELER'S notebooks. The sheets themselves are about Regular size, so the stickers are what you move into a Passport refill. ### When was the 2027 Customized Sticker Set released? Traveler's Company released its 2027 diary items in Japan on September 10, 2026, and lists October 19, 2026 for the US and Canada. ### What is a dry transfer sticker? A dry transfer is a design that you rub off a carrier sheet onto the page, leaving only the printed image with no sticker edge. The set includes them alongside ordinary stickers. ### Is there a new Customized Sticker Set every year? Yes. Designphil sells a new limited-edition set with each year's diary, in limited quantities during diary season only; the 2027 design is themed "Every TRAVELER'S notebook is unique and that's wonderful." Earlier editions, such as 2020, 2022 and 2024, turn up on Japanese resale sites. ### Where is the Customized Sticker Set made? Traveler's Company's product page marks it MADE IN JAPAN, and retailers say the same. Traveler's Company is a brand of Designphil, which is based in Shibuya, Tokyo. ### How do I make stickers removable in a TRAVELER'S notebook? Traveler's Company sells refill 031, a 32-page sticker release paper refill for the Regular size. Its coated pages let you park stickers and move them later. ## Sources - [Customized Sticker Set for 2027 DIARY / カスタマイズシール 2027ダイアリー用 (Traveler's Company Japan product page, "Customize stickers for the 2027 diary": 6 sheets of PET and paper, sticker types, ¥924 with tax, package 210 × 110 × 1 mm, No.84810006, MADE IN JAPAN)](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/2027-diary/sticker-set-2027) - [2027年版『ダイアリーリフィル』『クリアホルダー』『下敷』『カスタマイズシール 2027 ダイアリー用』発売 (Designphil Japan press release, "2027 diary refills, clear folder, plastic sheet and customize stickers on sale": 6 sheets, ¥924, September 10, 2026, limited quantities)](https://www.designphil.co.jp/information/press/entry-8762/) - [Traveler's Company: TRAVELER'S notebook 2027 DIARY (release dates, Customized Sticker Set contents)](https://www.travelers-company.com/?p=113305) - [Boston General Store: Customized Sticker Set for 2027 Diary (6 sheets, nine limited-edition theme stickers, PET and paper, 8.3 × 4.5 in, made in Japan)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/travelers-notebook-customized-sticker-set-for-2027-diary) - [Hunter Paper Co.: TRAVELER'S notebook 2027 Customise Sticker Set (6 sheets, made in Japan, £9)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/travelers-notebook-refill-2027-customise-sticker-set) - [Fril: TRAVELER'S notebook resale listings (2020, 2022 and 2024 Customized Sticker Sets)](https://fril.jp/brand/12625/new) - [Boston General Store: TRAVELER'S notebook Refill 031, Sticker Release Paper (Regular size, coated pages)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/collections/made-in-japan/products/travelers-notebook-refill-sticker-release-paper-031) - [Hunter Paper Co.: TRAVELER'S notebook Refill 031 (210 × 110 × 4 mm, 32 pages, made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/travelers-company-notebook-refill-013-sticker-release-paper) - [The Journal Shop: TRAVELER'S Limited Edition Tokyo Notebook Sticker Set (10 paper sheets, made in Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/travelers-limited-edition-tokyo-notebook-sticker-set) --- # Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors: Size & Care > The Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors are 8-inch (203 mm) all-purpose scissors with stainless steel blades and bent plastic handles. Fiskars, a Finnish company founded in 1649, launched the design in 1967 and says it has sold more than 1 billion pairs. US retailer listings give China as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fiskars-original-orange-handled-scissors/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors drawn to scale from above: orange plastic handles with a small thumb loop and a long finger loop, stainless steel blades, 203 mm (8 in) overall](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/fiskars-original-orange-handled-scissors-16x9.png) *The 8-inch pair, 203 mm overall with bent orange handles (drawn at 1 mm = 2.5 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/fiskars-original-orange-handled-scissors-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors, 8 in (1945101045) | Fiskars (by Fiskars Group (Finland); sold in the US by Fiskars Brands, Inc.) | Finland | China | Stainless steel blades, plastic handles | 1967 | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors, 8 in (1945101045)): China. Per US business-supply listings for items 1945101045 and 1069755 (OnTimeSupplies, Aztek), which we could no longer open on October 20, 2026. Fiskars doesn't state the origin of this US item. Fiskars Group's brand page quotes a worker at its Billnäs factory in Finland who inspects scissors, and its history says Fiskars opened a scissors factory in the US, so origin may differ by market: check the package. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/fsk1945101045-original-orange-handled-scissors-8-overall-length-stainless-steel-bent-tip-gray-1-each.html ## Key takeaways - The standard pair measures 8 in (203 mm) overall, with a cutting length of about 3.5 in (89 mm), per retailer specs for item 1945101045. - Fiskars introduced its orange plastic-handled scissors in 1967; designer Olof Bäckström is credited with the design. - Fiskars says more than 1 billion pairs of its orange-handled scissors have been sold worldwide. - Fiskars says it has registered the orange color for scissors in Finland, the US and Canada; Wikipedia dates the Finnish and US registrations to 2003 and 2007. - US business-supply listings give China as the country of origin for the 8-inch pair, not Finland. ## What are Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors? **They are Fiskars' all-purpose 8-inch scissors, with stainless steel blades and the bright orange plastic handles the brand is known for.** Fiskars is a Finnish company founded in 1649 as an ironworks, and the scissors are its best-known product. Fiskars Group says it introduced the design in 1967 and calls it the world's first plastic-handled scissors. Plastic made them lighter than the forged metal shears of the time. Industrial designer Olof Bäckström is credited with the shape, and Fiskars' Finnish site says New York's Museum of Modern Art added the scissors to its collection in 1976. On a desk, they're the general cutter: paper, card, tape, packaging and the odd photo for a [Traveler's Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/). ## Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Fiskars (Finland); US seller Fiskars Brands, Inc. | | Item numbers | 1945101045; 1069755 (8 in, bent) | | Overall length | 8 in (203 mm) | | Cutting length | About 3.5 in (89 mm) | | Blades | Hardened stainless steel, precision-ground edge | | Handles | Orange plastic, bent (offset) | | Hand | Right-handed | | Warranty | Lifetime, per retailers | | First released | 1967 | | Made in | China (per US business-supply listings) | Lengths and item numbers come from US business-supply spec sheets; the dates come from Fiskars and design-history sources. Fiskars doesn't publish a weight we could confirm: one listing gives 0.15 with no unit, so we've left it out. ## Why are the handles orange? **The color was close to an accident.** Fiskars Group says the first samples were made in a plastics factory that also made Fiskars juicers, and orange plastic was left in the machine. Staff then voted between orange and black, and orange won nine votes to seven. The color became part of the brand. Fiskars says it has registered orange for scissors in Finland, the US and Canada (Wikipedia dates the Finnish and US registrations to 2003 and 2007), and that more than 1 billion pairs have been sold. Its history sheet adds that blades were bevelled to a 60° cutting angle in 1975. ## How big are they, and what does "bent" mean? **The standard pair is 8 inches (203 mm) long, with about 3.5 inches (89 mm) of blade from the pivot to the tip.** That's a full-size desk pair rather than a pocket one. "Bent" means the handles are offset from the blades. Retailer copy says this keeps the material flat on the table while you cut, which helps with long, straight cuts in paper. ![Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors drawn to scale: 203 mm (8 in) overall and 89 mm (3.5 in) of cutting edge](https://stationerytimes.com/images/fiskars-original-orange-handled-scissors-size.svg) *Just under half the length is cutting edge: 89 of 203 mm.* ## What can you cut with them? **They're sold as all-purpose scissors: Amazon's listing calls them craft and fabric scissors, and retailer copy says the blades cut all the way to the tip.** For stationery, that covers trimming printouts, cutting sheets from a [Canson XL Mix Media pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) and opening boxes. Fiskars doesn't publish a cutting-capacity figure, such as a maximum card thickness, in the sources we found. For sticking the cut pieces down, see [Elmer's Disappearing Purple glue stick](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/elmers-disappearing-purple-glue-stick/). ## Are they right- or left-handed? **The 8-inch Original pair is listed as right-handed.** Fiskars sells left-handed and ambidextrous models in other lines; the label on the package says which you have. ## How do they compare with other desk tools? **They're the cutting tool; for joining paper without metal, see the [KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-harinacs-compact-alpha/).** | | Fiskars Original 8 in | Midori Clip Ruler | |---|---|---| | Job | Cutting paper, card, tape | Measuring, bookmarking, stencil | | Size | 203 mm long | 140.5 × 34 mm | | Material | Stainless steel, plastic | Brass, copper or stainless steel | The [Midori Clip Ruler](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-clip-ruler/) is the pocket-size partner for marking a straight cut line first. ## Where are Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors made? **US business-supply listings give China as the country of origin for the 8-inch pair.** OnTimeSupplies listed China for item 1945101045, and Aztek gave country code CN; neither page opened for us on October 20, 2026. Finland is the home of Fiskars and of the 1967 design, and museum records describe the original as made by Fiskars in Finland. Fiskars Group's brand page still features a production worker at its Billnäs factory in Finland who inspects scissors, and its history notes a scissors factory it opened in the US. Fiskars doesn't say which market each factory serves, so check the package for the pair you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long are Fiskars orange-handled scissors? The standard all-purpose pair is 8 inches (203 mm) long overall. Retailer specs give a cutting length of about 3.5 inches (89 mm). ### When did Fiskars make the first orange-handled scissors? Fiskars introduced its plastic-handled scissors in 1967, with the design credited to Olof Bäckström. Fiskars Group's history calls them the world's first plastic-handled scissors, and says MoMA in New York added Fiskars scissors to its collection in 1976. ### Why are Fiskars scissors orange? Fiskars Group says the first samples were made in a factory that also made Fiskars juicers, with orange plastic left in the machine. An internal vote then picked orange over black, nine votes to seven. ### Are Fiskars orange-handled scissors made in Finland? Not the 8-inch pair sold in the US. Business-supply listings for items 1945101045 and 1069755 give China as the country of origin; Finland is where the brand and the design come from. ### Are Fiskars orange-handled scissors left-handed? The 8-inch Original pair is listed as right-handed. Fiskars sells left-handed and ambidextrous scissors in other lines, so check the label before you buy. ### What are Fiskars scissor blades made of? Retailer copy describes hardened stainless steel blades with a precision-ground edge that cuts to the tip. The handles are plastic. ### Do Fiskars scissors have a warranty? Retailers list a full lifetime warranty on the Original Orange-handled Scissors. Check Fiskars' own terms for what it covers. ## Sources - [Fiskars (Finnish): Fiskars x MoMA -sakset (MoMA acquired Fiskars scissors for its collection in 1976)](https://www.fiskars.com/fi-fi/pages/moma-scissors) - [Fiskars Group: Fiskars brand (orange-handled scissors since 1967, more than 1 billion sold, Billnäs factory)](https://fiskarsgroup.com/brands/fiskars/) - [Fiskars Group: Our story (founded 1649; 1967 first plastic-handled scissors; orange registered in Finland, US and Canada; US scissors factory)](https://fiskarsgroup.com/about-us/our-story/) - [Fiskars: The Orange-Handled Scissors, history and evolution (PDF: 9–7 color vote, 60° blade bevel 1975, left-handed 1972, 1 billion sold)](https://mb.cision.com/Public/10696/CM_110591/81127d89e04f0903.pdf) - [Wikipedia: Fiskars (1649, orange trademark 2003 Finland / 2007 US)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiskars) - [CNN Style: The origin of Fiskars scissors (orange color vote)](https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/fiskars-scissors-origin) - [MoDiP: Fiskars orange-handled scissors (Olof Bäckström, 1967)](https://modip.ac.uk/artefact/aibdc-0095591) - [Mental Floss: How Finland's orange-handled scissors inspired a design revolution](https://mentalfloss.com/article/507438/cut-above-rest-how-finlands-orange-handled-scissors-inspired-design-revolution) - [OnTimeSupplies: Fiskars 1945101045, 8 in, stainless steel (country of origin China)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/fsk1945101045-original-orange-handled-scissors-8-overall-length-stainless-steel-bent-tip-gray-1-each.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Fiskars 1069755, 8 in, precision-ground blade](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/fsk1069755-original-orange-handled-scissors-8-overall-length-bent-stainless-steel-precision-ground-blade-sharp-tip-1-each.html) - [Aztek: Fiskars 1945101045 (8 in overall, 3.5 in cut length, China)](https://aztekc.com/product/1wrwszt2mox) - [OfficeCrave: Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors 1945101045 (UPC)](https://www.officecrave.com/fiskars-original-orange-handled-scissors-1945101045.html) - [Staples Canada: Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors 8 in](https://www.staples.ca/products/116301-en-fiskars-original-orange-handled-scissors-8) - [camelcamelcamel: Fiskars 8 in Original Orange-Handled Craft & Fabric Scissors, All Purpose (Amazon)](https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B00006IFN9) - [Opus Art Supplies: Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors 8 in](https://opusartsupplies.com/products/fiskars-original-orange-handled-scissors-8) --- # KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha: Staple-Free Stapler > The KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha (SLN-MSH305) is a palm-size stapler that joins about 5 sheets of copy paper without metal staples. Its stainless steel blade cuts a small 5 × 6.5 mm flap and tucks it through a slit. KOKUYO gives its size as 27 × 87 × 53 mm and its list price as ¥920 (about US$5.80) before tax. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-harinacs-compact-alpha/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha in Dark Navy drawn to scale, 87 mm long, 53 mm tall and 27 mm wide, beside five sheets joined by a 5 × 6.5 mm cut flap with no staple](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kokuyo-harinacs-compact-alpha-16x9.png) *Palm-size at 87 mm long; each binding is a 5 × 6.5 mm flap (drawn at 1 mm = 3 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-harinacs-compact-alpha-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha Stapleless Stapler (SLN-MSH305) | KOKUYO (by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Not stated | Recycled polycarbonate body and lever (50% recycled), polycarbonate window, steel lever reinforcement, stainless steel blade | 2015-09-25 | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha Stapleless Stapler (SLN-MSH305)): Not stated. KOKUYO's Japanese and English product pages don't state the country. One reseller (Japan With Love) lists the black Transparent Mechanism edition, whose JAN 4901480441450 matches KOKUYO's SLN-MSH305TM-D, as made in China; we found no origin for the standard colors, so check the package. Source: https://japanwithlovestore.com/products/kokuyo-needleless-stapler-harinacs-alpha-black-paper-fastener ## Key takeaways - KOKUYO rates it for about 5 sheets of 64 g/m² copy paper; thin papers such as thermal paper and carbonless forms lower that. - It measures 27 × 87 × 53 mm (W × D × H), per KOKUYO's Japanese product page. - Each binding cuts a 5 × 6.5 mm arrow-shaped flap through the stack and tucks it into a slit, so no metal is left in the paper. - KOKUYO launched the Harinacs line in December 2009 and the Compact Alpha on September 25, 2015, with a blade that needs about 20% less force than the earlier Compact. - The body and lever are 50% recycled polycarbonate; KOKUYO's list price is ¥920 (about US$5.80) before tax, or ¥1,000 (about US$6.30) for the 2024 colors. ## What is the KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha? **It's a palm-size stapler from KOKUYO that joins a few sheets of paper without using metal staples.** In Japanese KOKUYO calls it a 針なしステープラー (hari-nashi, "needle-free" stapler), and Harinacs is the name of its staple-free line. The Compact Alpha (model SLN-MSH305) is the small 5-sheet model. KOKUYO's press releases say the Harinacs line began in December 2009 with a two-hole model, a palm-size Harinacs Compact followed in February 2012, and the Compact Alpha replaced it on September 25, 2015, at ¥600 (about US$3.80) before tax at the time. In November 2024 KOKUYO said the series had sold more than 8 million units. ## How does a staple-free stapler work? **The blade cuts a small arrow-shaped flap through the stack and tucks it through a slit, so the paper holds itself together.** KOKUYO says the arrow shape makes the join hard to pull apart, and gives the cut as 5 × 6.5 mm. Nothing metal is left in the paper, so there are no staples to refill and nothing to separate before recycling. KOKUYO's Japanese chronicle says food companies liked that no staple can end up in food, care facilities that nothing can be swallowed, and pet owners the same. KOKUYO is clear that the hold is weaker than a staple's. ![KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha to scale: side view 87 mm long and 53 mm tall, top view 27 mm wide, and a 5 by 6.5 mm binding cut in a paper corner](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-harinacs-compact-alpha-size.svg) *87 × 53 mm side-on and 27 mm wide, with the 5 × 6.5 mm cut shown enlarged.* ## KOKUYO Harinacs Compact Alpha specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | KOKUYO Co., Ltd. (Japan) | | Model | SLN-MSH305 (color suffix, e.g. DB Dark Navy, PW Pale White) | | Capacity | About 5 sheets of 64 g/m² copy paper | | Binding cut | 5 × 6.5 mm | | Size (W × D × H) | 27 × 87 × 53 mm (1.1 × 3.4 × 2.1 in) | | Body and lever | Polycarbonate, 50% recycled | | Window | Polycarbonate | | Lever reinforcement | Steel | | Blade | Stainless steel | | Japanese list price (before tax) | ¥920 (about US$5.80); ¥1,000 (about US$6.30) for Pale White | | JAN, Dark Navy | 4901480315898 | | Made in | Not stated | Specs and list prices are from KOKUYO's Japanese product pages. KOKUYO's November 2024 release listed the renewed colors at ¥920 (about US$5.80), but the current Pale White page shows ¥1,000 (about US$6.30); the Dark Navy page is marked to be discontinued once stock runs out. KOKUYO doesn't publish a weight for this model. ## How many sheets can it hold, and how well? **KOKUYO rates it for about 5 sheets of 64 g/m² copy paper.** Typical US copy paper such as [Amazon Basics 20 lb](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/amazon-basics-copy-paper/) is heavier, at about 75 g/m², so expect a little less. KOKUYO warns that the paper type matters: thin or soft papers such as thermal paper and carbonless forms may reduce the sheet count or weaken the hold, and it asks you to test on scrap paper first and not to bind the same spot twice. Flax Pen to Paper suggests binding twice in different places when you need a stronger hold. ## What features does it have? **KOKUYO lists a see-through window, a lever you can press with a thumb or squeeze, a strap hole and corner markers.** - **Window:** shows where the cut will land, and opens to clear paper scraps after a misfire. - **Lever:** works as a thumb press (親指押しとじ) or a full-hand grip (握りとじ). - **Blade:** KOKUYO says the Compact Alpha's redesigned blade needs about 20% less force than the earlier Harinacs Compact when binding 5 sheets (its own comparison). - **Strap hole:** for hanging it up or carrying it; Little Craft Place notes no strap is included. - **Corner markers:** guides for binding at a corner; it binds in one place, so corner or side binding both work. ## How does it compare with other Harinacs models? **The Compact Alpha cuts a flap; the Harinacs Press crimps without a hole; the Handy 10 cuts more sheets.** | | Compact Alpha | Harinacs Press | Harinacs Handy 10 | |---|---|---|---| | Model | SLN-MSH305 | SLN-MPH105 | SLN-MSH110 | | Method | Cut and tuck | Press (crimp), no hole | Cut and tuck | | Sheets | About 5 | About 5 | About 10 | | Size (W × D × H) | 27 × 87 × 53 mm | 34 × 95 × 85 mm | Not checked | | Launched | 2015 | 2014 | Not checked | | List price (before tax) | ¥920 (about US$5.80) | ¥1,650 (about US$10) | ¥1,600 (about US$10) | Figures are from KOKUYO's product pages and its November 2024 release; the Handy model code is from Kakaku Magazine. On June 10, 2026 KOKUYO added a Transparent Mechanism edition of the Compact Alpha (SLN-MSH305TM) with a clear body that shows the parts moving, in White, Black, Red and Green at ¥1,500 (about US$9.50) before tax. For thicker stacks bound with metal staples, the [Swingline 747](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/swingline-747/) is rated for 30 sheets of 20 lb paper. For cutting rather than joining, see the [Fiskars Original Orange-handled Scissors](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fiskars-original-orange-handled-scissors/); for notebooks from the same maker, see the [KOKUYO Campus notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-campus-notebook/). ## Where is the Harinacs Compact Alpha made? **KOKUYO doesn't state it on its product pages.** One reseller, Japan With Love, lists the black Transparent Mechanism edition (its JAN matches KOKUYO's SLN-MSH305TM-D) as made in China, but we found no country of origin for the standard colors. KOKUYO is a Japanese company; check the package of the one you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many sheets can the Harinacs Compact Alpha staple? KOKUYO rates it for about 5 sheets of 64 g/m² copy paper. Thin or soft papers such as thermal paper and carbonless forms lower the sheet count or weaken the hold. ### How does a staple-free stapler work? The Compact Alpha's blade cuts a small arrow-shaped flap through the stack and tucks it through a slit, so the paper holds itself together. No staple or other metal is left behind. ### Is a Harinacs as strong as a normal stapler? No. KOKUYO says it doesn't have the same holding power as a stapler that uses metal staples, so it suits handouts and notes rather than thick reports. ### Does the Harinacs Compact Alpha leave a hole? Yes, a small one: it cuts a 5 × 6.5 mm flap. If you want no hole, KOKUYO's Harinacs Press crimps about 5 sheets together instead, leaving a 1.6 × 10 mm pressed area. ### What is the difference between Harinacs Compact Alpha and Harinacs Press? The Compact Alpha cuts and tucks a flap; the Press (SLN-MPH105), launched in 2014, presses the sheets together without a hole and can be undone by rubbing. The Press is larger at 34 × 95 × 85 mm and lists at ¥1,650 (about US$10) before tax. ### How big is the Harinacs Compact Alpha? KOKUYO gives 27 × 87 × 53 mm (width × depth × height). It has a strap hole for carrying, though no strap is included. ### When did the Harinacs Compact Alpha come out? KOKUYO launched it on September 25, 2015, at ¥600 (about US$3.80) before tax at the time. KOKUYO added new colors in December 2024 and a clear Transparent Mechanism edition on June 10, 2026. ### Where is the Harinacs Compact Alpha made? KOKUYO doesn't state it on its product pages. One reseller lists the black Transparent Mechanism edition as made in China; check the package of the one you buy. ## Sources - [ハリナックス コンパクトアルファ針なしステープラー ダークネイビー (KOKUYO Japan product page: SLN-MSH305DB, ¥920 before tax, 27 × 87 × 53 mm, 5 × 6.5 mm cut, materials, JAN 4901480315898; marked to end when stock runs out)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/stapler-punch/stapler/5637/) - [ハリナックス コンパクトアルファ針なしステープラー ペールホワイト (KOKUYO Japan product page: SLN-MSH305PW, ¥1,000 before tax, eco package, JAN 4901480396699)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/stapler-punch/stapler/13204/) - [針なしステープラー＜ハリナックス＞（コンパクトアルファ・TM）ブラック (KOKUYO Japan product page: SLN-MSH305TM-D, ¥1,500 before tax, JAN 4901480441450)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/stapler-punch/stapler/18458/) - [ハリナックスプレス 針なしステープラー 青 (KOKUYO Japan product page: SLN-MPH105B, ¥1,650 before tax, 34 × 95 × 85 mm, 1.6 × 10 mm pressed area)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/stapler-punch/stapler/8158/) - [軽い力でスムーズにとじられるハリナックス（コンパクトアルファ）を発売 (KOKUYO news release, September 7, 2015: launch September 25, 2015, about 20% less force, ¥600 before tax, Harinacs since December 2009, Compact since February 2012)](https://www.kokuyo.com/news/release/20150907/) - [シリーズ累計800万個を突破の「針なしステープラー＜ハリナックス＞」シリーズがカラーリニューアル (KOKUYO news release, November 5, 2024: 8 million sold, Press in 2014, new colors from December 11, 2024, list prices)](https://www.kokuyo.com/news/release/241105st/) - [魅せる機能美。透き通るボディが美しい「TRANSPARENT MECHANISM」発売 (KOKUYO press release on PR TIMES, June 3, 2026: clear Compact Alpha from June 10, 2026)](https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001332.000048998.html) - [ハリナックス (KOKUYO Chronicle: how the staple-free stapler was developed; feedback from food companies, care facilities and pet owners)](https://www.kokuyo.co.jp/chronicle/yowa/harinacs/) - [価格.comマガジン: 針なしホッチキス比較 (Harinacs launched December 2009; Handy 10-sheet SLN-MSH110 and Press SLN-MPH105)](https://kakakumag.com/houseware/?id=13363) - [KOKUYO: Harinacs Compact Alpha, Dark Navy SLN-MSH305DB (English product page)](https://www.kokuyo.com/en/stationery/category/stapler-punch/stapler/5637) - [Flax Pen to Paper: Kokuyo Harinacs Staplefree Stapler Compact Alpha, Green Blue (how it works)](https://www.flaxpentopaper.com/products/kokuyo-harinacs-staplefree-stapler-compact-alpha) - [Little Craft Place: Kokuyo Harinacs Compact Alpha, Blue Green (strap not included)](https://www.littlecraftplace.com/products/kokuyo-stapleless-stapler-harinacs-compact-alpha-5-sheets-blue-green) - [Japan With Love: Kokuyo Harinacs Compact Alpha, black (JAN 4901480441450, made in China)](https://japanwithlovestore.com/products/kokuyo-needleless-stapler-harinacs-alpha-black-paper-fastener) --- # KUM Automatic Long Point Sharpener: Two-Step Sharpening > The KUM Automatic Long Point (AS2) is a two-hole handheld pencil sharpener from KUM, a German maker founded in 1919. Hole 1 cuts only the wood until the core reaches an automatic stop; hole 2 then shapes the graphite into a long point. It takes standard 8 mm pencils, forms a 9-degree cone, and KUM labels it made in Germany. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kum-long-point-sharpener/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![KUM Automatic Long Point sharpener with two numbered holes on a black body above its shavings container, beside an 8 mm pencil sharpened to a long wood cone and graphite point](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kum-long-point-sharpener-16x9.png) *Hole 1 cuts the wood, hole 2 the graphite (drawn in proportion).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kum-long-point-sharpener-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | KUM Automatic Long Point Sharpener (AS2) | KUM (by KUM (Erlangen, Germany)) | Germany | Germany | Plastic body and container; high-carbon steel blades | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (KUM Automatic Long Point Sharpener (AS2)): Germany. KUM's German shop page for the AS2 and AS2M says "Made in Germany", and its German art-materials catalogue is headed "Hergestellt in Deutschland" (made in Germany). Jackson's Art has also listed Germany. Source: https://kum.net/shop/automatic-as-2-as-2m/ ## Key takeaways - Two steps: hole 1 trims the wood until the core hits an automatic brake, and hole 2 points the exposed graphite. - KUM's German catalogue says the AS2 (item 105.30.21) forms a 9-degree cone and includes 2 spare blades; Escribo lists it for 8 mm pencils. - KUM's 530A replacement blades measure 7 × 23 × 0.8 mm and come 3 to a pack, per Art Savings Club. - Fritz Mußgueller and Adam Klebes founded KUM in 1919; KUM, based in Erlangen, calls itself the oldest pencil sharpener maker still in business. - KUM's German shop lists the AS2 at €5.09 (about US$5.70) and labels it "Made in Germany". ## What is the KUM Automatic Long Point sharpener? **It's a small two-hole handheld sharpener that makes an unusually long pencil point in two separate steps.** KUM sells it as the Automatic Long Point, model AS2, and it's often called the "KUM Long Point" or the "2-step". KUM is a German company based in Erlangen. Its German catalogue says Fritz Mußgueller and Adam Klebes founded it in 1919, that it is now run by the third generation of the Lüttgens family, and that it is the oldest pencil sharpener maker still in business. ## How do the two holes work? **Hole 1 cuts only the wood, and hole 2 cuts only the graphite.** In hole 1, the pencil turns until the core touches an automatic stop, often called the brake. That leaves a long wooden cone with a blunt, exposed core. Hole 2 then shapes that exposed core into a fine point. KUM's catalogue says the result is a 9-degree cone, and that the stop also prevents waste because further cutting isn't possible once each step is done. ![KUM Long Point steps: after hole 1 the 8 mm pencil has a wooden cone with a blunt core; after hole 2 the graphite is shaped into a long point](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kum-long-point-sharpener-two-steps.svg) *The brake in hole 1 stops the cut once the core is exposed (schematic).* ## KUM Automatic Long Point specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | KUM (Erlangen, Germany) | | Model | AS2 (item 105.30.21); AS2M (105.31.21) adds 2.0 and 3.15 mm lead holes; AS3 (105.55.11) is a related two-step model | | Pencils | Standard 8 mm wood-cased (Escribo) | | Steps | Hole 1: wood, with automatic stop · Hole 2: graphite | | Cone | 9 degrees (KUM) | | Blades | High-carbon steel; 2 spares included, stored in the container | | German list price | €5.09 (about US$5.70); AS2M €5.49 (about US$6.10) | | Replacement blades | 530A, 7 × 23 × 0.8 mm, pack of 3 | | Shavings | Flip-top container (one AS2M listing says polystyrene) | | Made in | Germany (KUM) | Model numbers, cone angle, spare blades and prices come from KUM's German catalogue and shop; the pencil size from Escribo and the blade size from a listing for the 530A. KUM doesn't publish dimensions or a weight for the AS2 in the sources we found. ## Which pencils fit? **Retailers such as Escribo list it for standard 8 mm wood-cased pencils.** Pencils we cover are a little under that. The [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/) is about 7.5 mm, and Ticonderoga gives its [No. 2 pencil](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) as 9/32 in, about 7.1 mm. Jumbo pencils wider than 8 mm are outside what retailers list; KUM sells separate sharpeners for thick pencils. For a lead holder, the AS2M adds holes for 2.0 mm and 3.15 mm leads. ## Why does the lead break in hole 2? **A long, thin point is more fragile, and the second hole cuts close to it.** The Pen Addict, reviewing the Blackwing-branded version, broke leads in the second slot and recommends very light pressure and a careful angle. Cool Tools' reviewer found it silent and says it produces a fantastically good point. ## How does it compare with the Masterpiece and the Blackwing version? **All three use KUM's long-point idea; they differ in body and price.** | | Automatic Long Point (AS2) | Masterpiece (105.72.11) | Blackwing Long Point | |---|---|---|---| | Body | Plastic flip-top container | Magnesium, handmade in Germany | More angular body | | Cone (KUM) | 9 degrees | 8 degrees | Not stated | | Brake | Built in | Adjustable, removable | Built in | | Band ($$ $5–20, $$$ $20–75) | $$ | $$$ | Not checked | The Well-Appointed Desk says the Blackwing version has a more angular body but, as far as its reviewer knows, the same working parts. KUM's catalogue gives the Masterpiece (Meisterwerk) a slimmer 8-degree cone, ultra-hard carbon-steel blades and an adjustable stop that can be removed, and a Fountain Pen Network user says it gives a longer point than the Long Point. For a hand-crank desk sharpener with two point settings instead, see the [CARL Angel-5 Royal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/carl-angel-5-royal-sharpener/); for a single-hole aluminium long-point sharpener, see the [Blackwing One-Step](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener/). ## Where is the KUM Long Point made? **KUM labels it "Made in Germany" on its own German shop page.** Its German art-materials catalogue is headed "Hergestellt in Deutschland" (made in Germany), Jackson's Art has listed Germany too, and KUM's English catalogue says it designs and builds most of its moulds and machines in-house, in Erlangen. For other pencils that suit a long point, see the [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/). ## Frequently asked questions ### How do you use the KUM Long Point sharpener? Turn the pencil in hole 1 until it stops cutting: KUM says the automatic stop halts it once the wood is cut back and the lead is exposed to the right length. Then finish the point in hole 2, which shapes only the lead. ### Why does the KUM Long Point have two holes? Splitting the job lets the first blade cut a long wooden cone without touching the core, and the second blade sharpen the exposed core separately. The result is a longer point than a single-hole sharpener gives. ### Why does the lead break in the second hole? Reviewers, including The Pen Addict on the Blackwing-branded version, report leads snapping in the second hole. They recommend very light pressure and a steady angle. ### Is the Blackwing Long Point sharpener made by KUM? Yes. The Palomino Blackwing two-step sharpener is a KUM Automatic Brake Long Point design; reviewers say it has the same working parts in a more angular body. ### What is the difference between the KUM AS2 and AS2M? The AS2 has the two long-point holes for 8 mm pencils. KUM says the AS2M (item 105.31.21) adds sharpeners for 2.0 mm and 3.15 mm leads, for lead holders and clutch pencils. ### Can you replace the blades on a KUM sharpener? Yes. KUM includes two spare blades, stored in the container, and its 530A replacement blades, sold in packs of 3, fit the AS2, AS2M and AS3. ### Where are KUM sharpeners made? In Germany: KUM's own shop labels the Automatic Long Point "Made in Germany". KUM is based in Erlangen, and its catalogue says the Masterpiece (Meisterwerk) is handmade in Germany. ## Sources - [KUM (Germany): Automatic AS 2 / AS 2M (shop page: two-phase sharpening, automatic stop, 2.0 and 3.15 mm lead sharpeners, spare blades, €5.09–5.49, Made in Germany)](https://kum.net/shop/automatic-as-2-as-2m/) - [KUM (Germany): Katalog Künstlerbedarf (art-materials catalogue, PDF: founders, AS2 105.30.21, 9-degree cone, Meisterwerk 105.72.11, made in Germany)](https://kum.net/documents/katalog/kum-art-materials-de.pdf) - [KUM: Catalogue 2024 (history since 1919, founders, in-house production, PDF)](https://kum.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Katalog_2024_EN.pdf) - [KUM: Back to School (company background)](https://kum.net/en/back-to-school/) - [Jackson's Art: KUM AS2 Automatic Long Point Sharpener (made in Germany, spare blades; now blocks automated reading)](https://www.jacksonsart.com/en-ca/kum-as2-automatic-long-point-sharpener) - [Escribo: KUM Long Point AS2 (automatic stop, two spare blades, 8 mm pencils)](https://escribo.pl/en/products/temperowka-kum-long-point-as2) - [Art Supplies UK: KUM Automatic AS2M (2.0 and 3.15 mm lead sharpeners)](https://www.artsupplies.co.uk/p/kum-automatic-as2m-pencil-sharpener) - [The Butcher Shop: KUM Automatic AS3 Long Point Sharpener](https://thebutchershop.au/product/automatic-as-3-long-point-sharpener) - [Art Savings Club: KUM 530A replacement blades (fits AS2, AS2M, AS3)](https://artsavingsclub.co.za/product/replacement-sharpener-blades-kum/) - [JetPens: KUM Masterpiece sharpener (handmade in Germany)](https://www.jetpens.com/Kum-Masterpiece-Sharpener/pd/17557) - [The Pen Addict: Palomino KUM Blackwing Automatic Brake Long Point 2 Step Sharpener review](https://penaddict.com/blog/2018/12/5/palomino-kum-blackwing-automatic-brake-long-point-2-step-pencil-sharpener-review) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Sharpener showdown, handheld (KUM vs Blackwing version)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2020/08/sharpener-showdown-handheld) - [Cool Tools (Kevin Kelly): KUM long-point pencil sharpener](https://kk.org/cooltools/?p=5915) - [Fountain Pen Network: Good pencil sharpeners (KUM Long Point vs Masterpiece)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/332618-good-pencil-sharpeners) - [Drafting Supplies Depot: KUM two-hole long point pencil sharpener](https://www.draftingsuppliesdew.com/kum-as2km-two-hole-long-point-pencil-sharpener) --- # Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop: Loop Sizes, XL & Which Pens Fit > The Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop is a 40 × 40 mm self-adhesive patch with an elastic loop that you stick inside a notebook's back cover to hold a pen. The standard loop is 15 mm wide; the Pen Loop XL has a 20 mm loop for fountain pens and thick markers. Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop drawn to scale: a navy 40 × 40 mm patch with a 15 mm elastic loop holding a pen, next to a black Pen Loop XL with a 20 mm loop](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop-16x9.png) *A 40 mm patch with a 15 mm loop; the XL's loop is 20 mm (drawn at 1 mm = 3 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop (standard, 15 mm loop) | Leuchtturm1917 (by Leuchtturm Gruppe (Geesthacht, Germany)) | Germany | Not stated | Elastic loop on a self-adhesive backing | – | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop (standard, 15 mm loop)): Not stated. Leuchtturm1917's German product page names only the maker, LEUCHTTURM1917 GmbH in Geesthacht. Retailer listings have conflicted by color: Digitec (Switzerland) gave Taiwan for Charcoal, Galaxus gave the USA for Pumpkin and Indigo and "Germany, Taiwan, USA" for Black (both now block automated reading), and Paperole says Germany. ## Key takeaways - Leuchtturm1917's German site lists a 40 × 40 mm patch with a 15 mm elastic loop; the XL keeps the 40 mm patch and widens the loop to 20 mm. - Leuchtturm1917's German shop lists both the Pen Loop (item 800103) and the XL (801452) at €3.95 (about US$4.40) including VAT. - The brand sells the XL for fountain pens, large-calibre ballpoints and XL markers, in 5 colors. - Leuchtturm1917 publishes no maximum pen diameter; a Goulet Pens reviewer found the standard loop too small for a LAMY. - Country of origin varies by listing (Germany, Taiwan or the USA), and Leuchtturm1917 doesn't state it. ## What is the Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop? **It's a small self-adhesive patch with an elastic loop that turns a notebook into a notebook-plus-pen.** You peel off the backing and stick it inside the back cover, and the loop then holds a pen or pencil along the notebook's edge. Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand from the Leuchtturm Gruppe in Geesthacht, near Hamburg. It's best known for notebooks such as the [Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/), and it sells the loop in colors that match them. ## Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop specs | Spec | Pen Loop | Pen Loop XL | |---|---|---| | Patch size | 40 × 40 mm (1.6 × 1.6 in) | 40 × 40 mm (1.6 × 1.6 in) | | Elastic loop width | 15 mm | 20 mm | | Made for | Slim and standard pens and pencils | Fountain pens, large-calibre ballpoints, XL markers | | Fixing | Self-adhesive backing | Self-adhesive backing | | Colors | Many, matched to notebook colors | 5 | | Item number (Germany) | 800103 | 801452 | | Maker list price | €3.95 (about US$4.40) incl. VAT | €3.95 (about US$4.40) incl. VAT | | Made in | Not stated | Not stated | Patch size, loop widths, the XL's intended pens, item numbers and list prices come from Leuchtturm1917's German shop. ![To-scale drawing of the Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop with a 15 mm loop and the Pen Loop XL with a 20 mm loop, both on 40 by 40 mm patches](https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop-sizes.svg) *The XL's loop is a third wider than the standard one: 20 mm vs 15 mm.* ## Which pens fit the Pen Loop? **Slim and standard pens and pencils fit the standard loop; thick pens need the XL.** Leuchtturm1917's shop pairs the standard loop with its own Drehgriffel Nr. 1 and Nr. 2 pens. Goulet describes the elastic as strong and suited to thin pencils and fountain pens. Leuchtturm1917 doesn't publish a maximum pen diameter. In Goulet Pens' customer reviews, one buyer found it "too small for a Lamy", so measure thick barrels first. The AL-star shares its body with the [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/), so a safari owner may want the XL. ## How do you attach it? **Leuchtturm1917 says to stick it on the inside of the back cover.** A Goulet Pens reviewer notes the adhesive tab works only once, so choose the spot before you press it down. Leuchtturm1917 doesn't publish a holding-strength figure for the adhesive in the sources we found. ## Does it work on other notebooks? **Yes, as a sticker it isn't limited to Leuchtturm1917 notebooks.** It suits other hardcovers with a flat inside cover, such as the [Moleskine Classic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/), and small ones like the [Leuchtturm1917 Pocket (A6)](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-pocket-a6-notebook/). Leuchtturm1917 doesn't publish a list of compatible covers, so it's your call on non-Leuchtturm notebooks. ## How does the standard loop compare with the XL? **Pick the standard loop for pencils and slim pens, and the XL for fountain pens and chunky markers.** - **Pen Loop (15 mm):** the widest color choice and a snug grip on slim pens. - **Pen Loop XL (20 mm):** for wide barrels; Leuchtturm1917 lists 5 colors and the same €3.95 (about US$4.40) price. Both sit near the $5 line between our $ and $$ bands at US retailers, mostly just above it. At a desk, a [MUJI acrylic pen stand](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/muji-acrylic-pen-stand/) holds the pens that won't fit either loop. ## Who makes the Pen Loop? **Leuchtturm1917 is the stationery brand of the Leuchtturm Gruppe, a family company in Geesthacht, Germany.** "Leuchtturm" is German for lighthouse. The group was known for stamp and coin collecting albums before it started making stationery in 2005. The "1917" in the name comes from the year of its oldest predecessor business, KaBe; brand histories give 1948 for the Leuchtturm company itself. The Stürken family has run it since the end of the 1990s, its fourth generation. ## Where is the Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop made? **Leuchtturm1917 doesn't say, and retailer listings conflict.** Digitec has given Taiwan for the Charcoal loop and Galaxus the USA for Pumpkin and Indigo and "Germany, Taiwan, USA" for Black (both now block automated reading), and Paperole says Germany. Origin may vary by color and batch, so check the packet. The brand itself is German, based in Geesthacht near Hamburg. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop? The adhesive patch is 40 × 40 mm and the elastic loop is 15 mm wide. The Pen Loop XL uses the same patch size with a 20 mm loop. ### Will my pen fit in a Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop? Slim and standard pens and pencils fit. Leuchtturm1917 publishes no maximum diameter, and a Goulet Pens reviewer found the standard loop too small for a LAMY; for thick pens, Leuchtturm1917 sells the 20 mm XL. ### What is the difference between the Pen Loop and the Pen Loop XL? Only the loop. The XL widens the elastic from 15 mm to 20 mm, and Leuchtturm1917 sells it for fountain pens, large-calibre ballpoints and XL markers. ### Where do you stick the Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop? Leuchtturm1917 says to stick it on the inside of the notebook's back cover. A Goulet Pens reviewer notes the adhesive tab is single-use, so you can't move it to another notebook. ### Does the Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop work on other notebooks? It's a self-adhesive patch, so it can go inside other hardcover notebooks, such as a Moleskine Classic. Leuchtturm1917 doesn't publish a list of compatible covers. ### What colors does the Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop come in? Many: Leuchtturm1917 and retailers sell it in colors that match its notebooks, plus editions such as Bullet Journal and Bauhaus. Leuchtturm1917 says the XL comes in 5 colors. ### Where is the Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop made? The brand doesn't say, and retailer listings have given Germany, Taiwan or the USA depending on the color. Leuchtturm1917 itself is a German brand based in Geesthacht, near Hamburg. ## Sources - [Leuchtturm1917 (Germany): Pen Loop (self-adhesive pen loop: item 800103, 40 × 40 mm, 15 mm loop, €3.95)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.de/pen-loop.html) - [Leuchtturm1917 (Germany): Pen Loop XL (item 801452, 40 × 40 mm, 20 mm textile elastic loop, five colors, €3.95)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.de/pen-loop-xl.html) - [Leuchtturm1917: Pen Loop (Ink) product page (15 mm loop, €3.95, XL details)](https://leuchtturm1917.com/pen-loop-ink.html) - [Goulet Pens: Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop, Black (strong elastic strap, self-adhesive; reviews)](https://gouletpens.com/products/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop-black) - [The Journal Shop: Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop](https://thejournalshop.com/en-us/collections/travel-accessories/products/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop) - [De Serres: Pen Loop (15 mm loop, inside back cover)](https://deserres.ca/products/pen-loop) - [Dromgooles: Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop XL (20 mm loop)](https://www.dromgooles.com/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop-xl.html) - [Pulp Addiction: Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop XL](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop-xl-extra-large) - [Art Savings Club: Pen Loops, Leuchtturm1917 (40 × 40 mm, 15 mm loop, matching edition colors)](https://artsavingsclub.co.za/product/pen-loops-leuchtturm1917) - [Digitec: Leuchtturm1917 Pencil loop, Charcoal (country of origin Taiwan)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/leuchtturm1917-pencil-loop-desk-accessories-8930566) - [Galaxus: Leuchtturm1917 Pencil loop, Black (Germany, Taiwan, USA)](https://www.galaxus.de/en/s12/product/leuchtturm1917-pencil-loop-desk-accessories-8969738) - [Galaxus: Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop, Pumpkin (USA)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop-pumpkin-desk-accessories-62924826) - [Paperole: Pen Loop by Leuchtturm1917 (made in Germany)](https://www.paperole.com/collections/all/products/pen-loop-multiple-colours-by-leuchtturm1917) - [Unsharpen: What's the deal with Leuchtturm1917? (history, stationery since 2005)](https://unsharpen.com/whats-the-deal-leuchtturm1917/) - [EverybodyWiki: Leuchtturm (KaBe 1917, Leuchtturm 1948, Stürken family)](https://en.everybodywiki.com/Leuchtturm) - [Cult Pens: Leuchtturm1917 brand page (Geesthacht, Leuchtturm-Gruppe)](https://www.cultpens.com/c/q/brands/leuchtturm1917) --- # Midori Clip Ruler: Bookmark, 10 cm Ruler & Stencil > The Midori Clip Ruler is a thin metal bookmark that clips onto a page and doubles as a 10 cm ruler and a drawing stencil. Midori makes it from a 0.3 mm sheet of brass, copper or stainless steel, depending on the design. The body measures 140.5 × 34 mm, and Midori's Japanese store lists it as made in China. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-clip-ruler/ - Category: Accessories - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Midori Clip Ruler in brass drawn to scale: a 140.5 × 34 mm sheet with a folded clip at one end, a 10 cm scale, two ruling slots and cat stencil cut-outs](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/midori-clip-ruler-16x9.png) *The brass Cat Clip Ruler, 140.5 mm long and 0.3 mm thick (drawn at 1 mm = 4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-clip-ruler-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Midori Clip Ruler (brass, Cat and Decoration designs; also copper and stainless steel) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | China | 0.3 mm brass, copper or stainless steel sheet (by design) | 2020-07-14 | $$: $5–20 per item | - Made in (Midori Clip Ruler (brass, Cat and Decoration designs; also copper and stainless steel)): China. Midori's Japanese online store gives 原産国 (country of origin) MADE IN CHINA on all four current versions: Cat A (42291006), Decorative pattern A (42292006), Copper A (42290006) and Silver A (42289006). Some English-language shops say "Made in Japan"; the maker's listing wins. Source: https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/42291006.html ## Key takeaways - Three tools in one: a page-clip bookmark, a 10 cm ruler and an etched stencil, per Midori. - The metal sheet is 0.3 mm thick; Midori gives the body as 140.5 × 34 × 1.5 mm, the depth including the folded clip. - Two guide slits rule lines at 5 mm and 7 mm spacing, and Midori says to use pens of 0.5 mm or finer in the stencil. - Midori's Japanese store sells each of the four versions at ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) including tax and lists them as made in China. - Midori released the first Silver and Copper Clip Rulers on July 14, 2020; brass and copper change color with age. ## What is the Midori Clip Ruler? **It's a thin metal bookmark that clips onto a page and doubles as a 10 cm ruler and a drawing stencil.** Midori's Japanese store calls it a thin ruler with a template that clips onto planners and notebooks, and says the 0.3 mm sheet doesn't get in the way when you turn pages or write. Midori is a brand of Designphil Inc. in Tokyo, the maker of the [MD Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/) and, through Traveler's Company, the [Traveler's Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/). ## Midori Clip Ruler specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Midori (Designphil Inc., Tokyo) | | Functions | Bookmark (page clip), 10 cm ruler, stencil | | Body size | 140.5 × 34 × 1.5 mm (5.5 × 1.3 in) | | Sheet thickness | 0.3 mm | | Package | 203 × 65 × 2 mm | | Ruling slits | 5 mm and 7 mm line spacing | | Recommended pens | 0.5 mm or finer | | Materials | Brass (Cat A, Decorative pattern A); copper (Copper A); stainless steel (Silver A) | | Item numbers | 42291006 (Cat A) · 42292006 (Decorative pattern A) · 42290006 (Copper A) · 42289006 (Silver A) | | List price (Japan) | ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) each, with tax | | Made in | China (Midori) | Every figure comes from Midori's Japanese online store, which gives the same size, package and origin for all four versions. Midori doesn't publish a weight. ![Midori Clip Ruler at 1 mm = 4 px: 140.5 by 34 mm body, clip at one end, 10 cm scale, two ruling slots and a stencil, 0.3 mm thick](https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-clip-ruler-size.svg) *The 10 cm scale takes up most of the 140.5 mm length; the clip sits at one end.* ## How big is it, and which notebooks does it suit? **At 140.5 mm long, it's just shorter than an A6 page, so it fits planners from A6 up.** A [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/) page is 148 mm tall, and a Traveler's Notebook Regular refill is 210 mm. Because the scale is only 10 cm, it's for short lines, boxes and tables in a planner. An A5 page is 210 mm tall, so a full-height line needs a longer ruler, such as the [Westcott 12 in acrylic ruler](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/westcott-acrylic-ruler/). ## How do the slits and stencil work? **The two straight guide slits let you rule parallel lines at 5 mm or 7 mm spacing, and the etched shapes act as a small stencil.** Midori says to use a pen with a tip of 0.5 mm or finer in the stencil, because a thick tip won't trace the small openings cleanly. A [Sakura Pigma Micron 05](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/), which draws a 0.45 mm line, is inside that limit. ## Which version should you choose? **Choose by metal and stencil design; the functions are the same.** - **Cat A (brass):** cats in various poses, plus house and cup icons for plans, per Midori. - **Decorative pattern A (brass):** frames, rosettes and dotted lines for decorating a journal. - **Copper A:** 30 shapes, including basic shapes, travel and business icons, weather and a wavy line, per Midori. - **Silver A (stainless steel):** the same icon stencil in silver; retailers sometimes call it Daily Life or Icon. Midori's English lineup uses the same four names. ## How does it compare with other notebook add-ons? **It's the flat, metal option: it marks your place and measures, while a pen loop carries a pen.** | | Midori Clip Ruler | Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop | |---|---|---| | Job | Bookmark, ruler, stencil | Holds a pen on the cover | | Size | 140.5 × 34 mm | 40 × 40 mm patch | | Fixing | Clips onto a page; movable | Self-adhesive; permanent | | Material | 0.3 mm brass, copper or steel | Elastic on an adhesive backing | The two work together in one notebook: the [Leuchtturm1917 Pen Loop](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-pen-loop/) on the back cover, the Clip Ruler on today's page. Unlike the loop, the Clip Ruler moves from book to book. ## How should you care for it? **Slide it onto the page edge rather than prying the clip open.** Midori warns that opening the body out by hand may break it, and says to wipe it dry promptly if it gets wet. The brass and copper versions change in tone with age, and Midori notes slight color differences between pieces. Midori also says to keep it away from children under six, because it has pointed parts. In September 2020 it posted a notice that some customers had taken a small dent at a seam from the manufacturing process for a scratch on the first Silver and Copper versions; it says it has since changed the design so the seam is less visible. ## Where is the Midori Clip Ruler made? **Midori's Japanese online store lists every current Clip Ruler as made in China.** The Cat A, Decorative pattern A, Copper A and Silver A pages all give the country of origin as MADE IN CHINA. Some English-language shops say "Made in Japan", but the maker's own listing is the better source. Midori is a Tokyo-based Designphil brand. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the Midori Clip Ruler? It's a thin metal bookmark from Midori that clips onto a notebook page. It also has a 10 cm ruler scale and an etched stencil for drawing small shapes and icons. ### How thick is the Midori Clip Ruler? Midori gives the sheet thickness as 0.3 mm, thin enough to leave in a closed notebook. Its spec lists the body depth as 1.5 mm, which includes the folded clip. ### How long is the Midori Clip Ruler? Midori lists the body at 140.5 × 34 mm, and the ruler scale measures up to 10 cm. That's just under the 148 mm height of an A6 page. ### What pen should I use with the Midori Clip Ruler stencil? Midori says to use a pen or mechanical pencil with a tip of 0.5 mm or finer in the stencil. Thicker tips may not trace the small openings. ### Does the brass Midori Clip Ruler tarnish? It changes color. Midori says the brass and copper versions change in tone with age and that color can vary slightly from piece to piece. ### What designs does the Midori Clip Ruler come in? Midori sells four: Cat A and Decorative pattern A in brass, Copper A with icons, and Silver A in stainless steel with the same icons. Retailers sometimes call the icon design Daily Life. ### Where is the Midori Clip Ruler made? In China, according to Midori's Japanese online store, which lists all four versions as MADE IN CHINA. Midori is a brand of Designphil Inc., based in Tokyo. ### Can I bend the Midori Clip Ruler's clip? No. Midori warns that opening the body out by hand may break it. Slide it onto the page edge instead. ## Sources - [クリップルーラー ネコ柄A(42291006) (Midori Japan online store: Cat A, brass, 140.5 × 34 × 1.5 mm, 0.3 mm, 5/7 mm slits, ¥1,100, made in China)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/42291006.html) - [クリップルーラー 飾り罫柄A(42292006) (Midori Japan online store: Decorative pattern A, brass, made in China)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/42292006.html) - [クリップルーラー 銅A(42290006) (Midori Japan online store: Copper A, 30 stencil shapes, made in China)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/42290006.html) - [クリップルーラー シルバーA(42289006) (Midori Japan online store: Silver A, stainless steel, made in China)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/42289006.html) - [『クリップルーラー』をお買上げのお客様へ (Midori customer notice, September 25, 2020: first Silver and Copper versions released July 14, 2020)](https://www.midori-japan.co.jp/information/important/15087/) - [MIDORI: Planner & Notebook Accessories (English lineup: Silver A, Copper A, Cat A, Decorative pattern A; 0.3 mm, 10 cm)](https://www.midori-japan.co.jp/english/products/planner-notebook-accessories/) - [JetPens: Midori Clip Ruler, Gold, Cat (US listing)](https://www.jetpens.com/Midori-Clip-Ruler-Gold-Cat/pd/33197) - [Paperwhisper: Midori Clip Ruler, Decorative Border, Brass (0.3 mm, 5 and 7 mm slots)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/midori-clip-ruler-decorative-border-brass) - [Paperwhisper: Midori Clip Ruler, Icon, Copper (H140.5 × W34 × D1.5 mm)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/midori-clip-ruler-icon-copper) - [Simple Paper: Midori Clip Ruler, Cat (brass, patina; lists Made in Japan)](https://simplepaper.co/products/midori-clip-ruler-cat) - [Little Craft Place: Midori Clip Ruler, Brass, Decorative Stencil (translated Midori care notes)](https://www.littlecraftplace.com/products/midori-clip-ruler-brass-decorative-stencil) --- # Pilot Kakuno: The Smiley-Nib Beginner Fountain Pen > The Pilot Kakuno is a lightweight resin fountain pen that Pilot launched in Japan in October 2013 for children and first-time users. It has a hexagonal body, a triangular grip, a snap-on cap and a steel nib with a smiling face, in EF, F or M. It takes Pilot cartridges or a CON-40 or CON-70 converter. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a gray Pilot Kakuno fountain pen with the cap posted, drawn to scale: 159.7 mm (6.3 in) long posted, with the hexagonal barrel and triangular grip, and an inset of the smiley-face steel nib, offered in EF, F and M](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-kakuno-16x9.png) *A gray Kakuno, posted, to scale, using Goulet Pens' 159.7 mm measurement.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-kakuno-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan)) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap (recycled PC; recycled AS section, per Pilot Japan), steel nib | 2013-10 | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen): Japan. Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin, and Mynavi News calls the Kakuno a domestic (kokusan) fountain pen. Pilot's Japanese catalog page for FKA-1SR (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state a country. LarryPost, cited earlier, no longer loads. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-kakuno/ ## Key takeaways - Pilot's Japanese catalog lists the Kakuno at 131 mm (5.2 in) long, 16 mm at the widest and 11 g; Goulet Pens measures 130.9 mm capped and 159.7 mm (6.3 in) posted. - Mynavi News reports the Kakuno launched in October 2013 and passed 1 million pens sold within 3 months. - Its brief was a fountain pen you could buy for ¥1,000 (about US$6.30); Pilot Japan still lists it at ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) including tax. - The steel nib comes in EF, F and M, with a smiling face that faces up when the pen is held correctly. - Unsharpen lists Japan as the country of origin, and Mynavi News calls it a domestic (kokusan) fountain pen. ## What is the Pilot Kakuno? **The Pilot Kakuno is a light resin fountain pen with a steel nib, designed by Pilot for children and people trying a fountain pen for the first time.** Pilot's Japanese catalog calls it a simple, easy-to-use fountain pen meant to make a first fountain pen one you grow attached to, for children and adults alike. Mynavi News reports that Pilot launched it in Japan in October 2013 and that it passed 1 million pens sold within three months, the first million-seller fountain pen in more than 40 years. Pilot's Japanese catalog says it has won a Good Design Award and a Kids Design Award. It's the lightest of the four starter fountain pens we cover, with the [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/), the [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) and the [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/). Our [best fountain pens for beginners](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners/) roundup picks it as the best pen for kids. ## Pilot Kakuno specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation, Japan | | Type | Cartridge/converter fountain pen with cap | | Model | FKA-1SR (e.g. FKA-1SR-GYF, gray, F nib; JAN 4902505470608) | | Body | Resin, hexagonal; Pilot lists recycled PC barrel and cap | | Cap | Snap-on, postable | | Nib | Steel with smiling face: EF, F, M | | Ink | Pilot cartridge or converter | | Converter | CON-40 or CON-70N, sold separately (per Pilot Japan) | | Length | 131 mm (5.2 in), per Pilot; Goulet: 130.9 mm capped | | Length uncapped | 127.4 mm (5.0 in), per Goulet | | Length posted | 159.7 mm (6.3 in), per Goulet | | Max diameter | 16 mm, per Pilot | | Weight | 11 g, per Pilot; 11.0 g (7 g body, 4 g cap), per Goulet | | Japan list price | ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) including tax | | Made in | Japan (per Unsharpen) | Lengths and weight are Goulet Pens' measurements. Unsharpen's figures agree: 13.1 cm capped, 15.9 cm posted and 11.0 g. Unsharpen notes the cap snaps on. ![Capped lengths to scale: Pilot Kakuno 130.9 mm and 11.0 g, Pilot Metropolitan 138 mm and 26.0 g, TWSBI ECO 138.8 mm and 21.0 g, LAMY safari 139.5 mm and 17.0 g](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-kakuno-lengths.svg) *The Kakuno is about 8 mm shorter capped than the other three, and the lightest.* ## What makes the Kakuno good for beginners and kids? **Pilot designed it so a beginner can hold it correctly without being told: the smiley nib shows which way is up, and the grip guides the fingers.** - **Smiley-face nib:** Mynavi News says the smile doubles as a guide to the nib's correct orientation, and Yoseka Stationery says it faces you when the pen is held correctly. Family Series pens carry different faces, per Yoseka. - **Triangular grip:** Mynavi News says it was shaped to fit three fingers so the pen is easy to hold. - **Hexagonal body and cap:** keeps the pen from rolling off a desk. - **Cap details:** Mynavi News reports an air hole in the cap in case a child swallows it, and an indentation that makes the cap easier to pull off. Pilot's Japanese catalog pitches it to everyone "from children to adults", not only children. ## What cartridges and converters does the Kakuno use? **The Kakuno takes Pilot cartridges or a Pilot CON-40 or CON-70 converter, the same system as the Metropolitan.** Pilot's Japanese catalog lists the CON-40 and CON-70N as its converters, sold separately, and Goulet Pens offers the CON-40 as an add-on. Goulet lists a maximum ink capacity of 1.10 ml by cartridge and 1.30 ml by converter. Unsharpen lists the CON-40 at 0.4 ml. Pilot doesn't publish the Kakuno's ink capacity in the sources we found. With a converter you can use Pilot's own bottled inks, such as [Iroshizuku Kon-peki](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-iroshizuku-kon-peki/), a deep cerulean blue sold in 50 ml bottles. ## How does the Kakuno compare to other starter fountain pens? **The Kakuno is the shortest and lightest of the four, and shares refills with the Metropolitan.** | | Pilot Kakuno | [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) | [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) | [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Body | Resin, hexagonal | ASA plastic | Brass | Plastic, clear options | | Filling | Pilot cartridge or converter | T10 cartridge or Z28 converter | Pilot cartridge or converter | Piston, bottled ink only | | Steel nibs | EF, F, M | EF, F, M, B, LH, italics | F, M, 1.0 stub | EF, F, M, B, 1.1 stub | | Capped | 130.9 mm | 139.5 mm | 138 mm | 138.8 mm | | Weight | 11.0 g | 17.0 g | 26.0 g | 21.0 g | | Made in | Japan | Germany | Japan | Taiwan | | Price band | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | Figures come from each pen's guide. For an even cheaper start, the [Platinum Preppy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/) is a clear plastic cartridge pen with a sealed cap that Platinum says stops the ink drying out for a year. ## Who is the Pilot Kakuno for? **It suits children learning to write, and adults who want a light, inexpensive way to try a fountain pen.** For the very cheapest start, see the [Platinum Preppy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/). If you want a heavier pen with a metal body, the [Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) uses the same cartridges. ## Where is the Pilot Kakuno made? **Unsharpen lists Japan as the country of origin, and Mynavi News calls the Kakuno a domestic (kokusan) fountain pen.** Pilot's Japanese catalog page doesn't state the country. ## How much does a Pilot Kakuno cost? **In the US it's in our $$ price band, $5–20 per pen, below the LAMY safari, Pilot Metropolitan and TWSBI ECO.** In Japan, Pilot's catalog lists it at ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) including tax, or ¥1,000 (about US$6.30) before tax, the target Pilot set when developing it. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why does the Pilot Kakuno nib have a smiley face? The face shows you're holding the pen the right way up. Mynavi News, interviewing Pilot's planners, says the smile also guides the nib's correct orientation, and Yoseka Stationery says it faces you when the pen is held correctly, which matters because a fountain pen nib only writes well one way up. ### Is the Pilot Kakuno good for kids? Pilot designed it for children and beginners. It has a hexagonal body that doesn't roll, a triangular grip to guide the fingers, and, per Mynavi News, an air hole in the cap in case a child swallows it. ### What nib sizes does the Pilot Kakuno come in? Goulet Pens sells it with Extra Fine, Fine and Medium steel nibs. Like other Pilot nibs, they run finer than Western sizes of the same name. ### What converter fits the Pilot Kakuno? Pilot's Japanese catalog lists the CON-40 and CON-70N converters for it, sold separately. It also takes Pilot's proprietary cartridges. ### How long is the Pilot Kakuno? Pilot's Japanese catalog lists 131 mm (5.2 in) and 11 g. Goulet Pens measures it at 130.9 mm capped, 127.4 mm uncapped and 159.7 mm (6.3 in) with the cap posted, weighing 11.0 g. ### Where is the Pilot Kakuno made? In Japan, according to Unsharpen's spec sheet, and Mynavi News calls it a domestic (kokusan) pen. Pilot's catalog page doesn't state the country. ### How much did the Pilot Kakuno cost in Japan? Pilot's development brief was a fountain pen for ¥1,000 (about US$6.30), according to Mynavi News. Pilot's Japanese catalog lists it at ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) including tax. ## Sources - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「カクノ」FKA-1SR (Pilot Japan catalog: 131 mm, 16 mm, 11 g, CON-40/CON-70N, ¥1,100, Good Design and Kids Design awards, JAN)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000304) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Kakuno fountain pen, Clear (measurements, nibs, converters)](https://gouletpens.com/products/pilot-kakuno-fountain-pen-clear) - [Unsharpen: Pilot Kakuno (lengths, weight, snap cap, country of origin)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-kakuno/) - [マイナビニュース: カクノのデザイン (Mynavi News: October 2013 launch, 1 million in 3 months, ¥1,000 brief, cap air holes, smiley nib)](https://news.mynavi.jp/article/designofthings-3/) - [日刊ゲンダイ「1000円とは思えない 万年筆「カクノ」は文房具界の革命児」(Nikkan Gendai, March 4, 2017: ¥1,000 before tax)](https://www.nikkan-gendai.com/articles/view/life/200722) - [Blesket: Pilot Kakuno, a pen that makes you smile](https://blesket.com/blogs/kakuno-fountain-pen-a-smiley-pen/pilot-kakuno-fountain-pen-a-pen-that-makes-you-smile) - [Yoseka Stationery: Pilot Kakuno Family Series, Mama Red (smile faces you when held correctly; different faces)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/pilot-kakuno-fountain-pen-family-series-mama-red) --- # Pilot Metropolitan: Nibs, Converters & Brass Body > The Pilot Metropolitan is a brass-bodied cartridge/converter fountain pen from Pilot of Japan, sold as the Cocoon in Japan. It has a snap-on cap and a steel nib in Fine, Medium or a 1.0 mm stub, and comes with a black Pilot cartridge and a converter. Goulet Pens measures it at 138 mm capped and 26 g. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a black Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen with the cap posted, drawn to scale: 153 mm (6.0 in) long posted, with a metal clip and band, and an inset of the steel nib, offered in F, M and 1.0 mm stub](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-metropolitan-16x9.png) *The Metropolitan in Black Plain, posted, to scale, using Goulet Pens' 153 mm measurement.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-metropolitan-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Brass body and cap (painted; per Pilot Japan for the Cocoon and JetPens for the Metropolitan), resin section, steel nib | 2012 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen): Japan. Per Milligram's listing (made in Japan). Pilot's Japanese catalog page for the Cocoon (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state a country. eBay and Rokomari listings cited earlier blocked our access on that date, so we dropped them. Source: https://milligram.com/products/pilot-pen-metropolitan-fountain-pen ## Key takeaways - Goulet Pens measures the Metropolitan at 138 mm (5.4 in) capped, 153 mm (6.0 in) posted and 26.0 g; JetPens lists 27 g. - Steel nibs come in Fine, Medium and a 1.0 mm stub, and a Pilot Fine writes about like a Western Extra Fine. - It takes proprietary Pilot cartridges; the box adds one black cartridge plus a CON-B squeeze or CON-40 twist converter. - At 26 g, it is about 9 g heavier than a LAMY safari, because the body is brass rather than plastic. - Milligram's listing says made in Japan; in Japan the pen is sold as the Cocoon (FCO-3SR), which Pilot lists at 138 mm, 24 g and ¥4,400 (about US$28). ## What is the Pilot Metropolitan? **The Pilot Metropolitan is an entry-level fountain pen from Pilot of Japan, with a brass body, a snap-on cap and a steel nib.** JetPens lists the body as brass and the cap as snap-on, with a metal clip. Pilot's Wikipedia entry says Pilot released the Metropolitan in 2012 and that it's known as the Cocoon in Japan. The Well-Appointed Desk's 2013 review of the Cocoon calls it a Metropolitan "in a fancy box". The Metropolitan name appears to be for the US and some export markets: Pilot's Japanese catalog has no Metropolitan, only the Cocoon (コクーン), model FCO-3SR. Pilot's Japanese site says the Cocoon has been on sale since 2012 and lists it at 138 mm long, 13.2 mm at its widest and 24 g, close to Goulet's measurements of the Metropolitan but 2 g lighter. Its Japanese colors, such as Bordeaux and White, differ from the US finishes, and Pilot Japan sells limited Japan-only versions such as the Cha no Megumi Cocoon, on sale from June 1, 2026 at ¥4,950 (about US$31). Pilot's catalog lists the Cocoon (for example FCO-3SR-BOF, Bordeaux, Fine; JAN 4902505448478) with F or M nibs and a CON-40 converter, and notes a Good Design Award. It's one of the four starter fountain pens we cover, alongside the [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/), the [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/) and Pilot's own [Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/). Our [best fountain pens for beginners](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners/) roundup names it the best overall pick. ## Pilot Metropolitan specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation, Japan | | Type | Cartridge/converter fountain pen with cap | | Body | Brass (per JetPens; Pilot Japan lists painted brass for the Cocoon) | | Cap | Snap-on, postable, metal clip | | Nib | Steel: Fine, Medium, 1.0 mm stub | | Ink | Pilot cartridge (one black included) or converter | | Converter in box | CON-B squeeze or CON-40 twist, per Goulet | | Length capped | 138 mm (5.4 in) | | Length of body | 126 mm (5.0 in) | | Length posted | 153 mm (6.0 in) | | Diameter | 13 mm body, 8.4 mm grip | | Weight | 26.0 g (17 g body, 9 g cap) | | Made in | Japan (per Milligram) | Lengths and weight are Goulet Pens' measurements. JetPens' figures are close: 13.8 cm capped, 15.3 cm posted and about 27 g, with a 9.8 mm grip. Pilot doesn't publish Metropolitan dimensions in the sources we found; its Japanese figures for the Cocoon are 138 mm, 13.2 mm at the widest and 24 g. ## Which versions and nibs are there? **The Metropolitan comes in one shape with many finishes, and Goulet Pens sells it with Fine, Medium and 1.0 mm stub nibs.** | Variant | What changes | |---|---| | Plain finishes (Black, Silver, Gold) | Body color, plain band | | Animal patterns (Python, Lizard, Leopard, Crocodile) | Patterned band | | Retro Pop (Red, Green, Turquoise, Purple and others) | Bright body, patterned band | | Fine / Medium / 1.0 mm stub | Line width | The Journal Shop notes that Pilot uses Japanese nib sizing, so a Pilot Fine writes about like a Western Extra Fine. Choose Fine for small handwriting and thin paper, and Medium if you want a wetter line. ## What cartridges and converters does it use? **The Metropolitan takes Pilot's own cartridges or a Pilot converter, not standard international cartridges.** ![Three ways to fill a Pilot Metropolitan: a Pilot cartridge (one black included), the CON-B squeeze converter (in the box) and the CON-40 twist converter (0.4 ml)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-metropolitan-filling.svg) *Pilot has changed which converter ships in the box over time.* The Journal Shop says the box holds a cartridge and a CON-B squeeze converter. Goulet Pens says Pilot ships either a CON-B or a CON-40 and changes the style over time. If yours comes with the squeeze type, the CON-40 is the usual twist upgrade. Unsharpen lists its capacity at 0.4 ml. Pilot doesn't publish the Metropolitan's ink capacity in the sources we found. The same CON-40 also fits Pilot's retractable [Vanishing Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-vanishing-point/), where retailers say it comes in the box. ## How does the Metropolitan compare to other starter fountain pens? **The Metropolitan is the heaviest of the four, and the only one with a metal body.** | | Pilot Metropolitan | [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) | [TWSBI ECO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/) | [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Body | Brass | ASA plastic | Plastic, clear options | Resin, hexagonal | | Filling | Pilot cartridge or converter | T10 cartridge or Z28 converter | Piston, bottled ink only | Pilot cartridge or converter | | Steel nibs | F, M, 1.0 stub | EF, F, M, B, LH, italics | EF, F, M, B, 1.1 stub | EF, F, M | | Capped | 138 mm | 139.5 mm | 138.8 mm | 130.9 mm | | Weight | 26.0 g | 17.0 g | 21.0 g | 11.0 g | | Made in | Japan | Germany | Taiwan | Japan | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | Figures come from each pen's guide. The Metropolitan and the Kakuno share Pilot cartridges and converters, so one supply of refills covers both. ## Who is the Pilot Metropolitan for? **It suits adults who want a first fountain pen that feels like a metal pen, with a fine Japanese nib.** The brass body adds weight, which some writers like and others find tiring. If you want something light or child-friendly, the [Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/) weighs less than half as much. Fountain pen ink is wet, so paper matters: our [Rhodia No. 16 DotPad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/) guide covers one smooth, ink-friendly option. ## Where is the Pilot Metropolitan made? **Milligram's listing says the Metropolitan is made in Japan.** We didn't find Pilot stating it on its own pages, including its Japanese catalog page for the Cocoon. ## How much does a Pilot Metropolitan cost? **It's in our $$$ price band, $20–75 per pen, though it's among the cheaper metal-bodied fountain pens.** In Japan, Pilot's web catalog lists the Cocoon at ¥4,400 (about US$28) including tax, or ¥4,000 (about US$25) before tax. Its October 1, 2024 price list raised it from ¥3,300 (about US$21), which is why older shopping guides such as Smartlog (September 2022) describe it as a pen in the ¥3,000 (about US$19) range. ## Frequently asked questions ### What nib sizes does the Pilot Metropolitan come in? Goulet Pens sells it with Fine, Medium and 1.0 mm stub steel nibs. Pilot uses Japanese sizing, so its Fine writes about like a Western Extra Fine, according to The Journal Shop. ### Does the Pilot Metropolitan come with a converter? Yes. The Journal Shop says the box holds a cartridge and a CON-B squeeze converter, and Goulet Pens says Pilot ships either a CON-B or a CON-40, changing the style over time. ### What cartridges does the Pilot Metropolitan use? It takes Pilot's proprietary cartridges, not standard international ones, and comes with one black cartridge. Goulet Pens lists bottled ink and proprietary Pilot cartridges as its filling options. ### Is the Pilot Metropolitan the same as the Pilot Cocoon? Close siblings. Wikipedia calls the Cocoon the Japanese name for the Metropolitan, and Pilot's Japanese catalog lists the Cocoon at 138 mm, the same capped length, with a painted brass body and cap. But Pilot Japan doesn't sell a Metropolitan, lists the Cocoon at 24 g against Goulet's 26.0 g, offers it in F and M only, and its finishes differ. ### How heavy is the Pilot Metropolitan? Goulet Pens weighs it at 26.0 g with the cap (17 g body, 9 g cap); JetPens lists about 27 g. The brass body makes it noticeably heavier than plastic starter pens. ### Where is the Pilot Metropolitan made? Milligram's listing describes it as made in Japan. We didn't find Pilot stating it on its own pages, including the Japanese catalog page for the Cocoon. ### Can you post the cap on a Pilot Metropolitan? Yes. The snap-on cap posts on the end, which Goulet Pens measures at 153 mm (6.0 in) long, up from 138 mm capped. ## Sources - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「コクーン」FCO-3SR-BOF (Pilot Japan catalog: Cocoon; 138 mm, 13.2 mm, 24 g, brass body and cap, CON-40, ¥4,400, Good Design Award)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000151) - [革小物シリーズ『茶の恵』第2弾発売 (Pilot Japan press release, May 8, 2026: Cocoon on sale since 2012; limited Cha no Megumi Cocoon from June 1, 2026)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/press_release/2026/05/08/2_1.html) - [価格表 2024年10月1日付 (Pilot Japan price list, October 1, 2024, PDF: Cocoon FCO3SR ¥3,300 to ¥4,400 incl. tax)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/information/price-list20241001.pdf) - [Wikipedia: Pilot (pen company) (Metropolitan, known as Cocoon in Japan, 2012)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilot_Pen) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen, Gold Plain (measurements, converter)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/pilot-metropolitan-fountain-pen-gold-plain) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen, Black Plain](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/pilot-metropolitan-fountain-pen-black-plain) - [Goulet Pens: Pilot Metropolitan Retro Pop Green (nib options)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/pilot-metropolitan-fountain-pen-retro-pop-green) - [JetPens: Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen, Silver Python, Fine (brass body, snap cap, specs)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Metropolitan-Fountain-Pen-Silver-Python-Fine/pd/12080) - [The Journal Shop: Pilot Metropolitan complete guide (CON-B, nib sizing)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/blogs/guides/pilot-metropolitan-complete-guide) - [Milligram: Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen (made in Japan)](https://milligram.com/products/pilot-pen-metropolitan-fountain-pen) - [Unsharpen: Pilot CON-40 converter (0.4 ml)](https://unsharpen.com/refill/pilot-con-40-fountain-pen-converter/) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Review, Pilot Cocoon fountain pen (June 2013)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2013/06/review-pilot-cocoon-fountain-pen/) - [Smartlog: Pilot Cocoon at around ¥3,000 (Japanese)](https://smartlog.jp/158224) --- # TWSBI ECO: Piston Filler, Ink Capacity & Nib Sizes > The TWSBI ECO is a plastic piston-filling fountain pen from TWSBI, the pen brand of Taiwan's TaShin Precision. It fills only from a bottle, holding up to 1.76 ml per Goulet Pens, and has a screw cap and a steel nib from EF to B or a 1.1 mm stub. Goldspot lists it at 138.8 mm capped. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/twsbi-eco/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a clear TWSBI ECO fountain pen with the cap posted, drawn to scale: 167.5 mm (6.6 in) long posted, with the piston rod visible through the clear barrel and an inset of the steel nib, offered EF to B and 1.1 stub](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/twsbi-eco-16x9.png) *The ECO in Clear, posted, to scale, using Goldspot's 167.5 mm figure.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/twsbi-eco-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen | TWSBI (by TaShin Precision (Taiwan)) | Taiwan | Taiwan | Solid and transparent resin; stainless steel nib | 2015 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen): Taiwan. Goldspot's ECO spec sheet says "Made in Taiwan", and Pen Chalet shows "ECO-T Taiwan" engraved on the ECO-T's cap band. TWSBI's own product pages don't print a country of manufacture, and its Taiwanese site, twsbi.com.tw, didn't load for us on October 20, 2026. JetPens says TWSBI nibs are made in Germany. Source: https://goldspot.com/products/twsbi-eco-fountain-pen-in-black ## Key takeaways - Goulet Pens lists the ECO's maximum ink capacity at 1.76 ml; JetPens says 1.5 ml with a basic fill and up to about 1.7 ml. - Goldspot and Goulet list it at 138.8 mm (5.45 in) capped and 167.5 mm (6.6 in) posted, at 21 g. - TWSBI sells it with steel nibs in five widths, EF, F, M, B and a 1.1 mm stub, at US$36.99 in its own store. - It takes no cartridges or converter, and JetPens says it comes with a wrench and silicone grease for maintenance. - Goldspot's spec sheet says made in Taiwan, and Goldspot says TWSBI introduced the ECO in 2015. ## What is the TWSBI ECO? **The TWSBI ECO is a plastic fountain pen with a built-in piston filler and a steel nib, made by Taiwan's TaShin Precision under its TWSBI brand.** Goldspot says TWSBI introduced it in 2015, and The Pen Addict reviewed it in January 2016. TWSBI's own site says TaShin Precision spent more than 50 years as an OEM manufacturer for other brands before selling under its own name, and Dromgoole's dates the brand's launch to 2009. Dromgoole's describes the ECO as bringing the piston filler of TWSBI's Diamond 580 to a lower price. It's one of the four starter fountain pens we cover, with the [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/), the [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) and the [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/). ## TWSBI ECO specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | TaShin Precision (TWSBI), Taiwan | | Type | Piston-filling fountain pen with cap | | Body | Solid and transparent resin; clear and colored versions | | Cap | Screw-on with an inner cap, postable (TWSBI) | | Nib | Steel: EF, F, M, B, 1.1 mm stub (TWSBI) | | Filling | Built-in piston, bottled ink only | | Ink capacity | 1.76 ml max (Goulet); 1.5 ml basic fill, up to about 1.7 ml (JetPens) | | Length capped | 138.8 mm (5.45 in) | | Length uncapped | 131.5 mm (5.18 in) | | Length posted | 167.5 mm (6.6 in) | | Diameter | 12.8 mm barrel, 9.1 mm grip (Goulet) | | Weight | 21 g (13 g body, 8 g cap, per Goulet) | | In the box | Wrench and silicone grease (Goldspot, JetPens) | | Made in | Taiwan (Goldspot) | Lengths are from Goldspot's spec sheet; Goulet lists the same 138.8 mm capped and 167.5 mm posted, with 131.6 mm uncapped. On October 20, 2026 TWSBI's own store listed the ECO at US$36.99, with item codes M7445300 (EF) to M7445340 (1.1 mm stub). ## How does the ECO's piston filler work? **You dip the nib in a bottle and twist the knob at the end of the barrel, which moves a piston that draws ink into the barrel itself.** There's no cartridge or converter, so the whole barrel is the ink reservoir. ![Cutaway of a TWSBI ECO drawn to scale, 131.5 mm uncapped: twist knob, piston rod and seal, ink chamber holding about 1.76 ml, clear grip with feed, and steel nib](https://stationerytimes.com/images/twsbi-eco-piston.svg) *The barrel is the ink tank; the piston seal moves along it.* That's why the capacity is large: Goulet's 1.76 ml is more than four times the 0.4 ml Unsharpen lists for Pilot's CON-40 converter. The trade-off is that you need bottled ink, which also means far more colors. For comparison, the [LAMY Z28 converter](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-z28-converter/) holds about 0.8 ml, per Unsharpen. The [LAMY 2000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-2000/), a gold-nib piston filler, holds about 1.35 ml, per Goulet Pens. JetPens says the wrench and silicone grease in the box are for occasional maintenance of the piston, not something you need on day one. ## Which ECO nib and version should you choose? **Choose EF or F for small handwriting, M or B for a bolder line, and the 1.1 mm stub for italic-style lettering.** | Variant | What changes | |---|---| | ECO (Clear, Black, White and others) | Colors and trim | | Limited editions (e.g. Caffe Bronze) | Seasonal colors | | ECO-T | More pronounced grip; triangular cap and end cap (TWSBI) | | EF / F / M / B / 1.1 stub | Line width | TWSBI doesn't sell a separate ECO nib unit. Pure Pens says a Diamond Mini nib unit also fits the ECO once you remove the nib and feed from the Mini's collar; handle the feed gently. ## How does the ECO compare to other starter fountain pens? **The ECO holds the most ink of the four and has the longest posted length; it's the only one that can't take a cartridge.** | | TWSBI ECO | [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) | [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) | [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Filling | Piston, bottled ink only | T10 cartridge or Z28 converter | Pilot cartridge or converter | Pilot cartridge or converter | | Steel nibs | EF, F, M, B, 1.1 stub | EF, F, M, B, LH, italics | F, M, 1.0 stub | EF, F, M | | Capped | 138.8 mm | 139.5 mm | 138 mm | 130.9 mm | | Posted | 167.5 mm | 163.9 mm | 153 mm | 159.7 mm | | Weight | 21.0 g | 17.0 g | 26.0 g | 11.0 g | | Made in | Taiwan | Germany | Japan | Japan | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | Figures come from each pen's guide. ## Who is the TWSBI ECO for? **It suits writers who already want bottled ink and a big ink supply, and people who like seeing the ink through a clear barrel.** If you'd rather start with cartridges, the [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) or [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) is simpler. Wet ink needs good paper; see our [Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) guide. ## Where is the TWSBI ECO made? **In Taiwan, according to Goldspot's spec sheet.** Pen Chalet's photos show "ECO-T Taiwan" engraved on the ECO-T's cap band, and TWSBI's parent, TaShin Precision, is Taiwanese. TWSBI's own product pages don't print a country of manufacture, and JetPens says TWSBI nibs are made in Germany. ## How much does a TWSBI ECO cost? **The ECO is in our $$$ price band, $20–75 per pen; TWSBI's own store listed it at US$36.99 on October 20, 2026.** It needs a bottle of ink too, since it can't take cartridges. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much ink does the TWSBI ECO hold? Goulet Pens lists the maximum at 1.76 ml. JetPens says 1.5 ml with a basic fill and up to about 1.7 ml with extra steps. That is several times what a typical cartridge converter holds. ### Can you use cartridges in a TWSBI ECO? No. The ECO is a piston filler that fills only from bottled ink, and it doesn't accept cartridges or a converter, according to JetPens. ### What nib sizes does the TWSBI ECO come in? TWSBI sells the ECO with steel nibs in Extra Fine, Fine, Medium and Broad, plus a 1.1 mm stub for italic-style lettering. ### Can you change the nib on a TWSBI ECO? Yes, but TWSBI doesn't sell an ECO nib unit. Pure Pens says a Diamond Mini nib unit also fits the ECO if you pull the nib and feed out of the Mini's collar and move them across; handle the feed gently. ### What is the difference between the TWSBI ECO and ECO-T? TWSBI says the ECO-T has a slightly more pronounced grip section and a triangular cap and end cap. Pen Chalet lists the ECO-T at 1.75 ml with a threaded cap. ### Where is the TWSBI ECO made? In Taiwan, according to Goldspot's spec sheet; the ECO-T's cap band is engraved "Taiwan". TWSBI is the brand of TaShin Precision, a Taiwanese manufacturer. ### What comes in the TWSBI ECO box? JetPens says the pen comes with a wrench and a vial of silicone grease for at-home maintenance of the piston. The pen is sold without ink. ## Sources - [TWSBI: ECO Clear Fountain Pen (official store; nib choices, postable cap, inner cap, item codes, US$36.99)](https://www.twsbi.com/products/twsbi-eco-clear-fountain-pen) - [TWSBI: ECO-T Clear Fountain Pen (more pronounced grip, triangular cap and end cap)](https://www.twsbi.com/products/twsbi-eco-t-clear-fountain-pen) - [TWSBI: About us (TaShin Precision, 50-plus years as an OEM manufacturer)](https://www.twsbi.com/pages/about-us) - [Goldspot: TWSBI ECO fountain pen, Black (dimensions, 21 g, wrench and grease, made in Taiwan)](https://goldspot.com/products/twsbi-eco-fountain-pen-in-black) - [Goldspot: TWSBI ECO fountain pen overview (introduced 2015)](https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/twsbi-eco-fountain-pen-overview) - [Goulet Pens: TWSBI ECO fountain pen, Clear (dimensions, 21.0 g, 1.76 ml)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/twsbi-eco-fountain-pen-clear) - [JetPens: TWSBI ECO Caffe Bronze, Fine (1.5 ml basic fill, up to about 1.7 ml, bottled ink only, wrench and grease)](https://www.jetpens.com/TWSBI-ECO-Caffe-Bronze-Fountain-Pen-Fine-Limited-Edition/pd/42697) - [Pure Pens: TWSBI Diamond Mini replacement nib unit (also fits the ECO once removed from its collar)](https://www.purepens.co.uk/collections/all/products/twsbi-diamond-mini-replacement-nib-unit) - [Pen Chalet: TWSBI ECO-T, Clear (threaded cap, 1.75 ml)](https://www.penchalet.com/fine_pens/fountain_pens/twsbi_eco-t_fountain_pen/Clear/) - [Onlinemantra: TWSBI ECO Heat (screw cap, wrench and grease)](https://www.onlinemantra.in/collections/writing/products/twsbi-eco-heat-ct-fountain-pen) - [Dromgoole's: The history of the TWSBI pen company](https://www.dromgooles.com/blogs/news/twsbi-pen-company) - [The Pen Addict: TWSBI ECO fountain pen review (January 2016)](https://penaddict.com/blog/2016/1/24/twsbi-eco-fountain-pen-review) --- # Midori MD Paper Pad: Cream MD Paper, Sizes & Cotton > The Midori MD Paper Pad is a plain tear-off pad of Midori's own cream MD Paper. The A5 version measures 148 × 210 mm, holds 90 sheets of 80 g/m² paper glued along two edges, and weighs about 255 g. It also comes in A4, A4 Square, grid and 20% cotton versions, and Midori lists it as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-paper-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Midori MD Paper Pad A5, 148 × 210 × 10 mm, in cream MD Paper on a thick backing board, closed and from above with a sheet torn off; glued on two edges with a 45° cut corner, shown in the inset](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/midori-md-paper-pad-16x9.png) *The A5 pad: 90 cream sheets glued on two edges, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-md-paper-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Midori MD Paper Pad A5, Blank, 90 sheets (15235006) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT) | Japan | Japan | Cream MD Paper, 80 g/m² | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Midori MD Paper Pad A5, Blank, 90 sheets (15235006)): Japan. Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store gives 原産国 (country of origin) Made in Japan for the A5, A4, A4 Square and Cotton pads. Retailers agree: Galen Leather lists origin Japan, and Hunter Paper Co., Jenni Bick and Totem Shop say made in Japan. Source: https://md-product.com/products/md-paper-pad-a5 ## Key takeaways - Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store lists the A5 pad at 210 × 148 × 10 mm (8.3 × 5.8 × 0.4 in), 90 sheets and about 255 g. - The A4 pad also has 90 sheets, measures 297 × 210 × 10 mm and weighs about 500 g; a 210 × 210 mm A4 Square pad joined the Japanese range in October 2026. - Midori gives standard MD Paper as 80 g/m² and MD Paper Cotton, with 20% cotton pulp, as 75 g/m². - Japanese list prices run from ¥770 (about US$4.90) for the A5 pad to ¥1,210 (about US$7.70) for the A4 Cotton pad, with tax. - Designphil says Midori has developed MD Paper in-house since the 1960s; Pen Addict found more ghosting on MD Cotton than on standard MD Paper. ## What is the Midori MD Paper Pad? **The Midori MD Paper Pad is a plain pad of loose, tear-off sheets made from Midori's own MD Paper, the same cream paper used in the [Midori MD Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/).** It has no cover; Midori says a thick backing board and two glued edges keep it steady enough to write on while standing with the pad in one hand. Midori is a brand of Designphil Inc. in Tokyo. The MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT through its own Japanese online store, and Paperwhisper says the paper, construction, size and design are unchanged from the Midori-branded pads. ## What is MD Paper, and when did it start? **MD Paper is a writing paper that Midori has developed in-house since the 1960s, according to a 2018 Designphil press release.** Midori's official history says the company was founded in 1950 and that its first product was letter paper, but it doesn't give a year for MD Paper itself. Some retailers expand "MD" as Midori Diary. Midori's own pages don't spell the name out, so treat that as an unofficial reading. ## MD Paper Pad specs | Spec | A5 pad | A4 pad | |---|---|---| | Item number | 15235006 (blank), 91803385 (grid) | 15236006 (blank), 91803386 (grid), 91804330 (storyboard) | | Size | 210 × 148 × 10 mm (8.3 × 5.8 × 0.4 in) | 297 × 210 × 10 mm (11.7 × 8.3 × 0.4 in) | | Sheets | 90 | 90 | | Weight | About 255 g (9.0 oz) | About 500 g (17.6 oz) | | Rulings | Blank, 5 mm grid | Blank, 5 mm grid, storyboard (4 × 2 frames) | | Paper | MD Paper, cream, 80 g/m² | Same | | Binding | Glued on two edges, thick backing board, one corner cut | Same | | List price (Japan) | ¥770 (about US$4.90) with tax | ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) with tax | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Every figure comes from Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT online store. Totem Shop's listing gives the same 255 g and 500 g weights. ![To-scale drawing: A4 MD Paper Pad 210 × 297 mm and A5 pad 148 × 210 mm, each 90 sheets glued on two edges, beside the 168 × 210 mm MD Letter Pad with 50 sheets ruled at 9.5 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-md-paper-pad-sizes.svg) *The A5 pad has half the sheet area of the A4 pad; the letter pad is 20 mm wider than A5.* ## Which sizes and versions are there? **Midori's Japanese store sells the MD Paper Pad in A5, A4 and A4 Square, plus Cotton pads in A5 and A4 and a separate 50-sheet MD Letter Pad.** There is no A6, A7 or B5 MD Paper Pad; those sizes appear as MD Notebooks instead. | Version | Size | Sheets | Ruling | List price (Japan) | |---|---|---|---|---| | MD Paper Pad A5 | 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in) | 90 | Blank or 5 mm grid | ¥770 (about US$4.90) | | MD Paper Pad A4 | 210 × 297 mm (8.3 × 11.7 in) | 90 | Blank, 5 mm grid or storyboard | ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) | | MD Paper Pad A4 Square | 210 × 210 mm (8.3 × 8.3 in) | 90 | Blank or 5 mm grid | ¥990 (about US$6.30) | | MD Paper Pad Cotton A5 / A4 | As A5 / A4 | 90 | Blank | ¥880 (about US$5.60) / ¥1,210 (about US$7.70) | | MD Letter Pad (standard or cotton) | 168 × 210 mm (6.6 × 8.3 in) | 50 | 15 lines at 9.5 mm, or 11 vertical lines at 10 mm | ¥550 (about US$3.50) / ¥660 (about US$4.20) | Prices include Japanese tax. The A4 Square pad, about 344 g, appeared on Midori's Japanese store in October 2026; we don't know when it will reach US shops. Blick calls the letter pad A5, and Pulp Addiction says its width is a letter-writing size rather than B5. The vertical-ruled letter pad is a Japanese-style format. ## How is the pad bound? **The sheets are glued along two edges, not just the top, so you can write in portrait or landscape.** Midori describes the two-edge gluing and a cut corner that makes pages easier to turn; Galen Leather says the lower left corner is cut at 45° so pages tear off without dog-ears. That means a torn sheet has two slightly rough glued edges and no perforation. If you want a clean perforated top, a stapled pad like Rhodia's is the alternative. ## Is MD Paper good for fountain pens? **Midori says so, and reviewers mostly agree, with ghosting as the main caveat.** Midori's store says MD Paper resists bleeding and bleed-through, and retailers market it as fountain-pen friendly. In its MD Cotton review, Pen Addict found almost no feathering or bleeding on either MD paper, and more ghosting on Cotton. We found no measured dry time. One Fountain Pen Network member says dry times on MD Paper are long, which is an anecdote, not a test. A fine-nibbed pen such as the [LAMY safari](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/) with a well-behaved ink is a safer start. For a much lighter fountain pen sheet, [Tomoe River paper](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tomoe-river-paper/) is 52 gsm, though writing shows through more. ## What is the difference between MD Paper and MD Cotton? **MD Paper Cotton blends 20% cotton pulp into MD Paper and is slightly lighter, at 75 g/m² against 80 g/m², per Midori.** Midori calls it smooth and gentle to the touch. Pen Addict found it whiter, with wider fountain pen lines and heavier ghosting, and recommends standard MD Paper for writing on both sides; it found Cotton better for pencil. The A5 Cotton pad weighs about 249 g, per Midori, a little less than the 255 g standard pad. ## How does it compare to the Rhodia No. 16? **Both are A5 tear-off pads, but the MD pad has 10 more sheets of cream paper glued on two edges, while the Rhodia has white, perforated, top-stapled sheets.** | | MD Paper Pad A5 | [Rhodia No. 16 DotPad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/) | |---|---|---| | Size | 148 × 210 mm | 148 × 210 mm | | Sheets | 90 | 80, micro-perforated | | Paper | MD Paper, cream, 80 g/m² | 80 g/m² Clairefontaine, white | | Rulings | Blank, 5 mm grid | 5 mm dots, also lined, graph, blank | | Binding | Glued on two edges | Stapled at the top | | Made in | Japan | France | | Price band | $$ | $$ | Rhodia figures come from our Rhodia guide and its sources. For heavier Clairefontaine paper in a bound book, the [Clairefontaine 1951 staplebound A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/clairefontaine-1951-staplebound-notebook/) has 96 pages of 90 g/m². For mixed media and paint rather than ink, look at the heavier [Canson XL Mix Media Pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/). ## How much does it cost? **The standard A5 MD Paper Pad sits in our $$ band ($5–20 per pad) at the US shops we checked in October 2026.** In Japan, Midori lists it at ¥770 (about US$4.90) with tax, so US prices include import costs. Cotton pads cost a little more. ## Where is the MD Paper Pad made? **Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store lists every MD Paper Pad as Made in Japan.** Retailers agree: Galen Leather gives the origin as Japan, and Hunter Paper Co., Jenni Bick and Totem Shop say "Made in Japan". We didn't find a Midori page that names the mill or factory. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many sheets are in a Midori MD Paper Pad? The A5, A4 and A4 Square MD Paper Pads each hold 90 sheets, per Midori, in blank, grid and cotton versions. The separate MD Letter Pad holds 50 ruled sheets. ### What size is the MD Paper Pad A5? Midori lists it at 210 × 148 × 10 mm, which is standard A5, or about 8.3 × 5.8 in. The A4 pad is 297 × 210 mm and the A4 Square pad 210 × 210 mm. ### What paper weight is Midori MD Paper? Midori's Japanese store gives standard MD Paper as 80 g/m² and MD Paper Cotton as 75 g/m². Some retailers list other figures, but the maker's numbers settle it. ### Is MD Paper cream or white? Standard MD Paper is cream; Midori's store files it as MD Paper (cream), and Hunter Paper Co. calls it cream. Pen Addict and Blick describe MD Cotton as whiter. ### Is the MD Paper Pad good for fountain pens? Midori says MD Paper resists feathering and bleed-through, and markets it to fountain pen users. Pen Addict found almost no feathering or bleeding on MD papers, with more ghosting on Cotton; we haven't tested it ourselves. ### What is the difference between MD Paper and MD Cotton? MD Paper Cotton adds 20% cotton pulp and is 75 g/m² rather than 80, per Midori. Pen Addict found it whiter and softer, with wider fountain pen lines and more ghosting than standard MD Paper. ### Where is the Midori MD Paper Pad made? In Japan. Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store lists every MD Paper Pad as Made in Japan, and retailers such as Galen Leather and Hunter Paper Co. agree. Midori is a brand of Tokyo-based Designphil. ### What does MD stand for? Some retailers, such as Hunter Paper Co., write it as Midori Diary. Midori's own product pages don't spell the name out, so treat that as an unofficial reading. ## Sources - [MDペーパーパッド A5 無地/方眼 (MD PRODUCT Japanese online store: 210 × 148 × 10 mm, 90 sheets, about 255 g, 80 g/m², two-edge gluing, ¥770, made in Japan)](https://md-product.com/products/md-paper-pad-a5) - [MDペーパーパッド［A4］ (MD PRODUCT Japanese online store: 297 × 210 × 10 mm, about 500 g, blank, grid and storyboard, ¥1,100)](https://md-product.com/products/md-paper-pad-a4) - [MDペーパーパッド［A4スクエア］ (MD PRODUCT Japanese online store: 210 × 210 × 10 mm, about 344 g, ¥990)](https://md-product.com/products/md-paper-pad-a4-square) - [MDペーパーパッド コットン A5 無地 (MD PRODUCT Japanese online store: 75 g/m², about 249 g, ¥880)](https://md-product.com/products/md-paper-pad-cotton-a5) - [MD用紙 コットン 100枚パック (MD PRODUCT Japanese online store: MD Paper Cotton with 20% cotton pulp)](https://md-product.com/products/md-paper-cotton-100pack) - [MD便箋 縦罫/横罫 (MD PRODUCT Japanese online store: MD Letter Pad, 210 × 168 × 7 mm, 50 sheets, 9.5 mm and 15 lines, 80 g/m², ¥550)](https://md-product.com/products/md-letter-pad) - [MD便箋 コットン 縦罫/横罫 (MD PRODUCT Japanese online store: MD Cotton Letter Pad, 75 g/m², ¥660)](https://md-product.com/products/md-letter-pad-cotton) - [『MD ノート＜A5＞10th』 (Designphil press release, February 23, 2018: MD Paper developed in-house since the 1960s)](https://www.designphil.co.jp/presspdf/180223_md10th.pdf) - [Midori: A history of Midori (founded 1950, first product letter paper)](https://www.midori-japan.co.jp/english/about/history/) - [Galen Leather: Midori MD Paper Pad Blank A5 (90 sheets, two glued sides, 45° cut corner, origin Japan)](https://galenleather.com/products/midori-md-paper-pad-blank-a5) - [Galen Leather: Midori MD Paper Pad Blank A4 (90 sheets, origin Japan)](https://www.galenleather.com/products/midori-md-paper-pad-blank-a4) - [Totem Shop: Midori MD Paper Pad A4 Blank (A5 and A4 weights, including Cotton)](https://totemshop.com/products/midori-md-paper-pad-a4-blank) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Midori MD A5 Paper Pad Blank (cream paper, made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/midori-md-a5-paper-pad-blank) - [Hunter Paper Co.: MD Paper A5 Lined Letter Pad (50 sheets, 9.5 mm grey lines, cream)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/md-paper-a5-lined-letter-pad) - [Paperwhisper: MD Paper Pad A5 Grid (MD PRODUCT now an independent brand; no change to paper or construction)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/midori-md-paper-pad-a5-grid) - [Jenni Bick: MD Cotton Paper Pad A5 (20% cotton fiber, made in Japan)](https://www.jennibick.com/products/midori-md-cotton-paper-pad-a5) - [Jenni Bick: Midori MD Paper Pad A5, Blank (US listing)](https://jennibick.com/products/midori-md-paper-pad-a5) - [Blick: Midori MD Letter Pad (A5, 50 sheets, 80 gsm, 9.5 mm ruling)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/midori-md-letter-pad/) - [Blick: Midori MD Cotton Letter Pad (50 sheets, 75 gsm, 20% cotton)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/midori-md-cotton-letter-pad/) - [Pulp Addiction: Midori MD Letter Pad Lined (a letter-writing size rather than B5)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/midori-md-letter-pad-lined) - [Pen Addict: Midori MD Cotton Notebook review (Cotton vs standard MD Paper)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2024/11/25/midori-md-cotton-notebook-review) - [Fountain Pen Network: Lamy and Midori question (dry times on MD Paper)](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/313414-lamy-and-midori-question) - [Yoseka Stationery: MD Paper Pad Grid A5 (US listing)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/md-paper-pad-grid-a5) --- # BIC Cristal: The Hexagonal Ballpoint Since 1950 > The BIC Cristal is a capped, disposable ballpoint pen with a clear hexagonal barrel that BIC launched in France in December 1950. It comes in a 1.0 mm medium point, which retailers say writes a line about 0.4 mm wide, and a 0.8 mm fine point. US packs are sold as Cristal Xtra Smooth and list Mexico as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-cristal/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped BIC Cristal ballpoint with blue ink: clear hexagonal barrel with the blue ink tube and vent hole visible, blue end plug and blue cap with clip, and a close-up of the 1.0 mm medium point](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/bic-cristal-16x9.png) *The capped Cristal: clear six-sided barrel, ink tube inside, vent hole in the side.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/bic-cristal-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Ballpoint Pen, Medium 1.0 mm (MS11) / Cristal Original | BIC (by Société BIC (France); sold in the US by BIC Corporation) | France | Mexico | Polystyrene barrel, polypropylene ink tube, brass tip, tungsten-carbide ball | 1950-12 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Ballpoint Pen, Medium 1.0 mm (MS11) / Cristal Original): Mexico. BIC's French 75th-anniversary press kit (2025) says the Cristal is still made in BIC's own factories in France, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa, on machines BIC designs. For US packs, a Stop & Shop listing for a blue Cristal Xtra Smooth 10-pack gives Mexico, as did distributor listings for MS11 black and red (Aztek, Dealer Commander). European packs of the Cristal Original have been listed as made in France (Farnell). Check the pack. Source: https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/bic-cristal-ball-point-pens-xtra-smooth-medium-blue-ink-10-ct-pkg/27921 ## Key takeaways - BIC's French press kit says the Cristal launched in December 1950 at its Clichy factory, priced at 0.50 French francs, and sold 10,000 a day in its first year. - The medium point has a 1.0 mm ball; retailer spec sheets give a line width of about 0.4 mm, and some list 0.32 mm. - The fine point has a 0.8 mm ball and a line of about 0.35 mm, per retailer listings. - BIC gives the pen as 14.7 cm long, 8.3 mm across and 5.8 g, with 0.4 g of ink, enough for up to 3 km of writing. - BIC says the Cristal is made in its own factories in France, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa; US packs of the Cristal Xtra Smooth list Mexico. ## What is the BIC Cristal? **The BIC Cristal is a capped, disposable ballpoint pen with a clear, six-sided plastic barrel, made by the French company BIC since 1950.** BIC's French press kit for the pen's 75th anniversary says the Cristal was born in December 1950 at BIC's Clichy factory near Paris, cost 0.50 French francs, and was refillable at first. It sold 10,000 pens a day in its first year. Marcel Bich had bought the rights to László Bíró's ballpoint patent, then worked on the ink and, with Swiss watchmakers, the fit between ball and tube. France Today says the Cristal is reputed to sell about 57 pens every second, with more than 100 billion sold. Those are widely repeated estimates, not audited figures. It tops our list of the [best pens of all time](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-of-all-time/). ## BIC Cristal specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Société BIC (France); US seller BIC Corporation | | Type | Capped, disposable oil-based ballpoint | | Points | Medium 1.0 mm · Fine 0.8 mm | | Line width | About 0.4 mm (medium) · about 0.35 mm (fine) | | Ball and tip | Tungsten-carbide ball, 1 mm (medium), in a brass tip | | Barrel | Clear polystyrene, hexagonal, 8.3 mm across, with a vent hole (BS 7272-1) | | Length | 14.7 cm (5.8 in) | | Weight | 5.8 g | | Ink | 0.4 g in a polypropylene tube; water-resistant, dries in under 2 seconds (BIC) | | Cap | Ventilated, ink-colored; a UK retailer says it meets ISO 11540 | | Writing length | Up to 3 km (BIC); retailers cite SGS tests from 2012–2013 | | US name and item | Cristal Xtra Smooth; MS11 is the medium dozen (MS11BK black) | | Launched | December 1950 | | Made in | BIC factories in France, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa; US packs list Mexico | Length, diameter, weight, ink, materials and writing length come from BIC's French press kit (2025). The fine point and line widths come from retailer spec sheets. ## What do the 1.0 mm and 0.8 mm points write like? **The number is the size of the ball, not the line: a 1.0 mm medium Cristal writes a line about 0.4 mm wide.** A ballpoint lays down a thin film of paste ink, so the line is much narrower than the ball. ![To-scale drawing at 120 times: BIC Cristal 1.0 mm medium ball with a 0.4 mm line, and 0.8 mm fine ball with a 0.35 mm line](https://stationerytimes.com/images/bic-cristal-ball-and-line.svg) *Ball and line at the same scale. Sources differ on the medium line: most say 0.4 mm, a few say 0.32 mm.* So don't compare ball sizes across pen types: a 1.0 mm Cristal is not a bold pen. Choose the medium for everyday writing and forms, and the fine for small handwriting. ## Why is the BIC Cristal hexagonal, and why is there a hole? **The six sides copy a wooden pencil, so the pen doesn't roll and is easy to grip; the clear barrel shows how much ink is left.** BIC says the small hole in the side of the barrel balances the air pressure inside and outside the pen, pushes ink toward the tip and prevents leaks; it complies with the British standard BS 7272-1. The cap has a vent at the top as well. A UK retailer says the cap meets ISO 11540, the safety standard for pen caps that children might swallow. ## How does the BIC Cristal compare to other everyday pens? **The Cristal is the cheapest and simplest of the three: capped, disposable and oil-based, where the gel and hybrid pens are retractable and refillable.** | | BIC Cristal (medium) | [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) (0.7 mm) | [uni-ball Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/) (1.0 mm) | |---|---|---|---| | Ink | Oil-based ballpoint | Gel | Hybrid (low-viscosity oil) | | Mechanism | Cap | Retractable | Retractable | | Refillable | No | Yes | Yes | | Price band | $ | $ | $ | Ballpoint paste ink is much thicker than gel ink, which is why a ballpoint is the usual safe pick for thin paper like a [Mead composition notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/). We haven't tested show-through yet. If you want a capped ballpoint you can refill, the [Pentel R.S.V.P.](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-rsvp/) takes BKL7 and BKL10 refills. Ballpoint ink doesn't erase, so a mistake needs covering, for example with [BIC Wite-Out EZ Correct](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-wite-out-ez-correct/) tape. ## Where is the BIC Cristal made? **BIC says it still makes the Cristal in its own factories in France, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa, on machines it designs itself; US packs of the Cristal Xtra Smooth list Mexico.** A Stop & Shop listing for a blue 10-pack gives "Made in Mexico", as did distributor listings for the MS11 dozen in black and red. In Europe, the electronics distributor Farnell has listed France as the country of last significant manufacturing for a 10-pack. BIC also makes its own inks, per the press kit, so check the pack for the factory. ## How much does a BIC Cristal cost? **The Cristal is in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen), and usually far below it.** Current US 10-packs of the Cristal Xtra Smooth work out to well under a dollar a pen. ASINsight's Amazon estimates for July 2026 put the Cristal Xtra Smooth 10-count at about 10,000 sales a month. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between the BIC Cristal and Cristal Xtra Smooth? They are the same capped, clear-barrel hexagonal ballpoint. In the US, BIC sells it as the Cristal Xtra Smooth, with the medium black dozen under item number MS11; in Europe it is sold as the Cristal Original. ### What line width does a BIC Cristal medium write? A fine-to-medium line: most retailer spec sheets put it at about 0.4 mm, well under the 1.0 mm ball size printed on the pack. A few listings say 0.32 mm; BIC's press kit gives the ball size but not a line width. ### How long does a BIC Cristal last? BIC says a Cristal writes up to 3 km from its 0.4 g of ink; UK and European retailers quote the figure from SGS tests run in 2012 and 2013. We have not measured it ourselves. ### Why does the BIC Cristal have a hole in the barrel? BIC says the hole balances the air pressure inside and outside the pen, pushes ink toward the tip and prevents leaks, and that it complies with the BS 7272-1 standard. One UK retailer says the vented cap meets ISO 11540. ### Where is the BIC Cristal made? BIC says it makes the Cristal in its own factories in France, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa. Packs sold in the US list Mexico, and packs sold in Europe have been listed as French-made, so the pack is the final word. ### When was the BIC Cristal invented? BIC says the Cristal was born in December 1950 at its Clichy factory near Paris, priced at 0.50 French francs. Marcel Bich built it on László Bíró's ballpoint patent, which he had bought, with Swiss watchmakers' help on the fit of the ball. ### Is the BIC Cristal in a museum? Yes. BIC says the Cristal entered the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in 2001, and that of the Centre Pompidou's Musée National d'Art Moderne in Paris in 2006. ## Sources - [BIC (French): Dossier de presse BIC Cristal 75 ans (press kit, 2025: December 1950 Clichy launch, factories, 14.7 cm, 8.3 mm, 5.8 g, 0.4 g ink, 3 km, PDF)](https://mediabic.bic.com/image/upload/v1758021347/Press_kit_BIC_Cristal_75_ans_FR_65f6e0914e.pdf) - [Groupe BIC (French): BIC Cristal Anniversaire 75 (MoMA 2001, Centre Pompidou 2006, 70+ quality checks)](https://corporate.bic.com/fr-fr/bic-cristal-anniversaire-75) - [Walmart: BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth, Medium 1.0 mm, Blue, 10 Count](https://www.walmart.com/ip/BIC-Cristal-Xtra-Smooth-Stic-Ball-Pen-1-0-mm-Blue-10-Pack/14977423) - [Staples: BIC Cristal Ballpoint Pen, Medium 1.0 mm, Black, 10-Pack (068271)](https://www.staples.com/bic-cristal-ballpoint-pen-medium-point-black-ink-10-pack-068271/product_587618) - [Aztek: BIC MS11BK Cristal, Medium (country of origin Mexico)](https://aztekc.com/product/1wdseqj2u2d) - [Dealer Commander: Cristal Xtra Smooth MS11 Red (country of origin MX)](https://demo.dealercommander.com/Cristal-Xtra-Smooth-Ballpoint-Pen-Stick-Medium-1-mm-Red-Ink-Clear-Barrel-Dozen/BIC/BICMS11RD/details.php) - [Stop & Shop: BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Medium Blue, 10 ct (country of origin: made in Mexico)](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/bic-cristal-ball-point-pens-xtra-smooth-medium-blue-ink-10-ct-pkg/27921) - [Farnell: BIC Cristal black 10-pack (country of origin France)](https://il.farnell.com/bic/830864/pen-cristal-bic-black-10pk/dp/3404216) - [Toolstop: BIC Cristal Medium 1.0 mm, 50-pack (3,000 m SGS figure, ISO 11540 cap)](https://www.toolstop.co.uk/bic-68632bc-cristal-ball-pen-medium-1-0-mm-black-50-pack/) - [Galaxus: BIC Cristal Original, 100 pens (line width, writing length)](https://www.galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/bic-cristal-original-black-100-x-pens-14555783) - [Doublet Smart Supplies: BIC Cristal Original Fine (0.8 mm)](https://smartsupplies.doublet.com.au/product/bic-cristal-original-ballpoint-pens-fine-black-box-50/7101544) - [TBS: BIC Cristal Fine Ballpoint Pen Blue, pack of 50](https://p3.tbsg.co.uk/ProductDetails/Pens,-Pencils-and-Writing-Supplies/Ball-Point-Pens/270187/Bic-Cristal-Fine-Ballpoint-Pen-Blue-Pack-of-50-872730/Master.aspx) - [Wikipedia: Bic Cristal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bic_Cristal) - [France Today: A Penned Story, the BIC Man](https://francetoday.com/learn/history/a-penned-story-the-bic-man/) - [Icon: Unsung hero, the BIC ballpoint pen](https://www.iconeye.com/design/unsung-hero-the-bic-ballpoint-pen) - [ASINsight: Best-selling BIC ink pens on Amazon (sales estimates)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/bic-ink-pens) - [MoMA: Bic Cristal ballpoint pen (polystyrene, polypropylene, tungsten carbide)](https://www.moma.org/collection/works/82141) --- # Faber-Castell Castell 9000: 16 Grades Since 1905 > The Faber-Castell Castell 9000 is a wood-cased graphite pencil for drawing, drafting and writing, launched in 1905 and sold today in 16 grades, 8B to 6H on Faber-Castell's German site. Faber-Castell says the lead is bonded to the wood for break resistance. JetPens lists it at 17.3 cm long; it is made in Germany. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-9000/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Dark green hexagonal Faber-Castell Castell 9000 pencil drawn to scale at 17.3 cm (6.8 in) long; inset: 16 grades from 8B to 6H](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/faber-castell-9000-16x9.png) *The Castell 9000 at 17.3 cm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/faber-castell-9000-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Faber-Castell Castell 9000 graphite pencil (8B–6H) | Faber-Castell (by Faber-Castell AG, Stein, Germany) | Germany | Germany | FSC-certified wood, bonded graphite lead | 1905 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Faber-Castell Castell 9000 graphite pencil (8B–6H)): Germany. Faber-Castell Singapore lists the Castell 9000 tin of 6 as "Made in Germany", and the German retailer office-partner.de gives "Made in: Germany" for the HB box of 12. Carl Roth and Digitec have also listed Germany (both now block automated reading). Faber-Castell's German site says almost all writing instruments made at its main plant in Stein use its water-based lacquer. Source: https://www.faber-castell.com.sg/6-pieces-castell-9000-graphite-pencil-in-tin-id ## Key takeaways - Faber-Castell's German site lists the Castell 9000 in 16 degrees of hardness, from 8B (softest) to 6H (hardest). - Faber-Castell credits Alexander Graf von Faber-Castell with putting the 9000 on the market in 1905, more than 120 years ago. - JetPens lists the 8B at 17.3 cm (6.8 in) long, 7.5 mm across at its widest and about 5 g. - A common art set holds 12 pencils from 8B to 2H, 12 of the 16 grades. - Boxes of 12 HB pencils at three US retailers put the 9000 in our $ band, under $5 a pencil. ## What is the Faber-Castell Castell 9000? **The Castell 9000 is Faber-Castell's classic wood-cased graphite pencil, sold one grade at a time and in sets for drawing, drafting and writing.** Faber-Castell, based in Stein near Nuremberg, Germany, says Alexander Graf von Faber-Castell put it on the market in 1905. It is one of two German pencils that art shops stock grade by grade, alongside the [Staedtler Mars Lumograph](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/). An August 2026 roundup of drawing pencil sets named it its Editor's Choice, though such lists earn affiliate commissions. ## Faber-Castell 9000 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Faber-Castell AG, Stein, Germany | | Grades | 16: 8B to B, HB, F, H to 6H | | Lead | Fully bonded to the wood ("Spezialverleimung SV") for break resistance (Faber-Castell) | | Article number | 119012 for the 2H (EAN 4005401190127); 119000 for the HB box of 12 | | Length | 17.3 cm (6.8 in) per JetPens; 17.5 cm per Digitec | | Diameter | 7.5 mm at widest (JetPens) | | Shape | Hexagonal (JetPens) | | Weight | About 5 g (JetPens, 8B) | | Finish | Water-based varnish (Faber-Castell, Digitec) | | Eraser | None | | Made in | Germany | The grades, launch year, bonding and finish come from Faber-Castell's German site; size, shape and weight from JetPens. Faber-Castell doesn't publish a length. ## What grades does the Castell 9000 come in? **Faber-Castell says the 9000 comes in 16 degrees of hardness, which retailers list as 8B to 6H.** That covers 8 B grades, HB, F and 6 H grades. ![Faber-Castell Castell 9000 at 17.3 cm long drawn to scale, and its 16 grades from 8B to 6H, with the 12-pencil art set covering 8B to 2H](https://stationerytimes.com/images/faber-castell-9000-grades.svg) *The 12-pencil art set covers 8B to 2H; the four hardest grades, 3H to 6H, are sold separately.* Faber-Castell's German product page lists every grade from 8B to 6H in its grade picker, and Cowling & Wilcox gives the same span. | Range | Grades | Count | Typical use | |---|---|---|---| | Soft (B) | 8B, 7B, 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B | 8 | Shading and sketching | | Middle | HB, F | 2 | Writing | | Hard (H) | H, 2H, 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H | 6 | Drafting, light precise lines | The 12-pencil art set takes all eight B grades, HB, F, H and 2H, which is why it suits drawing better than drafting. JetPens and other shops also sell single grades such as the B and 8B, so you can fill gaps in a set one pencil at a time. ## What is SV bonding? **SV bonding is Faber-Castell's process for gluing the lead to the wooden case, and the company says it makes the lead more break-resistant.** Faber-Castell's German site calls it "Spezialverleimung SV" (special gluing), and DeSerres and Staples repeat the claim. We haven't tested drop or sharpening breakage ourselves. ## Which Castell 9000 set should you buy? **For drawing, the tin of 12 from 8B to 2H is the usual starting point; for writing or drafting, buy single grades.** - **Shading and sketching:** the 12-pencil art set (8B to 2H), or a smaller set of soft grades. - **Writing:** HB or B, sold in boxes of 12. - **Drafting:** H to 4H for light, precise lines; the 9000 tops out at 6H. Smaller tins of 6 also exist, and the grade mix varies by country, so check the list on the tin before buying. ## How does the Castell 9000 compare to the Staedtler Lumograph? **The two are close in size and use; the main difference is range, with the Lumograph adding grades at both ends.** | | Castell 9000 | Mars Lumograph 100 | Blackwing 602 | |---|---|---|---| | Grades | 16 (8B–6H) | 24 (12B–10H) | 1 (firm) | | Length | 17.3 cm | 17.5 cm | 20.5 cm | | Eraser | No | No | Yes, replaceable | | Made in | Germany | Germany | Japan | If you write more than you draw and want an eraser, compare the [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/) or the everyday [Ticonderoga No. 2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/). Japan's equivalent drawing pencil, with 17 grades from 6B to 9H, is the [Tombow MONO 100](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-100/). For color, Faber-Castell's oil-based artist line is [Polychromos](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-polychromos/). ## Where is the Faber-Castell 9000 made? **Faber-Castell Singapore lists the Castell 9000 as "Made in Germany".** The German retailer office-partner.de agrees for the HB box of 12. Faber-Castell's German site says almost all writing instruments from its main plant in Stein use its water-based lacquer, but the pages we found don't name the factory for each grade. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many grades does the Faber-Castell 9000 come in? Faber-Castell says 16 degrees of hardness, and its German site lists them as 8B, 7B, 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB, F and H through 6H. ### When was the Faber-Castell 9000 introduced? Faber-Castell says Alexander Graf von Faber-Castell put the Castell 9000 on the market in 1905. ### What is SV bonding on the Faber-Castell 9000? SV (Spezialverleimung, special gluing) is Faber-Castell's name for bonding the lead fully to the wooden case. Faber-Castell's German site says it makes the lead break-resistant, and DeSerres repeats the claim. ### Faber-Castell 9000 or Staedtler Mars Lumograph? Both are German drawing pencils sold one grade at a time. The Lumograph has 24 grades from 12B to 10H; the 9000 has 16, from 8B to 6H, so it covers the everyday range but not the extremes. ### Does the Faber-Castell 9000 have an eraser? The standard Castell 9000 drawing pencil does not have an eraser on the end. Use a separate eraser. ### How long is a Faber-Castell 9000 pencil? JetPens lists 17.3 cm (6.8 in), and Digitec lists 17.5 cm. The difference is probably how each shop measures. ### Where is the Faber-Castell 9000 made? Faber-Castell Singapore lists it as made in Germany, and German retailer office-partner.de agrees. Faber-Castell's main plant is in Stein, near Nuremberg. ## Sources - [Faber-Castell (Germany): Castell 9000 Bleistift, 2H (pencil: article 119012, EAN 4005401190127, 16 grades 8B–6H, launched 1905, SV bonding, water-based lacquer)](https://www.faber-castell.de/produkte/BleistiftCastell90002H/119012) - [Faber-Castell: Pencil Castell 9000 2H (16 degrees of hardness)](https://faber-castell.com/products/PencilCastell90002H/117112) - [Faber-Castell Canada: Castell 9000 (launched 1905 by Alexander Graf von Faber-Castell)](https://faber-castell.ca/products/castell-9000) - [Faber-Castell Singapore: Castell 9000 tin of 6 (Made in Germany, water-based varnish)](https://www.faber-castell.com.sg/6-pieces-castell-9000-graphite-pencil-in-tin-id) - [JetPens: Faber-Castell 9000 graphite pencil, 8B (length, diameter, weight)](https://www.jetpens.com/Faber-Castell-9000-Graphite-Pencil-8B/pd/18407) - [JetPens: Faber-Castell 9000 graphite pencil, B](https://www.jetpens.com/Faber-Castell-9000-Graphite-Pencil-B/pd/18400) - [Digitec: Faber-Castell Castell 9000, 4B (country of origin Germany)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/faber-castell-pencil-castell-9000-4b-1x-pencil-5610105) - [Digitec: Faber-Castell Castell 9000, 2H (bonded lead, water-based varnish)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/faber-castell-pencil-castell-9000-2h-1x-pencil-5610112) - [office-partner.de: Faber-Castell Bleistift Castell 9000 HB, 12 Stück (pencils, box of 12: maker number 119000, hexagonal, Made in Germany)](https://www.office-partner.de/bleistift-castell-9000hb-12st-n1000046412) - [Carl Roth: Pencil Castell 9000 (break-resistant bonding, Made in Germany)](https://www.carlroth.com/com/en/laboratory-note-books-office-utensils/pencil-castell-9000/p/1t4t.1) - [Cowling & Wilcox: Faber-Castell single 9000 pencils (16 grades, 8B to 6H)](https://www.cowlingandwilcox.com/graphite-pencils/30786-faber-castell-single-9000-pencils) - [DeSerres: Castell 9000 graphite pencil F (SV bonding)](https://www.deserres.ca/products/castell-9000-graphite-pencil-f) - [Staples: Faber-Castell 9000 graphite sketch pencil set, 8B–HB (SV bonding)](https://www.staples.com/Faber-Castell-9000-Graphite-Sketch-Pencil-Sets-Art-8B-HB-set-of-6/product_1722339) - [University shop listing: Faber-Castell 9000 set of 12, 8B to 2H, in metal tin](https://www.aspire.hud.ac.uk/product/JACK-GP9SET/faber-castell-series-9000-pencils-set-of-12-8b-to-2h-in-metal-tin-the-end) - [Goldspot: Faber-Castell 9000 graphite pencil HB, box of 12](https://goldspot.com/products/faber-castell-9000-graphite-pencil-hb-box-of-12) - [Jerry's Artarama: Faber-Castell 9000 graphite pencil HB, box of 12](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/faber-castell-9000-graphite-pencil-hb-box-of-12-v11242) - [Walmart: Faber-Castell pencils (9000 HB box of 12)](https://www.walmart.com/browse/office-supplies/shop-art-pencils/faber-castell/black/1229749_9412206_5658522/YnJhbmQ6RmFiiZXItQ2FzdGVsbHx8Y29sb3I6QmxhY2sie) - [Cleveland Heart: 8 Best Drawing Pencil Sets for Artists (August 2026)](https://www.clevelandheart.com/?p=54794) - [Staedtler: Mars Lumograph 100 (for comparison)](https://www.staedtler.com/intl/en/products/pencils-and-accessories/graphite-pencils/mars-lumograph-100-drawing-pencil-m100/) --- # Field Notes Original Kraft: Pocket Size & Paper > The Field Notes Original Kraft is a 48-page, staple-bound memo book from Chicago's Field Notes brand. Each book measures 3.5 × 5.5 in (89 × 140 mm) and comes in graph, ruled or plain paper, sold in packs of three. Field Notes' spec sheet lists Finch Opaque Smooth 60#T paper and a kraft cover, printed in the USA. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/field-notes-original-kraft/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Field Notes Original Kraft memo book to scale: closed in its brown kraft cover with the black FIELD NOTES wordmark, 140 × 89 mm (5.5 × 3.5 in), and opened at the centre spread to show the 3/16 in graph grid and three staples in the fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/field-notes-original-kraft-16x9.png) *The Original Kraft, closed and opened at its three-staple centre spread (1 mm = 1.5 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/field-notes-original-kraft-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book, 3-Pack (graph, ruled, plain or mixed) | Field Notes (by Field Notes Brand (Chicago); a joint venture of Draplin Design Co. and Coudal Partners) | United States | United States | Kraft card cover, Finch 60#T Opaque Smooth paper | 2007 | $: under $5 per notebook | - Made in (Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book, 3-Pack (graph, ruled, plain or mixed)): United States. Field Notes' spec sheet, as reproduced in full by Pulp Addiction, says all Field Notes memo books are printed and manufactured in the U.S.A. and names the printer, Schneider Graphics, Inc., of Bensenville, Illinois. Jenni Bick also lists made in USA. Duluth Trading has said some components may be imported. Field Notes' own site blocked our requests, so we read the spec sheet through retailers. Source: https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/field-notes-original-plain-notebooks-set-3 ## Key takeaways - Each memo book is 3.5 × 5.5 in (89 × 140 mm) with 48 pages, held by a three-staple saddle stitch. - Three paper styles: a 3/16 in (4.7 mm) graph grid, 1/4 in (6.4 mm) ruled lines, or plain; a mixed 3-pack has one of each. - The spec sheet lists Finch Paper Opaque Smooth 60#T Bright White inside and French Dur-O-Tone 80#C Packing Brown Wrap for the cover. - Field Notes started in 2007 as a joint venture of Draplin Design Co. and Chicago's Coudal Partners; quarterly Colors editions have run since 2009. - Field Notes' spec sheet names the printer, Schneider Graphics of Bensenville, Illinois; a US$12.95 3-pack works out to about US$4.32 a book (our $ band). ## What is the Field Notes Original Kraft? **The Field Notes Original Kraft is a pocket memo book: 48 pages in a brown kraft cover, bound with three staples and sold in packs of three.** Field Notes began in 2007 as a joint venture between Aaron Draplin's Draplin Design Co. and Chicago design firm Coudal Partners. The brand's own copy says Draplin made the very first ones by hand as a holiday gift, and that its first product was a 3-pack of kraft memo books with graph paper. Wikipedia dates its quarterly limited editions to 2009. ## Field Notes Original Kraft specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Size | 3.5 × 5.5 in (89 × 140 mm) | | Pages | 48 (24 sheets) | | Binding | Three-staple saddle stitch | | Paper | Finch Paper Opaque Smooth 60#T, Bright White | | Cover | French Dur-O-Tone 80#C Packing Brown Wrap, printed with black soy-based ink | | Rulings | Graph 3/16 in (4.7 mm) · Ruled 1/4 in (6.4 mm) · Plain | | Corners | Rounded, 9.5 mm (3/8 in) | | Pack | 3 books (graph, ruled, plain or mixed) | | Printer | Schneider Graphics, Inc., Bensenville, Illinois | | Made in | United States | All figures come from the Field Notes spec sheet as reproduced in full by Pulp Addiction; Jenni Bick lists the same size as 89 × 139 mm. The spec sheet also says covers are printed on a 6-color Mitsubishi press, the pages on a 2-color Miller press, and the books stitched on a Heidelberg saddle stitcher. ![To-scale drawing: a 3.5 by 5.5 inch Field Notes memo book with three staples, beside graph (3/16 in), ruled (1/4 in) and plain page swatches](https://stationerytimes.com/images/field-notes-original-kraft-size.svg) *The cover and the three paper styles at the same scale.* ## Which paper should you choose: graph, ruled or plain? **Choose ruled for lists and notes, graph for sketches and tallies, and plain for drawing.** If you're not sure, the mixed 3-pack holds one of each. - **Graph (3/16 in, 4.7 mm):** a fine grid that works for small handwriting, quick floor plans and tables. - **Ruled (1/4 in, 6.4 mm):** a little tighter than US college ruling, which is 9/32 in (7.1 mm). - **Plain:** no printed lines, for sketching or for writing at any size. ## What paper does Field Notes use, and is it pen friendly? **Field Notes lists Finch Opaque Smooth 60#T, an uncoated text paper, in Bright White.** One retailer, Duluth Trading, calls it 50-lb paper; we use the maker's 60#T figure. Field Notes doesn't publish a fountain-pen or bleed rating for the Original Kraft. We have not tested it ourselves, so we make no claim about bleed-through or ghosting. To carry a pen alongside it, our [best pocket pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pocket-pens/) compares six pens of 86 to 149 mm (3.4 to 5.9 in) closed. ## How does Field Notes compare to other pocket notebooks? **The Original Kraft has the same footprint as a Moleskine Pocket but is far thinner and cheaper, with a soft cover and staples instead of a hard cover.** | | Field Notes Original Kraft | [Moleskine Classic Pocket](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) | [Mini composition book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 3.5 × 5.5 in | 3.5 × 5.5 in (9 × 14 cm) | 3.25 × 4.5 in | | Pages | 48 | 192 (hard cover) | Usually 160 (80 sheets) | | Cover | Kraft card, stapled | Hard cover, elastic | Marbled board, tape spine | | Price band | $ | $$ | $ | A Field Notes book is the thinnest and flattest of the three. For a long-term journal, the Moleskine Pocket holds four times as many pages; the mini comp book holds over three times as many. For notes in the rain, the [Rite in the Rain No. 135](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rite-in-the-rain-no-135/) is a 3 × 5 in top-spiral book with all-weather paper. For the same kraft-cover, three-pack idea at desk size, see the 13 × 21 cm [Moleskine Cahier Journal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-cahier-journal/). ## How much does Field Notes cost? **The Original Kraft is in our lowest price band ($), under $5 per book once you divide a 3-pack by three.** Dromgooles lists the mixed 3-pack at US$12.95, about US$4.32 a book; prices change, so check the current listing. ## Where are Field Notes made? **Field Notes says its memo books are printed and manufactured in the USA.** That line comes from the brand's spec sheet as quoted by retailers such as Pulp Addiction, which also names the printer: Schneider Graphics, Inc., of Bensenville, Illinois. Duluth Trading has said some components may be imported. The brand itself is based in Chicago. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a Field Notes notebook? The Original Kraft memo book is 3.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches tall, or 89 × 140 mm. That is the same footprint as a Moleskine Pocket and fits a shirt or back pocket. ### How many pages are in a Field Notes memo book? Each Original Kraft book has 48 pages, which is 24 sheets. They are held by three staples through the spine rather than sewn or glued. ### What paper does Field Notes use? Smooth, bright white text-weight paper from Finch inside a brown kraft card cover, per the maker's spec sheet. Duluth Trading calls the inner paper 50-lb, but we go with the maker's own 60#T rating. ### Is Field Notes paper good for fountain pens? Field Notes doesn't rate the Original Kraft for fountain pens, and we have not tested it. If you use one, test a fine nib on the back page first. ### What is the difference between graph, ruled and plain Field Notes? Graph books have a 3/16 inch (4.7 mm) square grid, ruled books have lines 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) apart, and plain books have no printing on the pages. The covers are the same kraft brown. ### Who makes Field Notes? Field Notes is a Chicago brand started in 2007 by Aaron Draplin's Draplin Design Co. and the design firm Coudal Partners. Draplin made the first ones by hand as a holiday gift for friends. ### Are Field Notes made in the USA? Yes. The Field Notes spec sheet, as carried by retailers, says all its memo books are printed and manufactured in the USA, and names Schneider Graphics of Bensenville, Illinois, as the printer. One retailer notes that some components may be imported. ## Sources - [Field Notes: Original Kraft memo books (official page; blocked automated reading in October 2026)](https://fieldnotesbrand.com/products/original-kraft) - [Pulp Addiction: Field Notes Original Plain 3-pack (full Field Notes spec sheet: Schneider Graphics, Finch 60#T, Dur-O-Tone 80#C, 3/16 in grid, 89 × 140 mm, printed and manufactured in the U.S.A.; UPC 858493003028)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/field-notes-original-plain-notebooks-set-3) - [Jenni Bick: Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Book Set of 3 (size, binding, made in USA)](https://www.jennibick.com/products/field-notes-original-kraft-memo-book-set-of-3) - [Dromgooles: Field Notes Original Kraft mixed 3-pack (US$12.95)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/field-notes-original-kraft-notebook-mixed-3-pack) - [Dromgooles: Field Notes Original Kraft plain 3-pack (US price)](https://dromgooles.com/products/field-notes-original-kraft-notebook-plain-3-pack) - [Duluth Trading: Field Notes Original Kraft Rule 3-pack (50-lb paper; some components imported)](https://www.duluthtrading.com/field-notes-original-kraft-rule-3pk-notebooks-39420.html) - [Wikipedia: Field Notes (founded 2007 by Draplin Design Co. and Coudal Partners; quarterly editions from 2009)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_Notes) --- # Filofax Original Personal: Rings, Page Size & Refills > The Filofax Original Personal is a leather six-ring organiser from the British brand founded in London in 1921. It measures 188 × 135 × 38 mm, has 23 mm rings and takes 95 × 171 mm Personal-size pages, the most common Filofax format. Filofax says it is made in the UK. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/filofax-original-personal/ - Category: Systems - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Filofax Original Personal leather organiser, 188 × 135 × 38 mm, closed with its strap and opened flat to show six 23 mm rings holding 95 × 171 mm pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/filofax-original-personal-16x9.png) *The Original Personal closed and open, drawn to scale (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/filofax-original-personal-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Filofax The Original Personal Leather Organiser (6-ring, 23 mm) | Filofax | United Kingdom | United Kingdom | Thick leather (per Filofax); satchel-style, saddle-stitched (per Filofax's blog) | 2012 | $$$$: over $75 for the cover or binder with its starter insert | - Made in (Filofax The Original Personal Leather Organiser (6-ring, 23 mm)): United Kingdom. Filofax's UK, US and Canadian product pages all say The Original is made in the UK. Other Filofax organisers are made elsewhere: Milligram lists the Malden Compact Zip as made in China, and a UK retailer lists the faux-leather Moonlight Personal as made in China. Source: https://filofax.com/products/the-original-personal-organiser-filofax ## Key takeaways - The Original Personal measures 188 × 135 × 38 mm (7.4 × 5.3 × 1.5 in) and has 23 mm (0.9 in) rings, per Filofax. - Personal refill pages are 95 × 171 mm (3.7 × 6.7 in) and punched with 6 holes. - A hole-spacing reference gives Personal as two groups of three holes 19 mm apart, with 51 mm between the groups. - Filofax's other main page sizes are Mini 67 × 105 mm (5 rings), Pocket 81 × 120 mm and A5 148 × 210 mm. - Filofax says the business began as Norman and Hill Ltd., founded in London on June 6, 1921. ## What is the Filofax Original Personal? **The Original Personal is Filofax's classic leather ring organiser: a strap-closed cover with six 23 mm rings that hold loose, punched pages.** Personal is the most common Filofax size, and The Original is the leather model Filofax says is made in the UK. You add or remove diaries, notes, address pages and dividers as you like. Filofax's UK page lists the starter contents: an undated year planner, blank dividers, dotted, plain and ruled paper (including blue, green and pink ruled sheets), to-do lists, contacts, a ruler/page marker, an envelope and a 20-sheet dotted notepad. Every colour is sold "No Diary", without a dated refill. Inside, the left side has two card pockets, a vertical slip pocket, two elastic pen loops and an elastic holder; the right side has a slip pocket and a jot pad pocket. ## Filofax Original Personal specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Size (closed) | 188 × 135 × 38 mm (7.4 × 5.3 × 1.5 in) | | Rings | 6, 23 mm (0.9 in) capacity | | Page size | Personal, 95 × 171 mm (3.7 × 6.7 in) | | Hole spacing | 19 mm within each group of 3; 51 mm between groups (reference site) | | Material | Leather | | Closure | Strap | | Dated diary | Not included ("No Diary" on Filofax's UK, US and Canadian pages) | | Colours | Black, Dark Aqua, Midnight Blue, Pillarbox Red (Filofax UK) | | Item code / barcode | 022508 / 5059145566099 (Black, Filofax UK) | | Made in | United Kingdom (per Filofax) | Size, rings, material and origin come from Filofax's UK, US and Canadian product pages. The page size comes from refill listings, and the hole spacing from a hole-spacing reference site, not from Filofax. ![To scale: Filofax Mini 105 × 67 mm, Pocket 120 × 81 mm, Personal 171 × 95 mm and A5 210 × 148 mm pages; Personal holes in two groups of three, 19 mm apart, 51 mm between groups](https://stationerytimes.com/images/filofax-original-personal-page-sizes.svg) *Personal pages are as tall as Bible-size pages but much narrower than A5.* ## Which Filofax size should you choose? **Choose Personal for a planner you carry every day, A5 for a desk planner, and Pocket or Mini for a wallet-sized list book.** | Size | Page | Holes | Example ring size | |---|---|---|---| | Mini | 67 × 105 mm | 5 | 15 mm (Minis since 2021, per Woolworths) | | Pocket | 81 × 120 mm | 6 | 19 mm (Malden Pocket) | | Personal | 95 × 171 mm | 6 | 23 mm (The Original) | | A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 6 | 30 mm (Malden A5) | Page sizes come from The Well-Appointed Desk's size guide; ring sizes from Filofax and retailer listings. **Compact** organisers take Personal pages on smaller rings: Milligram lists 15 mm rings on the Malden Compact Zip. ## Do other brands' refills fit a Filofax Personal? **Yes, if they're the six-ring Personal format, which several brands sell under different names.** The Well-Appointed Desk notes that Kikki K, DayRunner and Day-Timer also use Personal-size pages. PLOTTER's Bible refills are 170 × 93 mm, a millimetre or two smaller. Hole spacing matters more than the name. Check a refill against the 19/51 mm pattern before buying in bulk. ## What inserts are available for the Filofax Personal? **Filofax sells Personal-size notepaper, notepads, dated diaries, to-do sheets, dividers and storage inserts, each with its own item code.** These are the main ones on Filofax's own sites. | Insert | Item code | What it is | Maker or third-party | |---|---|---|---| | [White Ruled Notepaper](https://us.filofax.com/products/white-ruled-notepaper-personal-refill-filofax) | 133008 | 30 ruled white sheets | Filofax | | [White Ruled Notepaper Value Pack](https://filofax.com/products/white-ruled-notepaper-value-pack-filofax) | 133047 | 100 ruled white sheets | Filofax | | [White Plain Notepaper](https://filofax.com/products/white-plain-notepaper-refill-personal-filofax) | | 30 plain white sheets | Filofax | | [White Quadrille Notepaper](https://filofax.com/products/white-quadrille-notepaper-refill-personal-filofax) | | 20 squared white sheets | Filofax | | [White Ruled Notepad](https://filofax.com/products/white-ruled-notepad-refill-personal-filofax) | 132210 | 40-sheet pad that clips to the rings or sits in a rear pocket on some models | Filofax | | [Month on Two Pages Diary 2027](https://filofax.com/products/month-on-two-pages-diary-with-tabs-personal-2027-english) | 27-68425 | Monthly diary with tabs, 128 g/m² white paper | Filofax | | [Minimal Week on Two Pages Diary 2027](https://us.filofax.com/products/minimal-week-to-view-diary-personal-2027-multilanguage) | 27-68490 | Horizontal week across two pages, white paper | Filofax | | [One Day on Two Pages Diary 2027](https://us.filofax.com/products/one-day-on-two-pages-diary-with-appointments-personal-2027-english-french) | 27-68417 | Day per spread, English and French, 80 g/m² paper | Filofax | | [To Do Refill](https://filofax.com/products/to-do-refill-personal-filofax) | 132204 | 20 to-do sheets | Filofax | | [White Dividers](https://filofax.com/products/white-dividers-personal) | 132872 | Six white card dividers with blank tabs | Filofax | | [Cotton Cream Subject Dividers](https://filofax.com/products/subject-index-personal-cream-six-tabs-filofax) | 131678 | Six pre-printed tab dividers | Filofax | | [Zip Closure Envelope](https://us.filofax.com/products/zip-closure-envelope-personal-filofax) | 133618 | Personal-size envelope with a zip closure | Filofax | Codes, sheet counts and paper weights come from Filofax's UK and US product pages. The US site lists the to-do refill under a different code, 132864. Filofax groups everything that fits on its [Personal-compatible refills page](https://filofax.com/collections/personal-compatible-refills-and-accessories), which also covers Personal Clipbooks. ## How much does the Filofax Original cost? **The Original Personal falls in our $$$$ band (over $75 for a cover with its starter insert).** On October 20, 2026, Filofax's UK store listed it at £80 (about US$106), and its US store at US$125. ## How does it compare with other systems? **A Filofax holds far more pages than a [PLOTTER Leather Binder](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/plotter-leather-binder/), whose rings are 11 mm, but it's more than twice as thick.** Elastic-band systems such as the [TRAVELER'S notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/) use bound refills instead of loose pages. Our [notebook systems comparison](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-systems-compared/) puts all five side by side. ## Where is the Filofax Original made? **Filofax's UK, US and Canadian product pages say The Original is made in the UK.** Not every Filofax is: Milligram lists the Malden Compact Zip as made in China, and a UK office supplier lists the faux-leather Moonlight Personal the same way. The brand is British. Filofax says it began as Norman and Hill Ltd., founded in London on June 6, 1921. Wikipedia traces the design to American Lefax organisers that the firm imported, and the name to "file of facts". ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a Filofax Personal page? A Filofax Personal page is 95 × 171 mm (3.7 × 6.7 in), punched with six holes. Some retailers round it to 95 × 170 mm. ### What size are the rings on the Filofax Original Personal? Filofax lists a 23 mm (0.9 in) ring capacity for The Original Personal. Other Personal organisers differ: the Malden Compact Zip has 15 mm rings. ### What is the hole spacing on Filofax Personal refills? A hole-spacing reference gives Personal as 19/51 mm: two groups of three holes, 19 mm apart within a group, with 51 mm between the groups. Filofax doesn't publish the spacing in the sources we found, so check against a refill before punching your own. ### Is Filofax Personal the same as Bible size? They're the same page format family. Filofax Personal is 95 × 171 mm, and PLOTTER's Bible refills are 170 × 93 mm; other brands sell the size under their own names. ### Where is the Filofax Original made? Filofax's product pages say The Original is made in the UK. That isn't true of every Filofax: some models, such as the Malden Compact Zip, are listed as made in China. ### Does the Filofax Original come with a diary? Filofax's Canadian page says The Original Personal does not include a dated refill. Diaries are sold separately as yearly refills. ### What does Filofax stand for? The name is usually traced to "file of facts". Filofax says the company began as Norman and Hill Ltd. in London in 1921 and later renamed itself after its organiser. ## Sources - [Filofax (UK): The Original Personal Leather Organiser (Made in the UK; 23 mm rings, 188 × 135 × 38 mm, contents, £80)](https://filofax.com/products/the-original-personal-organiser-filofax) - [Filofax (US): The Original Personal Leather Organizer (188 × 135 × 38 mm, 23 mm rings, strap closure, US$125)](https://us.filofax.com/products/the-original-personal-organizer-filofax) - [Filofax (Canada): The Original Personal Leather Organizer (Made in the UK; no dated refill)](https://ca.filofax.com/products/the-original-personal-organizer-filofax) - [Filofax: Our story (Norman and Hill Ltd., London, June 6, 1921)](https://ap.filofax.com/pages/our-story) - [Filofax (US): Malden A5 Leather Organizer (30 mm rings)](https://us.filofax.com/us/malden-a5-organizer-filofax.html) - [Filofax (Canada): Malden Pocket Leather Organizer (19 mm rings)](https://ca.filofax.com/products/malden-pocket-organizer-filofax) - [Milligram: Filofax Malden Compact Zip Organiser Personal (15 mm rings, made in China)](https://milligram.com/products/filofax-malden-compact-zip-organiser-personal) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Ring-bound planner sizes (Mini, Pocket, Personal, A5 page sizes)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2014/12/a-beginners-dive-into-ring-bound-planners-part-2-planner-sizes/) - [AOS Online: Filofax Personal refill (95 × 171 mm, 6-hole punched)](https://www.aosonline.co.uk/prdctrl-filofax-refill-week-to-view-personal-2025-fx1076625-fx10766-1bb0429c) - [hjreggel.net: Organiser formats and hole spacing (Personal 19/51 mm)](https://www.hjreggel.net/office/organizer_en.html) - [TBS: Filofax Moonlight Personal Organiser (country of origin China)](https://p3.tbsg.co.uk/ProductDetails/Personal-Planning-and-Accessories/Ring-Binders-(Organiser)/1162902/Filofax-Moonlight-Personal-Organiser-Black-022654/Master.aspx) - [Woolworths (Australia): Filofax Malden Mini (13 mm rings before 2020, 15 mm from 2021)](https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/1118335673) - [Wikipedia: Filofax (Lefax origins, "file of facts", renaming)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filofax) - [Filofax: Personal Organisers & Clipbook compatible refills and accessories](https://filofax.com/collections/personal-compatible-refills-and-accessories) - [Filofax (US): White Ruled Notepaper, Personal (133008, 30 sheets)](https://us.filofax.com/products/white-ruled-notepaper-personal-refill-filofax) - [Filofax: White Ruled Notepaper Value Pack, Personal (133047, 100 sheets)](https://filofax.com/products/white-ruled-notepaper-value-pack-filofax) - [Filofax: White Plain Notepaper Refill, Personal (30 sheets)](https://filofax.com/products/white-plain-notepaper-refill-personal-filofax) - [Filofax: White Quadrille Notepaper Refill, Personal (20 sheets)](https://filofax.com/products/white-quadrille-notepaper-refill-personal-filofax) - [Filofax: White Ruled Notepad Refill, Personal (132210, 40 sheets)](https://filofax.com/products/white-ruled-notepad-refill-personal-filofax) - [Filofax: Month on Two Pages Diary with tabs, Personal 2027 (27-68425, 128 g/m²)](https://filofax.com/products/month-on-two-pages-diary-with-tabs-personal-2027-english) - [Filofax (US): Minimal Week on Two Pages Diary, Personal 2027 (27-68490)](https://us.filofax.com/products/minimal-week-to-view-diary-personal-2027-multilanguage) - [Filofax (US): One Day on Two Pages Diary, Personal 2027, English/French (27-68417, 80 g/m²)](https://us.filofax.com/products/one-day-on-two-pages-diary-with-appointments-personal-2027-english-french) - [Filofax: To Do Refill, Personal (132204, 20 sheets)](https://filofax.com/products/to-do-refill-personal-filofax) - [Filofax (US): To Do Personal Refill (132864)](https://us.filofax.com/products/to-do-personal-refill-filofax-1) - [Filofax: White Personal Dividers (132872)](https://filofax.com/products/white-dividers-personal) - [Filofax: Cotton Cream Subject Dividers, Personal (131678)](https://filofax.com/products/subject-index-personal-cream-six-tabs-filofax) - [Filofax (US): Zip Closure Envelope, Personal (133618)](https://us.filofax.com/products/zip-closure-envelope-personal-filofax) - [Filofax: The Original Collection, where it all began (first released 2012; satchel-like leather)](https://filofax.com/blogs/blog/the-original-collection-where-it-all-began) --- # Hobonichi Techo Original: A6 Daily Planner & Paper > The Hobonichi Techo Original is an A6 page-a-day planner from Tokyo's Hobonichi. The 2027 English edition has 464 pages of thin Tomoe River paper with a 3.7 mm grid, measures 148 × 105 × 15 mm, weighs about 195 g, and lists at ¥2,860 (about US$18) in Hobonichi's store. Covers are sold separately. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Hobonichi Techo Original A6 book, 148 mm tall, 105 mm wide and 15 mm thick, closed and opened flat on two daily pages with a 3.7 mm grid](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/hobonichi-techo-original-16x9.png) *The A6 Original closed and open on a daily spread, with the 3.7 mm grid magnified (1 mm = 1.4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-techo-original-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Hobonichi Techo Original Book, A6, 2027 (English or Japanese; January or April start) | Hobonichi (by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Not stated | Tomoe River paper (Tomoe River S since the 2024 edition), thread-sewn binding | 2001-10-05 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Hobonichi Techo Original Book, A6, 2027 (English or Japanese; January or April start)): Not stated. Hobonichi's Japanese store listing for the 2027 English Original gives size, weight, pages and paper but no country of manufacture (it names one only for a free charm, made in China), and we found no retailer spec sheet that states it for the Original Book. Hunter Paper Co. says its Original Avec book is made in Japan by Hobonichi, but that is a different product. Check the back of the book. ## Key takeaways - The 2027 English Original measures 148 × 105 × 15 mm (about 5.8 × 4.1 × 0.6 in) and weighs about 195 g, per Hobonichi's Japanese store. - It has 464 pages; Hobonichi counts 377 in the daily section, January 1 to December 31, 2027. - The graph grid is 3.7 mm; the monthly calendar pages use a 3.45 mm grid. - Hobonichi lists the 2027 English January-start Original Book at ¥2,860 (about US$18) including tax; US shops charge more, which puts it in our $$$ band ($20–75 per notebook). - The idea came from a spring 2001 meeting; more than 700 readers of Shigesato Itoi's website voted to make it. ## What is the Hobonichi Techo Original? **The Hobonichi Techo Original is an A6 planner with one page for every day of the year, printed on thin Tomoe River paper.** It is made by Hobonichi, the Tokyo company behind the website Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun, which writer Shigesato Itoi started in 1998. Hobonichi's history page says the planner was proposed at a meeting in spring 2001. More than 700 readers answered a poll in favor, and the first edition, an A6 book of Tomoe River paper with a navy nylon cover, went on sale on October 5, 2001, in a run of 12,000 copies. ## Hobonichi Techo Original specs | Spec | 2027 English Original Book (January start) | |---|---| | Size | A6: 148 × 105 × 15 mm (5.8 × 4.1 × 0.6 in) | | Weight | About 195 g (6.9 oz) | | Pages | 464 in total; 377 in the daily section (January 1 to December 31, 2027) | | Paper | Tomoe River (Tomoe River S since the 2024 edition) | | Grid | 3.7 mm (monthly calendars 3.45 mm) | | Binding | Thread-sewn (糸かがり製本); opens flat to 180° | | Corners | Rounded | | Calendars | Yearly calendars for 2026, 2027 and 2028; monthly calendars December 2026 to March 2028 | | Memo pages | 17 | | Week start | Monday | | List price | ¥2,860 (about US$18) including tax (Hobonichi store) | | Made in | Not stated | All figures come from Hobonichi's Japanese store listing for the 2027 English Original (手帳本体オリジナル 英語版), which notes that sizes vary slightly from book to book. Hobonichi's 2026 Japanese guide gives the same 464 pages for the 2026 edition. The Japanese edition adds national holidays, and in 2026 it had 15 memo pages to the English edition's 17. ![To-scale drawing of a 105 × 148 mm Hobonichi Techo Original page with a 3.7 mm grid, its 15 mm edge for 464 pages, and the grid enlarged 10 times](https://stationerytimes.com/images/hobonichi-techo-original-a6.svg) *One A6 page and the book's edge, with the grid enlarged.* ## Why does the Hobonichi Techo use Tomoe River paper? **Tomoe River is thin enough to fit 464 pages into a 15 mm book, and the thread-sewn binding lets it lie flat.** Hobonichi has used it since the first edition. From the 2024 edition it switched to Tomoe River S: Hobonichi's Japanese site says it bleeds through less, dries faster and is lighter at the same thickness, making the Original book about 5% lighter on average. Thin paper shows writing from the other side of the page, which many users call ghosting. Hobonichi's store warns that some pens and inks may feather, show through or dry slowly, and suggests a test or a pencil board; we haven't measured it. ## What is on a daily page? **Each day gets one full A6 page with a 3.7 mm grid.** Hobonichi has refined the grid over time: its history page says the second edition enlarged it from 3 mm to 4 mm squares, the 2009 edition shrank it to 3.45 mm, and the 2010 edition settled on 3.7 mm. The grid lets you write in lines, make lists or sketch without a fixed ruling. On a page of 105 × 148 mm, a 3.7 mm grid fits about 28 squares across and 40 down. Hobonichi's [Transparent Dot Stickers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-transparent-dot-stickers/) come in a 3.5 mm size that fits inside one square. ## Which edition should you choose? **Pick the January start for a calendar year and the April start if your year begins in April.** Hobonichi sells the April start only in the Japanese edition. - **Language:** Hobonichi sells English and Japanese editions; the Japanese one comes with Monday- or Sunday-start calendars, the English one with Monday start and no national holidays. - **Avec:** the Original also comes split into two six-month books of 240 pages each, about half the weight, per Hobonichi's Japanese guide. - **Cover:** the Original Book has no detachable cover; Hobonichi sells covers and book-and-cover sets separately. ## How does it compare to other A6 and A5 notebooks? **The Original is a dated planner, while a Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 is an undated notebook.** If you want a page-a-day journal, the Techo gives each date its own page. If you want blank pages to fill at your own pace, see the [Leuchtturm1917 A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/), the [Moleskine Classic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) or the [Midori MD Notebook A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/). To compare the Techo with other dated planners, see [the best 2027 journals](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-2027-journals/). For a year of thin pages without printed dates, see the [STALOGY 365Days notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stalogy-365-days-notebook/). | | Hobonichi Techo Original | Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 | |---|---|---| | Size | 105 × 148 mm (A6) | 145 × 210 mm (A5) | | Pages | 464, dated | 251, numbered, undated | | Paper | Tomoe River | 80 g/m² | | Price band | $$$ | $$$ | ## Where is the Hobonichi Techo made? **Hobonichi doesn't state where the Original is made on its store listing, so we list it as "Not stated".** Hunter Paper Co. says the related Avec book is made in Japan by Hobonichi. Hobonichi is a Tokyo company; check the back of the book you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Hobonichi Techo Original? It is A6, the size of a Japanese paperback (文庫本). Hobonichi lists the 2027 Original Book at 148 × 105 × 15 mm, or about 5.8 × 4.1 inches and 0.6 inches thick. ### How many pages does the Hobonichi Techo Original have? The 2027 English Original has 464 pages, according to Hobonichi's Japanese store listing. Of those, 377 make up the daily section, which runs from January 1 to December 31, 2027, one page per day. ### What paper is in the Hobonichi Techo? Hobonichi uses Tomoe River paper, a thin, light Japanese paper. From the 2024 edition it switched to Tomoe River S, which Hobonichi says bleeds through less, dries faster and makes the book about 5% lighter. ### Does the Hobonichi Techo come with a cover? No. The Original Book is sold on its own, and Hobonichi sells covers separately, as well as book-and-cover sets. ### What is the difference between the January and April start? The January-start book runs from January to December, and the April-start book begins its daily pages in April. Hobonichi sells the April start only in Japanese; the English edition is January start. ### What size is the grid in a Hobonichi Techo? The daily pages use a 3.7 mm grid, and the monthly calendar pages use a slightly smaller 3.45 mm grid. The very first edition used 3 mm squares, and the next one 4 mm. ### Where is the Hobonichi Techo made? Hobonichi doesn't state it on its store listing for the Original, and we found no retailer spec sheet that does. Hunter Paper Co. says the related Avec book is made in Japan; Hobonichi itself is a Tokyo company. ## Sources - [手帳本体オリジナル 英語版 ［A6/1日1ページ（英語）/1月/月曜はじまり］ - ほぼ日手帳 2027 (Hobonichi Japanese store: 2027 English Original, size, weight, 464 pages, ¥2,860)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/pc/detail_cover/ob27_jan_en/) - [オリジナル - 手帳タイプ別ガイド - ほぼ日手帳 2027 (Hobonichi Japanese guide to the Original: 3.7 mm grid, Tomoe River, thread-sewn binding)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2027/all_about/original/) - [オリジナル - 手帳タイプ別ガイド - ほぼ日手帳 2026 (Hobonichi Japanese guide: editions, 464 pages, avec 240 pages each)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2026/all_about/original/) - [トモエリバーSで手帳チームが試した！ (Hobonichi Japanese magazine, November 2023: Tomoe River S from the 2024 edition, about 5% lighter)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/magazine/tt_report/202311/) - [オリジナル - ほぼ日手帳 全タイプ解説 2024 (Hobonichi Japanese guide: paper renewed for 2024)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/2024/all_about/original/) - [Hobonichi: Original - Techo Type Guide, 2027 (English)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2027/all_about/original/) - [Hobonichi: History of the Hobonichi Techo (first edition October 5, 2001; grid sizes)](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2025/pc/about/history.html) - [Boston General Store: Hobonichi Techo Original A6, 2027 (US price, thread-stitched binding)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/hobonichi-techo-original-book-a6) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Hobonichi Techo Avec Book 2, 2026 (made in Japan)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/hobonichi-techo-avec-book-2-july-start-2026-japanese-a6-original) --- # KOKUYO Campus Notebook: B5 Sizes, Rulings & Dots > The KOKUYO Campus is a Japanese school notebook, made by KOKUYO since 1975 in its current glued, perfect-bound form. The standard Semi-B5 book measures 252 × 179 mm with 30 sheets. It comes in 6 mm ruling with 35 lines or 7 mm ruling with 30 lines, each also sold with dotted lines. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-campus-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a KOKUYO Campus Semi-B5 notebook to scale: closed in a blue cover, 252 × 179 mm, and opened flat to show 6 mm dotted ruling with 35 lines a page](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kokuyo-campus-notebook-16x9.png) *A Semi-B5 Campus, closed and opened to its 6 mm dotted ruling (1 mm = 0.8 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-campus-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | KOKUYO Campus Notebook, Semi-B5, 30 sheets (NO-3BN 6 mm rule; NO-3BTN 6 mm dotted; NO-3ATN 7 mm dotted) | KOKUYO (by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Woodfree forest-certified paper (上質紙, 森林認証紙), laminated spine cloth | 1975 | $: under $5 per notebook | - Made in (KOKUYO Campus Notebook, Semi-B5, 30 sheets (NO-3BN 6 mm rule; NO-3BTN 6 mm dotted; NO-3ATN 7 mm dotted)): Japan. KOKUYO's own global online store gives Country of Origin: Japan for the NO-3BN 3-pack and 10-pack and for the NO-3BTN and NO-3ATN dotted books. KOKUYO's Japanese catalog pages don't list origin; other Campus lines and sizes may differ. Source: https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/campus-notebook-b5-6mm-rule-30-sheets-pack-of-3/NO-3BNX3.html ## Key takeaways - The standard Campus is Semi-B5: 252 × 179 mm (about 9.9 × 7 in), with 30 sheets (60 pages). - 6 mm ruling gives 35 lines per page; 7 mm ruling gives 30 lines, per KOKUYO's Japanese product pages. - KOKUYO's Japanese list price for the NO-3BN (6 mm, 30 sheets) is ¥210 (about US$1.30) before tax; in the US it sits in our lowest band ($, under $5 per notebook). - KOKUYO's Japanese chronicle says the Campus brand began with spiral notebooks in 1965; the perfect-bound Campus Note followed in 1975 and turned 50 in 2025. - KOKUYO's own global store lists Japan as the country of origin for the NO-3BN packs and the NO-3BTN and NO-3ATN dotted notebooks. ## What is the KOKUYO Campus notebook? **The KOKUYO Campus is a thin, glue-bound school and office notebook from Japanese maker KOKUYO, sold in Semi-B5 with 30 sheets as its standard size.** KOKUYO's global store calls Campus Japan's No. 1 notebook series, and KOKUYO's Japanese pages note that the Campus Note is made to the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) notebook standard. KOKUYO's Japanese chronicle says the Campus name debuted in 1965 on spiral-bound notebooks with illustrated covers. The perfect-bound Campus Note followed in 1975, the current design is its fifth generation, launched in October 2011, and KOKUYO celebrated the 50th anniversary in 2025. ## KOKUYO Campus specs | Spec | NO-3BN | NO-3BTN | NO-3ATN | |---|---|---|---| | Size | Semi-B5, 252 × 179 mm | Semi-B5, 252 × 179 mm | Semi-B5, 252 × 179 mm | | Ruling | 6 mm lines | 6 mm dotted lines | 7 mm dotted lines | | Lines per page | 35 | 35 | 30 | | Sheets | 30 (60 pages) | 30 (60 pages) | 30 (60 pages) | | Paper | Woodfree, forest certified | Woodfree, forest certified | Woodfree, forest certified | | Binding | Perfect binding (glued) | Perfect binding (glued) | Perfect binding (glued) | | Japanese list price (before tax) | ¥210 (about US$1.30) | ¥210 (about US$1.30) | ¥210 (about US$1.30) | | JAN | 4901480070216 | 4901480233024 | 4901480233017 | | Made in | Japan (3- and 10-packs, KOKUYO Store) | Japan (KOKUYO Store) | Japan (KOKUYO Store) | Sizes, line counts, paper, prices and JAN codes come from KOKUYO's Japanese product pages, which call the binding 無線とじ (musen-toji, glued binding without thread); KOKUYO's global store translates it as "threadless". The ruled books also have triangle marks at the center and both edges for drawing vertical lines, and a laminated spine cloth you can write on with a ballpoint. ![To-scale drawing: two 179 × 252 mm KOKUYO Campus pages, one with 30 lines at 7 mm and one with 35 lines at 6 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-campus-notebook-rulings.svg) *Both rulings fill about 210 mm of the page: 30 × 7 mm and 35 × 6 mm.* ## Should you choose 6 mm or 7 mm ruling? **Choose 6 mm for compact handwriting and dense notes, and 7 mm if you write large or want more white space.** The difference is 5 lines per page: 35 at 6 mm against 30 at 7 mm. KOKUYO's Japanese-market pages call the 7 mm style "A-ruled". For comparison, US college ruling is 9/32 in (7.1 mm), almost the same as KOKUYO's 7 mm. See our [Five Star 5 Subject](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/) guide for US ruling sizes. ## What are the dots on Campus dotted notebooks? **Dotted Campus pages keep their horizontal lines and add evenly spaced dots along them.** KOKUYO's Japanese product page lists five uses: lining up the start of each line, marking the corners of shapes and table borders, drawing straight lines with a short ruler, pasting in handouts neatly, and lining up text when you write vertically, as is common in Japanese. The inside cover explains how to use them. That makes a dotted Campus useful for math, charts and quick diagrams, without switching to a full grid notebook. ## How does the Campus compare to a US notebook? **A Semi-B5 Campus is a little smaller than letter size and much thinner than a US subject notebook.** | | KOKUYO Campus Semi-B5 | [Five Star 5 Subject](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/) | [Mead Composition](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Page size | 179 × 252 mm (7 × 9.9 in) | 8.5 × 11 in | 7.5 × 9.75 in | | Sheets | 30 | 200 | 100 | | Binding | Glued | Spiral | Sewn, tape spine | | Price band | $ | $$ | $ | The Campus is close in size to a Mead composition book but carries far fewer sheets, so you get through one quickly. If you want to reuse the same pages instead, the [Rocketbook Core](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rocketbook-core/) Executive is a smaller option at 6 × 8.8 in. For a Japanese notebook with tear-out pages, the [Maruman Mnemosyne N195A](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/maruman-mnemosyne-a5-notebook/) is an A5 twin-ring book with 80 perforated sheets. ## Which Campus model should you buy? **Buy the NO-3BN for plain 6 mm lines, the NO-3BTN if you want the same lines with dots, and the NO-3ATN for 7 mm dotted lines.** All three are the same Semi-B5, 30-sheet, glued book; only the ruling changes. | Model code | Ruling | Lines per page | Best for | |---|---|---|---| | NO-3BN | 6 mm lines | 35 | Compact handwriting, dense class notes | | NO-3BTN | 6 mm dotted lines | 35 | Small handwriting plus tables and diagrams | | NO-3ATN | 7 mm dotted lines | 30 | Larger handwriting, more white space | KOKUYO's store adds a pack size to the end of the code, so NO-3BNX3 is a 3-pack and NO-3BNX10 is a 10-pack of the NO-3BN. Buying a pack makes sense because a 30-sheet book fills up fast. For a stitched 30-sheet book that lies flat, see the [MUJI recycled paper notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/muji-recycled-paper-notebook/). ## How much does a KOKUYO Campus cost? **A Campus notebook is a $ notebook in our bands.** KOKUYO's Japanese site lists the NO-3BN, NO-3BTN and NO-3ATN at ¥210 (about US$1.30) each before tax. Packs of the 6 mm book are ¥630 (about US$4) for three (NO-3BNX3), ¥1,050 (about US$6.60) for five (NO-3BNX5) and ¥2,100 (about US$13) for ten (NO-3BNX10). KOKUYO's US store sells 3-packs and 10-packs; divided per notebook, they fall under $5. ## Where are KOKUYO Campus notebooks made? **KOKUYO's own global online store lists Japan as the country of origin for the NO-3BN 3- and 10-packs and for the dotted NO-3BTN and NO-3ATN.** KOKUYO's Japanese catalog pages don't list origin, and we found it stated only for these models, so check the label on other sizes and Campus lines. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a KOKUYO Campus notebook? The standard Campus is Semi-B5, which KOKUYO gives as 252 × 179 mm, or about 9.9 × 7 inches. That is slightly smaller than US letter paper at 8.5 × 11 inches. ### What is the difference between 6 mm and 7 mm Campus ruling? The 6 mm version fits 35 lines on a page and the 7 mm version fits 30 lines. Choose 6 mm for small or compact handwriting and 7 mm for larger handwriting or more space between lines. ### What are the dots on KOKUYO Campus dotted notebooks for? KOKUYO says the dots on its dot-ruled lines help you line up the start of each line, mark the corners of shapes and table borders, draw straight lines with a short ruler, paste in handouts neatly and line up text when writing vertically. The page still has normal horizontal lines. ### How many pages is a KOKUYO Campus notebook? The standard Semi-B5 Campus has 30 sheets, which is 60 pages. KOKUYO also sells it in packs of 3, 5 and 10, and in 40- to 100-sheet versions. ### What do Campus model codes like NO-3BN mean? They are KOKUYO's item numbers. For example, NO-3BN is the Semi-B5 6 mm ruled 30-sheet book, NO-3BTN is the 6 mm dotted version and NO-3ATN is the 7 mm dotted version; an X and a number at the end mark a multi-pack. ### How long has KOKUYO made the Campus notebook? KOKUYO's Japanese chronicle says the Campus brand launched in 1965 with spiral-bound notebooks. The perfect-bound Campus Note sold today dates from 1975, its current fifth-generation design from October 2011, and KOKUYO marked its 50th anniversary in 2025. ### Where are KOKUYO Campus notebooks made? In Japan, for the models where the maker says so: KOKUYO's global online store gives Japan for the NO-3BN 3- and 10-packs and the NO-3BTN and NO-3ATN dotted books. Origin isn't given for other sizes and lines in our sources, so read the label. ## Sources - [キャンパスノート B5 B罫・6mm 30枚 (KOKUYO Japan product page: ノ-3BN, ¥210 before tax, 252 × 179 mm, 35 lines, 30 sheets, glued binding, forest-certified woodfree paper, JIS product, JAN 4901480070216)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/notebook-paper/notebook/11031/) - [キャンパスノート B5 ドットB罫・6mm 30枚 (KOKUYO Japan product page: ノ-3BTN, ¥210, 35 lines, uses of the dots, JAN 4901480233024)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/notebook-paper/notebook/9500/) - [キャンパスノート B5 ドットA罫・7mm 30枚 (KOKUYO Japan product page: ノ-3ATN, ¥210, 30 lines, JAN 4901480233017)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/notebook-paper/notebook/6051/) - [キャンパスノート B5 B罫・6mm 30枚 5冊入 (KOKUYO Japan product page: ノ-3BNX5, ¥1,050, laminated spine cloth, triangle guide marks)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/notebook-paper/notebook/4531/) - [ベーシック罫｜文具｜コクヨ (KOKUYO Japan Campus basic-ruling lineup: rulings, sizes, 3-, 5- and 10-pack prices)](https://www.kokuyo-st.co.jp/stationery/campus/lineup/) - [キャンパスノート (KOKUYO Chronicle: brand born 1965 as spiral notebooks, perfect-bound Campus 1975, fifth generation October 2011)](https://www.kokuyo.co.jp/chronicle/yowa/campus/) - [KOKUYO Store: Campus Notebook B5 6 mm Dotted Rule 30 Sheets, NO-3BTN (country of origin Japan)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/campus-notebook-b5-6mm-dotted-rule-30-sheets/NO-3BTN.html) - [KOKUYO Store: Campus Notebook B5 7 mm Dotted Rule 30 Sheets, NO-3ATN (country of origin Japan)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/campus-notebook-b5--7mm-dotted-rule-30-sheets/NO-3ATN.html) - [KOKUYO Store: Campus Notebook B5 6 mm Rule 30 Sheets, Pack of 3 (NO-3BNX3, country of origin Japan)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/campus-notebook-b5-6mm-rule-30-sheets-pack-of-3/NO-3BNX3.html) - [KOKUYO Store: Campus Notebook B5 6 mm Rule 30 Sheets, Pack of 10 (NO-3BNX10, country of origin Japan)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/campus-notebook-b5-6mm-rule-30-sheets-pack-of-10/NO-3BNX10.html) - [KOKUYO Store: Celebrating 50 Years of the Iconic Campus Notebook (first launched 1975, 50th anniversary 2025)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/blog/blog32-history-of-campus-notebook.html) - [KOKUYO Store (US): Campus](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en_US/campus/) --- # LAMY safari: Nib Sizes, Cartridges & Converter > The LAMY safari is a plastic cartridge/converter fountain pen designed in 1980 and made by C. Josef Lamy GmbH in Heidelberg, Germany. It has a molded grip, a spring clip and an ink window, and takes push-on steel nibs from EF to B plus a left-hand nib. It uses LAMY T10 cartridges or the Z28 converter. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a charcoal LAMY safari fountain pen with the cap posted, drawn to scale: 163.9 mm (6.5 in) long posted, with the steel nib, molded grip, ink window and wire clip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/lamy-safari-16x9.png) *The charcoal safari posted, to scale, using Goulet Pens' 163.9 mm measurement.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/lamy-safari-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | LAMY safari Fountain Pen | LAMY (by C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg (part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.)) | Germany | Germany | ASA plastic body, steel nib | 1980 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (LAMY safari Fountain Pen): Germany. LAMY's own product listing (India storefront) gives Germany as the country of origin and names C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg, as the manufacturer, and also says made in Germany. LAMY's German page names no country. Source: https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-safari-fountain-pen ## Key takeaways - Goulet Pens measures the safari at 139.5 mm (5.5 in) capped, 163.9 mm (6.5 in) posted and 17.0 g; LAMY's German site lists 12 × 12 × 144 mm and 16 g. - LAMY credits the 1980 design to the Entwicklungsgruppe Mannheim under Prof. Dr. Bernt Spiegel, with Wolfgang Fabian in the group; LAMY Germany lists it at €22.90 (about US$26). - Nibs: EF, F, M and B, plus a left-hand (LH) nib and 1.1 and 1.5 mm italics, all swappable by hand. - It takes LAMY T10 cartridges or the Z28 converter, the one LAMY pairs with it; Goulet says the lug-free Z27 also fits but doesn't lock into the grip notches. - LAMY's own listing gives Germany as the country of origin. ## What is the LAMY safari? **The LAMY safari is a plastic fountain pen with a steel nib, made in Heidelberg, Germany, by C. Josef Lamy GmbH.** It fills from LAMY cartridges or a converter, and is sold in standard colors plus special editions such as springgreen and lightrose. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen holds the safari in its design collection and dates it to 1980, crediting Wolfgang Fabian and the Entwicklungsgruppe Mannheim. LAMY's German site calls the safari a creation of that group under Professor Dr. Bernt Spiegel, with Fabian as a member, and says it has been sold since the 1980s. LAMY is now part of Mitsubishi Pencil, the Japanese maker of the [uni-ball ZENTO Signature](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-signature/): LAMY announced on February 28, 2024 that its sale to Mitsubishi Pencil was complete, and says headquarters and production stay in Heidelberg. ## LAMY safari specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany | | Type | Cartridge/converter fountain pen with cap | | Body | ASA plastic, matt or high-gloss by color (per LAMY) | | Nib | Polished steel, push-on: EF, F, M, B, LH; 1.1 and 1.5 mm italic | | Ink | LAMY T10 cartridge (one blue included) or Z28 converter | | Length capped | 139.5 mm (5.5 in) per Goulet; 144 mm per LAMY Germany | | Length of body | 128.7 mm (5.1 in) | | Length posted | 163.9 mm (6.5 in) | | Weight | 17.0 g (about 10 g body, 7 g cap) per Goulet; 16 g per LAMY Germany | | Article | 1219677 (white, LAMY Germany) | | German list price | €22.90 (about US$26) | | Designed | 1980 | | Made in | Germany (per LAMY) | Lengths and weight are Goulet Pens' measurements; LAMY's German shop gives 144 mm and 16 g, and Museum Boijmans 13.8 cm. Materials, cartridge, price and origin come from LAMY's listings. ![LAMY safari to scale: 139.5 mm capped, 128.7 mm body, 163.9 mm posted, 17.0 g](https://stationerytimes.com/images/lamy-safari-lengths.svg) *Posting the cap on the end adds about 24 mm.* ## What makes the safari's design different? **The safari has a molded grip, a large spring clip and an ink window, and a flattened body so it doesn't roll.** LAMY's listing describes the self-sprung clip, the flattened shape and the viewing window that shows how much ink is left. Wikipedia says the grip section is non-round, shaped for a tripod grip. If you hold a pen differently, try one before buying several. ## Which LAMY safari nib should you choose? **Choose EF or F for small handwriting and thin paper, M for a wetter everyday line, and LH if you write left-handed.** - **EF (Extra Fine):** the finest line; good in a pocket notebook or a planner. - **F (Fine):** the middle choice for everyday writing. - **M and B (Medium, Broad):** more ink on the page; best on smooth, heavier paper such as a Rhodia DotPad. - **LH (Left-handed):** ground for left-handed writers. - **1.1 and 1.5 mm italic:** sold separately for lettering. The nibs push on and pull off by hand, so you can swap sizes without buying another pen. ## What cartridges and converter does the LAMY safari use? **The safari takes LAMY T10 cartridges or the LAMY Z28 converter, not standard international cartridges.** | Part | Fits safari? | Notes | |---|---|---| | T10 cartridge | Yes | One blue T10 comes with the pen | | Z28 converter | Yes | For LAMY's plastic pens | | Z24 converter | Yes | Older version of the Z28 | | Z27 converter | Fits, doesn't lock (per Goulet) | Packed with metal-bodied LAMY pens such as the Studio; no guide lugs | A converter lets you fill from bottled ink, which opens up far more colors than LAMY's cartridges. ## How does the safari compare to other pens? **The LAMY safari costs more than the Platinum Preppy and the Pilot Kakuno (both $$, $5–20 per pen), sits with the Pilot Metropolitan in our $$$ band ($20–75), and is the only one of the four with a left-hand nib.** All four are steel-nib starter fountain pens; our [best fountain pens for beginners](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-fountain-pens-for-beginners/) guide ranks them. | | LAMY safari | [Pilot Kakuno](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-kakuno/) | [Pilot Metropolitan](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/) | [Platinum Preppy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-preppy/) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Body | ASA plastic | Resin | Brass | Clear polycarbonate | | Nibs | EF, F, M, B, LH, italics | EF, F, M | F, M, 1.0 stub | 02 EF, 03 F, 05 M | | Filling | T10 cartridge or Z28 converter | Pilot cartridge or converter | Pilot cartridge or converter (included) | Platinum cartridge or converter | | Weight | 17.0 g | 11.0 g | 26.0 g | 13 g | | Price band | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | $$ | Pick the Preppy as the cheapest test of fountain pens, the Kakuno for a fine Japanese nib at a low price, the Metropolitan for a heavier metal body, and the safari for the widest nib choice and swappable nibs. Figures for the other three come from their guides. Fountain pen ink is wetter than ballpoint ink, so paper matters more: test a page of your notebook first. Our [Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) guide covers one popular option. ## Where is the LAMY safari made? **LAMY's own listing gives Germany as the country of origin, with C. Josef Lamy GmbH in Heidelberg as the manufacturer.** The same LAMY listing also says made in Germany. The Mitsubishi Pencil ownership hasn't changed the stated origin in the sources we found. ## How much does a LAMY safari cost? **The safari is in our $$$ price band, $20–75 per pen.** It's an inexpensive fountain pen, but still costs more than most gel pens; LAMY's German shop lists it at €22.90 (about US$26), and a converter and spare nibs are extra. ## Frequently asked questions ### What nib sizes does the LAMY safari come in? LAMY sells the safari with Extra Fine (EF), Fine (F), Medium (M) and Broad (B) steel nibs, plus a left-hand (LH) nib. Italic 1.1 and 1.5 mm nibs are sold separately; availability varies by color and shop. ### What ink cartridges does the LAMY safari use? It takes LAMY T10 cartridges, and LAMY includes one blue T10 with the pen. Standard international cartridges don't fit LAMY pens. ### Which converter fits the LAMY safari? The LAMY Z28 converter fits the safari and LAMY's other plastic-bodied pens. LAMY packs the lug-free Z27 with its metal-bodied pens such as the Studio; Goulet says it also fits the safari, but it doesn't lock into the grip's notches the way the Z28 does. ### Can you change the nib on a LAMY safari? Yes. LAMY steel nibs push on and pull off the feed by hand, so you can swap an F for an EF or an italic without tools. Spare nibs are sold separately. ### How long is the LAMY safari? Goulet Pens measures it at 139.5 mm (5.5 in) capped, 128.7 mm (5.1 in) for the body and 163.9 mm (6.5 in) posted, with a total weight of 17.0 g. LAMY's German site lists 144 mm and 16 g, and Museum Boijmans 13.8 cm. ### Where is the LAMY safari made? In Germany. LAMY's own product listing gives Germany as the country of origin and C. Josef Lamy GmbH in Heidelberg as the manufacturer. ### Who owns LAMY? LAMY is part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd., the Japanese maker of uni-ball pens, which completed its purchase of LAMY in early 2024, according to LAMY's February 28, 2024 press release. LAMY is still based in Heidelberg. ### Is the LAMY safari made of ABS or ASA plastic? LAMY's current listings describe the body as ASA plastic: matt in the India listing, high-gloss for the white pen on LAMY's German site. Older sources, including Wikipedia, say ABS, so the material may have changed over the pen's 40-plus years. ## Sources - [LAMY (Germany): LAMY safari Füllhalter, white (fountain pen: €22.90, ASA plastic, polished steel nib EF–B and LH, Entwicklungsgruppe Mannheim, 12 × 12 × 144 mm, 16 g, article 1219677)](https://www.lamy.com/de-de/p/lamy-safari-fullhalter/54912096764248) - [LAMY (Germany): Pressebereich (press area: part of Mitsubishi Pencil since spring 2024)](https://www.lamy.com/de-de/pressebereich) - [Goulet Pens: LAMY Z27 & Z28 converters, what's the difference?](https://gouletpens.com/blogs/fountain-pen-blog/lamy-converters-whats-the-difference) - [LAMY: LAMY safari fountain pen (country of origin, manufacturer, features)](https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-safari-fountain-pen) - [LAMY: LAMY safari fountain pen, white](https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-safari-fountain-pen/45109035466938) - [LAMY: Press release, Mitsubishi Pencil Company takes over LAMY (February 28, 2024)](https://www.lamy.com/en-us/press-area/press-releases) - [LAMY Shop Australia: LAMY safari (journal)](https://lamyshop.com.au/blogs/lamy-journal/lamy-safari) - [Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: Safari (1980, Wolfgang Fabian, 13.8 cm)](https://www.boijmans.nl/en/collection/artworks/110383/safari) - [Goulet Pens: LAMY safari fountain pen, charcoal (measurements, MSRP)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/lamy-safari-fountain-pens/products/lamy-safari-fountain-pen-charcoal) - [Goulet Pens: LAMY safari fountain pen, steel black (nibs, Z28, T10)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/all-fountain-pens/products/lamy-safari-fountain-pen-steel-black) - [Blesket: Which LAMY converter, nib or cartridge do you need](https://blesket.com/blogs/news/which-lamy-converter-nib-or-cartridge-do-you-need) - [Wikipedia: Lamy (safari designers, materials, Mitsubishi Pencil parent)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamy) - [Creative Bloq: A design icon since 1980](https://www.creativebloq.com/design/product-design/this-iconic-fountain-pen-is-perfect-for-journalling-and-it-has-26-percent-off-for-a-limited-time) --- # Louise Carmen Roadbook: Inserts, Leather & Sizing > The Louise Carmen Roadbook M is a refillable leather notebook cover from Paris that holds three separately refillable notebooks on elastic straps, expandable to six, and closes with an elastic band. Louise Carmen's French product page says it is made in France (“confectionné en France”) from full-grain leather vegetable-tanned in Italy. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/louise-carmen-roadbook/ - Category: Systems - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Louise Carmen Roadbook M leather cover, 21.5 × 13.5 cm, closed with its elastic band and opened flat with 3 Size M notebooks of 21 × 13 cm on elastic straps](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/louise-carmen-roadbook-16x9.png) *The Roadbook M closed and open, drawn to scale (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/louise-carmen-roadbook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Louise Carmen Roadbook M (leather cover with 3 refillable notebooks) | Louise Carmen | France | France | Full-grain vegetable-tanned leather from Italy, elastic band | – | $$$$: over $75 for the cover or binder with its starter insert | - Made in (Louise Carmen Roadbook M (leather cover with 3 refillable notebooks)): France. Louise Carmen's French product page says the Roadbook is 'confectionné en France' from full-grain leather vegetable-tanned in Italy, and calls it 'maroquinerie d'exception fabriquée en France'. Bonjour Paris places the leather workshop between Châteauroux and Chambord. Earlier brand pages said the elastic straps were made in Japan, but the current pages no longer say so. Bonjour Paris reports that the lined paper notebooks are made at a family-run workshop in Shanghai; we found no statement of where the other refills are made. Source: https://louisecarmen.com/products/roadbook-cuir-heritage ## Key takeaways - The Roadbook M holds 3 separately refillable notebooks and can be expanded to 6, per the product listing. - Louise Carmen's model guide says the Roadbook comes in 18 leather colors; its French shop listed 15 on October 20, 2026, at €139 (about US$156). - Bonjour Paris reports that since 2017 the brand has worked with a leather workshop between Châteauroux and Chambord, France. - The brand's French and English product pages call the leather full-grain and vegetable-tanned in Italy; Bonjour Paris says it is tanned in Tuscany over 30 days to two months. - Louise Carmen lists the Roadbook M at 21.5 × 13.5 cm; its Size M refills are 21 × 13 cm with 64 pages. ## What is the Louise Carmen Roadbook? **The Roadbook M is a leather notebook cover that holds three separately refillable notebooks, expandable to six, and closes with an elastic band.** It is one of the main models from Louise Carmen, a Paris notebook brand. The product listing calls it "the leather notebook for those who write a lot", and suggests giving each notebook a theme. Louise Carmen's model guide describes the Roadbook as holding three medium-sized notebooks and lists its refills as size M. ## Roadbook M specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Notebooks | 3 separately refillable, expandable to 6 | | Cover size | 21.5 × 13.5 cm (8.5 × 5.3 in) | | Maker's price | €139 (about US$156), before customization | | Refill size | Size M, 21 × 13 cm (8.3 × 5.1 in), 64 pages | | Closure | Elastic band | | Leather | Full-grain, vegetable-tanned in Italy (Louise Carmen) | | Colors | 18 per the brand's model guide; 15 in the French shop on October 20, 2026 | | Item code (black) | RBTVNOISM | | Cover made in | France (Louise Carmen); workshop between Châteauroux and Chambord (Bonjour Paris) | | Extras | Portfolio, charms and embossing sold separately | Everything in this table comes from Louise Carmen's own pages and product listings. We haven't measured one, so the figure is a schematic, not a scale drawing. ![Schematic: Louise Carmen Roadbook M cover with 3 notebooks on elastic straps, expandable to 6; made in France from leather tanned in Italy](https://stationerytimes.com/images/louise-carmen-roadbook-system.svg) *The Roadbook's parts and their origins, per the brand.* ## What size is the Roadbook? **Louise Carmen lists the Roadbook M at 21.5 × 13.5 cm (8.5 × 5.3 in), and its Size M refills at 21 × 13 cm (8.3 × 5.1 in).** That page is as tall as A5 but 18 mm narrower than a [Leuchtturm1917 A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/). One owner, writing on Substack, says her Roadbook holds three A5 notebooks and a portfolio. An A5 page is 148 mm wide, wider than the 13.5 cm cover, so we read "A5" there as approximate. ## What refills and extras can you add? **You choose the notebooks inside, and can add a leather portfolio, charms or embossing.** Curly Tales describes swapping refills and sliding in different notebooks to build your own kit inside one cover. Louise Carmen's portfolio page says its medium (T.M) portfolio is used in the Roadbook and in the brand's project notebook. Bonjour Paris reports that lined paper was the last refill the founder created, because she preferred dotted and black pages. ## What inserts are available for the Louise Carmen Roadbook? **Louise Carmen sells 64-page Size M refills, 21 × 13 cm, in lined, dotted, white, ivory and to-do layouts, plus an all-black notebook and leather portfolios.** The brand says the Roadbook takes up to six of its refills; we found no item codes. | Insert | What it is | Maker or third-party | |---|---|---| | [Size M refill, lined, white or ivory](https://louisecarmen.com/en/products/refills-t-m) | 64 pages, 21 × 13 cm, sold singly | Louise Carmen | | [Size M refill, dotted](https://louisecarmen.com/en/products/refills-t-m) | 64 pages; numbered pages and a date space | Louise Carmen | | [Size M refill, to-do](https://louisecarmen.com/en/products/refills-t-m) | 64-page to-do layout | Louise Carmen | | [All Black Notebook](https://louisecarmen.com/en/products/all-black-notebook) | 110 g black paper; the brand suggests white ink or Posca pens | Louise Carmen | | [Portfolio M](https://louisecarmen.com/en/collections/portfolios-en) | Leather portfolio sized for the Roadbook | Louise Carmen | Size M refills also fit the brand's Organizer and Honoré covers. An earlier version of Louise Carmen's English Roadbook page called the cover compatible with Moleskine notebooks; the current page no longer says so. You can order refills on louisecarmen.com or at the brand's workshop shop at 6 passage du Grand Cerf in Paris, per Louise Carmen. ## What leather is it made from? **Louise Carmen's product pages describe full-grain leather, vegetable-tanned in Italy, that develops a patina with use.** Bonjour Paris adds that it is tanned in Tuscany in barrels of vegetable tanning solution over 30 days to two months. The brand says its vegetable-tanned leather ages and evolves with use. We haven't handled one, so we can't describe how it ages. ## How much does a Louise Carmen Roadbook cost? **The Roadbook falls in our $$$$ band (over $75 for a cover with its starter insert).** Curly Tales puts Louise Carmen prices from about €139 (about US$156) to over €209 (about US$234) depending on size and finish; the article shows no publication date in the sources we found, so treat the range as a snapshot. One owner's customised Roadbook, with a portfolio and extras, cost well over our $75 line. ## How does it compare with other systems? **The Roadbook is the luxury option: a European handmade cover like the [Paper Republic Grand Voyageur](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-republic-grand-voyageur/), but holding more notebooks and costing more.** The [TRAVELER'S notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/) uses the same elastic idea at a lower price, with published refill sizes. Our [notebook systems comparison](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-systems-compared/) sets all five systems side by side. ## Where is the Louise Carmen Roadbook made? **Louise Carmen's French product page says the Roadbook is "confectionné en France", in "maroquinerie d'exception fabriquée en France".** Bonjour Paris places the leather workshop between Châteauroux and Chambord, a partnership since 2017. The leather itself is tanned in Italy. Bonjour Paris reports that the lined paper notebooks are made at a family-run workshop in Shanghai. We found no statement of where the dotted and plain refills are made. Bonjour Paris also says Nathalie Valmary founded the brand in December 2016, and it now has two workshops in Paris. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many notebooks does the Louise Carmen Roadbook hold? The Roadbook M holds three separately refillable notebooks and can be expanded to six, according to the product listing. One owner also fits a small leather portfolio inside. ### What size are Louise Carmen Roadbook refills? Louise Carmen sells them as Size M: 21 × 13 cm (8.3 × 5.1 in), with 64 pages each. That is as tall as A5 but 18 mm narrower, so a standard A5 notebook is not a match. ### Is Louise Carmen made in France? The covers are: Louise Carmen's French product page says 'confectionné en France', and Bonjour Paris places the workshop between Châteauroux and Chambord. The leather is tanned in Italy, and Bonjour Paris reports that the lined notebooks are made in Shanghai. ### What leather does Louise Carmen use? Louise Carmen's product pages describe full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather from Italy that develops a patina with use. Bonjour Paris adds that it is tanned in Tuscany in barrels of vegetable tanning solution, taking 30 days to two months. ### Why is Louise Carmen so expensive? Each notebook is a handmade leather cover with several refills, often customised with charms, colors or embossing. A Curly Tales article (undated in the sources we found) puts prices from about €139 (about US$156) to over €209 (about US$234) depending on size and finish, and a fully customised Roadbook with extras sits well into our $$$$ band. ### When was Louise Carmen founded? Bonjour Paris reports that Nathalie Valmary created Louise Carmen in Paris in December 2016 after a year travelling in Asia. Bonjour Paris says the brand has worked with its French leather workshop since 2017. ### Can you use TRAVELER'S notebook refills in a Louise Carmen Roadbook? Louise Carmen doesn't list them as compatible, and we haven't tested it. A TRAVELER'S Regular refill is 210 × 110 mm, the same height as the brand's 21 × 13 cm Size M refill but 20 mm narrower, so it would sit loosely under a strap. ## Sources - [Louise Carmen (French): Roadbook M (trois carnets rechargeables, jusqu'à six; confectionné en France; cuir pleine fleur tanné végétalement en Italie; 21,5 × 13,5 cm; €139)](https://louisecarmen.com/products/roadbook-cuir-heritage) - [Louise Carmen (French): Recharges Taille M (64 pages, 21 × 13 cm; lined, ivory, dotted, white, All Black, To Do)](https://louisecarmen.com/products/recharges-t-m) - [Louise Carmen: L'univers (founders' story; current page no longer gives workshop or component origins)](https://louisecarmen.com/en/pages/lunivers) - [Louise Carmen: Our models in a few words (Roadbook: 3 medium notebooks, elastic band, 18 colors)](https://louisecarmen.com/en/pages/quel-carnet-choisir) - [Louise Carmen: Roadbook M (3 refillable notebooks, expandable to 6; leather tanned in Italy)](https://shop.app/products/6564418257086/roadbook-m) - [Louise Carmen: Portfolio L (portfolio sizes used in the Roadbook)](https://louisecarmen.com/products/portfolio-l) - [Bonjour Paris: Louise Carmen Notebooks, Behind the Brand (founding, Paris workshops, Shanghai workshop for lined notebooks)](https://bonjourparis.com/shopping-tips/louise-carmen-notebooks/) - [Curly Tales: At this Paris boutique you can create a Louise Carmen journal (price range)](https://curlytales.com/ct-scoop/at-this-secret-paris-boutique-you-can-create-louise-carmen-journal-and-its-worth-it/) - [Gap Year at 30: an owner's Louise Carmen Roadbook (holds three A5 notebooks and a portfolio)](https://gapyearat30.substack.com/p/the-450-notebook-im-taking-around) - [The Globe and Mail: Is a pricey leather notebook the new style status symbol?](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/article-is-a-pricey-leather-notebook-the-new-style-status-symbol) - [Louise Carmen: Size M Refills (64 pages, 21 × 13 cm; lined, ivory, dotted, white, all black, to-do; fits Roadbook, Organizer, Honoré)](https://louisecarmen.com/en/products/refills-t-m) - [Louise Carmen: Roadbook M, English page (21.5 × 13.5 cm; up to 6 refills; made in France, leather from Italy)](https://louisecarmen.com/en/products/roadbook-cuir-heritage) - [Louise Carmen: All Black Notebook (110 g black paper)](https://louisecarmen.com/en/products/all-black-notebook) - [Louise Carmen: Portfolios](https://louisecarmen.com/en/collections/portfolios-en) - [Louise Carmen: Refills (sizes S, M and L; workshop shop at 6 passage du Grand Cerf)](https://louisecarmen.com/en/collections/refills) --- # Midori MD Notebook A5: MD Paper, Rulings & Pages > The Midori MD Notebook A5 is a thread-sewn notebook from Midori, a Designphil brand, first sold in 2008. It measures 148 × 210 mm and holds 176 pages of cream 80 g/m² MD Paper, blank or with 7 mm lines, a 5 mm grid, 5 mm dots or a frame. Midori lists it as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-notebook-a5/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Midori MD Notebook A5, 210 mm tall and 148 mm wide, with its cream paper cover and cloth spine tape, closed and opened flat on 7 mm lined cream pages with the thread stitching in the fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/midori-md-notebook-a5-16x9.png) *The MD Notebook A5 closed and open, with the thread binding magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-md-notebook-a5-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Midori MD Notebook A5, 176 pages (blank, lined, grid, dot grid or frame) | Midori (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo); the MD line is now sold as MD PRODUCT) | Japan | Japan | Cream MD Paper, 80 g/m² (text, cover and endpapers); glassine jacket | 2008 | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Midori MD Notebook A5, 176 pages (blank, lined, grid, dot grid or frame)): Japan. Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store gives 原産国 (country of origin) Made in Japan for the A5, as did the older Midori online store listing for the lined A5 (15294006). The Journal Shop, Galen Leather and Boston General Store agree. Source: https://md-product.com/products/md-notebook-a5 ## Key takeaways - Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store lists the A5 at 210 × 148 × 10 mm (8.3 × 5.8 × 0.4 in) and about 258 g. - It has 176 pages in five rulings: blank, 7 mm lined, 5 mm grid, 5 mm dot grid and frame. - Midori gives the MD Paper inside as 80 g/m², settling the 80 vs 90 g/m² split among retailers. - Designphil says Midori has developed MD Paper in-house since the 1960s and launched the MD Notebook in 2008. - Midori's Japanese list price is ¥1,210 (about US$7.70) with tax, and it is made in Japan. ## What is the Midori MD Notebook A5? **The Midori MD Notebook A5 is a plain, thread-bound A5 notebook built around Midori's own cream MD Paper.** Midori is a brand of Designphil Inc. in Tokyo, and it now sells the line under the name MD PRODUCT, through its own Japanese online store. The design is deliberately simple: MD Paper for the pages, the cover and the endpapers, held at the spine with cloth (寒冷紗), and a glassine jacket that Midori says recalls old paperback books. A ribbon bookmark, whose color changes with the ruling, and index stickers complete it. ## Midori MD Notebook A5 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Size | A5: 148 × 210 × 10 mm (5.8 × 8.3 × 0.4 in) | | Weight | About 258 g (9.1 oz) | | Pages | 176 | | Rulings | Blank · 7 mm lined · 5 mm grid · 5 mm dot grid · frame | | Paper | MD Paper, cream, 80 g/m² | | Binding | Thread-sewn (糸かがり), opens flat to 180°; exposed cloth spine | | Cover | MD Paper, with a glassine paper jacket | | Extras | Ribbon bookmark, index stickers (label and bookplate types) | | Item number | 15384006 (blank) · 15385006 (lined) · 15386006 (grid) · 15387006 (dot grid) · 91804420 (frame) | | List price (Japan) | ¥1,210 (about US$7.70) with tax | | Made in | Japan (Midori) | Every figure comes from Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT online store. The older Midori online store listing for the lined A5 (item 15294006, ¥990 (about US$6.30)) is marked sold out, with a note that the new MD PRODUCT items are sold on the MD PRODUCT store. The Journal Shop's spec sheet repeats the 176 pages, 258 g and 80 g/m². ![To-scale drawing: three 148 × 210 mm MD Notebook pages with 7 mm lines, a 5 mm grid and no ruling](https://stationerytimes.com/images/midori-md-notebook-a5-rulings.svg) *Lined, grid and blank A5 pages at the same scale.* ## What is MD Paper? **MD Paper is Midori's own writing paper, which Designphil says the company has developed in-house since the 1960s.** Galen Leather gives the year as 1960; Midori itself says only "the 1960s". The name is often read as "Midori Diary", but Midori doesn't spell it out. Midori also sells MD Paper loose in pads; see our [Midori MD Paper Pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/midori-md-paper-pad/) guide for the paper on its own. Midori's store describes a faintly rough surface you can hear under the nib, and says the paper resists bleed-through and feathering even with a fountain pen. Galen Leather adds that Midori tests it with many writing tools for feathering, bleed, drying and glide. Those are the maker's claims. ## Is the MD Notebook good for fountain pens? **Midori markets MD Paper for fountain pens, but we haven't tested it ourselves.** One user review reports no feathering or bleed-through, but some ghosting with darker inks. Results also depend on the nib width and how wet the ink is. A fine nib with a well-behaved ink is the safer start. To see how MD Paper compares with Rhodia, Tomoe River and others, read our [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## Which ruling should you choose? **Choose lined for prose and journaling, grid or dots for planning and sketches, frame for dated notes, and blank for drawing.** Midori's Japanese store lists five rulings: - **Lined (7 mm):** roomy line spacing, close to US college ruling of 7.1 mm; Midori says you can split each page top and bottom. - **Grid (5 mm):** a fine grid that Midori likens to manuscript paper. - **Dot grid (5 mm):** dots for text plus small diagrams. - **Frame:** a blank page with a small box at the top for a title or date, modeled on a lab notebook. - **Blank:** no printing, for sketching or free layouts. All five have the same 176 pages, cover and price, so the ruling is the only difference. Dromgooles' US listing names only four rulings; the frame version may not be sold everywhere. ## How does it compare to a Leuchtturm1917 or Moleskine? **The MD Notebook is a lighter, soft-covered A5 with fewer pages and no hard cover or elastic.** | | Midori MD Notebook A5 | [Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) | [Moleskine Classic Large](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 148 × 210 mm | 145 × 210 mm | 130 × 210 mm | | Pages | 176 | 251, numbered | 240 | | Paper | MD Paper, 80 g/m² | 80 g/m² | 70 g/m² | | Cover | Paper | Hard cover, elastic | Hard cover, elastic | For a dated, page-a-day book on thinner paper, see the [Hobonichi Techo Original](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hobonichi-techo-original/). The closest sewn, soft-cover rival is the [Apica Premium C.D. Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/apica-premium-cd-notebook/), with 192 pages of 86.5 g/m² paper. ## Where is the Midori MD Notebook made? **Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store lists the MD Notebook A5 as Made in Japan,** and the older Midori online store listing said the same. Retailer spec sheets agree: The Journal Shop and Galen Leather give Japan as the country of origin, and Boston General Store says "Made in Japan". Midori itself is a Tokyo-based Designphil brand. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many pages are in a Midori MD Notebook A5? The A5 MD Notebook has 176 pages, per Midori's Japanese store, in every one of its five rulings. ### What size is the Midori MD Notebook A5? Midori lists it at 210 × 148 × 10 mm, or about 8.3 × 5.8 inches and 0.4 inches thick, and about 258 g. That is standard A5, a little wider than a Moleskine Large. ### Is Midori MD paper good for fountain pens? Midori says MD Paper resists feathering and bleed-through even with a fountain pen. Some users still report ghosting with dark inks, and we have not tested it ourselves. ### What is the paper weight of the MD Notebook? 80 g/m², according to Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store. Some retailers list 90 g/m², but the maker's figure is 80. ### Does the Midori MD Notebook lie flat? Yes. Midori says the thread-sewn (糸かがり) binding lets it open flat to 180 degrees from the first page to the last. ### What does MD stand for in Midori MD? It is often read as Midori Diary, but Midori doesn't spell it out on its product pages or in the Designphil press release we read, so treat that as an unofficial reading. ### Where is the Midori MD Notebook made? In Japan. Midori's Japanese MD PRODUCT store lists the A5 notebook as Made in Japan, and retailer spec sheets agree. Midori is a brand of Designphil, based in Tokyo. ## Sources - [MDノート［A5］ (MD PRODUCT Japanese online store: 210 × 148 × 10 mm, 176 pages, about 258 g, 80 g/m², five rulings, item numbers, ¥1,210, made in Japan)](https://md-product.com/products/md-notebook-a5) - [MDノート＜A5＞ 横罫A(15294006) (Midori Japan online store, older listing: 7 mm, 176 pages, thread-sewn, opens 180°, renewed January 2023, MD Paper since the 1960s, made in Japan; sales ended)](https://www.midori-store.net/SHOP/15294006.html) - [『MD ノート＜A5＞10th』『MD ノートカバー 10th 紙（コルドバ）』 (Designphil press release, February 23, 2018: MD Notebook launched 2008; MD Paper developed since the 1960s)](https://www.designphil.co.jp/presspdf/180223_md10th.pdf) - [MD Notebook (MD PRODUCT site, English: sizes and prices)](https://md.midori-japan.co.jp/products/mdnote/) - [The Journal Shop: Midori MD Notebook A5 Lined (176 pages, about 258 g, 80 g/m², country of origin Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/midori-md-notebook-a5-lined) - [Dromgooles: MD Product A5 Notebook Lined (maker's description, four rulings)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/midori-md-product-a5-notebook-lined) - [Galen Leather: Midori MD Notebook A5 Lined, 176 pages (80 gsm spec, 90 g/m² in text, origin Japan, US price)](https://www.galenleather.com/products/midori-md-notebook-a5-lined-176-pages) - [Galen Leather: Midori MD Notebook A5 Grid, 176 pages](https://www.galenleather.com/products/midori-md-notebook-a5-grid-176-pages) - [Boston General Store: Midori MD Paper Notebook (176 pages, made in Japan)](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/products/midori-md-paper-notebook) - [JetPens: MD Notebook A5 Blank (US listing)](https://www.jetpens.com/MD-Notebook-A5-Blank/pd/13605) --- # Notebook Systems Compared: Rings vs Elastic Covers > Elastic-band systems (TRAVELER'S notebook, Paper Republic Grand Voyageur, Louise Carmen Roadbook) hold bound refills; ring binders (Filofax, PLOTTER) hold loose punched pages. TRAVELER'S Regular refills are 210 × 110 mm, Filofax Personal pages 171 × 95 mm. PLOTTER's 11 mm rings are slimmest; Filofax's 23 mm rings hold most. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-systems-compared/ - Category: Systems - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Five notebook systems closed, side by side and drawn to scale: TRAVELER'S Regular 220 × 120 mm with an elastic band, Paper Republic XL 210 × 145 mm with an elastic ribbon, Louise Carmen Roadbook M 215 × 135 mm with 3 elastic straps, PLOTTER Bible 180 × 115 mm with 11 mm rings, and Filofax Personal 188 × 135 mm with 23 mm rings](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/notebook-systems-compared-16x9.png) *The five covers closed, to one scale: three elastic systems, two ring binders.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/notebook-systems-compared-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | TRAVELER'S notebook, Regular Size starter kit | Traveler's Company (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Thailand (cover); Japan (refill) | Cowhide leather cover, elastic band, MD Paper refill | 2006-03 | $$$: $20–75 for the cover or binder with its starter insert | | Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL | Paper Republic | Austria | Austria | Vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather (Tuscany, Italy), elastic bands | – | $$$$: over $75 for the cover or binder with its starter insert | | PLOTTER Leather Binder, Bible size | PLOTTER (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Steer (cowhide) leather, Italian for Pueblo and Liscio; 11 mm Krause rings; metal back plate | 2017 | $$$$: over $75 for the cover or binder with its starter insert | | Louise Carmen Roadbook M | Louise Carmen | France | France | Full-grain vegetable-tanned leather from Italy, elastic band | – | $$$$: over $75 for the cover or binder with its starter insert | | Filofax The Original Personal Leather Organiser | Filofax | United Kingdom | United Kingdom | Thick leather (per Filofax); satchel-style, saddle-stitched (per Filofax's blog) | 2012 | $$$$: over $75 for the cover or binder with its starter insert | - Made in (TRAVELER'S notebook, Regular Size starter kit): Thailand (cover); Japan (refill). Traveler's Company says the leather cover is made in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and the notebook refill in Japan; its Japanese product page for the Brown Regular marks the cover MADE IN THAILAND. Retailer spec sheets (Pulp Addiction, Paper Whisper) give the same split. Source: https://www.travelers-company.com/?p=158 - Made in (Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL): Austria. Paper Republic's German product page says every cover is handmade (handgefertigt) in its Vienna workshop from vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather from a family-run tannery in Tuscany, Italy, and that its paper notebooks are printed in Vienna. Laywines also says made in Austria. A 2016 Drop listing said refills were then made in Budapest, Hungary, and the ribbon kit in Japan; the maker's current page supersedes that. We found no source for a Romanian origin. Source: https://www.paper-republic.com/de/products/grand-voyageur-leather-journal - Made in (PLOTTER Leather Binder, Bible size): Japan. PLOTTER's Japanese site lists 原産国: Made in Japan for every Pueblo and Liscio binder size (read October 20, 2026); Dromgoole's and a Gadgeteer review agree. The leathers themselves are Italian: Pueblo is Italian steer leather, and Liscio is Minerva Liscio from the Badalassi Carlo tannery in Tuscany. Source: https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/leatherbinder/pueblo - Made in (Louise Carmen Roadbook M): France. Louise Carmen's French product page says the Roadbook is 'confectionné en France' from full-grain leather vegetable-tanned in Italy, and calls it 'maroquinerie d'exception fabriquée en France'. Bonjour Paris places the leather workshop between Châteauroux and Chambord. Earlier brand pages said the elastic straps were made in Japan, but the current pages no longer say so. Bonjour Paris reports that the lined paper notebooks are made at a family-run workshop in Shanghai; we found no statement of where the other refills are made. Source: https://louisecarmen.com/products/roadbook-cuir-heritage - Made in (Filofax The Original Personal Leather Organiser): United Kingdom. Filofax's UK, US and Canadian product pages all say The Original is made in the UK. Other Filofax organisers are made elsewhere: Milligram lists the Malden Compact Zip as made in China, and a UK retailer lists the faux-leather Moonlight Personal as made in China. Source: https://filofax.com/products/the-original-personal-organiser-filofax ## Key takeaways - Three of the five systems use elastic bands or ribbons for bound refills; two use 6-ring mechanisms for loose pages. - Main insert sizes: TRAVELER'S Regular 210 × 110 mm, Paper Republic XL 200 × 135 mm, PLOTTER Bible 170 × 95 mm, Filofax Personal 171 × 95 mm. - Ring sizes differ by more than 2×: 11 mm on every PLOTTER binder vs 23 mm on the Filofax Original Personal. - Price bands: TRAVELER'S Regular is $$$ ($20–75); Paper Republic, PLOTTER, Filofax Original and Louise Carmen are $$$$ (over $75). - Made in: Thailand (TRAVELER'S cover), Austria (Paper Republic), Japan (PLOTTER), France (Louise Carmen cover) and the UK (Filofax Original). ## What are the main types of notebook systems? **There are two main types: covers that hold bound notebooks under elastic bands or ribbons, and ring binders that hold loose punched pages.** Both let you keep one cover for years and replace only the paper. - **Elastic or ribbon covers:** the [TRAVELER'S notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/), the [Paper Republic Grand Voyageur](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-republic-grand-voyageur/) and the [Louise Carmen Roadbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/louise-carmen-roadbook/). You add whole notebooks and archive each one when full. - **Ring binders:** the [PLOTTER Leather Binder](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/plotter-leather-binder/) and the [Filofax Original Personal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/filofax-original-personal/). You move single pages around. ## How do the five systems compare? **The table sets out each system's mechanism, main size, origin and price band.** Figures come from each maker or from retailer spec sheets; see the individual guides for sources. | | TRAVELER'S Regular | Paper Republic XL | PLOTTER Bible | Louise Carmen Roadbook M | Filofax Original Personal | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Mechanism | Elastic band | Elastic bands | 6 rings, 11 mm | Elastic straps | 6 rings, 23 mm | | Cover (closed) | 220 × 120 mm | 210 × 148 mm | 180 × 115 mm | 215 × 135 mm | 188 × 135 mm | | Main insert | 210 × 110 mm | 200 × 135 mm | 170 × 95 mm | 210 × 130 mm | 171 × 95 mm | | Inserts carried | 1, more with connecting bands | 2, up to 4 with extra bands | About 80 sheets | 3, up to 6 | Loose pages | | Other sizes | Passport | Pocket, Passport, A4 | A5, Narrow, Mini, Mini 5 | Other models | Mini, Pocket, A5, Compact | | Brand from | Japan | Austria | Japan | France | United Kingdom | | Made in | Thailand (cover), Japan (refill) | Austria | Japan | France (cover) | United Kingdom | | Price band | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$$ | Price bands use our site-wide ranges ($ under $5, $$ $5–20, $$$ $20–75, $$$$ over $75), for the cover with its starter insert. ![To-scale comparison of main insert sizes: TRAVELER'S Regular 210 × 110 mm, Paper Republic XL 200 × 135 mm, PLOTTER Bible 170 × 93 mm, Filofax Personal 171 × 95 mm, and Louise Carmen Roadbook M 210 × 130 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/notebook-systems-compared-sizes.svg) *The main insert of each system, drawn to scale (1 mm = 1.15 units).* ## Which refills fit which covers? **Refills mostly stay within their own system, with two useful overlaps: Personal-format ring pages and small passport-type notebooks.** | Insert | Fits | Doesn't fit | |---|---|---| | TRAVELER'S Regular (210 × 110 mm) | TRAVELER'S Regular | Paper Republic XL (over its 200 mm height limit) | | TRAVELER'S Passport (124 × 89 mm) | TRAVELER'S Passport; within Paper Republic Pocket's 140 × 100 mm limit | Regular-height covers hold it loosely | | Filofax Personal (171 × 95 mm, 6 holes) | Filofax Personal and Compact; PLOTTER Bible (fewer sheets) | PLOTTER Narrow | | PLOTTER Bible (170 × 95 mm) | PLOTTER Bible; other Personal-format binders | PLOTTER Narrow and Mini | This table is our arithmetic from published sizes, not a fit test. Makers generally list only their own refills as compatible; Louise Carmen gives its Size M refill as 21 × 13 cm, and its Roadbook page also names Moleskine notebooks as compatible. ## Which inserts can you buy for each system? **All five makers sell their own paper inserts; Traveler's Company and Filofax give theirs item numbers, and we found none for the other three.** Each guide lists the main inserts for its size in full. | System | Maker's paper inserts | Item codes | Other inserts | |---|---|---|---| | [TRAVELER'S Regular](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) | Lined, grid, blank, dot, cream and watercolor notebooks; undated diaries | 001–030, e.g. 026 dot grid | Card file, three-fold file, pocket stickers | | [Paper Republic XL](https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/collections/refills-xl) | 48-page notebook refills in 5 rulings; 96-page book refills; planners | None found | Card & cash holder, ribbon sets | | [PLOTTER Bible](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/refill-memopad) | 80-sheet memo pads (plain, ruled, grid, dot); 50-sheet to-do pad | None found | Lifters, ruler pad, pen holder, fastener case | | [Louise Carmen Roadbook M](https://louisecarmen.com/en/products/refills-t-m) | 64-page Size M refills: lined, dotted, white, ivory, to-do; all-black notebook | None found | Leather portfolio | | [Filofax Personal](https://filofax.com/collections/personal-compatible-refills-and-accessories) | Ruled, plain and squared notepaper; dated diaries; to-do sheets | e.g. 133008 ruled notepaper | Dividers, zip envelope | Diaries differ most. TRAVELER'S sells undated ones, Filofax dated ones, and the 2027 PLOTTER diaries we found were A5 and Mini only, not Bible. ## What are they made of? **All five flagship covers are leather, but the sources differ.** Paper Republic, PLOTTER and Louise Carmen use Italian vegetable-tanned leathers, per the brands and retailers. Traveler's Company says its cowhide covers are made in Chiang Mai, and Filofax calls The Original a leather organiser. Refill paper varies too: TRAVELER'S notebook refills are MD Paper made in Japan, and Paper Republic's German site says its paper is FSC-certified and its notebooks are printed in Vienna. ## Which notebook system should you choose? **Choose by how you write: bound notebooks suit journaling, and rings suit planning.** - **TRAVELER'S notebook:** the lowest-priced system here ($$$), with numbered refills in many rulings and published refill sizes. - **Paper Republic Grand Voyageur:** a wider page than TRAVELER'S (200 × 135 mm, just under A5) in a cover handmade in Vienna, at a somewhat higher price. - **Louise Carmen Roadbook:** a customisable luxury cover for several notebooks at once. - **PLOTTER:** a thin, light ring binder for only the pages you need now. - **Filofax Original Personal:** the largest rings here (23 mm), with dated diary refills sold separately. ## Where is each system made? **Each flagship is made in a different country: Thailand and Japan for TRAVELER'S, Austria for Paper Republic (handmade in Vienna), Japan for PLOTTER, France for Louise Carmen and the UK for the Filofax Original.** Materials often come from elsewhere: Paper Republic, PLOTTER and Louise Carmen use Italian leather, Bonjour Paris reports that Louise Carmen's lined notebooks are made in Shanghai, and some other Filofax models are made in China. Each guide's notes give the sources. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between a TRAVELER'S notebook and a Filofax? A TRAVELER'S notebook holds thin bound refills under an elastic band, so you add whole notebooks. A Filofax holds loose six-hole pages on rings, so you add, remove and rearrange single sheets. ### Do TRAVELER'S notebook refills fit Paper Republic covers? Not the Regular size: its 210 mm refills are taller than the 200 mm maximum retailers give for the Grand Voyageur XL. A 124 × 89 mm Passport refill is within the Pocket's 140 × 100 mm limit. ### Do Filofax Personal refills fit a PLOTTER binder? PLOTTER Bible binders take the same six-ring Personal-format page (Filofax 171 × 95 mm, PLOTTER 170 × 95 mm). PLOTTER's 11 mm rings hold about 80 sheets, so carry fewer pages than in a 23 mm Filofax. ### Which notebook system is cheapest? Of these five, the TRAVELER'S notebook is the only one in our $$$ band ($20–75 with a starter insert). The Paper Republic Grand Voyageur, PLOTTER, the Filofax Original and Louise Carmen are $$$$, over $75. ### Which notebook system holds the most pages? Among the five, the Filofax Original Personal has the largest rings, 23 mm. The Louise Carmen Roadbook M holds up to six 64-page Size M refills, or 384 pages, per the brand. ### Which notebook systems are made in Japan? PLOTTER binders are made in Japan, per PLOTTER's Japanese site. TRAVELER'S notebook refills are made in Japan, but the leather covers are made in Chiang Mai, Thailand. ### Is a ring binder or an elastic-band notebook better? Choose rings if you want to reorder single pages, file old sheets and mix diary and notes. Choose elastic-band covers if you prefer writing in bound notebooks and archiving each one when full. ## Sources - [Traveler's Company: About TRAVELER'S notebook (cover made in Chiang Mai, Thailand; refills in Japan)](https://www.travelers-company.com/?p=158) - [Goulet Pens: Traveler's Notebook Brown (Regular)](https://gouletpens.com/products/travelers-notebook-brown-regular) - [Pulp Addiction: TRAVELER'S Notebook Starter Set, Passport Size (134 × 98 mm cover; 124 × 89 mm refill)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/travelers-notebook-starter-set-passport-size-blue) - [The Project Garments: Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL (14.5 × 21 cm, made in Vienna)](https://theprojectgarments.com/products/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-xl-leather-journal-black) - [Laywines: Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL (fits notebooks up to 14 × 20 cm)](https://laywines.com/products/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-xl-1) - [The Project Garments: Paper Republic Grand Voyageur Pocket (fits up to 10 × 14 cm)](https://www.theprojectgarments.com/products/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-pocket-leather-journal-cognac) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER Bible Size Pueblo 6-Ring Leather Binder (11 mm rings, made in Japan)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-bible-size-pueblo-6-ring-leather-binder-navy) - [The Pen Addict: PLOTTER refill sizes](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2024/6/12/plotter-letterpress-refill-review) - [Louise Carmen: The story of Louise Carmen (made in France; elastic made in Japan)](https://louisecarmen.com/en/pages/lunivers) - [Louise Carmen: Roadbook M (3 notebooks, expandable to 6)](https://shop.app/products/6564418257086/roadbook-m) - [Gap Year at 30: an owner's Louise Carmen Roadbook (holds three A5 notebooks)](https://gapyearat30.substack.com/p/the-450-notebook-im-taking-around) - [Filofax (US): The Original Personal Leather Organizer (188 × 135 × 38 mm, 23 mm rings)](https://us.filofax.com/products/the-original-personal-organizer-filofax) - [Filofax (Canada): The Original Personal (Made in the UK)](https://ca.filofax.com/products/the-original-personal-organizer-filofax) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Ring-bound planner sizes](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2014/12/a-beginners-dive-into-ring-bound-planners-part-2-planner-sizes/) - [Traveler's Company: TRAVELER'S notebook Refills, Regular Size](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) - [Traveler's Company: 026 Dot Grid, Regular Size](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-026) - [Paper Republic: leather journal refills [xl]](https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/collections/refills-xl) - [Paper Republic: Notebook refills, set of 2 (48 pages, five rulings)](https://www.paper-republic.com/products/notebook-refills) - [PLOTTER: Refill Memo Pad range](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/refill-memopad) - [Louise Carmen: Size M Refills (64 pages, 21 × 13 cm)](https://louisecarmen.com/en/products/refills-t-m) - [Louise Carmen: Roadbook Heritage Leather Notebook (21.5 × 13.5 × 2 cm; Moleskine compatible)](https://louisecarmen.com/en/products/roadbook-cuir-heritage) - [Filofax: Personal Organisers & Clipbook compatible refills and accessories](https://filofax.com/collections/personal-compatible-refills-and-accessories) - [Filofax (US): White Ruled Notepaper, Personal (133008)](https://us.filofax.com/products/white-ruled-notepaper-personal-refill-filofax) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER Diary 2027 Weekly Schedule Refill, A5 size](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-diary-2027-weekly-schedule-refill-a5-size) - [Traveler's Company: About TRAVELER'S COMPANY (launched March 2006 with five refills)](https://www.travelers-company.com/?p=2088) - [GetNavi: Designphil's new brand PLOTTER (2017 launch)](https://getnavi.jp/stationery/193634) - [Filofax: The Original Collection, where it all began (first released 2012; satchel-like leather)](https://filofax.com/blogs/blog/the-original-collection-where-it-all-began) --- # Paper Mate Flair: Felt Tip Sizes & Point Guard > The Paper Mate Flair is a capped felt tip pen with water-based ink, sold since 1966. It comes in three point sizes: Ultra Fine 0.4 mm, Medium 0.7 mm (the standard Flair) and Bold 1.2 mm. Paper Mate says its Point Guard keeps the tip from fraying. Current US packs list Mexico as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-flair/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a black Paper Mate Flair medium felt tip pen with the cap posted: black barrel, metal clip and the felt point in its metal Point Guard collar](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/paper-mate-flair-16x9.png) *A black Flair Medium with the cap posted, showing the felt point and its Point Guard collar.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/paper-mate-flair-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pen (Ultra Fine 0.4 mm / Medium 0.7 mm / Bold 1.2 mm) | Paper Mate (by Newell Brands) | United States | Mexico | Plastic body, metal clip, felt tip | 1966 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pen (Ultra Fine 0.4 mm / Medium 0.7 mm / Bold 1.2 mm)): Mexico. Giant Food Stores' listing for the Medium black 2-pack says Made in Mexico. Distributors ADI Global (noting origin is subject to change) and OnTimeSupplies also list Mexico. Paper Mate's own site blocked our reader, so we couldn't check it there. Source: https://giantfoodstores.com/groceries/product/paper-mate-flair-pen-fiber-tip-medium-point-black-ink-2-ct-pkg/172506 ## Key takeaways - Points run from 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, so the Bold tip is three times the width of the Ultra Fine; the 0.7 mm Medium sits between them. - The Flair dates from 1966, and Paper Mate's About page presents it as the brand's felt tip debut. - Paper Mate brand: owned by Newell Brands since Newell Rubbermaid bought Gillette's stationery division in 2000. - ASINsight estimates the 24-count assorted Flair pack sold about 30,000 units a month on Amazon in July 2026. - US distributor and grocery listings give Mexico as the country of origin. ## What is the Paper Mate Flair? **The Paper Mate Flair is a capped felt tip pen: it writes through a porous point with water-based ink, like a small marker sized for handwriting.** Distributors list it as a "porous point pen". Wikipedia dates the Flair to 1966, and Paper Mate's About page presents it as the brand's felt tip debut with a design kept since. Paper Mate is owned by Newell Brands, the same company behind the [Sharpie S-Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/). It is still one of the best-selling pens on Amazon: ASINsight estimates the 24-count assorted pack sold about 30,000 units a month in July 2026. That's a third-party estimate, not Amazon or Paper Mate data. ## Paper Mate Flair specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | Paper Mate (Newell Brands, US) | | Type | Capped felt tip (porous point) pen | | Point sizes | Ultra Fine 0.4 mm · Medium 0.7 mm · Bold 1.2 mm | | Ink | Water-based; Paper Mate says it is quick-drying and won't bleed through paper | | Tip | Point Guard, which Paper Mate says prevents fraying | | Introduced | 1966 | | Made in | Mexico (per US distributor listings) | Point sizes and ink claims come from Paper Mate's product copy as carried by Walmart and Newell's product-content pages. Paper Mate doesn't publish the pen's length or weight in the sources we found. ## What do the Flair point sizes mean? **The size is the width of the felt point: 0.4 mm Ultra Fine, 0.7 mm Medium and 1.2 mm Bold.** Paper Mate gives point sizes, not measured line widths; pressure and paper change the line a little. ![Paper Mate Flair point sizes to scale at 100 times: Ultra Fine 0.4 mm, Medium 0.7 mm, Bold 1.2 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/paper-mate-flair-point-sizes.svg) *The Bold point is three times the width of the Ultra Fine.* - **Ultra Fine 0.4 mm:** for small handwriting, planners and a [mini composition book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/). - **Medium 0.7 mm:** the standard Flair and the size in most multipacks. - **Bold 1.2 mm:** headings, labels and signs that need to be read from a distance. ## What does Point Guard do? **Point Guard is Paper Mate's name for the Flair's tip design, which the company says stops the felt from fraying or spreading.** That is a maker claim. We haven't measured how a Flair tip wears yet. ## Does the Paper Mate Flair bleed through paper? **Paper Mate says the Flair's water-based ink won't bleed through paper, but felt tips put down a lot of ink, so the paper matters.** Thin, absorbent paper is the most likely to show writing from the back. If you write in a notebook with thin pages, such as a [Moleskine Classic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/), try a line on the last page first. The Ultra Fine puts down the least ink. ## How does the Flair compare to other felt tip and fineliner pens? **The Flair is a colorful everyday writer; a pigment fineliner such as the Sakura Pigma Micron is for permanent, waterproof lines.** | | Paper Mate Flair | [Sakura Pigma Micron](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/) | [Pilot FriXion Clicker](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-frixion-clicker/) | |---|---|---|---| | Point | Felt, 0.4 · 0.7 · 1.2 mm | Fiber, 0.15–0.70 mm line | Ball, 0.7 · 1.0 mm | | Ink | Water-based | Water-based pigment | Erasable gel | | Waterproof | Not claimed | Claimed by Sakura | No | | Price band | $ | $ | $ | The Flair's oldest rival is the [Pentel Sign Pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sign-pen/), a capped fiber-tip pen with water-based ink that Pentel launched in 1963. ## Where is the Paper Mate Flair made? **US distributor and retailer listings give Mexico as the Flair's country of origin.** ADI Global lists several Flair items as made in Mexico and notes that origin is subject to change; OnTimeSupplies gives MX and Giant Food Stores says Mexico. Paper Mate's own pages don't state it in the sources we found, so check the pack. ## How much do Paper Mate Flair pens cost? **Flair pens are in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen), in typical 12-packs.** Assorted-color multipacks are usually the cheapest per pen; single-color black packs sold by third-party sellers can cost noticeably more. ## Frequently asked questions ### What sizes do Paper Mate Flair pens come in? Ultra Fine (0.4 mm) for small writing, Medium (0.7 mm) for most packs, Bold (1.2 mm) for labels. ### What is Paper Mate Flair Point Guard? Point Guard is Paper Mate's name for the Flair's tip design, which the company says keeps the felt point from fraying or spreading with repeated use. It is a maker claim we have not tested. ### Do Paper Mate Flair pens bleed through paper? Paper Mate says the Flair's water-based ink won't bleed through paper. Results depend on the paper; thin or absorbent sheets are the most likely to show the ink from the back, so test on your own notebook first. ### Is a Paper Mate Flair a marker or a pen? It sits between the two. The Flair has a felt (porous) point like a marker but is sized and sold as a writing pen; distributors list it as a porous point pen. ### Are Paper Mate Flair pens waterproof? Paper Mate describes the ink as water-based and smear-resistant, not waterproof. For waterproof, archival lines, a pigment fineliner such as the Sakura Pigma Micron is the usual choice. ### Where are Paper Mate Flair pens made? US distributor and grocery listings give Mexico as the country of origin, and one distributor notes that origin is subject to change. Check the back of the pack. ### When did the Paper Mate Flair come out? The Flair was released in 1966, according to Paper Mate's history as summarized by Wikipedia. Paper Mate's About page calls it the brand's felt tip debut and says the design has been kept since. ## Sources - [Paper Mate: About us (Flair felt tip debut)](https://www.papermate.com/about-us) - [Paper Mate (Newell Brands) product content: Flair Medium 0.7 mm, assorted, 12 count](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_2184593/Paper-Mate(r)-Flair-Felt-Tip-Pens-Medium-Point-(0-7mm)-Assorted-Colors-12-Count/) - [Paper Mate (Newell Brands) product content: Flair Bold 1.2 mm, assorted, 4 count](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_2125416/Paper-Mate(r)-Flair-Pens-Felt-Tip-Pens-Bold-Tip-(1-2-mm)-Assorted-Colors-4-Count/) - [Walmart: Paper Mate Flair Medium 0.7 mm, assorted, 12 count](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Paper-Mate-Flair-Felt-Tip-Pens-Medium-Point-0-7mm-Assorted-Colors-12-Count/196171062) - [Walmart: Paper Mate Flair Ultra Fine 0.4 mm, assorted, 12 count](https://walmart.com/ip/seort/3329744277) - [Walmart: Paper Mate Flair assorted tips (0.4, 0.7 and 1.2 mm), 6 count](https://www.walmart.com/ip/549654074) - [Walmart: Paper Mate Flair Bold 1.2 mm, assorted, 16 count](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1002108690) - [Walmart: Paper Mate Flair Medium 0.7 mm, black, 36 count (#1 Teacher Choice)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/44414564) - [Staples: Paper Mate Flair Medium, assorted, 4-pack (84044)](https://www.staples.com/paper-mate-flair-felt-pen-medium-point-assorted-ink-4-pack-84044/product_810408) - [ADI Global Distribution: Paper Mate Flair (country of origin Mexico)](https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/product/7d-8330152) - [OnTimeSupplies: Paper Mate Flair Medium, 48-pen set (country of origin MX)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pap4651-flair-felt-tip-marker-pen-assorted-ink-medium-48-pens-set.html) - [Giant Food Stores: Paper Mate Flair Medium Black, 2 ct (origin Mexico)](https://giantfoodstores.com/groceries/product/paper-mate-flair-pen-fiber-tip-medium-point-black-ink-2-ct-pkg/172506) - [Wikipedia: Paper Mate (Flair released 1966; Newell Rubbermaid acquisition 2000)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_Mate) - [Well-Appointed Desk: From the Archives, Papermate Flair](https://wellappointeddesk.com/2015/09/from-the-archives-papermate-flair) - [ASINsight: Best-selling Paper Mate Flair pens on Amazon (July 2026 estimates; 24-count at about 30,000 a month)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/flair-pens-paper-mate) - [JetPens: Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pen, Medium, Red (plastic body, metal clip)](https://www.jetpens.com/Paper-Mate-Flair-Felt-Tip-Pen-Medium-Point-Red/pd/13335) --- # Paper Republic Grand Voyageur: Sizes, Refills & Fit > The Paper Republic Grand Voyageur is a refillable leather journal cover from Vienna, Austria. Its notebooks sit on elastic bands rather than rings. Paper Republic lists the XL at 14.8 × 21 cm closed, taking notebooks up to 14 × 20 cm; the Pocket is 10.8 × 15 cm. The maker says each cover is handmade in Vienna. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-republic-grand-voyageur/ - Category: Systems - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL leather cover, about 210 × 145 mm, closed with its elastic ribbon and opened flat with a 200 × 135 mm refill on its ribbon](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-16x9.png) *The Grand Voyageur XL closed and open, drawn to scale (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL leather journal (also Pocket, Passport and A4) | Paper Republic | Austria | Austria | Vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather (Tuscany, Italy), elastic bands | – | $$$$: over $75 for the cover or binder with its starter insert | - Made in (Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL leather journal (also Pocket, Passport and A4)): Austria. Paper Republic's German product page says every cover is handmade (handgefertigt) in its Vienna workshop from vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather from a family-run tannery in Tuscany, Italy, and that its paper notebooks are printed in Vienna. Laywines also says made in Austria. A 2016 Drop listing said refills were then made in Budapest, Hungary, and the ribbon kit in Japan; the maker's current page supersedes that. We found no source for a Romanian origin. Source: https://www.paper-republic.com/de/products/grand-voyageur-leather-journal ## Key takeaways - Paper Republic's German site lists the XL at 14.8 × 21 cm (5.8 × 8.3 in) closed, for notebooks up to 14 × 20 cm. - The Pocket is 10.8 × 15 cm (4.3 × 5.9 in) closed and takes notebooks up to 10 × 14 cm; an A4 version is 22 × 30.5 cm. - The included bands hold 2 refills; with 2 extra inner bands, sold separately, the cover takes up to 4 notebook refills. - Each cover comes with one blank 48-page notebook refill; the XL refill is 13.5 × 20 cm. - Paper Republic was founded in Vienna in 2012 by Jérôme Bacquias, according to Austrian press coverage. ## What is the Paper Republic Grand Voyageur? **The Grand Voyageur is a refillable leather journal cover: thin notebooks slide under elastic bands inside it, and you replace them when they're full.** It's the main product of Paper Republic, a small leather-goods maker in Vienna, Austria, which sells it in three sizes: Pocket, XL and A4. The idea is close to the [TRAVELER'S notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/): the leather cover stays, and the paper changes. Paper Republic's German site says each cover comes with one blank 48-page notebook, and that the band color depends on the leather (orange on cognac, red on black, for example). ## Grand Voyageur specs | Spec | XL | Pocket | A4 | |---|---|---|---| | Closed cover | 14.8 × 21 cm (5.8 × 8.3 in) | 10.8 × 15 cm (4.3 × 5.9 in) | 22 × 30.5 cm (8.6 × 12 in) | | Largest notebook it takes | 14 × 20 cm | 10 × 14 cm | 21 × 29.7 cm | | Included refill | Blank, 48 pages, 13.5 × 20 cm | Blank, 48 pages, 9.5 × 14 cm | Blank, 48 pages | | Refills on included bands | 2 (up to 4 notebook refills with 2 extra bands) | Same | Same | | Maker's price | €70 (about US$78) | €50 (about US$56) | €150 (about US$168) | | Item code, cognac | gvxl01_01 (EAN 9120125990954) | gv01_01 | gva4_01 | Sizes, contents, codes and euro prices come from Paper Republic's German product page, checked October 20, 2026. Retailers round the XL to 14.5 × 21 cm (The Project Garments) or 15 × 21 cm (Laywines). Laywines also lists a Passport Grand Voyageur, which Paper Republic's own shop doesn't currently offer. ![Grand Voyageur XL cover about 210 × 145 mm with a 200 × 135 mm refill; Pocket cover about 150 × 100 mm taking notebooks up to 140 × 100 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-sizes.svg) *The XL refill is close to A5 in height (200 vs 210 mm) but 13 mm narrower (135 vs 148 mm).* ## Which size should you choose? **Choose the XL for a desk journal or planner, and the Pocket for something that goes in a jacket.** - **XL:** a page of 13.5 × 20 cm gives room for daily journaling and sketches. It is the size most retailers stock. - **Pocket:** 10.8 × 15 cm closed, for lists and travel notes. - **A4:** 22 × 30.5 cm closed, for a desk-bound sketchbook or portfolio. ## Which notebooks fit the Grand Voyageur? **Paper Republic gives a size limit you can check other notebooks against: "all notebooks up to" 14 × 20 cm for the XL and 10 × 14 cm for the Pocket.** Laywines repeats the XL limit. | Notebook | Size | XL (up to 20 × 14 cm) | Pocket (up to 14 × 10 cm) | |---|---|---|---| | TRAVELER'S Regular refill | 21 × 11 cm | Too tall | No | | TRAVELER'S Passport refill | 12.4 × 8.9 cm | Fits, small | Within limit | | A5 notebook | 21 × 14.8 cm | Too tall and wide | No | This table is our arithmetic from the published sizes, not a fit test. A bound A5 notebook such as the [Leuchtturm1917 A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) is too big for the XL. ## What are the refills like? **The included refill has 48 blank pages, and Paper Republic also sells dotted, squared, ruled and graph rulings in 2-packs.** Laywines lists a 2-pack of XL dot refills, each with 48 pages. Paper Republic's German site says its writing paper comes from Austria, Germany and Sweden, is FSC-certified and acid-free, and that its paper notebooks are printed in Vienna with plant-based inks. A 2016 Drop listing said refills were then made in Budapest, Hungary; the maker's current page supersedes it. ## What inserts are available for the Grand Voyageur XL? **Paper Republic sells 48-page notebook refills in five rulings, thicker 96-page book refills, planners and a card & cash holder for the XL, and most also come in Pocket and A4 size.** Its German shop gives item codes such as rxl01 (XL blank notebook 2-pack) and bxl01 (XL blank book refill). | Insert | What it is | Maker or third-party | |---|---|---| | [Notebook refills, set of 2](https://www.paper-republic.com/products/notebook-refills) | 48 pages each of 80 g/m² FSC paper; blank, dotted, squared, lined or graph. XL 13.5 × 20 cm, Pocket 9.5 × 14 cm | Paper Republic | | [Book refill](https://www.paper-republic.com/products/book-refill) | 96 pages of 120 g/m² cream paper that opens flat | Paper Republic | | [Book refill, Dybdahl editions](https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/products/book-refill-reef-collection) | Illustrated book refills, in Pocket and XL | Paper Republic with The Dybdahl Co. | | [Planner inserts](https://www.paper-republic.com/collections/organise-plan/%5Bxl%5D) | Dated weekly planner or undated "timeless" planner, also sold in planner bundles | Paper Republic | | [Card & Cash Holder](https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/products/card-cash-holder) | 2 card slots and 2 cash or ticket slots; Pocket, XL and A4 | Paper Republic | | [Band set (Gummiband-Set)](https://www.paper-republic.com/de/products/ribbon-set-neutral) | Extra elastic bands, sold for [xl] & [a5] or [pocket] & [a6] | Paper Republic | Paper Republic's English refill page says the 80 g/m² notebook paper comes from a Swedish mill, and the 120 g/m² book refill paper from an Austrian mill. By our arithmetic, the XL refill (13.5 × 20 cm) is smaller than A5 (14.8 × 21 cm), so check the size before ordering. Paper Republic says the card holder is made of "Natural" paper; Pen Heaven lists it as recycled kraft, 9.5 × 14 cm. The refill pages on [paper-republic.com](https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/collections/refills-xl) sell each insert by size, so choose XL for this cover. ## How much does the Grand Voyageur cost? **The XL falls in our $$$$ band (over $75 for a cover with its starter insert).** Paper Republic's own shop lists it at €70 (about US$78), and US listings at The Project Garments and Laywines are higher. The Pocket is €50 (about US$56); extra band sets and refills are sold separately. ## How does it compare with other systems? **It sits between the TRAVELER'S notebook and the luxury covers: handmade in Europe like a [Louise Carmen Roadbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/louise-carmen-roadbook/), but priced closer to a TRAVELER'S notebook.** Ring binders such as PLOTTER and Filofax take punched loose sheets instead of bound notebooks. Our [notebook systems comparison](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-systems-compared/) draws all five systems' page sizes to scale. ## Where is the Grand Voyageur made? **Paper Republic's German site says every Grand Voyageur is handmade ("handgefertigt") in its Vienna workshop, from Italian vegetable-tanned leather.** Conda, an Austrian design site, says Jérôme Bacquias founded the company in Vienna in 2012. A Paper Republic job posting describes production, warehouse, office and shop together at its Vienna headquarters. We searched for a Romanian origin and found no source for it. The maker says the Vachetta leather comes from a family-run tannery in Tuscany, is certified by the Pelle al Vegetale consortium, and is tanned without chrome. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL? Paper Republic lists the closed XL cover at 14.8 × 21 cm (5.8 × 8.3 in); retailers round it to 14.5 × 21 or 15 × 21 cm. It takes notebooks up to 14 × 20 cm, and the included refill is 13.5 × 20 cm. ### Does a TRAVELER'S notebook refill fit the Grand Voyageur? Not the Regular size: a TRAVELER'S Regular refill is 210 mm tall, taller than the 200 mm maximum Paper Republic gives for the XL. A Passport refill (124 × 89 mm) is within the Pocket's stated 10 × 14 cm limit, which the maker says applies to any notebook. ### How many notebooks does the Grand Voyageur hold? The included elastic bands hold two refills. Paper Republic says that with two extra inner bands, sold separately as a band set, it holds up to four notebook refills, or two thicker book refills. ### Is Paper Republic from Romania? No source we found supports that. Paper Republic is an Austrian company: its own German site says the covers are handmade in its Vienna workshop, and Austrian press places its founding in Vienna in 2012. ### What leather does Paper Republic use? Paper Republic says it uses vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather from a family-run tannery in Tuscany, Italy, certified by the Pelle al Vegetale consortium and tanned without chrome. ### How is the Grand Voyageur different from a TRAVELER'S notebook? Both are leather covers that hold thin, swappable notebooks on elastic bands. The Grand Voyageur XL is a near-A5 shape (14.8 × 21 cm), much wider than a TRAVELER'S Regular, which takes 11 × 21 cm refills. ### What paper is in Paper Republic refills? Paper Republic says its paper is FSC-certified and acid-free, from Austria, Germany and Sweden; the 80 g/m² notebook refills use Swedish paper and the 120 g/m² book refills Austrian paper. The included refill is blank; other rulings come in 2-packs. ## Sources - [Paper Republic (German): grand voyageur | Ledernotizbuch (leather journal: sizes, contents, handmade in Vienna, €70 XL)](https://www.paper-republic.com/de/products/grand-voyageur-leather-journal) - [Paper Republic (German): Notizbuch-Refills, Zweierset (notebook refills, set of 2: sizes, 48 pages, paper origin)](https://www.paper-republic.com/de/products/notebook-refills) - [Paper Republic (German): Gummiband-Set (elastic band set)](https://www.paper-republic.com/de/products/ribbon-set-neutral) - [Paper Republic (German): card & cash holder (Karten- und Bargeldhalter)](https://www.paper-republic.com/de/products/card-cash-holder) - [The Project Garments: Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL, black (14.5 × 21 cm, 2 refills, made in Vienna)](https://theprojectgarments.com/products/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-xl-leather-journal-black) - [The Project Garments: Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL, cognac (price listing)](https://www.theprojectgarments.com/products/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-xl-leather-journal-cognac) - [The Project Garments: Paper Republic Grand Voyageur Pocket, cognac (10 × 15 cm, fits up to 10 × 14 cm, 48 pages)](https://www.theprojectgarments.com/products/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-pocket-leather-journal-cognac) - [Laywines: Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL (15 × 21 cm, fits notebooks up to 14 × 20 cm, made in Vienna)](https://laywines.com/products/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-xl-1) - [Laywines: Paper Republic XL dot refill, 2-pack (48 pages)](https://laywines.com/products/paper-republic-xl-dot-refill-2-pk) - [Laywines: Paper Republic Grand Voyageur Passport](https://laywines.com/en-au/products/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-passport-1) - [Laywines: Paper Republic Grand Voyageur A4 Bordeaux special edition](https://laywines.com/products/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-a4-bordeaux-special-edition) - [Conda: Paper Republic (founded 2012 in Vienna by Jérôme Bacquias; Vachetta leather from Italy)](https://www.conda.at/?p=113102) - [Merchery: Paper Republic brand page (Tuscan tanneries; FSC paper from Sweden, Austria and Germany)](https://merchery.co/shop/c/brands/brands-paper-republic) - [Paper Republic: job posting, production team at the Vienna atelier](https://paper-republic.factorialhr.com/job_posting/production-member-l-atelier-m-f-d-227367) - [Vienna Design Week: Paper Republic](https://www.viennadesignweek.at/en/player/paper-republic/) - [Drop: Paper Republic Grand Voyageur XL (2016 listing; refill and ribbon origins at the time)](https://drop.com/buy/paper-republic-grand-voyageur-xl/details) - [Paper Republic: leather journal refills [xl]](https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/collections/refills-xl) - [Paper Republic: Notebook refills, set of 2 (48 pages, 80 g/m², five rulings, Pocket 9.5 × 14 cm)](https://www.paper-republic.com/products/notebook-refills) - [Paper Republic: Book refill (96 pages, 120 g/m² cream paper)](https://www.paper-republic.com/products/book-refill) - [Paper Republic: Book refill x The Dybdahl Co., Reef Collection](https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/products/book-refill-reef-collection) - [Paper Republic: Book refill x The Dybdahl Co., Animal Companions (Pocket and XL)](https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/products/book-refill-animal-companions) - [Paper Republic: organise & plan [xl] (planner inserts, card & cash holder)](https://www.paper-republic.com/collections/organise-plan/%5Bxl%5D) - [Paper Republic: 2027 Weekly Planner Bundle](https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/products/2027-weekly-planner-bundle) - [Paper Republic: Card & Cash Holder (Pocket, XL, A4)](https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/products/card-cash-holder) - [Pen Heaven: Paper Republic Card & Cash Holder (recycled kraft, 9.5 × 14 cm)](https://www.penheaven.com/paper-republic-refill-05-card-cash-holder) --- # Pentel Sharp P205: The Classic 0.5 mm Drafting Pencil > The Pentel Sharp P205 is the 0.5 mm model of Pentel's P200 series of mechanical drafting pencils, which retailers date to 1970. It has a 4 mm fixed sleeve for rulers, a black barrel, an eraser and HB lead. Galaxus lists it at 14.5 cm and 10 g; Pentel of America gives Japan as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black Pentel Sharp P205 mechanical pencil drawn to scale at 14.5 cm (5.7 in) long, with its metal clip, eraser cap and 4 mm fixed sleeve; inset: 0.5 mm lead, 4 mm fixed sleeve](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-sharp-p205-16x9.png) *The P205 at 14.5 cm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-sharp-p205-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Sharp P205 mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P205A black) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Plastic body; metal tip, clip and push button | 1970 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel Sharp P205 mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm (P205A black)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the Sharp P205, P207 and P209 as Japan. STL Art Supply, Azor and Monk Office also say Japan. Pentel's Japanese site doesn't sell the P200 series. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/106 ## Key takeaways - The P200 series dates to 1970, per STL Art Supply; Pentel's Japanese company history dates the first Pentel Sharp (0.5 and 0.7 mm) to 1960. - Barrel color shows lead size: P205 black (0.5 mm), P207 blue (0.7 mm) and P209 yellow (0.9 mm), per Pentel of America; a blog adds a brown P203 for 0.3 mm. - The fixed lead sleeve is 4 mm long, which Pentel of America says makes it ideal for rulers and templates. - Galaxus lists the P205 at 14.5 cm (5.7 in) long and 10 g. - US single and 2-pack listings put the P205 in our $$ band of $5 to $20 a pencil, with a lifetime limited warranty. ## What is the Pentel Sharp P205? **The Pentel Sharp P205 is a 0.5 mm mechanical drafting pencil with a 4 mm fixed lead sleeve, a clip and an eraser.** It is the 0.5 mm member of Pentel's P200 series, which STL Art Supply dates to 1970. Pentel's Japanese company history goes back further for the name: the first "ぺんてるシャープ" (Pentel Sharp) pencils, in 0.5 and 0.7 mm, launched in 1960 alongside Hi-Polymer lead. Pentel, the Tokyo-based maker, sells the same design in several lead sizes and codes each one by barrel color. Collectors say the design has hardly changed since the 1970s, and STL Art Supply calls the series one of the world's best-selling mechanical pencils, a claim we can't check. ## Pentel Sharp P205 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo; US seller Pentel of America | | Model | P205 (0.5 mm); P205A = black barrel | | Lead | Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB, preloaded | | Sleeve | 4 mm, fixed | | Clutch | Brass (STL Art Supply) | | Eraser | Yes; Z2-1N refill | | Length | 14.5 cm (5.7 in) | | Weight | 10 g | | Warranty | Lifetime limited (per retailers) | | Made in | Japan (Pentel of America catalog) | Length and weight come from Galaxus; the sleeve, lead, eraser and origin from Pentel of America, and the warranty from US retailer listings. Pentel doesn't publish dimensions. ## What do the barrel colors mean? **Each P200 model's barrel color tells you its lead size: black for 0.5 mm, blue for 0.7 mm and yellow for 0.9 mm.** Pentel of America sells them as P205A (black), P207C (blue) and P209G (yellow), with burgundy red (P205B) and green (P205D) as extra 0.5 mm colors. A blog that recalls the original lineup adds a brown P203 for 0.3 mm. ![Pentel Sharp P205 drawn to scale at 145 mm long with a 4 mm sleeve, and P200 series lead sizes at 60 times: a reported brown 0.3 mm P203, 0.5 mm P205 black, 0.7 mm P207 blue and 0.9 mm P209 yellow](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-sharp-p205-colors.svg) *The 0.9 mm lead is three times the diameter of the 0.3 mm lead.* Grade labels vary a little by shop: some list the preloaded HB lead as #2 and others as #2.5. Pentel also sells P205 3-packs in assorted barrel colors (P205MBP3M), so color isn't a size code in every pack. ## Which lead size should you choose? **Choose the 0.5 mm P205 for writing and fine technical lines, the 0.7 mm P207 if you press hard, and the 0.9 mm P209 for bold sketching.** - **P205 (0.5 mm):** the standard choice for notes, math and drafting. - **P207 (0.7 mm):** a wider line from a thicker lead; the same size as the [BIC Xtra-Smooth](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil/). - **P209 (0.9 mm):** the thickest lead, for loose sketching and heavy-handed writers. ## How does the P205 compare to other mechanical pencils? **The P205 is the light, plain drafting pencil; the [GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/) is Pentel's heavier, retractable upgrade, and the [Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) rotates its lead.** | | Pentel P205 | Pentel GraphGear 1000 | uni Kuru Toga Standard | rOtring 600 | |---|---|---|---|---| | Lead sizes | 0.5 (0.7, 0.9 as P207/P209) | 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 | 0.3, 0.5 | 0.5, 0.7 | | Sleeve | 4 mm, fixed | 4 mm, retracts | 2.9 mm, fixed | Fixed | | Length | 14.5 cm | ≈149 mm | 142 mm | ≈142 mm | | Weight | 10 g | ≈20 g | ≈10 g | ≈22 g | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan | Specs for the other three come from our guides to each, which cite their own retailer sources. The [rOtring 600](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-600/) is the all-metal alternative with a fixed sleeve: at about 22 g, retailers list it at more than twice the P205's weight in almost the same length. For fine 0.2 or 0.3 mm lead that won't snap, Pentel's [Orenz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-orenz/) hides the lead in a sliding sleeve instead. ## What lead and eraser does the P205 take? **The P205 comes loaded with 0.5 mm Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB lead, and both the lead and the eraser can be refilled.** Pentel of America lists the preloaded lead and the Z2-1N refill eraser. Any 0.5 mm lead fits, so you can switch to a softer grade for sketching or a harder one for crisp drafting lines. Shops label the preloaded HB as #2 or #2.5, which describes the same lead. OnTimeSupplies lists a lifetime limited warranty. Together with the replaceable lead and eraser, that makes the P205 a pencil you can keep using for years. For a pocket pencil with a cap from the same era, see the [Pentel Sharp Kerry](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-kerry/), released in 1971. ## Where is the Pentel P205 made? **In Japan: Pentel of America's 2022 catalog gives Japan as the origin of the Sharp P205, P207 and P209.** STL Art Supply, Azor and Monk Office also say Japan. Pentel, founded in 1946 and named Pentel in 1971 according to JetPens, is based in Tokyo. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does the P205 model number mean? It is the 0.5 mm member of Pentel's P200 series: the last digit gives the lead size. The P207 is 0.7 mm and the P209 is 0.9 mm. ### What color is each Pentel Sharp lead size? Pentel of America sells the P205A with a black barrel, the P207C in blue and the P209G in yellow; the 0.5 mm also comes in burgundy red and green. A blog recalling the original range adds a brown P203 for 0.3 mm. ### How old is the Pentel Sharp P205 design? Retailers date the P200 series to 1970, and collectors say the design has changed little since. Pentel sold a 50th-anniversary collector set of P200 pencils. ### Does the Pentel P205 have an eraser? Yes. Pentel of America says both the lead and the eraser are refillable; its catalog gives the Z2-1N refill eraser. ### Why does the P205 have a 4 mm sleeve? Pentel of America says the 4 mm sleeve makes it ideal for rulers and templates. A long sleeve lets you see and guide the lead along a straight edge. ### Pentel P205 or GraphGear 1000? Both are Pentel drafting pencils with 4 mm sleeves. The P205 is lighter (10 g) and cheaper; the GraphGear 1000 has a metal grip, weighs about 20 g, and its sleeve retracts. ### Where is the Pentel P205 made? In Japan, according to Pentel of America's catalog; STL Art Supply, Azor and Monk Office agree. ## Sources - [沿革 (Pentel Japan company history: Pentel Sharp 0.5/0.7 mm and Hi-Polymer lead, 1960)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/about/history/) - [Pentel of America: Sharp Mechanical Drafting Pencil (4 mm tip, HB lead, P205/P207/P209 barrel colors, UPCs)](https://www.pentel.com/products/sharp-mechanical-drafting-pencil) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: Sharp P205, P207, P209 (4 mm sleeve, Z2-1N eraser, origin Japan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/106) - [Azor: Pentel P205A (country of origin Japan, 4 mm fixed sleeve)](https://shop.azorinc.com/Product/PEN/P205A/11966892) - [Monk Office: Pentel mechanical pencil 0.5 mm black, P205A (country of origin Japan)](https://commercial.monk.ca/caitlins-favourite-things/penp205a-pentel-mechanical-pencil-5mm) - [Staples: Pentel Sharp mechanical pencil 0.5 mm, P205D (4 mm tip length)](https://www.staples.com/product_499665) - [Staples Advantage: Pentel Sharp mechanical pencil 0.5 mm, P205A](https://www.staplesadvantage.com/pentel-sharp-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm-2-medium-lead-p205a/product_499657) - [Quill: Pentel Sharp 0.7 mm, P207C (blue barrel)](https://images.quill.com/pentel-sharp-mechanical-pencil-07mm-2-medium-lead-p207c/cbs/001198.html) - [Quill: Pentel Sharp 0.9 mm, P209G (yellow barrel)](https://quill.com/pentel-sharp-mechanical-pencil-no-2-medium-lead-each-p209g/cbs/001199.html) - [OfficeCrave: Pentel P205A (Super Hi-Polymer HB lead preloaded)](https://www.officecrave.com/pentel-p205a.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pentel Sharp P205A (lifetime limited warranty)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penp205a-sharp-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-hb-25-black-lead-black-barrel.html) - [Galaxus: Pentel Sharp 0.50 mm HB (14.5 cm, 10 g)](https://www.galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/pentel-sharp-050-mm-hb-1-x-pencil-7945915) - [STL Art Supply: Pentel Sharp P205 (P200 series introduced 1970, brass clutch, made in Japan)](https://www.stlartsupply.com/products/sharp-p205-mechanical-pencil-0-5-mm-black) - [Pentel Sharp 50th Anniversary Classic Series collector set (listing)](https://napoleonexhibit.com/store/Pentel-Sharp-50th-Anniversary-Classic-Series-Lim-Ed-Collectors-Set-P200-Pencil_156189054331.html) - [CUNY Commons blog: technical description of the Pentel P200 series (original four sizes and barrel colors)](https://junwei.commons.gc.cuny.edu/?p=21) - [Walmart: Pentel Sharp 0.5 mm, assorted barrels, 3-pack (P205MBP3M)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/1467323415) - [JetPens: Pentel brand page (company history)](https://www.jetpens.com/pentel) - [Bruneau: Pentel P205 mechanical pencil 0.5 mm, red (plastic body, metal tip, clip and push button)](https://www.bruneau.be/en/product/pentel-p205-mechanical-pencil-hb-0-5mm-red/8005312) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Pentel renames itself ASTRUM Corporation from April 1, 2026](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2094175.html) --- # Pentel Twist-Erase III: The Twist-Up Eraser Pencil > The Pentel Twist-Erase III is a mechanical pencil built around a long eraser that you advance by twisting the barrel. It comes in 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 mm (QE515, QE517, QE519), has a latex-free grip and a metal lead mechanism, and takes E10 eraser refills. Pentel of America gives Japan as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-twist-erase-iii/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black Pentel Twist-Erase III mechanical pencil with its jumbo twist-up eraser, clip and latex-free grip; inset: the twist-up eraser end](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-twist-erase-iii-16x9.png) *The Twist-Erase III, drawn proportionally (no published length).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-twist-erase-iii-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Twist-Erase III mechanical pencil (QE515 0.5 mm, QE517 0.7 mm, QE519 0.9 mm) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel, metal mechanism, latex-free grip | – | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel Twist-Erase III mechanical pencil (QE515 0.5 mm, QE517 0.7 mm, QE519 0.9 mm)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide and 2022 catalog give the Twist-Erase III's origin (QE515, QE517, QE519) as Japan; OnTimeSupplies and PartsSource also list Japan. The same product guide gives Mexico for the separate Twist-Erase CLICK (PD275 to PD279). Pentel's Japanese site doesn't sell either model. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/64/ ## Key takeaways - Three lead sizes, by model number: QE515 (0.5 mm), QE517 (0.7 mm) and QE519 (0.9 mm), per Pentel of America's product guide. - Replacement erasers are Pentel E10 refills, sold 3 to a tube; Staples says they also fit Pentel's Side FX pencils. - The last letter of the model number is the barrel color: A black, B red, C blue, D green and V violet, per Pentel of America. - Pentel of America's product guide gives Japan as the origin of the Twist-Erase III, but Mexico for the separate Twist-Erase CLICK. - US single-pencil and multipack listings put it in our $$ band of $5 to $20 a pencil. ## What is the Pentel Twist-Erase III? **The Pentel Twist-Erase III is a mechanical pencil whose main feature is a long, refillable eraser that you twist out of the top of the barrel.** Pentel sells it in three lead sizes, and US office and school stores carry it in single pencils and multipacks. Where most mechanical pencils hide a small eraser under a cap, the Twist-Erase puts a jumbo eraser in the barrel itself. Retailers describe it as long-lasting; Pentel doesn't publish its length in the sources we found. ## Pentel Twist-Erase III specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo; US seller Pentel of America | | Models | QE515 (0.5 mm) · QE517 (0.7 mm) · QE519 (0.9 mm) | | Lead | Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB, preloaded (listed as #2 or #2.5) | | Eraser | Jumbo twist-up eraser; refill E10 (3 per tube) | | Grip | Latex-free, soft | | Mechanism | Metal, with a tip designed to reduce lead breakage (maker claim) | | Barrel colors | A black · B red · C blue · D green · V violet (Pentel of America) | | Length and weight | Not published in the sources we found | | Made in | Japan (Pentel of America product guide) | Models, colors, refill and origin come from Pentel of America; packs and the twist instructions from retailer listings (Staples, Azor, OnTimeSupplies, Walmart). Pentel's Japanese site doesn't sell the Twist-Erase line. ## How does the twist-up eraser work? **You twist the barrel to push the eraser out or pull it back, and press the top to advance lead.** That is how Walmart's listing puts it: "twist barrel to advance/retract eraser; push down to advance lead". ![Schematic of the Pentel Twist-Erase III: twist the barrel to extend the eraser, press the top to advance the lead, with lead sizes 0.5 mm QE515, 0.7 mm QE517 and 0.9 mm QE519 drawn at 60 times](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-twist-erase-iii-eraser.svg) *Twist for eraser, press for lead. The pencil drawing is a schematic, not to scale.* Pentel of America calls it larger than ordinary and long-lasting, but doesn't give a length. When it runs out, an E10 refill slides in; Staples sells them 3 to a tube. For erasing a single letter, a pen-style eraser such as the [Tombow MONO Zero](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-mono-zero-eraser/) has a finer 2.3 mm tip. ## Which lead size should you choose? **Choose the 0.5 mm QE515 for small handwriting, the 0.7 mm QE517 for everyday notes, and the 0.9 mm QE519 if you press hard.** - **QE515 (0.5 mm):** the finest line and the most common size in listings. - **QE517 (0.7 mm):** a thicker lead, the same size as the [BIC Xtra-Smooth](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil/). - **QE519 (0.9 mm):** the thickest lead, for bold lines and heavy-handed writers. ## How does the Twist-Erase III compare to other pencils? **The Twist-Erase III is the pick for eraser capacity; drafting pencils such as the [Pentel Sharp P205](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-sharp-p205/) and lead-rotating ones such as the [Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) focus on the line instead.** | | Twist-Erase III | Pentel Sharp P205 | BIC Xtra-Smooth | |---|---|---|---| | Eraser | Jumbo, twist-up, refill E10 | Yes, refillable | Eraser cap (click it to feed lead) | | Lead sizes | 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 mm | 0.5 mm (P207, P209 for 0.7, 0.9) | 0.7 mm | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Mexico | If you want a wood pencil with an eraser instead, the [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) is the US classroom standard. To feed lead without shifting your grip, Pentel's [Quicker Clicker](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-quicker-clicker/) has a side button. ## What refills and packs are there? **The Twist-Erase III takes Pentel E10 eraser refills and standard lead in its own size, and it's sold singly or in multipacks.** | Item | What it is | Source | |---|---|---| | E10 | Eraser refill, 3 per tube; also fits Pentel Side FX | Staples | | Preloaded lead | Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB, labeled #2 or #2.5 | Retailer listings | | QE515BP2-K6 | 0.5 mm 2-pack | Staples | | 4-pack, 0.5 mm | Assorted black, blue, green and violet barrels | Walmart | The letter after the size is the barrel color, so QE515C is a blue 0.5 mm pencil. Don't confuse the Twist-Erase III with the Twist-Erase CLICK (PD275TA), a separate model with its own listings. ## Where is the Pentel Twist-Erase III made? **In Japan: Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide and 2022 catalog give Japan as the Twist-Erase III's origin.** OnTimeSupplies and PartsSource list Japan too. The same guide gives Mexico for the separate Twist-Erase CLICK, so check the packaging of the exact model you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the Pentel Twist-Erase work? Twisting the barrel advances or retracts the long eraser at the top; you advance the lead by pressing down, as on most mechanical pencils. Retailer listings describe it as "twist barrel to advance/retract eraser; push down to advance lead". ### What eraser refill does the Twist-Erase III use? It takes Pentel E10 refills, white cylindrical erasers sold 3 to a tube. Staples lists the same refill for Pentel's Side FX and other Twist-Erase pencils. ### What is the difference between the Twist-Erase III and the Twist-Erase CLICK? They are separate Pentel models. The CLICK (PD275, PD277, PD279) has a clear barrel and advances lead with a side button and, per Pentel of America, is made in Mexico; the III (QE515, QE517, QE519) is the twist-barrel model covered here, made in Japan. ### What lead sizes does the Twist-Erase III come in? Pentel lists three: QE515 for 0.5 mm, QE517 for 0.7 mm and QE519 for 0.9 mm. Each comes loaded with Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB lead. ### Is the Twist-Erase III good for students? It is sold widely in US office and school stores, and its main appeal is a jumbo eraser that retailers describe as long-lasting. Pentel doesn't publish its size or weight, so check it in hand if grip size matters. ### How big and heavy is the Twist-Erase III? Pentel doesn't publish the length or weight in the sources we found. Retail dimensions we saw are for the packaging, not the pencil. ### Where is the Pentel Twist-Erase III made? In Japan, according to Pentel of America's product guide; OnTimeSupplies and PartsSource agree. ## Sources - [Pentel of America: Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil (lead sizes, barrel colors, E10 eraser, UPCs)](https://www.pentel.com/products/twist-erase-iii-mechanical-pencil) - [Pentel of America: 2023–2024 product guide (Twist-Erase III origin Japan; Twist-Erase CLICK origin Mexico)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/64/) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: Twist-Erase III (features, barrel colors, E10 refill, origin Japan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/108) - [Staples: Pentel Twist-Erase III 0.5 mm, QE515C](https://www.staples.com/product_432073) - [Staples: Pentel Twist-Erase III 0.5 mm 2-pack, QE515BP2-K6](https://www.staples.com/pentel-twist-erase-iii-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm-2-medium-lead-2-pack-qe515bp2-k6/product_434347) - [OnTimeSupplies: Twist-Erase III 0.7 mm black, QE517A (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penqe517a-twist-erase-iii-mechanical-pencil-07-mm-hb-25-black-lead-black-barrel.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Twist-Erase III 0.7 mm red, QE517B (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penqe517b-twist-erase-iii-mechanical-pencil-07-mm-hb-25-black-lead-red-barrel.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Twist-Erase III 0.5 mm violet, QE515V (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penqe515v-twist-erase-iii-mechanical-pencils-2-lead-05-mm-lead-diameter-refillable-black-lead-violet-barrel-1-each.html) - [PartsSource: Pentel QE517B (country of origin Japan)](https://www.partssource.com/parts/pentel-of-america/QE517B) - [Aztek: Pentel QE517B Twist-Erase III 0.7 mm, red barrel](https://aztekc.com/product/1kwg4xqz9s3) - [Aztek: Pentel QE515C Twist-Erase III 0.5 mm, blue barrel](https://aztekc.com/product/1ff4h89318r) - [Azor: Pentel QE515A Twist-Erase III (features)](https://shop.azorinc.com/Product/PEN/QE515A/11966945) - [Walmart: Pentel Twist-Erase III 0.5 mm 4-pack (twist barrel to advance eraser, push to advance lead)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pentel-Twist-Erase-III-Mechanical-Pencil-0-5mm-4-Pack-Assorted-Barrels-1-each-Black-Blue-Green-Violet/2986542579) - [Blue Dog Ink: Pentel Twist-Erase III 0.5 mm, QE515A](https://www.bluedogink.com/pentel-twist-erase-iii-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-hb-25-black-lead-black-barrel-qe515a.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Twist-Erase CLICK 0.5 mm, PD275TA (separate model)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penpd275ta-twist-erase-click-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-hb-25-black-lead-black-barrel.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Twist-Erase III 0.9 mm, 2-pack, QE519BP2K6 (plastic barrel)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penqe519bp2k6-twist-erase-iii-mechanical-pencil-09-mm-hb-25-black-lead-assorted-barrel-colors-2-pack.html) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Pentel renames itself ASTRUM Corporation from April 1, 2026](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2094175.html) --- # Pilot FriXion Clicker: How Erasable Gel Ink Works > The Pilot FriXion Clicker is a retractable erasable gel pen. Pilot says its thermo-sensitive ink turns invisible above 60 °C (140 °F), which rubbing with the end eraser produces, and can reappear below about −10 °C (14 °F). Pilot USA sells it in Fine (0.7 mm) and Bold (1.0 mm) points and 15 ink colors. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-frixion-clicker/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a black Pilot FriXion Clicker 0.7 mm erasable gel pen with the tip out: rubber eraser on the end, the clip that clicks the tip in and out, and a ribbed rubber grip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-frixion-clicker-16x9.png) *The FriXion Clicker 0.7 mm: the eraser is on the end, and the clip works the click.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-frixion-clicker-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pen (0.7 mm Fine / 1.0 mm Bold) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Not stated | – | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pen (0.7 mm Fine / 1.0 mm Bold)): Not stated. Pilot's US product page and Pilot Japan's catalog don't state the country, and the Amazon listing for item 31450 we read on October 20, 2026 gives none. An earlier version of this guide cited Japan from McKesson and OnTimeSupplies listings, but on October 20, 2026 the McKesson page required a business login and the OnTimeSupplies page was gone, so we couldn't confirm it. ## Key takeaways - Pilot says FriXion ink turns invisible above 60 °C (140 °F); erased writing starts to return below about −10 °C (14 °F) and is fully back at about −20 °C (−4 °F). - Pilot launched the FriXion erasable pen in Europe in 2006 and in Japan in 2007; Pilot USA calls the Clicker America's first retractable erasable gel pen. - Pilot USA lists the Clicker in Fine and Bold points and 15 ink colors; US retailers list Fine as 0.7 mm (black 12-pack item 31450) and Bold as 1.0 mm. - US refills for the 0.7 mm pen come in 3-packs, such as 77330 black and 77331 blue, and also fit the capped FriXion Ball. - Its Japanese counterpart, the FriXion Ball Knock 07 (LFBK-23F), is listed by Pilot Japan at 146 mm long and 11.8 g for ¥275 (about US$1.70). ## What is the Pilot FriXion Clicker? **The Pilot FriXion Clicker is a retractable gel pen whose ink you can erase with the rubber tip on the end of the pen.** It is the click version of Pilot's FriXion Ball, which has a cap. Pilot's development story says the FriXion erasable pen launched in Europe in 2006 and in Japan the following year, 2007. Pilot USA calls the Clicker "America's first retractable, erasable gel ink pen"; you click the tip in and out by pressing the clip down. ## Pilot FriXion Clicker specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation (Japan); US seller Pilot Corporation of America | | Type | Retractable erasable gel pen (sold as a rollerball in Europe) | | US points | Fine (0.7 mm) · Bold (1.0 mm) | | US ink colors | 15, per Pilot USA (some, such as lime and pink, only in the Clicker) | | Ink | Thermo-sensitive gel ink | | Erases at | Above 60 °C (140 °F), per Pilot | | Can reappear at | Starts below about −10 °C (14 °F); fully back at about −20 °C (−4 °F), per Pilot Japan | | US refills (0.7 mm, 3-pack) | e.g. 77330 black · 77331 blue | | International refills | BLS-FR7 (0.7 mm) · BLS-FR5 (0.5 mm) | | Example US items | 31450: Fine, black, 12-pack · 11384: Bold, black, 12-pack | | Made in | Not stated by Pilot or the US listings we could open | Temperatures come from Pilot's FAQ, Pilot Japan and Pilot USA; point names and colors from Pilot USA; millimeter sizes, item numbers and refills from US retailer listings. Pilot USA doesn't publish the pen's length or weight. ## What is the FriXion Clicker called in Japan? **Pilot Japan's clip-click FriXion pen is the FriXion Ball Knock (フリクションボールノック), sold in 0.5 and 0.7 mm.** We found no Pilot statement that it is the same pen as the US Clicker, so treat these as Japanese-market figures. | Pilot Japan catalog | FriXion Ball Knock 07 | FriXion Ball Knock 05 | |---|---|---| | Model (black) | LFBK-23F-B | LFBK-23EF-B | | JAN (black) | 4902505408076 | 4902505408045 | | Line width | 0.35 mm | 0.25 mm | | Click | Clip-slide knock | Clip-slide knock | | Size | 146 mm long, 11.1 mm at the widest | 146 mm long, 11.1 mm at the widest | | Weight | 11.8 g | 11.8 g | | Refill (3-pack) | LFBKRF30F | LFBKRF30EF | | Suggested price | ¥275 (about US$1.70) incl. tax | ¥275 (about US$1.70) incl. tax | ## How does FriXion erasable ink work? **FriXion ink turns invisible when it gets hot, and rubbing it with the eraser makes it hot.** Pilot says the ink becomes invisible once it heats up to over 60 °C; the friction of the rubber tip does that on a small patch of paper. ![FriXion ink temperature thresholds per Pilot: invisible above 60 °C (140 °F), can return below −10 °C (14 °F), visible at room temperature](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-frixion-clicker-temperature.svg) *Normal room temperature sits well between the two thresholds.* The ink isn't removed from the paper; it only stops showing. Pilot Japan says erased writing starts to reappear below about −10 °C (14 °F), for example in a freezer, and is fully back at about −20 °C (−4 °F). The same ink is in Pilot's FriXion Light erasable highlighter, our erasable pick in [highlighters that don't bleed](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-highlighters-that-dont-bleed/). ## What can make FriXion writing disappear by accident? **Pilot FriXion ink turns invisible above 60 °C (140 °F), so a car on a hot day or a nearby heater can erase it by accident.** Pilot's FAQ warns about notebooks and homework left near heaters, in a car on a hot day or put through repeated photocopying. Pilot USA says erasable pens are not recommended for legal or official documents, and Pilot Japan adds certificates and addresses. Use a permanent pen such as the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) or [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) for anything that has to last. ## Which FriXion Clicker size should you choose? **Choose 0.7 mm Fine for most writing and 1.0 mm Bold if you want a darker line that's easier to read.** - **0.7 mm Fine:** the standard US size, with US 3-pack refills in the 77330 series (77330 black, 77331 blue). - **1.0 mm Bold:** sold in 12-packs by US school suppliers (black: supplier item 11384). - **0.5 mm:** Pilot sells a 0.5 mm FriXion refill (BLS-FR5) outside the US, a Singapore retailer lists it as fitting the Clicker, and Pilot Japan sells a 0.5 mm FriXion Ball Knock. Pilot USA lists only Fine and Bold. For a planner or a [Five Star notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/) you will rewrite often, the 0.7 mm is the usual pick. ## What refills does the FriXion Clicker take? **In the US, the 0.7 mm Clicker takes FriXion refills sold in 3-packs by item number.** | Color (0.7 mm) | US 3-pack | |---|---| | Black | 77330 | | Blue | 77331 | Staples lists these refills as fitting the FriXion Clicker, the capped FriXion Ball and the FriXion LX. Outside the US, the matching refill is the BLS-FR7, with a color suffix (for example BLS-FR7-PU for purple). ## How does the FriXion Clicker compare to other pens? **Choose the FriXion when you'll want to undo mistakes; choose a regular gel pen when the writing must stay.** | | Pilot FriXion Clicker | [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) | [Paper Mate Flair](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-flair/) | |---|---|---|---| | Ink | Erasable thermo-sensitive gel | Gel | Water-based felt tip | | Erasable | Yes (heat) | No | No | | Retractable | Yes | Yes | No (cap) | | US sizes | 0.7 · 1.0 mm | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | 0.4 · 0.7 · 1.2 mm | ## Where is the Pilot FriXion Clicker made? **Pilot doesn't say where the FriXion Clicker is made.** Neither Pilot USA's product page nor Pilot Japan's catalog gives a country, and the Amazon listing for the 0.7 mm 12-pack (item 31450) we read doesn't either. Business-supply listings were once reported as giving Japan, but on October 20, 2026 we couldn't open them to confirm. Check the pack if origin matters to you. ## How much does the FriXion Clicker cost? **It's in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen), when bought in a 12-pack.** Current US 12-packs of the 0.7 mm black Clicker fall inside that band; single pens and small packs cost more each. In Japan, Pilot's suggested price for the FriXion Ball Knock is ¥275 (about US$1.70) a pen. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does a FriXion pen erase? FriXion ink is thermo-sensitive. Rubbing the rubber tip on the end of the pen creates friction heat, and Pilot says the ink turns invisible once it goes above 60 °C (140 °F). Nothing is removed from the paper; the ink just stops showing. ### Can erased FriXion writing come back? Yes, if it gets very cold. Pilot Japan says the color starts to come back below about −10 °C (14 °F), for example in a freezer, and is fully restored at about −20 °C (−4 °F). ### Why did my FriXion writing disappear by itself? Heat. Pilot warns that leaving FriXion notes near a heater or in a car on a hot day can make the ink vanish, because the paper passes the same 60 °C threshold as erasing. Cooling may bring it back. ### Should I use a FriXion pen for signatures or exams? No. Pilot USA says erasable pens are not recommended for legal or official documents, and Pilot Japan's catalog says not to use FriXion for certificates, addresses or anything that must not disappear. ### What refill does the Pilot FriXion Clicker take? In the US, the 0.7 mm Clicker takes FriXion refills sold in 3-packs, such as 77330 (black) and 77331 (blue); Staples lists them as fitting the FriXion Ball, FriXion Clicker and FriXion LX. Internationally the 0.7 mm refill is BLS-FR7 and the 0.5 mm refill is BLS-FR5. ### Is the FriXion Clicker a gel pen or a rollerball? Both names are used for the same pen. Pilot's US packaging calls it an erasable gel pen, while Pilot's UK and European retailers sell it as an erasable rollerball. ### Where is the Pilot FriXion Clicker made? Pilot doesn't say, on its US product page or in its Japanese catalog, and the US listings we could open don't give a country. Check the pack you buy; we list it as not stated. ## Sources - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「フリクションボールノック07」LFBK-23F (Pilot Japan catalog: FriXion Ball Knock 0.7 mm; size, weight, refills, price, 60 °C and −10 °C warnings)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000085) - [パイロット ウェブカタログ「フリクションボールノック05」LFBK-23EF (Pilot Japan catalog: FriXion Ball Knock 0.5 mm)](https://webcatalog.pilot.co.jp/products/DispDetail.do?volumeName=00004&itemID=t000100000109) - [Pilot USA (Power to the Pen): FriXion Clicker (Fine and Bold points, 15 colors, packs, 140 °F and 14 °F)](https://powertothepen.com/pens/frixion-ball-clicker/) - [Pilot Corporation (Japan): How FriXion ink works (color returns from about −10 °C, fully at about −20 °C)](https://pilot.co.jp/media_english/002/index.html) - [Pilot Pen UK: FAQ (how FriXion works; 60 °C and −10 °C)](https://pilotpen.co.uk/faq) - [Pilot Pen Europe: FAQ (FriXion temperatures and heat warnings)](https://www.pilotpen.eu/faq/) - [Pilot Corporation: Development story (FriXion in Europe 2006, Japan 2007)](https://pilot.co.jp/media_english/006/) - [Amazon: Pilot FriXion Clicker 0.7 mm, 12-pack, black (31450) (140 °F / 14 °F note; not for legal or official documents)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZMFHT8) - [School Specialty: Pilot FriXion Clicker Bold Point, black, 12-pack (1.0 mm, supplier item 11384)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/pilot-frixion-clicker-erasable-gel-ink-pens-bold-point-black-ink-pack-of-12-2131007) - [Staples: Pilot FriXion erasable gel ink refill, 0.7 mm black, 3-pack (77330; fits FriXion Ball, Clicker and LX)](https://www.staples.com/Pilot-FriXion-Erasable-Gel-Ink-Refill-Fine-Point-Black-3-Pack-77330/product_943859) - [Staples: Pilot FriXion Ball erasable gel refill, 0.7 mm blue, 3-pack (77331)](https://www.staples.com/Pilot-FriXion-Erasable-Gel-Ink-Refill-Fine-Point-Blue-3-Pack-77331/product_943860) - [Blue Dog Ink: Pilot FriXion Clicker 0.7 mm black, item 31450](https://www.bluedogink.com/pilot-frixion-clicker-erasable-gel-pen-retractable-fine-07-mm-black-ink-black-barrel-31450.html) - [Stationery World (Singapore): Pilot FriXion refill 0.5 mm BLS-FR5 (fits FriXion Clicker)](https://stationeryworld.com.sg/pilot-frixion-pen-refill-05mm-bls-fr5) - [SPK (Cyprus): Pilot FriXion Clicker 0.7 mm (refill BLS-FR7)](https://www.spk.com.cy/product/pilot-frixion-clicker-r-ball-07mm-purple) --- # PLOTTER Leather Binder: Sizes, 11 mm Rings & Refills > The PLOTTER Leather Binder is a slim six-ring leather planner from Designphil, the Tokyo company that launched the PLOTTER brand in autumn 2017. Every size uses 11 mm Krause rings that PLOTTER says hold about 80 sheets. The Bible binder measures 180 × 115 × 15 mm, takes 170 × 95 mm refills and is made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/plotter-leather-binder/ - Category: Systems - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a PLOTTER Bible-size leather binder, 180 × 115 × 15 mm, closed and opened flat to show its six 11 mm rings holding a 170 × 93 mm refill pad](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/plotter-leather-binder-16x9.png) *The Bible binder closed and open, drawn to scale (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/plotter-leather-binder-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | PLOTTER Leather Binder, Bible size (6-ring, 11 mm), e.g. Pueblo; also A5, Narrow, Mini and Mini 5 | PLOTTER (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Steer (cowhide) leather, Italian for Pueblo and Liscio; 11 mm Krause rings; metal back plate | 2017 | $$$$: over $75 for the cover or binder with its starter insert | - Made in (PLOTTER Leather Binder, Bible size (6-ring, 11 mm), e.g. Pueblo; also A5, Narrow, Mini and Mini 5): Japan. PLOTTER's Japanese site lists 原産国: Made in Japan for every Pueblo and Liscio binder size (read October 20, 2026); Dromgoole's and a Gadgeteer review agree. The leathers themselves are Italian: Pueblo is Italian steer leather, and Liscio is Minerva Liscio from the Badalassi Carlo tannery in Tuscany. Source: https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/leatherbinder/pueblo ## Key takeaways - All PLOTTER binder sizes use 11 mm (0.4 in) rings made by Krause, and PLOTTER says to keep to about 80 sheets. - PLOTTER's Japanese site lists the Pueblo Bible binder at 180 × 115 × 15 mm (7 × 4.5 × 0.6 in) and ¥18,700 (about US$118). - PLOTTER's own refill sizes: A5 210 × 148 mm, Bible 170 × 95 mm, Narrow 170 × 80 mm and Mini 127 × 80 mm. - Designphil launched PLOTTER in Japan in autumn 2017, building on the 2015 KNOXBRAIN LUFT binder. - The Mini 5 binder (120 × 80 × 15 mm) uses five rings instead of six. ## What is a PLOTTER Leather Binder? **A PLOTTER Leather Binder is a thin leather cover with a small six-ring mechanism for loose, punched refill pages.** It comes from Designphil, the Tokyo stationery company that also owns Midori. GetNavi's November 2017 article says Designphil launched PLOTTER that autumn. The idea is minimal: a single piece of leather, a ring plate and a slim stack of paper. GetNavi traces the design to LUFT, a 2015 binder from Designphil's KNOXBRAIN brand, and PLOTTER says the cover opens a full 180°. ## PLOTTER binder sizes and specs | Size | Binder (H × W × D) | Refill page | Rings | Pueblo price in Japan | |---|---|---|---|---| | A5 | 220 × 170 × 15 mm | 210 × 148 mm | 6 × 11 mm | ¥24,200 (about US$153) | | Bible | 180 × 115 × 15 mm | 170 × 95 mm | 6 × 11 mm | ¥18,700 (about US$118) | | Narrow | 180 × 100 × 15 mm | 170 × 80 mm | 6 × 11 mm | ¥17,050 (about US$108) | | Mini | 140 × 100 × 15 mm | 127 × 80 mm | 6 × 11 mm | ¥14,850 (about US$94) | | Mini 5 | 120 × 80 × 15 mm | Not found | 5 × 11 mm | ¥12,650 (about US$80) | Binder sizes and Pueblo prices (including tax) come from PLOTTER's Japanese site; refill sizes from its 6 mm ruled memo pad page. A Pen Addict review measured slightly narrower pages (Bible 170 × 93 mm, Narrow 170 × 78 mm). PLOTTER asks you to keep to about 80 sheets, and its leathers include Pueblo and Liscio, both Italian; Liscio costs ¥1,100 (about US$7.00) more in each size. ![To scale, at a Pen Addict review's measurements: PLOTTER A5 refill 210 × 147 mm, Bible 170 × 93 mm, Narrow 170 × 78 mm and Mini 127 × 80 mm (PLOTTER lists 210 × 148, 170 × 95 and 170 × 80 mm)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/plotter-leather-binder-sizes.svg) *Bible and Narrow share a height; Narrow is 15 mm slimmer.* ## Which PLOTTER size should you choose? **Choose Bible for an all-round planner, Narrow for a slim pocket-sized list book, A5 for desk work and Mini or Mini 5 for a wallet-sized notebook.** - **Bible:** the most common six-ring format; shares a page shape with Filofax Personal. - **Narrow:** a PLOTTER-specific size, per Japanese press coverage, so refills are mostly PLOTTER's own. - **A5:** the largest page, about the size of a [Leuchtturm1917 A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/). - **Mini and Mini 5:** the Gadgeteer compares the Mini to a Field Notes memo book in size. ## Why are PLOTTER rings only 11 mm? **The small rings keep the binder flat and light, at the cost of capacity: retailers say about 80 sheets.** A Pueblo Bible binder is 15 mm thick, while a [Filofax Original Personal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/filofax-original-personal/) is 38 mm thick with 23 mm rings. That makes PLOTTER suited to carrying only current pages. Older pages go into a separate refill storage box, which PLOTTER sells for each size. ## Do other refills fit PLOTTER binders? **Bible-size PLOTTER binders take standard six-ring Personal-format pages, but watch the ring capacity.** Filofax Personal pages are 171 × 95 mm and PLOTTER Bible refills 170 × 95 mm; the Well-Appointed Desk notes that several brands sell this size under different names. Narrow refills are mostly PLOTTER's own, and Mini 5 uses five rings, so standard six-hole Mini pages don't match. Thick card dividers or many sheets will crowd 11 mm rings. ## What inserts are available for the PLOTTER Bible size? **PLOTTER sells Bible-size refill memo pads of 80 sheets in plain, ruled and grid layouts, a 50-sheet to-do pad, and accessory inserts such as lifters, a ruler pad and a pen holder.** We found no item numbers for them, so the table leaves codes out. | Insert | What it is | Maker or third-party | |---|---|---| | [Refill Memo Pad, Plain](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/refill-memopad/plain) | 80 sheets of cream DP paper, glued so sheets tear out cleanly | PLOTTER | | [Refill Memo Pad, 6 mm Ruled](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/refill-memopad/grid-6mm) | 80 sheets; numbered rows for a month's schedule or lists (Dromgoole's) | PLOTTER | | [Refill Memo Pad, 2 mm Grid](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/refill-memopad/grid-2mm) | 80 sheets, fine grid for graphs and tables | PLOTTER | | [Refill Memo Pad, 5 mm Dot Grid](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-refill-memo-pad-5mm-dot-grid-80-sheets-bible-size) | 80 sheets (Dromgoole's) | PLOTTER | | [To Do List](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/refill-memopad/todolist) | 50 sheets, with a four-level progress bar per task (Dromgoole's) | PLOTTER | | [Lifter](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/accessory-refill/lifter) | 2 PP sheets for the front and back of the stack; also work as dividers | PLOTTER | | [Ruler Pad](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/accessory-refill/ruler-pad) | PP underlay printed with scales, a protractor and a grid | PLOTTER | | [Penholder with Lifter](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/accessory-refill/penholder-with-lifter) | Cowhide pen loop on a lifter, for pens up to 13 mm (Dromgoole's) | PLOTTER | | [Fastener Case](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-accessory-refill-fastener-case-bible-size) | EVA zip pouch that attaches outside the rings (Dromgoole's) | PLOTTER | | [Refill Storage, Bible/Narrow](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/accessory-tools/refill-storage) | 6-ring binder with 20 mm rings for filed pages, about 180 refills (OMOI) | PLOTTER | Paper and layout details come from PLOTTER's site unless a retailer is named. The dated 2027 schedule refills we found were A5 and Mini only, not Bible. Dromgoole's says the fastener case also fits other six-ring binders. For a dated Bible-size diary, look to the Personal-format refills covered above. ## How much does a PLOTTER binder cost? **PLOTTER leather binders fall in our $$$$ band (over $75 for a cover with its starter insert).** Current US listings for the Pueblo Bible binder sit well above that line. The Well-Appointed Desk notes that binders don't come with inserts, so refills add to the cost. ## How does PLOTTER compare with other systems? **PLOTTER is the slimmest ring binder here; a Filofax holds more pages, and elastic systems such as the [TRAVELER'S notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/) take bound refills instead of loose sheets.** See our [notebook systems comparison](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-systems-compared/) for all five side by side. ## Where are PLOTTER binders made? **PLOTTER's Japanese site lists every Pueblo and Liscio binder as Made in Japan.** Dromgoole's and the Gadgeteer's review of the Mini binder say the same. Some of the leathers are Italian: PLOTTER says Liscio (Minerva Liscio) is tanned by Badalassi Carlo in Tuscany using the traditional Vachetta method. ## Frequently asked questions ### What ring size do PLOTTER binders use? PLOTTER binders use 11 mm (0.4 in) rings made by Krause in every size, per PLOTTER's Japanese site, which asks you to keep to about 80 sheets. That is far fewer than a typical Filofax. ### What size is a PLOTTER Bible binder? PLOTTER's Japanese site lists the Bible binder at 180 mm tall, 115 mm wide and 15 mm thick. The pages inside are 170 × 95 mm by PLOTTER's figures (a Pen Addict review measured 170 × 93 mm). ### What is PLOTTER Narrow size? Narrow is a tall, slim six-ring format: PLOTTER lists the binder at 180 × 100 × 15 mm and its refills at 170 × 80 mm, the same height as Bible but 15 mm narrower. GetNavi describes it as a size PLOTTER created for its own line. ### Do Filofax Personal refills fit a PLOTTER Bible binder? They are the same six-ring format family: Filofax Personal pages are 171 × 95 mm and PLOTTER Bible refills 170 × 95 mm. PLOTTER's 11 mm rings hold far fewer sheets than a Filofax's 23 mm rings, so thick stacks won't fit. ### Who makes PLOTTER? PLOTTER is a brand of Designphil, the Tokyo stationery company behind Midori. Designphil launched PLOTTER in Japan in autumn 2017, building on the LUFT binder its KNOXBRAIN brand released in 2015, per GetNavi. ### Does a PLOTTER binder come with refills? Not necessarily. The Well-Appointed Desk noted that PLOTTER binders do not come with inserts, so budget for refills separately; check the listing for your exact model. ### Where are PLOTTER binders made? In Japan: PLOTTER's Japanese site lists Made in Japan for each binder. Some of the leathers are Italian, such as Liscio from the Badalassi Carlo tannery. ## Sources - [PLOTTER（プロッター）レザーバインダー「プエブロ」(PLOTTER Japan: Pueblo binders, all sizes, prices, 11 mm rings, Made in Japan)](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/leatherbinder/pueblo) - [PLOTTER（プロッター）レザーバインダー「リスシオ」(PLOTTER Japan: Liscio binders, Badalassi Carlo leather, sizes, prices)](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/leatherbinder/liscio) - [PLOTTER（プロッター）レザーバインダー (PLOTTER Japan: binder concept, Krause 11 mm rings, leathers)](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/leatherbinder) - [GetNavi「断言、「PLOTTER」はノートの完成形である」(November 9, 2017, sponsored: autumn 2017 launch, 2015 KNOXBRAIN LUFT, Narrow size)](https://getnavi.jp/stationery/193634) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER Bible Size Pueblo 6-Ring Leather Binder, Navy (180 × 115 × 15 mm, 11 mm rings, made in Japan)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-bible-size-pueblo-6-ring-leather-binder-navy) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER Mini 5 Size Pueblo 5-Ring Leather Binder (120 × 80 × 15 mm)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-mini-5-size-pueblo-5-ring-leather-binder-navy) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER A5 Size Liscio 6-Ring Leather Binder (220 × 170 × 15 mm; Badalassi Carlo leather)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-a5-size-liscio-6-ring-leather-binder-red-brown-limited-edition-box) - [The Gadgeteer: PLOTTER Mini 6-Ring Leather Binder review (140 × 100 × 15 mm, made in Japan)](https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=350237) - [The Pen Addict: PLOTTER Letterpress Refill review (refill page sizes)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2024/6/12/plotter-letterpress-refill-review) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: I joined the PLOTTER posse (Bible binder; no inserts included)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2024/04/i-joined-the-plotter-posse/) - [The Gentleman Stationer: PLOTTER Bible size (binder about 4.5 × 7 in)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2024/12/7/plotter-bible-size-embracing-the-single-use-notebook) - [Well-Appointed Desk: Ring-bound planner sizes (Personal 95 × 171 mm)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2014/12/a-beginners-dive-into-ring-bound-planners-part-2-planner-sizes/) - [PLOTTER: Refill Memo Pad, Plain (80 sheets, DP paper)](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/refill-memopad/plain) - [PLOTTER: Refill Memo Pad, 6mm Ruled](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/refill-memopad/grid-6mm) - [PLOTTER: Refill Memo Pad, 2mm Grid](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/refill-memopad/grid-2mm) - [PLOTTER: Refill Memo Pad, To Do List (50 sheets)](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/refill-memopad/todolist) - [PLOTTER: Lifter (2 sheets, PP)](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/accessory-refill/lifter) - [PLOTTER: Ruler Pad](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/accessory-refill/ruler-pad) - [PLOTTER: Penholder with Lifter](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/accessory-refill/penholder-with-lifter) - [PLOTTER: Refill Storage](https://www.plotter-japan.com/products/accessory-tools/refill-storage) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER Refill Memo Pad, 6mm Ruled, 80 sheets, Bible size](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-refill-memo-pad-6mm-ruled-80-sheets-bible-size) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER Refill Memo Pad, 5mm Dot Grid, 80 sheets, Bible size](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-refill-memo-pad-5mm-dot-grid-80-sheets-bible-size) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER Refill Memo Pad, To Do List, 50 sheets, Bible size](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-refill-memo-pad-to-do-list-50-sheets-bible-size) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER Leather Penholder with Lifter, Bible size (pens up to 13 mm)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-accessory-refill-leather-penholder-with-lifter-bible-size) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER Fastener Case, Bible size (fits other 6-ring binders)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-accessory-refill-fastener-case-bible-size) - [Dromgoole's: PLOTTER Diary 2027 Weekly Schedule Refill, A5 size](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/plotter-diary-2027-weekly-schedule-refill-a5-size) - [OMOI: PLOTTER Refill Storage, Bible/Narrow size (20 mm rings, about 180 refills)](https://omoionline.com/products/plotter-refill-storage-biblenarrow-size) --- # Rocketbook Core: Reusable Pages, Sizes & Scanning > The Rocketbook Core is a reusable notebook from Boston's Rocketbook, owned by BIC since December 2020. It comes in Letter size, 8.5 × 11 in with 32 pages, and Executive size, 6 × 8.8 in with 36 pages. You write with a Pilot FriXion pen, scan pages with the Rocketbook app, then wipe them clean with a damp cloth. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rocketbook-core/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the black Rocketbook Core in two sizes: the spiral-bound Letter, 11 × 8.5 in with 32 pages, closed, and the Executive, 6 × 8.8 in with 36 pages, open on a dot-grid page, beside a Pilot FriXion pen](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/rocketbook-core-16x9.png) *The Letter and Executive Core at the same scale, with a page being wiped clean magnified (1 mm = 0.8 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/rocketbook-core-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook (Letter 8.5 × 11 in, 32 pages · Executive 6 × 8.8 in, 36 pages) | Rocketbook (by Rocketbook (Boston), a BIC company since December 2020) | United States | Not stated | Reusable synthetic paper; spiral binding; scratch-resistant cover | 2016-12 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook (Letter 8.5 × 11 in, 32 pages · Executive 6 × 8.8 in, 36 pages)): Not stated. Rocketbook's product page and FAQ don't state a country of manufacture. In October 2026 OnTimeSupplies' spec sheets gave China (CN) for both the Executive (RKBERCAFR) and Letter (RKBLRCAFR) Core, while UK distributor TBSG had listed the United States of America (its page no longer loads for us). Check the label on your pack. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/rkbercafr-core-smart-notebook-dotted-rule-black-cover-18-88-x-6-sheets.html ## Key takeaways - Two sizes: Letter at 8.5 × 11 in (21.6 × 27.9 cm) with 32 pages, and Executive at 6 × 8.8 in (15.2 × 22.4 cm) with 36 pages. - Each set includes a 0.7 mm black Pilot FriXion pen and a microfiber towel; Rocketbook says other pens won't wipe off, but any FriXion pen, marker or highlighter works. - BIC announced its purchase of Rocketbook on November 9, 2020 and, in a December 15, 2020 release from Clichy, France, said it had completed it for 40 million US dollars plus an earn-out. - Rocketbook was founded in 2014 by Joe Lemay and Jake Epstein; BIC said it had 32 million US dollars in net sales in 2020, up 35%. - Origin is unclear: Rocketbook doesn't state it, OnTimeSupplies' spec sheets give China for both a Letter and an Executive Core, and a UK distributor listed the USA. ## What is the Rocketbook Core? **The Rocketbook Core is a spiral-bound notebook with synthetic, wipe-clean pages that you scan with a phone app and then reuse.** You write with a Pilot FriXion pen, photograph the page with the free Rocketbook app, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Rocketbook is a Boston company founded in 2014 by Joe Lemay and Jake Epstein. BIC bought it in a deal announced on November 9, 2020; BIC's French release of December 15, 2020, "Finalisation de l'acquisition de Rocketbook", says it completed the purchase for 40 million US dollars plus a payment tied to future performance. ## Rocketbook Core specs | Spec | Letter | Executive | |---|---|---| | Page size | 8.5 × 11 in (21.6 × 27.9 cm) | 6 × 8.8 in (15.2 × 22.4 cm) | | Pages | 32 | 36 | | Page styles | Dot grid or lined | Dot grid or lined | | Binding | Spiral | Spiral | | In the box | Notebook, 1 Pilot FriXion pen (0.7 mm, black), 1 microfiber towel | Same | | Example item code | EVR2-L-RC-A (lined, black) | EVR-E-RC-A-FR (dot grid, black) | | Brand owner | BIC (since December 15, 2020) | | | Made in | Not stated by Rocketbook; retailer sheets conflict (China, USA) | | Sizes, page counts and box contents come from Rocketbook's product page and FAQ; item codes from Staples and Quill listings. ![To-scale drawing: Rocketbook Core Letter at 8.5 by 11 inches with 32 pages beside the Executive at 6 by 8.8 inches with 36 pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/rocketbook-core-sizes.svg) *Letter vs Executive at the same scale.* ## How does a Rocketbook Core work? **Write with a FriXion pen, scan with the app, then wipe the page with a damp cloth.** Rocketbook says ink from any Pilot FriXion pen, marker or highlighter takes only seconds to dry and bond to its pages. Other inks aren't designed to come off. The app sends scans to destinations you assign, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Box, OneNote, Slack, iCloud and email. Retailer copy says its OCR can name files and transcribe handwriting to text. ## What changed in the Next Gen Core? **Rocketbook's current "Next Gen" Core has a new cover and smaller scan code, but keeps the same sizes and FriXion system.** Rocketbook's announcement says the QR code was replaced with a smaller Data Matrix code to free up writing space. It also lists a scratch-resistant, lightly textured cover and "premium reusable paper". Grid pages now include Smart Titles and Smart Tags for naming and sorting files in the app. ## Which size should you choose? **Choose Letter if you want full-size pages like a school notebook, and Executive if you carry it in a bag every day.** - **Letter (8.5 × 11 in, 32 pages):** the same page size as a [Five Star 5 Subject](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/) sheet. Good for lecture notes, diagrams and meetings. - **Executive (6 × 8.8 in, 36 pages):** slightly larger than A5 (148 × 210 mm) and about 56% of the Letter's page area. It has 4 more pages, though each is smaller. Because pages are wiped and reused, the page count matters less than on paper. It sets how much you can write before you need to scan and wipe. ## How does the Rocketbook Core compare to a paper notebook? **The Core costs more up front than a paper notebook and needs FriXion pens, but you can reuse its pages.** A paper notebook such as the [Mead Composition Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/) works with any pen and keeps every page. | | Rocketbook Core (Letter) | Paper notebook | |---|---|---| | Pages | 32, reusable | Fixed; used once | | Pens | Pilot FriXion only | Any pen or pencil | | Archive | Scans in the app or cloud | The notebook itself | | Price band | $$$ ($20–75) | Usually $ to $$ | If you prefer a permanent paper record, a [Moleskine Classic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) or [Leuchtturm1917](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) suits you better. ## Where is the Rocketbook Core made? **Rocketbook doesn't say, and retailer spec sheets disagree.** In October 2026 the US office-supply distributor OnTimeSupplies listed China (CN) as the country of origin for both an Executive (RKBERCAFR) and a Letter (RKBLRCAFR) Core. UK distributor TBSG had listed the United States of America for Letter and Executive sets, but its page no longer loads for us. Rocketbook's product page and FAQ are silent, so check the label on the pack you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many pages does a Rocketbook Core have? The Letter-size Core has 32 pages and the Executive size has 36 pages, according to Rocketbook's product page. Some retailers list the Letter version as 16 sheets, which is the same 32 pages counted front and back. ### What pens work with a Rocketbook Core? Rocketbook says to use pens, markers and highlighters from the Pilot FriXion line, and each Core comes with a 0.7 mm black FriXion pen. Its FAQ says other pens will not wipe off the page. ### How do you erase a Rocketbook? Wipe the page with a damp cloth. Rocketbook includes a microfiber cloth with each Core; a spray bottle is sold separately. ### How many times can you reuse a Rocketbook Core? Rocketbook and its retailers describe the Core as endlessly reusable but don't give a number of cycles. We have not tested how the pages hold up over repeated wiping. ### Does the Rocketbook app need an account or subscription? Rocketbook describes the app as free. It scans pages and sends them to services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Box, OneNote, Slack, iCloud and email, and its OCR can name files and transcribe handwriting. ### Who owns Rocketbook? BIC, the French pen and lighter company, owns Rocketbook. BIC announced the deal on November 9, 2020 and announced its completion from Clichy, France, on December 15, 2020; Rocketbook stays a Boston-based brand. ### Where is the Rocketbook Core made? It isn't clear. Rocketbook doesn't say, a US office-supply distributor's spec sheets give China for both sizes, and a UK distributor listed the USA, so the label on your copy is the best answer. ## Sources - [Rocketbook: Rocketbook Core (Next Gen) product page](https://getrocketbook.com/products/rocketbook-core) - [Rocketbook: Meet the New and Improved Rocketbook Notebooks (Next Gen changes)](https://getrocketbook.com/blogs/news/meet-the-new-and-improved-rocketbook-notebooks) - [Rocketbook: FAQs (FriXion 0.7 mm pen included; other pens won't wipe off)](https://getrocketbook.com/pages/faqs) - [BIC (AMF filing): Finalisation de l'acquisition de Rocketbook, Clichy, 15 décembre 2020 (closing of the Rocketbook acquisition, French release)](https://echanges.dila.gouv.fr/OPENDATA/AMF/MKW/2020/12/FCMKW136021_20201215.pdf) - [BIC (AMF filing): Closing of the Rocketbook acquisition, December 15, 2020 (English release)](https://echanges.dila.gouv.fr/OPENDATA/AMF/MKW/2020/12/FCMKW116021_20201215.pdf) - [BIC (GlobeNewswire): BIC acquisition of Rocketbook, November 9, 2020](https://www.globenewswire.com/de/news-release/2020/11/09/2122398/0/en/BIC-Acquisition-of-Rocketbook-the-leading-smart-reusable-notebook-brand-in-the-U-S.html) - [Hartford Business: BIC acquires Boston digital writing company](https://hartfordbusiness.com/article/bic-acquires-boston-digital-writing-company/) - [Staples: Rocketbook Core 8.5 x 11, lined, 32 pages, black (EVR2-L-RC-A)](https://www.staples.com/rocketbook-core-reusable-smart-notebook-8-5-x-11-lined-ruled-32-pages-black-evr2-l-rc-a/product_24489601) - [Staples: Rocketbook Core 6 x 8.8, dot grid, 36 pages, black (EVR-E-RC-A-FR)](https://www.staples.com/rocketbook-core-reusable-smart-notebook-6-x-8-8-dot-grid-ruled-36-pages-black-evr-e-rc-a-fr/product_24453239) - [Best Buy: Rocketbook Core Executive (6 x 8.8 in, 36 pages, FriXion pen and cloth)](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/6476089.p) - [Quill: Rocketbook Core 8.5 x 11, lined, 32 pages (EVR2-L-RC-A)](https://Quill.com/rocketbook-core-reusable-smart-notebook-85-x-11-lined-ruled-32-pages-black-evr2-l-rc-a/cbs/55408782.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Rocketbook Core 8.8 x 6, dotted, black, RKBERCAFR (country of origin CN, October 2026)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/rkbercafr-core-smart-notebook-dotted-rule-black-cover-18-88-x-6-sheets.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Rocketbook Core 11 x 8.5, dotted, black, RKBLRCAFR (country of origin CN)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/rkblrcafr-core-smart-notebook-dotted-rule-black-cover-16-11-x-85-sheets.html) - [TBSG (UK): Rocketbook Core Executive Set, dot, black (country of origin USA)](https://p3.tbsg.co.uk/ProductDetails/Books,-Pads-and-Albums/Spiral-Note-Books/1163057/Rocketbook-Core-Executive-Set-Dot-Reusable-Black-505473/Master.aspx) - [My Work Supply: Rocketbook Core 8.5 x 11 (app destinations and OCR)](https://myworksupply.com/products/rocketbook-core-reusable-smart-notebook-8-5-x-11-lined-ruled-32-sheets-black-evr2-l-rc-a) - [Quadient: Rocketbook Core Letter Set (synthetic reusable paper)](https://office.quadient.co.uk/rocketbook-core-letter-set-dot-reusable-paper-a4-black-302123--1) - [Pocketables: Rocketbook Everlast announced on Kickstarter (December 2016)](https://pocketables.com/2016/12/rocketbook-everlast-announced-kickstarter.html) - [Top Ten Reviews: Rocketbook Core (formerly Everlast) review](https://www.toptenreviews.com/rocketbook-core-review) --- # rOtring 600: The All-Metal Hexagonal Drafting Pencil > The rOtring 600 is an all-metal mechanical drafting pencil with a hexagonal barrel, a knurled grip, a fixed lead sleeve and a lead-grade indicator. It is sold in 0.5 and 0.7 mm. Retailers list it at about 142 mm long and 22 g, and Japanese and US retail listings give Japan as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-600/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black all-metal hexagonal rOtring 600 mechanical pencil drawn to scale at about 142 mm (5.6 in) long, with its knurled grip, clip and fixed sleeve; inset: fixed sleeve, 0.5 or 0.7 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/rotring-600-16x9.png) *The rOtring 600 at about 142 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/rotring-600-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | rOtring 600 mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, 1904443; 0.7 mm, 1904442) | rOtring (by rOtring, a Newell Brands company) | Germany | Japan | All-metal hexagonal body, brass mechanism, stainless steel tip, carbon tool steel clip | 1989 | $$$: $20–75 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (rOtring 600 mechanical pencil (0.5 mm, 1904443; 0.7 mm, 1904442)): Japan. The Japanese retailer Maruzen Junkudo lists 原産国 日本 (country of origin: Japan) for the black 0.5 mm (1904443), and the distributor ADI Global Distribution gives Japan for the black and silver 0.5 mm, noting that country of origin is subject to change. Wikipedia says production moved to Japanese maker Holbein and other manufacturers after rOtring's Hamburg factory closed. rOtring's own site blocked our reader, so check the packaging. Source: https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/3501179044439 ## Key takeaways - Maruzen Junkudo and Hachimonjiya list the rOtring 600 at 142 mm (5.6 in) long and 8 mm across; Hachimonjiya gives 22 g, Onlinemantra 22.5 g. - At about 22 g it is roughly 2 g heavier than a Pentel GraphGear 1000 and about twice the weight of a 10 g plastic Kuru Toga Standard. - Two lead sizes are sold today, 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm; the black 0.5 mm is item 1904443 and the black 0.7 mm is 1904442. - rOtring was founded in Hamburg in 1928; Wikipedia and rOtring's Japanese distributor Holbein date its writing-instrument series, including the 600, to 1989. - A grade indicator on the barrel shows the loaded lead hardness, from 4H to 2B; ADI lists a brass mechanism. ## What is the rOtring 600? **The rOtring 600 is a mechanical drafting pencil with an all-metal hexagonal body, a knurled grip and a fixed lead sleeve.** rOtring, the German drafting brand founded in Hamburg in 1928, now belongs to Newell Brands. Wikipedia dates the 600 to 1989, and Holbein, rOtring's Japanese distributor, says rOtring announced its writing-instrument series that year. It appears in most of the 2026 mechanical pencil roundups we checked, usually as the pick for a heavy, metal drafting pencil. Most of those roundups earn affiliate commissions, so treat their rankings as opinion. ## rOtring 600 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | rOtring (Newell Brands) | | Lead sizes | 0.5 mm · 0.7 mm | | Item numbers (black) | 1904443 (0.5 mm) · 1904442 (0.7 mm) | | Body | All-metal, hexagonal, knurled grip, metal clip | | Sleeve | Fixed (does not retract) | | Grade indicator | Yes, 4H to 2B | | Tip and clip | Stainless steel tip, carbon tool steel clip (Hachimonjiya) | | Length | 142 mm (5.6 in); unsharpen and Onlinemantra 141 mm | | Barrel diameter | 8 mm | | Weight | 22 g (Hachimonjiya); 22.5 g (Onlinemantra) | | JAN/UPC (black 0.5 mm) | 3501179044439 | | Made in | Japan (Maruzen Junkudo, ADI) | Size and weight come from retailer spec sheets (Maruzen Junkudo, Hachimonjiya, Onlinemantra); the features come from ADI, Hachimonjiya and a 2014 review. rOtring's own site blocked our reader, so we couldn't check its spec page. ![rOtring 600 to scale, about 142 mm long and 8 mm across, with an 8 mm hexagonal cross-section and a weight bar of 22 g against 20 g for the GraphGear 1000 and 10 g for the Kuru Toga Standard](https://stationerytimes.com/images/rotring-600-size-weight.svg) *The 600 weighs about twice as much as a plastic Kuru Toga Standard of the same length.* ## How heavy is the rOtring 600, and does it matter? **Retailers list the rOtring 600 at about 22 g, roughly twice a typical plastic mechanical pencil.** A heavier pencil rests on the page under its own weight, which some people find steadies their lines and others find tiring over a long session. Some shops list 60–70 g and an 18.5 cm length. Those are box figures: Maruzen Junkudo gives the package as 18.5 × 3.3 × 2.0 cm and the boxed weight as 44 g. ## Which lead size should you choose? **Choose 0.5 mm for fine writing and drafting, or 0.7 mm if you press hard or want a bolder line.** - **0.5 mm:** the more common size and the one in most listings; good for small handwriting and technical lines. - **0.7 mm:** a thicker lead and a wider, bolder line. Both take any standard lead of the same diameter. Set the grade indicator, which runs from 4H to 2B, to match the hardness you load. ## How does the rOtring 600 compare to the GraphGear 1000 and Kuru Toga? **The rOtring 600 is the heaviest and simplest of the three: no retracting tip and no rotating lead, just a fixed sleeve in a metal body.** | | rOtring 600 | [Pentel GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/) | [uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) Standard | |---|---|---|---| | Body | All metal, hexagonal | Metal, rubber grip pads | Plastic | | Length | ≈142 mm | ≈149 mm | 142 mm | | Weight | ≈22 g | ≈20 g | ≈10 g | | Tip | Fixed sleeve | 4 mm sleeve, retracts | 2.9 mm sleeve; lead rotates | | Made in | Japan | Japan | Japan | The fixed sleeve means the 600 can poke holes in a pocket or bag; a [pen case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/) or the GraphGear's retracting tip avoids that. rOtring's own answer is the [rOtring 800](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rotring-800/), whose sleeve twists back into the body. For a lighter drafting pencil with a wooden barrel, see the 18 g [Pilot S20](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-s20/). ## Which rOtring 600 version should you buy? **Pick the lead size first, then the finish: the mechanism and specs are the same across colors in the listings we found.** Black and silver are the standard finishes; other colors depend on the market. | Version | Item number | Source | |---|---|---| | Black, 0.5 mm | 1904443 | ADI Global Distribution | | Black, 0.7 mm | 1904442 | Onlinemantra | | Silver, 0.5 mm | 1904445 | ADI Global Distribution | | Red, 0.5 mm | 2114264 | Onlinemantra | | Blue metallic, 0.5 mm | 2114266 | Post Shop (Switzerland) | | Mint, 0.5 mm (limited) | Not listed | Hachimonjiya | Item numbers help when a shop's photos are unclear. If you want the same look for less, The Well-Appointed Desk's review points to the rOtring 500, which has a plastic body with a metal grip and cap. ## Where is the rOtring 600 made? **In Japan: the Japanese retailer Maruzen Junkudo lists 原産国 日本 (country of origin: Japan) for the black 0.5 mm.** ADI Global Distribution lists Japan for the black 0.5 mm (1904443) and the silver 0.5 mm (1904445), and adds that the country of origin is subject to change. The rOtring brand started in Hamburg, Germany, in 1928. Unsharpen says the first 600s were made in West Germany and today's in Japan, and Wikipedia says that since the Hamburg factory closed, production has been handled by the Japanese maker Holbein and other manufacturers. Check the packaging of the exact pencil you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### How heavy is the rOtring 600? Hachimonjiya lists it at 22 g and Onlinemantra at 22.5 g. Heavier listings include the box: Maruzen Junkudo gives a 44 g total weight for the boxed pencil. ### Does the rOtring 600 tip retract? No. The 600 has a fixed lead sleeve, which a 2014 review on The Well-Appointed Desk notes. If you want a metal drafting pencil whose tip retracts for pocket carry, look at the Pentel GraphGear 1000. ### What lead sizes does the rOtring 600 come in? Current retail listings offer 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm. Both take standard mechanical pencil lead of the same diameter, and a grade indicator shows which hardness is loaded, from 4H to 2B. ### What is the difference between the rOtring 600 and the rOtring 500? The 600 has an all-metal body; the less expensive 500 has a plastic body with a metal grip and cap. The Well-Appointed Desk's review draws that distinction. ### Is the rOtring 600 good for writing or only for drafting? rOtring sells it as a drafting pencil, but some 2026 roundups also recommend it for everyday writing. Its weight suits people who like a heavy pencil; at about 22 g it is twice as heavy as many plastic pencils. ### What colors does the rOtring 600 come in? Black and silver are the standard finishes. Retailers also list colors such as red and blue metallic, and limited editions such as mint, depending on the market. ### Where is the rOtring 600 made? In Japan, according to the Japanese retailer Maruzen Junkudo and the US distributor ADI. rOtring itself began in Hamburg, Germany, in 1928 and now belongs to Newell Brands. ## Sources - [丸善ジュンク堂書店ネットストア: rOtring 600 メカニカルペンシル 0.5㎜ ブラック (Maruzen Junkudo, Japanese retailer: item 1904443, JAN 3501179044439, 8 × 142 mm, boxed 44 g, origin Japan)](https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/products/3501179044439) - [ホルベイン: 製図・筆記具ブランド「ロットリング」 (Holbein, rOtring's Japanese distributor: history, writing series from 1989)](https://www.holbein.co.jp/product/rotring.html) - [ADI Global Distribution: rOtring 600 0.5 mm black, 1904443 (country of origin Japan, brass mechanism, UPC)](https://adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-1904443) - [ADI Global Distribution: rOtring 600 0.5 mm silver, 1904445 (country of origin Japan)](https://www.adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-1904445) - [JetPens: rOtring 600 drafting pencils (0.5 and 0.7 mm, hexagonal metal barrel)](https://www.jetpens.com/Rotring-600-Drafting-Pencils/ct/1109) - [Hachimonjiya: rOtring 600 mint (142 mm, 8 mm barrel, 22 g, 4H–2B indicator, steel tip and clip)](https://hachimonjiya.com/en-us/products/rotring600-mint) - [Onlinemantra: rOtring 600 black 0.7 mm, 1904442 (141 mm, 22.5 g)](https://www.onlinemantra.in/products/rotring-600-black-mechanical-pencil-0-7-mm-1904442) - [Onlinemantra: rOtring 600 red 0.5 mm, 2114264](https://www.onlinemantra.in/products/rotring-600-red-mechanical-pencil-0-5-mm-2114264) - [Post Shop (Switzerland): ROTRING Feinminenstift 600 0.5mm 2114266 blau metallic](https://shop.post.ch/en/stationery/writing-utensils/pencils/rotring-feinminenstift-600-0-5mm-2114266-blau-metallic/p/809481) - [Wikipedia: Rotring (founding in Hamburg in 1928, Newell ownership, 600 from 1989, production by Holbein and others)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotring) - [The Well-Appointed Desk: Review of the rOtring 600 0.5 mm mechanical pencil (2014)](https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2014/12/review-rotring-600-0-5mm-mechanical-pencil) - [Clever Creations: The 8 best mechanical pencils for drawing and writing (2026)](https://clevercreations.org/best-mechanical-pencils-for-writing-drawing/) - [unsharpen: rOtring 600 drafting pencil (late 1980s, 14.1 cm, 22 g; first made in West Germany, now Japan)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/rotring-600-drafting-pencil/) --- # Sakura Pigma Micron: Line Widths from 003 to 12 > The Sakura Pigma Micron is a disposable fineliner pen with archival, water-based pigment ink, made by Sakura Color Products of Osaka, Japan. Its size codes run from 003 (0.15 mm line) to 12 (0.70 mm); 01 is 0.25 mm and 05 is 0.45 mm. Sakura says the ink is waterproof and fade resistant, and retailers list Japan as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-pigma-micron/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a capped Sakura Pigma Micron fineliner with black ink: beige barrel with printed lettering, black end plug and black cap with metal clip, and a close-up of the fiber tip in its metal sleeve](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/sakura-pigma-micron-16x9.png) *A capped black Pigma Micron: beige barrel, black cap.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/sakura-pigma-micron-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Sakura Pigma Micron Pen (sizes 003–12) | Sakura (by Sakura Color Products Corporation (Osaka); sold in the US by Sakura of America) | Japan | Japan | PP barrel, cap and end plug; steel clip; brass tip holder; POM tip (per Sakura Japan, Pigma 01); pigment ink | 1982 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Sakura Pigma Micron Pen (sizes 003–12)): Japan. Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin (read October 20, 2026). Sakura's Japanese product page for the Pigma 01 doesn't state a country. Digitec and Galaxus (Switzerland), cited earlier for Japan, blocked our access on that date. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/sakura-pigma-micron/ ## Key takeaways - Ten black sizes: 003 (0.15 mm), 005 (0.20), 01 (0.25), 02 (0.30), 03 (0.35), 04 (0.40), 05 (0.45), 08 (0.50), 10 (0.60) and 12 (0.70 mm). - The common 6-pen black set covers 005, 01, 02, 03, 05 and 08, from 0.20 to 0.50 mm. - Sakura launched its Pigma line in 1982; the company itself dates to May 29, 1921. - Sakura's Japanese catalog lists the black 01 (ESDK01) at 135 × 11 × 13 mm and 9 g, for ¥220 (about US$1.40) including tax. - Unsharpen gives Japan as the country of origin, and Cult Pens notes the pen isn't refillable. ## What is the Sakura Pigma Micron? **The Sakura Pigma Micron is a disposable fineliner pen with a fine fiber tip and water-based pigment ink, made by Sakura Color Products of Osaka, Japan.** Artists use it for inking and line drawing; many people also use it for writing and bullet journals. Sakura's Japanese Pigma page says the company developed Pigma in 1982 as the world's first water-based pigment marker, with ink that resists water and light; Wikipedia gives the same year. Its pigment ink later went into Sakura's Ball Sign gel pen, sold abroad as the [Gelly Roll](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-gelly-roll/). The company itself began as a crayon maker on May 29, 1921, according to Sakura's own history. ## Sakura Pigma Micron specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Sakura Color Products Corporation (Osaka, Japan) | | Type | Disposable fineliner; Sakura lists a POM plastic tip in a brass holder | | Ink | Pigma: water-based pigment ink | | Black sizes | 003, 005, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 08, 10, 12 | | Line widths | 0.15 mm (003) to 0.70 mm (12) | | Ink claims (Sakura) | Archival, waterproof, fade resistant, chemical resistant | | Japan model (black 01) | ESDK01#49, JAN 4901881812675 | | Size and weight (black 01) | 135 × 11 × 13 mm, 9 g (Sakura Japan) | | Refillable | No (Cult Pens) | | Made in | Japan (per Unsharpen) | Line widths come from Sakura's European arm Royal Talens and from retailers, which agree on every size; Sakura's Japanese site gives the same reference widths from 003 to 08 and notes that the size number isn't the line width. In Japan the black 01 is item No. 812670 (JAN 4901881812675) at ¥220 (about US$1.40) including tax, and Sakura lists the pen body (本体) at 135 × 11 × 13 mm and 9 g, with a PP barrel, cap and end plug, a steel clip, a brass tip holder and a POM tip. ## What do the Micron size numbers mean? **The number is a size code, not the line width in millimeters: an 01 draws a 0.25 mm line and an 05 draws 0.45 mm.** The codes run in order, so a bigger number means a thicker line. | Size code | Line width | |---|---| | 003 | 0.15 mm | | 005 | 0.20 mm | | 01 | 0.25 mm | | 02 | 0.30 mm | | 03 | 0.35 mm | | 04 | 0.40 mm | | 05 | 0.45 mm | | 08 | 0.50 mm | | 10 | 0.60 mm | | 12 | 0.70 mm | Sakura's Japanese site lists larger Pigma sizes that we didn't find in the US Micron range: 1 (about 1.0 mm), 2 (2.0 mm), 3 (3.0 mm) and F (0.2 to 0.5 mm), and the reference list we found doesn't include the 10 and 12. Check the size code if you buy Pigma pens from Japan. ![Sakura Pigma Micron line widths to scale at 100 times: 003 0.15 mm, 005 0.20, 01 0.25, 02 0.30, 03 0.35, 04 0.40, 05 0.45, 08 0.50, 10 0.60 and 12 0.70 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/sakura-pigma-micron-line-widths.svg) *The steps are 0.05 mm apart up to 08, then 0.10 mm.* ## Which Micron size should you choose? **For writing, pick 01 or 05; for drawing, start with the 6-pen set of 005, 01, 02, 03, 05 and 08.** - **003 and 005 (0.15–0.20 mm):** hatching, fine detail and tiny lettering. Use a light hand with these fine tips. - **01 (0.25 mm):** the common pick for planners, small handwriting and technical notes. - **05 and 08 (0.45–0.50 mm):** outlines and everyday writing with a darker line. - **10 and 12 (0.60–0.70 mm):** bold outlines and lettering. Retailers describe the tip as steel-clad, so it can be run along a ruler. ## Is Pigma Micron ink waterproof and archival? **Sakura says it is: Pigma ink is sold as archival, waterproof and fade resistant once dry.** Pigment inks hold color particles on the paper, rather than dyeing it, which is the basis for those claims. That's why artists ink a drawing with a Micron and then paint over it, for example on a [Canson XL Mix Media pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/). We haven't tested waterproofness or fading ourselves. ## How does the Micron compare to other pens? **The Micron is for permanent, precise lines; a felt tip or gel pen is cheaper and bolder for everyday notes.** | | Sakura Pigma Micron 01 | [Paper Mate Flair](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-flair/) Ultra Fine | [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) 0.38 mm | |---|---|---|---| | Tip | Fiber, 0.25 mm line | Felt, 0.4 mm point | Ball, 0.38 mm | | Ink | Water-based pigment | Water-based | Gel | | Waterproof claim | Yes | Not claimed | No | | Refillable | No | No | Yes | | Price band | $ | $ | $ | For one 0.4 mm line in dozens of colors, the [Stabilo Point 88](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stabilo-point-88/) is the usual pick. For white highlights over Micron line work, Sakura's opaque white [Gelly Roll](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sakura-gelly-roll/) is the usual companion. ## Where is the Sakura Pigma Micron made? **Unsharpen lists Japan as the country of origin.** Sakura's Japanese product page doesn't state it, so check the pack. ## How much does a Micron cost? **Microns fall in our lowest price band, $ (under $5 per pen).** Single pens and sets from art and stationery retailers usually work out to a few dollars a pen; large mixed sets can bring the per-pen cost down a little. ## Frequently asked questions ### What do the Micron pen numbers mean? They are size codes, not millimeters. 003 draws a 0.15 mm line, 005 is 0.20 mm, 01 is 0.25 mm, 02 is 0.30 mm, 03 is 0.35 mm, 04 is 0.40 mm, 05 is 0.45 mm, 08 is 0.50 mm, 10 is 0.60 mm and 12 is 0.70 mm. ### Which Micron size is best for writing? For writing, most people use a Pigma Micron 01 (0.25 mm) or 05 (0.45 mm). The 01 suits small handwriting, planners and bullet journals, and the 05 gives a darker line closer to a fine gel pen. ### Is Micron ink waterproof? Sakura and its retailers describe Pigma ink as waterproof, fade resistant and chemical resistant once dry, which is why artists ink over it with watercolor. We haven't tested it ourselves. ### Are Micron pens archival? Sakura markets Pigma ink as archival quality: pigment-based, pH neutral and fade resistant. Retailers repeat the claim; we haven't seen independent lightfastness testing. ### Can you refill a Sakura Micron? No. The Pigma Micron is a disposable pen; Cult Pens notes that Microns are not refillable. ### Where are Sakura Micron pens made? Unsharpen lists Japan as the country of origin. Sakura Color Products is based in Osaka, but its Japanese product page doesn't state where the pen is made. ### What colors do Sakura Micron pens come in? Black is the main color and the only one we found in all ten sizes. Retailers also sell Microns in colors including blue and red, usually in fewer sizes. ## Sources - [ピグマ (Sakura Japan Pigma page: 1982, the first water-based pigment marker; reference line widths by size)](https://www.craypas.com/products/regular/pigma/) - [ピグマ０１ (Sakura Japan product page: item No. 812670, ESDK01 color code 49, JAN 4901881812675, ¥220 (about US$1.40) including tax)](https://www.craypas.com/products/lineup/detail/167.php) - [Sakura Color Products: History of SAKURA (founded May 29, 1921)](https://craypas.com/global/100th-anniversary/history/) - [Royal Talens: Sakura Pigma collection (sizes and colors)](https://www.royaltalens.com/collections/sakura-pigma) - [Royal Talens: Sakura Pigma Micron Black & Gold Edition, 12 sizes](https://www.royaltalens.com/products/sakura-pigma-micron-black-gold-edition-fineliner-set-12-sizes-black) - [JetPens: Sakura Pigma Micron Pens](https://www.jetpens.com/Sakura-Pigma-Micron-Pens/ct/3910) - [JetPens: Sakura Pigma Micron Pen, size 005 (0.2 mm), black](https://www.jetpens.com/Sakura-Pigma-Micron-Pen-Size-005-0.2-mm-Black/pd/2056) - [Staples: Sakura Pigma Micron 01 (0.25 mm), red, pack of 6 (ink claims)](https://www.staples.com/Sakura-Pigma-Micron-red-01-0-25-mm-Pack-of-6/product_1722372) - [Checker Distributors: Sakura Pigma Micron set (005–08 sizes)](https://www.checkerdist.com/products/30062) - [Cult Pens: Sakura Pigma Micron drawing pen 12](https://cultpens.com/products/sakura-pigma-micron-drawing-pen-12) - [Art Placement: Sakura Micron sizes and line widths](https://artplacement.com/artstore/products/microns.php) - [Unsharpen: Sakura Pigma Micron (country of origin Japan)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/sakura-pigma-micron/) - [Pulp Addiction: Sakura Pigma Micron size 01, red](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/sakura-pigma-micron-pen-esdk-size-01-red) - [JetPens: Sakura Pigma Micron size 01 (0.25 mm), blue](https://www.jetpens.com/Sakura-Pigma-Micron-Pen-Size-01-0.25-mm-Blue/reviews/2051) - [Art Supplies UK: Archival quality Pigma ink (steel-clad tip)](https://www.artsupplies.co.uk/p/sakura-pigma-micron-pen-wallets) - [Wikipedia: Sakura Color Products Corporation (Osaka headquarters; Pigma 1982)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakura_Color_Products_Corporation) --- # Staedtler Mars Lumograph: 24 Grades From 12B to 10H > The Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 is a wood-cased graphite drawing pencil sold in 24 grades, from the soft, dark 12B to the hard, pale 10H. Staedtler makes the lead thicker in the softest grades: about 4.5 mm in 12B and 2.0 mm from 2B to 10H. Staedtler and retailers say it is made in Germany. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-lumograph/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Blue hexagonal Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 pencil with a black end cap, drawn to scale at 17.5 cm (6.9 in) long; inset: 24 grades from 12B to 10H](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/staedtler-mars-lumograph-16x9.png) *The Mars Lumograph 100 at 17.5 cm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/staedtler-mars-lumograph-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 graphite drawing pencil (12B–10H) | Staedtler (by Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG (Nuremberg)) | Germany | Germany | PEFC-certified wood (Staedtler doesn't name the species), hard-bonded graphite core | 1930 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 graphite drawing pencil (12B–10H)): Germany. Staedtler's German and international product pages carry a "Made in Germany" mark. Galaxus lists Germany as the country of origin for the 2B, and JetPens also describes it as made in Germany. Source: https://www.staedtler.com/de/de/produkte/bleistifte-und-zubehoer/bleistifte/mars-lumograph-100-zeichenbleistift-m100/ ## Key takeaways - 24 grades in a single line: 12 B grades (12B to B), then HB, F and 10 H grades (H to 10H), per Staedtler's German site. - Lead diameter steps down in four bands: about 4.5 mm for 12B, 3.6 mm for 11B–6B, 2.5 mm for 5B–3B and 2.0 mm for 2B–10H. - JetPens lists the body at 17.5 cm (6.9 in) long and 7.4 mm at its widest; Galaxus also gives 17.5 cm. - The common 12-pencil tin, 100 G12, covers 6B to 4H, half of the 24-grade range. - Staedtler recommends its Mars plastic eraser (526 50) and its 511 001 tub or 510 10 metal sharpener. ## What is the Staedtler Mars Lumograph? **The Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100 is a wood-cased graphite pencil made for drawing and drafting, sold one grade at a time or in sets.** Staedtler, based in Nuremberg, Germany, lists it under article number 100 and calls it a "Premium-Zeichenbleistift", a premium drawing pencil. Its German page credits a special lead recipe and hard-bonded lead for break resistance; there is no eraser on the end. The name is old. A pencil retailer's history says the Mars Lumograph 2886 replaced Staedtler's earlier Mars 1225 in 1930, and that J. S. Staedtler set up his Nuremberg pencil factory in 1835. Staedtler's own pages we found don't give those dates, so treat them as the retailer's account. ## Staedtler Mars Lumograph specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG, Nuremberg, Germany | | Article number | 100 (e.g. 100-HB, 100-2B) | | Grades | 24: 12B to B, HB, F, H to 10H | | Lead diameter | ≈4.5 mm (12B) · ≈3.6 mm (11B–6B) · ≈2.5 mm (5B–3B) · ≈2.0 mm (2B–10H) | | Length | 17.5 cm (6.9 in) | | Diameter | 7.4 mm at widest (JetPens); Galaxus lists 8 mm | | Wood | PEFC-certified, from sustainably managed forests (Staedtler) | | Eraser | None on the pencil | | Made in | Germany (Staedtler) | Grades, lead diameters, the wood claim and the origin come from Staedtler's German product page; length and diameter come from JetPens and Galaxus, which differ slightly on diameter. Staedtler doesn't publish a length. ## What grades does the Mars Lumograph come in? **Staedtler sells the Lumograph in 24 grades, from 12B to 10H.** B grades are softer and darker; H grades are harder and lighter. HB and F sit in the middle and behave most like an everyday writing pencil. ![Staedtler Mars Lumograph at 175 mm long drawn to scale, its 24 grades from 12B to 10H, and lead diameters at 10 times: 4.5 mm for 12B, 3.6 mm for 11B to 6B, 2.5 mm for 5B to 3B and 2.0 mm for 2B to 10H](https://stationerytimes.com/images/staedtler-mars-lumograph-grades.svg) *The 12B core is more than twice as thick as the 2.0 mm core used from 2B to 10H.* That range is wider than most drawing pencils. In practice, few people need all 24: artists use the soft end for shading, and drafters use H grades for fine, light construction lines. ## Why are the soft grades thicker? **Staedtler makes the softest Lumograph cores thicker, about 4.5 mm in 12B compared with 2.0 mm from 2B up.** Staedtler doesn't explain the reason in the sources we found, but the effect is that the dark grades lay down a much broader stroke. | Grades | Lead diameter (Staedtler) | |---|---| | 12B | ≈4.5 mm | | 11B to 6B | ≈3.6 mm | | 5B to 3B | ≈2.5 mm | | 2B to 10H | ≈2.0 mm | For sharpening, Staedtler's German page recommends its 511 001 tub sharpener or its 510 10 metal sharpener, and its [Mars plastic eraser (526 50)](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-mars-plastic-eraser/) for erasing. ## Which Lumograph set should you buy? **For most people, the 12-pencil tin (100 G12), which Yoseka lists as 6B to 4H, covers the useful range.** Single pencils fill gaps at the ends; a "soft degrees" tin, 100 G12 S, runs from 8B to 2H. - **Sketching and shading:** 2B, 4B, 6B, and 8B for the darkest tones. - **Writing and general drawing:** HB, F or B. - **Drafting and fine lines:** 2H to 4H; the 5H and harder grades make very light, precise lines. Staedtler's German site also lists metal tins of 24 (100 G24, all grades, per JB Hi-Fi) and 6, plus cardboard sets with an eraser and sharpener, so check the grade list on any set before buying. ## How does the Mars Lumograph compare to other pencils? **Against the [Faber-Castell 9000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/faber-castell-9000/), the Lumograph offers more grades; against a [Ticonderoga #2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/), it is a specialist art pencil rather than a school pencil.** | | Mars Lumograph 100 | Faber-Castell 9000 | Ticonderoga #2 | |---|---|---|---| | Grades | 24 (12B–10H) | 16 (8B–6H) | HB (#2) only | | Length | 17.5 cm | 17.3 cm (JetPens) | 7.5 in (190 mm) | | Eraser | No | No | Yes | | Made in | Germany | Germany | China | If you want a firm writing pencil with an eraser instead, the [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/) is a different kind of pencil, made for writing more than for graded drawing. The closest Japanese rival in range is the [uni Hi-Uni](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-hi-uni-pencil/), with 22 grades from 10B to 10H. ## Where is the Staedtler Mars Lumograph made? **Staedtler's German product page marks the Mars Lumograph 100 "Made in Germany".** Galaxus lists Germany as the country of origin for the 2B, and JetPens describes the pencil the same way. Staedtler, the brand, is based in Nuremberg. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many grades does the Staedtler Mars Lumograph come in? Staedtler lists 24 grades, from 12B (the softest and darkest) to 10H (the hardest and lightest). That counts 12 B grades, HB, F and 10 H grades. ### Is the Mars Lumograph lead the same thickness in every grade? No. Staedtler gives about 4.5 mm for 12B, 3.6 mm for 11B to 6B, 2.5 mm for 5B to 3B and 2.0 mm for 2B to 10H. The thickest cores go to the softest grades. ### Which Staedtler Lumograph grades are in the 12-pencil set? The usual tin of 12, item 100 G12, runs from 6B to 4H. If you need the extreme grades such as 12B or 10H, buy them as single pencils. ### Is the Staedtler Mars Lumograph good for writing? Staedtler sells it as a drawing pencil, but its HB, F and B grades work like ordinary writing pencils. It has no eraser on the end, so you need a separate eraser. ### Mars Lumograph or Faber-Castell 9000: which is better? They are the two standard German drawing pencils. The Lumograph has more grades (24 against 16) and goes softer and harder at both ends; choose by the grades you need and which feel you prefer. ### How long is a Staedtler Mars Lumograph pencil? JetPens and Galaxus list it at 17.5 cm (6.9 in) long. That is about 15 mm shorter than a standard 7.5 in US #2 pencil. ### Where is the Staedtler Mars Lumograph made? Staedtler's German product page marks it "Made in Germany", and retailers such as Galaxus list Germany as the country of origin. Staedtler is based in Nuremberg. ## Sources - [STAEDTLER (DE): Mars Lumograph 100 Zeichenbleistift (Staedtler's German page: 24 Härtegrade, Minendurchmesser, PEFC, Made in Germany, sets 100 G24/G12/G6)](https://www.staedtler.com/de/de/produkte/bleistifte-und-zubehoer/bleistifte/mars-lumograph-100-zeichenbleistift-m100/) - [Staedtler: Mars Lumograph 100 drawing pencil (24 grades, lead diameters, made in Germany)](https://www.staedtler.com/intl/en/products/pencils-and-accessories/graphite-pencils/mars-lumograph-100-drawing-pencil-m100/) - [Staedtler UK: Mars Lumograph 100 drawing pencil](https://www.staedtler.com/uk/en/products/pencils-and-accessories/graphite-pencils/mars-lumograph-100-drawing-pencil-m100/) - [JetPens: Staedtler Mars Lumograph graphite pencil, 5H (length and diameter)](https://www.jetpens.com/Staedtler-Mars-Lumograph-Graphite-Pencil-5H/pd/10216) - [Galaxus: Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100, 2B (length, diameter, country of origin)](https://galaxus.de/en/s12/product/staedtler-mars-lumograph-100-2-mm-2b-1-x-pencil-5611716) - [Yoseka Stationery: Staedtler Mars Lumograph 100, set of 12 (6B to 4H)](https://yosekastationery.com/products/staedtler-mars-lumograph-100-drawing-pencil-set-of-12) - [The Online Pen Company: Staedtler Mars Lumograph soft degrees, tin of 12 (100 G12 S, 8B to 2H)](https://www.theonlinepencompany.com/us/staedtler-mars-lumograph-drawing-pencils-soft-degrees-tin-of-12) - [JB Hi-Fi: Staedtler 100 Mars Lumograph sketching pencils, tin of 24](https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/staedtler-100-mars-lumograph-sketching-pencil-assorted-tin-24) - [Brand Name Pencils: Mars Lumograph 2886 HB (history of the Lumograph and Staedtler)](https://brandnamepencils.com/product/mars-lumograph-2886-hb) - [JetPens: Faber-Castell 9000 graphite pencil, 8B (for comparison)](https://www.jetpens.com/Faber-Castell-9000-Graphite-Pencil-8B/pd/18407) --- # Traveler's Notebook Regular: Cover, Refills & Sizes > The TRAVELER'S notebook Regular size is a refillable leather notebook cover from Japan's Traveler's Company, introduced in 2006. The cowhide cover measures 220 × 120 × 10 mm and holds 110 × 210 mm refills held in by elastic bands; the included refill has 64 blank pages of MD Paper. The cover is made in Thailand, the refill in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/travelers-notebook-regular/ - Category: Systems - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the TRAVELER'S notebook Regular brown cowhide cover, 220 × 120 × 10 mm, closed with its elastic band and opened flat with a 110 × 210 mm refill held on the spine elastic](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/travelers-notebook-regular-16x9.png) *The Regular cover closed and open, drawn to scale (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/travelers-notebook-regular-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | TRAVELER'S notebook, Regular Size, leather cover starter kit (Brown, Blue, Olive and other colors) | Traveler's Company (by Designphil Inc. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Thailand (cover); Japan (refill) | Cowhide leather cover, elastic band, MD Paper refill | 2006-03 | $$$: $20–75 for the cover or binder with its starter insert | - Made in (TRAVELER'S notebook, Regular Size, leather cover starter kit (Brown, Blue, Olive and other colors)): Thailand (cover); Japan (refill). Traveler's Company says the leather cover is made in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and the notebook refill in Japan; its Japanese product page for the Brown Regular marks the cover MADE IN THAILAND. Retailer spec sheets (Pulp Addiction, Paper Whisper) give the same split. Source: https://www.travelers-company.com/?p=158 ## Key takeaways - The Regular leather cover is 220 × 120 × 10 mm (about 8.7 × 4.7 × 0.4 in); refills are 210 × 110 mm (8.3 × 4.3 in). - The included refill has 64 blank pages (32 sheets) of MD Paper, saddle stitched and 4 mm thick. - Traveler's Company says the cover is made from leather in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and the notebooks are made in Japan. - The smaller Passport size takes 89 × 124 mm refills, also 64 pages each. - The Regular starter kit falls in our $$$ band ($20–75 for a cover with its starter insert); extra refills link in with connecting rubber bands, accessory 021. ## What is the TRAVELER'S notebook? **The TRAVELER'S notebook is a leather cover with an elastic band down the spine that holds thin, replaceable paper refills.** It comes from Traveler's Company, a brand of Japan's Designphil, and was introduced in March 2006 under the Midori name. The Passport size followed in 2009, and the brand was renamed from MIDORI to TRAVELER'S COMPANY in 2015. When a refill is full you swap in a new one and keep the cover, which Traveler's Company says is handmade in Chiang Mai from roughly cut leather. ## TRAVELER'S notebook Regular specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Cover | Cowhide leather, 220 × 120 × 10 mm (8.7 × 4.7 × 0.4 in) | | Cover leather thickness | 2.4 mm (Goulet Pens) | | Refill size | 210 × 110 × 4 mm (8.3 × 4.3 in) | | Included refill | Blank, 64 pages (32 sheets), MD Paper, saddle stitched | | In the box | Cover, refill 003, spare orange rubber band, cotton bag (240 × 140 mm) | | Colors | Black, Brown, Camel, Blue, Olive | | Item number | 13715006 (Brown) · 15239006 (Blue) | | List price (Japan) | ¥6,160 (about US$39) with tax, since October 1, 2025 | | Made in | Cover: Thailand · Refill: Japan | Traveler's Company's Japanese product page for the Brown Regular gives the cover as 220 × 120 × 10 mm cowhide, MADE IN THAILAND, the refill as 210 × 110 × 4 mm, blank, 64 pages of MD Paper, MADE IN JAPAN, and the box contents. Only the leather thickness comes from a retailer (Goulet Pens). ![To-scale drawing: TRAVELER'S notebook Regular cover 120 × 220 mm, Regular refill 110 × 210 mm with 64 pages, and Passport refill 89 × 124 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/travelers-notebook-regular-sizes.svg) *The cover is 10 mm wider and taller than the refill it holds.* ## What refills are available? **Traveler's Company sells numbered refills for each size, from plain and lined to grid and kraft paper.** The Passport size has its own range, such as 001 (lined, 6.5 mm). The included refill is 003, blank MD Paper, which Traveler's Company says resists feathering and show-through even with a fountain pen. Most notebook refills cost ¥330 (about US$2.10) in Japan. ## How do you add or change a refill? **Slip the refill's center fold under the elastic band that runs down the inside of the cover's spine.** The starter kit comes with one refill in place and a spare rubber band, per Traveler's Company. To carry two or more refills, loop a connecting rubber band through the center of each extra refill and hook it onto the first. Traveler's Company sells these bands as accessory 021. Traveler's Company doesn't publish a maximum number of refills. ## What inserts are available for the TRAVELER'S notebook Regular? **Traveler's Company's official Regular-size refill page lists numbered inserts from 001 to 032, from lined, grid and dot notebooks to undated diaries, pockets and files.** These are the main ones in the current lineup. | Insert | Item number | What it is | |---|---|---| | [Lined notebook](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) | 001 | Lined notebook | | [Grid notebook](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-002) | 002 | 5 mm grid, 64 pages of MD Paper, ¥330 (about US$2.10) | | [Blank notebook](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) | 003 | Blank white MD Paper, 64 pages (Goulet Pens) | | [MD Paper Cream](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) | 025 | Blank cream MD Paper, 64 pages (Boston General Store) | | [Dot Grid](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-026) | 026 | 5 mm dots, 64 pages of MD Paper | | [Watercolor Paper](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-027) | 027 | 24 perforated blank pages for paint, pencil or collage, ¥440 (about US$2.80) | | [Free Diary Monthly](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) | 017 | Undated, two pages per month (Boston General Store) | | [Free Diary Weekly Vertical](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) | 018 | Undated, 28 weeks, 64 pages (Gentleman Stationer) | | [Free Diary Weekly + Memo](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) | 019 | Undated week plus grid memo page, 28 weeks, 64 pages (Gentleman Stationer) | | [Pocket Sticker](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) | 004 | Three adhesive pockets for the inside cover (Boston General Store) | | [Kraft Paper Folder](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) | 020 | Kraft file folder | | [Card File](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-028) | 028 | 20 pages, 60 pockets for business cards or instax mini photos, ¥550 (about US$3.50) | | [Three-fold File](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-029) | 029 | Holds A4 sheets folded in three, such as e-tickets | | [Connecting Rubber Band](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) | 021 | Links extra refills into the cover | Unattributed descriptions and prices (Japanese, with tax) come from Traveler's Company. Its page also lists 008, 011, 012, 013 and 030 to 032; only 006 is marked discontinued. Check that a listing says Regular: 008 is a zipper case in Regular but a sketch paper notebook in Passport. ## How much does a TRAVELER'S notebook cost? **The Regular starter kit falls in our $$$ band ($20–75 for a cover with its starter insert).** Current Goulet Pens listings for the Brown Regular kit sit in that band, and the Passport kit costs a little less. In Japan, Traveler's Company raised the Regular kit from ¥5,720 (about US$36) to ¥6,160 (about US$39) including tax on October 1, 2025. The running cost is in the refills, not the cover. ## Should you choose Regular or Passport size? **Choose Regular for journaling, planning and sketching on a tall page, and Passport for a pocket-size notebook.** | | Regular | Passport | |---|---|---| | Refill size | 110 × 210 mm (4.3 × 8.3 in) | 89 × 124 mm (3.5 × 4.9 in) | | Pages per refill | 64 | 64 | | Good for | Journals, travel logs, planners | Pocket notes, lists | A Passport refill is close to a Field Notes memo book, which is 89 × 140 mm. For a dated, page-a-day alternative in a small format, a Hobonichi Techo Original is another option. The Regular refill is the same height as an A5 page (210 mm) but 38 mm narrower. ## How does it compare to a Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917? **A TRAVELER'S notebook is a refillable system, while a [Moleskine Classic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) or [Leuchtturm1917](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) is a bound notebook you replace when it's full.** You'd need about four 64-page Regular refills to match the 251 pages of a Leuchtturm1917 Medium. ## How does it compare to other notebook systems? **Among refillable systems, the TRAVELER'S notebook is the elastic-band option with the tallest, narrowest page; ring binders take punched loose sheets instead.** The [Paper Republic Grand Voyageur](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-republic-grand-voyageur/) works the same way with elastic bands, but its XL cover only takes notebooks up to 200 mm tall, so a 210 mm Regular refill won't fit. The [Filofax Original Personal](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/filofax-original-personal/) uses six rings and 95 × 171 mm pages. Our [notebook systems comparison](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/notebook-systems-compared/) sets all five side by side, with sizes drawn to scale. ## Where is the TRAVELER'S notebook made? **Traveler's Company says each leather cover is made by hand in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and the notebook refills are made in Japan.** Its product page marks the cover MADE IN THAILAND and the refill MADE IN JAPAN, and retailer spec sheets from Pulp Addiction and Paper Whisper list the same split. The brand itself is Japanese, owned by Designphil. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a TRAVELER'S notebook Regular? Closed, the Regular is a little taller than an A5 page and roughly half as wide: retailers give the leather cover as 22 cm tall and 12 cm wide. The refills are 1 cm smaller each way, a tall, narrow shape that matches no standard A or B paper size. ### What comes in the TRAVELER'S notebook starter kit? Traveler's Company lists the leather cover, one blank 64-page refill (003, MD Paper, saddle stitched), a spare orange rubber band and a 240 × 140 mm cotton bag that the kit is packed in. ### How many refills can a TRAVELER'S notebook hold? The kit holds one refill on its built-in elastic band. You can add more by linking refills with connecting rubber bands, which Traveler's Company sells as accessory 021; it doesn't publish a maximum. ### What is the difference between Regular and Passport size? Regular refills are 110 × 210 mm, while Passport refills are 89 × 124 mm. Both come with 64 pages; refills are not interchangeable between the two sizes. ### Are TRAVELER'S notebook refills numbered? Yes. Traveler's Company numbers its refills by type, for example 002 grid and 014 kraft paper for the Regular size. Passport refills use their own numbered range, such as 001 lined with 6.5 mm lines. ### Is the TRAVELER'S notebook the same as Midori? It is the same notebook. It was introduced in 2006 under the Midori brand; Designphil renamed the brand from MIDORI to TRAVELER'S COMPANY in 2015. ### Where is the TRAVELER'S notebook made? Traveler's Company says each leather cover is made by hand in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and the paper refill is made in Japan; its product page marks them MADE IN THAILAND and MADE IN JAPAN. Retailer spec sheets list the same countries. ## Sources - [TRAVELER’S notebook Regular Size Brown / トラベラーズノート レギュラーサイズ 茶 (Traveler's Company product page, read in full: cover 220 × 120 × 10 mm MADE IN THAILAND; refill 003, 210 × 110 × 4 mm, 64 pages MD Paper, MADE IN JAPAN; cotton bag; spare band; ¥6,160)](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/starter-kit-regular/brown) - [製品価格改定のご案内 (Traveler's Company price revision notice, October 1, 2025)](https://www.travelers-company.com/change202510) - [TRAVELER’S notebook Starter kit Regular Size / トラベラーズノート レギュラー (Traveler's Company: Black, Brown, Camel, Blue, Olive)](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/starter-kit-regular) - [Traveler's Company: About TRAVELER'S notebook / トラベラーズノートについて (cover handmade in Chiang Mai, Thailand; notebook made in Japan)](https://www.travelers-company.com/?p=158) - [Goulet Pens: Traveler's Notebook Brown (Regular), contents, thickness, price](https://gouletpens.com/products/travelers-notebook-brown-regular) - [Pulp Addiction: TRAVELER'S Notebook Starter Set, Regular Size, Blue (dimensions; made in Thailand and Japan)](https://pulpaddiction.com.au/products/travelers-notebook-starter-set-regular-size-blue) - [Paper Whisper: TRAVELER'S notebook Regular Size Blue (origin of cover and refill)](https://paperwhisper.com/products/travelers-notebook-regular-size-blue) - [Wonder Pens: Traveler's Notebook Regular Size, Brown Leather (cover and bag dimensions)](https://wonderpens.ca/products/travelers-notebook-regular-size-brown-leather) - [Paper Whisper: TRAVELER'S notebook refill 002 Grid, Regular size](https://paperwhisper.com/products/travelers-notebook-grid-notebook-refill-002-regular-size) - [Jenni Bick: 014 Kraft Paper Refill, TRAVELER'S notebook Regular size](https://www.jennibick.com/collections/travelers-notebook/products/014-kraft-paper-refill-travelers-notebook-regular-size) - [Goulet Pens: Traveler's Notebook Passport Refill 001, Lined (89 × 124 mm, 64 pages, 6.5 mm lines)](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/travelers-notebook-passport-refill-001-lined) - [Goulet Pens: Traveler's Company products (connecting rubber band, accessory 021)](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/all-travelers-company-products) - [Yoseka Stationery: Traveler's Notebook Regular, Olive](https://yosekastationery.com/products/travelers-notebook-regular-olive) - [The Journal Shop: Traveller's Notebook complete guide](https://www.thejournalshop.com/blogs/guides/travellers-notebook-complete-guide) - [Traveler's Company: TRAVELER'S notebook Refills Regular Size / トラベラーズノートリフィル レギュラー (lineup 001–032; 006 discontinued)](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular) - [Traveler's Company: 002 Grid Notebook, Regular Size (5 mm grid, 64 pages MD Paper, ¥330)](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-002) - [Traveler's Company: 026 Dot Grid, Regular Size (5 mm dots, 64 pages, MD Paper)](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-026) - [Traveler's Company: 027 Watercolor Paper, Regular Size (24 pages, perforated)](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-027) - [Traveler's Company: 028 Card File, Regular Size (60 pockets)](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-028) - [Traveler's Company: 029 Three-fold File, Regular Size](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-029) - [Traveler's Company: 008 Zipper Case, Regular Size](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-regular/refill-r-008) - [Traveler's Company: 008 Sketch Paper Notebook, Passport Size](https://www.travelers-company.com/products/trnote/refill-passport/refill-p-008) - [Wonder Pens: Traveler's Notebook Regular Refill 002 Grid (5 mm grid, 64 pages)](https://wonderpens.ca/products/travelers-notebook-regular-size-refill-002-grid) - [Goulet Pens: Traveler's Notebook Regular Refill 003, Blank (64 pages of white MD Paper)](https://gouletpens.com/products/travelers-notebook-regular-refill-003-blank) - [Boston General Store: Traveler's Notebook Refill MD Paper Cream Blank 025](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/collections/made-in-japan/products/travelers-notebook-refill-md-paper-cream-blank-025) - [Boston General Store: Traveler's Notebook Refill Diary Monthly 017](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/collections/made-in-japan/products/travelers-notebook-refill-diary-monthly-017) - [Boston General Store: Traveler's Notebook Refill Pocket Stickers 004](https://www.bostongeneralstore.com/collections/made-in-japan/products/travelers-notebook-refill-pocket-stickers-004) - [The Gentleman Stationer: TRAVELER'S Notebook diary refills (018 and 019: 28 weeks, 64 pages)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/the-curated-shop/travelers-notebook-diaryplanner-refills) - [Traveler's Company: About TRAVELER'S COMPANY (launched March 2006 with five refills; Passport size 2009; renamed from MIDORI in 2015)](https://www.travelers-company.com/?p=2088) --- # Hammermill Copy Paper: Copy Plus vs Premium Lines > Hammermill is a US paper brand now made by Sylvamo. Its everyday Copy Plus sheet is 20 lb (75 gsm) and 92 bright; Premium Multipurpose is 97 bright in 20 or 24 lb (90 gsm); Premium Color Copy is 100 bright in 28 or 32 lb. All come in 500-sheet reams; retailers list Copy Plus as US-made. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hammermill-copy-paper/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a Hammermill Copy Plus ream, 279 mm (11 in) long and 51 mm thick, in a white wrapper with a blue band, torn open at one end, beside one 8.5 × 11 in sheet; inset: 500 sheets at 4.0 pt each](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/hammermill-copy-paper-16x9.png) *A Copy Plus ream: 500 sheets at a 4.0-point caliper, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/hammermill-copy-paper-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Hammermill Copy Plus, 8.5 x 11 in, 20 lb, 92 bright (105007) | Hammermill (by Sylvamo Corporation) | United States | United States | 20 lb (75 g/m²) copy paper | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Hammermill Copy Plus, 8.5 x 11 in, 20 lb, 92 bright (105007)): United States. Neither Hammermill's Copy Plus page and sell sheet nor Sylvamo's shop page states a country. PartsSource and PFStar list the country of origin as USA for 105007, and OfficeCrave and OnTimeSupplies list United States. Sylvamo says its Eastover, South Carolina, mill produces Hammermill paper. Source: https://partssource.com/parts/hammermill/105007 ## Key takeaways - Hammermill's sell sheet rates Copy Plus at 92 brightness, 88 opacity and a 4.0-point caliper on a 20 lb (75 gsm) sheet. - Premium Multipurpose 24 lb (item 105810) is 90 gsm, 97 bright, 90 opacity and 4.7 points thick, per Hammermill. - Premium Color Copy is 100 bright at 28 lb (105 gsm, 94 opacity) or 32 lb (120 gsm, 96 opacity), per Hammermill's sell sheet. - Brightness steps up from 92 (Copy Plus, Tidal) to 96 (Fore), 97 (Premium Multipurpose) and 100 (Premium Color Copy). - The brand dates to 1898 in Erie, Pennsylvania; International Paper bought it in 1986, and Sylvamo took it over at its 2021 spin-off. ## What is Hammermill copy paper? **Hammermill is a US office-paper brand, now owned and made by Sylvamo Corporation, sold in several lines that differ by weight and brightness.** The company began as the Behrend family's paper business in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1898, according to a history of its stock certificates. International Paper bought Hammermill in 1986. When International Paper spun off its uncoated paper business as Sylvamo in 2021, Hammermill went with it. Sylvamo says its US mills produce Hammermill alongside HP-branded papers, the same company behind the [HP printer paper](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hp-printer-paper/) we covered. ## What are the main Hammermill paper lines? **Copy Plus is the everyday 20 lb sheet; Premium Multipurpose and Premium Color Copy are the brighter, heavier steps up.** All are letter size (8.5 × 11 in, 216 × 279 mm) in 500-sheet reams, with other sizes on some lines. | Line | Weight | Brightness (US) | Opacity | Caliper | Typical use | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Copy Plus | 20 lb (75 gsm) | 92 | 88 | 4.0 pt | Everyday copying and drafts | | Tidal | 20 lb (75 gsm) | 92 | 88 | 4.0 pt | Value-priced copy paper | | Fore Multipurpose | 20 lb (75 gsm) or 24 lb (90 gsm) | 96 | 90 | 4.0 / 4.6 pt | Office printing | | Premium Multipurpose | 20 lb (75 gsm) or 24 lb (90 gsm) | 97 | 90 | 4.0 / 4.7 pt | Two-sided documents, reports | | Premium Color Copy | 28 lb (105 gsm) or 32 lb (120 gsm) | 100 | 94 / 96 | 4.7 / 5.4 pt | Color handouts, presentations | Every figure comes from Hammermill's own sell sheets, which give brightness on the US TAPPI scale. Where two figures appear, the first is for the lighter weight. ![Chart of Hammermill paper lines: Copy Plus and Tidal at 20 lb and 92 bright, Fore at 96 bright, Premium Multipurpose at 97 bright in 20 and 24 lb, and Premium Color Copy at 28 lb and 100 bright](https://stationerytimes.com/images/hammermill-copy-paper-brightness-weight.svg) *Brightness rises with the line: from 92 for Copy Plus to 100 for Premium Color Copy.* ## What do 20 lb, 24 lb and 92 bright mean? **The pound figure is the bond basis weight, and the brightness figure is how much blue light the sheet reflects, on a scale where higher is whiter.** A 20 lb sheet is 75 gsm, 24 lb is 90 gsm, 28 lb is 105 gsm and 32 lb is 120 gsm, so 28 lb Premium Color Copy is 40% heavier than Copy Plus. Hammermill says its brightness numbers use the US TAPPI scale. European ratings run higher for the same sheet: Staples lists Premium Multipurpose 24 lb as 97 US and 110 Euro. Our [Amazon Basics copy paper guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/amazon-basics-copy-paper/) explains the scales in more detail. Opacity matters if you print on both sides. Hammermill rates Copy Plus at 88 and Premium Multipurpose at 90 in both weights, so Premium should show less through from the back. ## Is Premium Multipurpose 97 or 100 bright? **Hammermill's own sell sheet gives 97 for Premium Multipurpose, in both 20 lb and 24 lb.** Listings sometimes show 98 or 100; we found no maker source for those figures. The Hammermill paper that is 100 bright is Premium Color Copy, at 28 or 32 lb. ## Which Hammermill paper should you choose? **Choose Copy Plus for everyday printing, Premium Multipurpose 24 lb for double-sided documents, and Premium Color Copy for color.** - **Copy Plus (105007):** the standard 20 lb, 92 bright ream. Hammermill says it has ColorLok, is acid-free and is FSC certified. - **Premium Multipurpose 24 lb (105810):** heavier, brighter and more opaque, for reports and anything printed on both sides. - **Premium Color Copy 28 lb (102467):** the brightest and thickest sheet, for handouts and photos where the paper's whiteness shows. - **Tidal or Fore:** Hammermill calls Tidal a value-priced sheet with the same 92 bright, 88 opacity specs as Copy Plus; Fore sits at 96 bright between Copy Plus and Premium. ## How does Hammermill compare to HP and Amazon Basics paper? **On headline specs, Copy Plus matches HP Copy&Print20 and Amazon Basics: 20 lb, 92 bright, 500 sheets.** Sylvamo makes both the Hammermill and HP lines. | | Hammermill Copy Plus | [HP Copy&Print20](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hp-printer-paper/) | [Amazon Basics](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/amazon-basics-copy-paper/) | |---|---|---|---| | Weight | 20 lb (75 gsm) | 20 lb (75 gsm) | 20 lb (about 75 gsm) | | Brightness (US) | 92 | 92 | 92 | | ColorLok | Yes | Yes | Not stated | | Maker | Sylvamo | Sylvamo, under license from HP | Not named by Amazon | | Made in | USA | USA | Not stated | ## Where is Hammermill paper made? **US retailers list Hammermill Copy Plus as made in the USA; PartsSource, for example, gives USA as the country of origin for 105007.** Hammermill's own product page and sell sheet don't state a country. Sylvamo says its Eastover, South Carolina, mill and Sumter sheeting plant produce Hammermill papers, and Hammermill's Tidal, Fore and Premium sell sheets list a "Made in USA 100+" logo among Sylvamo's trademarks. We found no origin statement for Premium Multipurpose specifically, so check the ream wrapper. For handwriting rather than printing, a pad of 80 g/m² paper such as the [Rhodia No. 16](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/) is a different kind of product: slightly heavier than 20 lb (75 gsm) copy paper and sold by the pad rather than the ream. For cards and covers, 65 lb [Neenah Bright White cardstock](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/neenah-bright-white-cardstock/) is 176 gsm, more than twice the weight of Copy Plus. ## Frequently asked questions ### Who makes Hammermill paper? Sylvamo Corporation makes Hammermill paper. International Paper bought the Hammermill Paper Company in 1986 and spun off its uncoated paper business, including Hammermill, as Sylvamo in 2021. ### Where is Hammermill paper made? US retailers such as PartsSource list Hammermill Copy Plus as made in the USA; Hammermill's own pages don't name a country. Sylvamo says its mill in Eastover, South Carolina, produces Hammermill paper. ### What is the difference between Hammermill Copy Plus and Premium Multipurpose? Premium Multipurpose is brighter, and it also comes in a heavier weight. Copy Plus is 92 bright and 20 lb only; Premium Multipurpose is 97 bright in 20 lb (75 gsm) or 24 lb (90 gsm), per Hammermill's sell sheets. ### Is Hammermill Premium Multipurpose 98 or 100 bright? Neither: Hammermill's sell sheet and retailer listings give 97 on the US scale for Premium Multipurpose. Staples adds a European rating of 110. The 100-bright Hammermill paper is Premium Color Copy, which is 28 lb. ### What is Hammermill Premium Color Copy paper? It is Hammermill's heavy, bright sheet for color printing: 100 bright in 28 lb (105 gsm, 94 opacity, 4.7 pt) or 32 lb (120 gsm, 96 opacity, 5.4 pt), per Hammermill's sell sheet. The 28 lb weight comes in letter, legal, 11 x 17, 12 x 18 and 19 x 13 in. ### Is Hammermill paper acid-free? Yes. Hammermill's product pages call Copy Plus, Fore and Premium Color Copy FSC certified and 100% acid-free, and Sylvamo's shop says the same of Copy Plus. ### Does Hammermill paper have ColorLok? Copy Plus does, according to Hammermill's sell sheet, Sylvamo's shop and Office Depot's spec sheet. ColorLok is a paper technology that HP owns; Hammermill says ink dries faster and blacks are bolder on ColorLok paper, a maker claim we haven't tested. ## Sources - [Hammermill: Copy Plus Printer Paper, 20lb, 92 Bright (stock codes, FSC, acid-free, ColorLok)](https://www.hammermill.com/products/copy-plus-printer-paper-20lb-92-bright-wtb) - [Hammermill: Copy Plus sell sheet (20 lb, 75 gsm, 92 bright, 150 smoothness, 4.0 caliper, 88 opacity; ream UPC 010199005007), PDF](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0685/1166/2378/files/Hammermill_CopyPlus-SellSheet_1110.pdf?v=1762809434) - [Hammermill: Premium Color Copy sell sheet (28 lb 105 gsm and 32 lb 120 gsm, 100 bright), PDF](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0685/1166/2378/files/HAM_Prem_Color_Copy_S.Sheet-1.22.pdf?v=1686867224) - [Hammermill: Fore Multi-Purpose sell sheet (96 bright, 20 and 24 lb, 90 opacity), PDF](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0685/1166/2378/files/HAM_Fore_MP_S.Sheet-2.24.pdf?v=1734629627) - [Hammermill: Tidal sell sheet (20 lb, 92 bright, 88 opacity, 4.0 caliper), PDF](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0685/1166/2378/files/HAM_Tidal_S.Sheet-2.24.pdf?v=1734630256) - [Hammermill: Premium Multipurpose sell sheet (97 bright, 20 and 24 lb, 90 opacity), PDF](https://resources.hammermill.com/hubfs/2023%20Site%20Redesign/PDF/HAM%20Premium%20MP%20S.Sheet-1.22.pdf) - [Sylvamo shop: Hammermill Copy Plus 105031 (acid-free, FSC; lists 105007)](https://shop.sylvamo.com/paper/copy-%26-printer-paper/hammermill%C2%AE/hammermill-copy-plus%C2%AE/p/105031) - [Sylvamo: North America (Eastover and Ticonderoga mills, brands produced)](https://www.sylvamo.com/us/en/where-we-are/north-america) - [Sylvamo: $145 million investment in South Carolina facilities (2025)](https://www.sylvamo.com/news/sylvamo-to-invest-usd145-million-in-south-carolina-facilities) - [Wikipedia: Hammermill Paper Company (acquisitions, International Paper, Sylvamo)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammermill_Paper_Company) - [Scripophily.net: Hammermill Paper Company history (Behrend family, Erie, 1898)](https://scripophily.net/hampapcom.html) - [PartsSource: Hammermill Copy Plus 10500-7 (country of origin USA)](https://partssource.com/parts/hammermill/105007) - [Staples: Hammermill Copy Plus 105007, 10-ream carton (made in USA)](https://www.staples.com/hammermill-copy-plus-8-5-x-11-3-hole-punch-copy-paper-20-lbs-92-brightness-500-sheets-ream-10-reams-carton/product_24316471) - [OfficeCrave: Copy Plus 105007CT (country of origin United States)](https://www.officecrave.com/international-paper-copy-plus-copy-multipurpose-paper-white-105007ct.html) - [Office Depot Business: Hammermill Copier Plus (ColorLok, acid-free, FSC Mixed)](https://business.Officedepot.com/a/products/347005/Hammermill-Copier-Plus-Paper-Letter-Size/) - [Staples: Hammermill Premium Multipurpose 105810, 5-ream carton (97/110 US/Euro brightness)](https://www.staples.com/hammermill-premium-8-5-x-11-multipurpose-paper-24-lbs-97-brightness-2500-sheets-carton-105810/product_374490) - [Micro Center: Hammermill Premium Multipurpose 24 lb (90 gsm, 97 bright)](https://www.microcenter.com/quickView/702553/hammermill-premium-multi-purpose-printer-paper) - [Quill: Hammermill Premium Color Copy 11 x 17 in, 28 lb, 100 bright (94 opacity, 4.7 caliper)](https://Quill.com/hammermill-premium-11-x-17-color-copy-paper-28-lbs-100-brightness-500-ream-102541/cbs/133134.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Hammermill Premium Color Copy 102467, 28 lb, 100 bright (country of origin United States)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ham102467-premium-color-copy-print-paper-100-bright-28-lb-bond-weight-85-x-11-photo-white-500-ream.html) - [Walmart: Hammermill Fore MP 96 bright, 20 lb, 11 x 17 in](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hammermill-10319-2-Fore-MP-Multipurpose-Paper-96-Brightness-20lb-11-x-17-White-500-Ream/27675693) - [Staples: Hammermill 8.5 x 11 in paper, 20 lb, 92 bright, item 162008 (Tidal)](https://www.staples.com/hammermill-8-5-x-11-multipurpose-paper-20-lbs-92-brightness-1-carton-162008/product_HAM162008) --- # Rhodia No. 16 DotPad: A5 Paper, Dots & Pad Sizes > The Rhodia No. 16 DotPad is a top-stapled A5 notepad, 148 × 210 mm (sold in the US as 6 × 8.25 in), holding 80 micro-perforated sheets of 80 g/m² Clairefontaine vellum printed with a 5 mm dot grid. The same No. 16 pad also comes lined and graph-ruled. Rhodia says its pads are made near Mulhouse, France. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the black Rhodia No. 16 DotPad, A5, 148 × 210 mm, closed with its scored, top-stapled cover, and open with the cover folded back to a white sheet with dots every 5 mm; inset: 5 mm dots](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad-16x9.png) *The A5 No. 16 DotPad, closed and open, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Rhodia No. 16 DotPad, A5, top-stapled, black cover (16559C) | Rhodia (by Clairefontaine Rhodia (Exacompta Clairefontaine group); sold in the US by Exaclair) | France | France | 80 g/m² Clairefontaine vellum paper, coated card cover | 1934 | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Rhodia No. 16 DotPad, A5, top-stapled, black cover (16559C)): France. Rhodia says all its notepads are manufactured at its plant near Mulhouse, Alsace; its 2024 French press kit places the plant at Illzach, on the edge of Mulhouse, since 1997. Retailers The Journal Shop, Dromgooles, Bruneau and Wonderpens also list the No. 16 as made in France. Source: https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/gb/page/rhodia-universe/our-manufacturing-secrets ## Key takeaways - The No. 16 is A5: 148 × 210 mm, or 5.8 × 8.3 in. US shops such as Goldspot round it to 6 × 8.25 in. - One pad holds 80 sheets (160 pages) of 80 g/m² paper that retailers describe as acid-free and pH neutral. - The dots are spaced 5 mm apart; most listings describe them as light grey. - Rhodia's French press kit says Henri and Robert Vérilhac opened a stationery business in Lyon in 1932 and launched Rhodia and its stapled pad in September 1934; the black cover followed in 2007. - Rhodia says it makes all its notepads in France, at its plant at Illzach near Mulhouse, Alsace, on paper from Clairefontaine's mill at Étival; Exaclair's 2024 US list price is US$7.00 a pad. ## What is the Rhodia No. 16 DotPad? **The Rhodia No. 16 DotPad is an A5 notepad, stapled at the top, with 80 tear-off sheets of 80 g/m² Clairefontaine paper printed with a 5 mm dot grid.** The "No. 16" is Rhodia's code for the A5 size; "DotPad" is the dot-grid ruling. Rhodia began in Lyon: its French press kit says Henri and Robert Vérilhac opened a stationery wholesale business there in 1932, then registered the Rhodia name and launched the orange stapled pad in September 1934. The black cover appeared in 2007 and a white one in 2014. Clairefontaine took Rhodia over in 1997, and it is now part of the French Exacompta Clairefontaine group. ## Rhodia No. 16 DotPad specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Clairefontaine Rhodia (Exacompta Clairefontaine group) | | Reference | 16559C (black cover, dot grid); 16558C (orange) | | Barcode (EAN) | 3037920165592 (black) | | Size | A5, 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in); US listings say 6 × 8.25 in | | Sheets | 80 (160 pages), micro-perforated | | Paper | 80 g/m² Clairefontaine vellum, acid-free, pH neutral | | Ruling | Dots every 5 mm | | Binding | Stapled at the top, with reinforced staples and a stiff card back | | Covers | Orange or black, water-resistant and scored to fold back | | US list price | US$7.00 (Exaclair 2024 catalog) | | Made in | France | Rhodia's French site lists the 80 micro-perforated sheets, grey 5 mm dots and card back; its press kit and Exaclair's 2024 US catalog give the 80 g/m² paper. Size and barcode come from The Journal Shop and Swiss Post, and the country of origin comes from Rhodia. ![To-scale drawing of the Rhodia No. 16 A5 sheet, 148 by 210 mm, with dots every 5 mm, next to the smaller No. 13 (105 by 148 mm) and No. 11 (74 by 105 mm) pads](https://stationerytimes.com/images/rhodia-no-16-dot-pad-size.svg) *The No. 16 has about twice the page area of the No. 13 and four times that of the No. 11.* ## Which rulings does the No. 16 come in? **Besides dots, the No. 16 comes lined, graph-ruled and blank.** Goldspot lists the black No. 16 in lined with margin, graph, dot grid and blank; French retailer LDLC lists a 5 × 5 mm graph version and a lined version with margin. - **Dot grid:** a light guide for writing, lists and sketches. - **Graph (5 × 5 mm):** the classic Rhodia ruling, for diagrams and math. - **Lined with margin:** for letters and notes. ## What are the other Rhodia pad sizes? **Rhodia numbers its pads by size, and most follow the A-series.** The No. 16 sits in the middle of the range. | Pad | Size | Metric | Inches | |---|---|---|---| | No. 11 | A7 | 74 × 105 mm | 2.9 × 4.1 in | | No. 12 | – | 85 × 120 mm | 3.3 × 4.7 in | | No. 13 | A6 | 105 × 148 mm | 4.1 × 5.8 in | | No. 16 | A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 5.8 × 8.3 in | | No. 18 | A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 8.3 × 11.7 in | | No. 19 | – | 210 × 318 mm | 8.3 × 12.5 in | Rhodia's French dotPad page lists 8.5 × 12 cm, A5, A4, 21 × 31.8 cm (No. 19) and 42 × 31.8 cm (No. 38) for the dot ruling; the other sizes are from JetPens, Goldspot and Officeworks. A Fountain Pen Network member reports that the No. 19 is longer than A4 so that a torn-off sheet is still a full A4 page. ## Is the Rhodia No. 16 good for fountain pens? **Fountain pen shops such as Goulet Pens stock it, and buyers there rate it well with fountain pens.** Retailers describe the 80 g/m² sheet as extra-white and super smooth, and a Canadian retailer calls it Clairefontaine vellum with a satin finish. That is the shops' and buyers' view, not ours. We haven't tested bleed, show-through or feathering yet. For heavier 90 g/m² letter paper from the same group, see the [Clairefontaine Triomphe pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/clairefontaine-triomphe-pad/). ## How does the No. 16 compare to an A5 notebook? **The No. 16 has the same 80 g/m² paper weight as a Leuchtturm1917 A5 but is a tear-off pad rather than a bound notebook.** | | Rhodia No. 16 DotPad | [Leuchtturm1917 A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/) | [Moleskine Classic Large](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 148 × 210 mm | 145 × 210 mm | 130 × 210 mm | | Paper | 80 g/m², white | 80 g/m² | 70 g/m², ivory | | Pages | 160 (80 sheets) | 249 | 240 | | Binding | Top-stapled, tear-off | Hardcover | Hardcover | Pick the pad for loose sheets you can file or hand out, and a bound notebook if you want everything kept together. Rhodia's own bound A5, the [Rhodia Webnotebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rhodia-webnotebook-a5/), has 192 pages of 90 g/m² ivory paper in a hard cover. For a writing companion, the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) in 0.38 or 0.5 mm puts down less ink than the wider tips. ## Where is the Rhodia No. 16 made? **Rhodia says all its notepads are made in France, at its plant in Mulhouse in Alsace.** Its 2024 French press kit places the plant, a site dating from 1840, at Illzach on the edge of Mulhouse since 1997, and says the paper comes from the Clairefontaine mill in Étival, in the Vosges. US and European retailers also list the No. 16 as made in France. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a Rhodia No. 16 pad? It is A5, 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in). Many US retailers list it as 6 × 8.25 in, a rounded figure for the same pad. ### How many sheets are in a Rhodia No. 16 DotPad? There are 80 sheets, or 160 pages if you write on both sides. Each sheet is micro-perforated at the top so it tears off cleanly. ### What paper weight does Rhodia use? The No. 16 uses 80 g/m² paper from Clairefontaine, which retailers describe as a smooth, white vellum that is acid-free and pH neutral. ### Is Rhodia paper good for fountain pens? Fountain pen shops such as Goulet Pens stock it, and buyer reviews there praise it with fountain pens. Rhodia doesn't publish a bleed rating, and we haven't run our own bleed or feathering test yet. ### How far apart are the dots on a Rhodia DotPad? The dots are 5 mm apart in both directions. Most retailers describe them as light grey; one Canadian listing calls them light lilac. ### Where are Rhodia pads made? In France. Rhodia says all its notepads are manufactured at its plant in Mulhouse, in the Alsace region, using paper from the Clairefontaine mill at Étival. ### Who owns Rhodia? Rhodia belongs to the French Exacompta Clairefontaine group. Rhodia's press kit says Clairefontaine took it over in 1997, and Exaclair sells the brand in the US. ### Is the No. 16 stapled or spiral-bound? The classic No. 16 pad is stapled at the top. Rhodia also sells a separate top-wirebound No. 16 notebook, so check the listing if binding matters to you. ## Sources - [Rhodia (France): dotPad – Bloc-notes agrafé (dotPad stapled pad: 80 micro-perforated sheets, grey 5 mm dots, card back, black or orange, sizes No. 12 to No. 38)](https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/fr/basics/37-137-dotpad-bloc-notes-agrafe.html) - [Rhodia (France): Dossier de presse, 90 ans de Rhodia (press kit: 1932 and 1934, Illzach plant, 80 g/m² vellum from Étival, black cover 2007, white 2014)](https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/img/DossierDePresse-90-anniversaire.pdf) - [Exaclair 2024 catalog (Rhodia's US distributor): Classic Staplebound Notepads (80 g ultra white, references 16558C and 16559C, US$7.00 list)](https://www.rhodiapads.com/pdf/Exaclair2024.pdf) - [Rhodia: Our manufacturing secrets (Mulhouse plant, Étival paper)](https://www.bloc-rhodia.com/gb/page/rhodia-universe/our-manufacturing-secrets) - [Rhodia: 90th anniversary press kit (history, orange pad), PDF](https://bloc-rhodia.com/img/cms/DP 90ANS RHODIA EN.pdf) - [Exaclair: Our history (Exacompta Clairefontaine brands in the US)](https://exaclair.com/our-history/) - [Goldspot: Rhodia brand overview (Vérilhac brothers, 1932, 1934, 1997)](https://goldspot.com/pages/rhodia-brand-overview) - [Swiss Post shop: Rhodia Dot Pad A5 16559C (80 sheets, micro-perforated, 80 g/m², 5 mm grey dots)](https://shop.post.ch/en/stationery/paper-notebooks/writing-pad/rhodia-dot-pad-schwarz-a5-16559c-raster-80-blatt/p/818793) - [The Journal Shop: Rhodia No. 16 Head Stapled Dot-Pad (A5, 148 × 210 mm, acid-free, pH neutral, barcode 3037920165592, made in France)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/rhodia-no-16-head-stapled-dot-pad-a5-dot-grid) - [DeSerres: Rhodia Notepad dotPad (Clairefontaine vellum, light lilac dots)](https://www.deserres.ca/products/rhodia-notepad-dotpad) - [University of Calgary bookstore: Rhodia DotPad No. 16 (staple-bound, cardboard back, 5 mm dots)](https://shop.ucalgary.ca/Catalogue/ucalgary/stationery/notebooks-and-paper/rhodia-dotpads) - [Dromgooles: Rhodia No. 16 top staplebound dot grid A5 (made in France)](https://dromgooles.com/products/rhodia-16-top-staplebound-dot-grid-a5-notepad-black) - [Wonderpens: Rhodia No. 16 dot pad, black (made in France)](https://wonderpens.ca/products/rhodia-pad-no-16-dot-black-a5) - [Bruneau: Rhodia A5 dotted notebook (designed and made in France)](https://www.bruneau.be/en/product/spiral-notebook-no-16-a5-size-dotted-dot-black/8033856) - [Goulet Pens: Rhodia No. 16 A5 Notepad, black, dot grid](https://gouletpens.com/products/rhodia-no-16-notepad-black-dot-grid) - [Goulet Pens: Rhodia No. 16 Top Wirebound Notepad, black, dot grid](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/rhodia-no-16-top-wirebound-notebook-black-dot-grid) - [Goldspot: Rhodia No. 16 staplebound 6 x 8.25 notepad, black (rulings)](https://goldspot.com/products/rhodia-no-16-staplebound-6-x-8-25-notepad-in-black) - [LDLC: Rhodia Black No. 16, 14.8 × 21 cm, 80 sheets, 80 g, 5 × 5 graph](https://www.ldlc.com/fiche/PB00506805.html) - [LDLC: Rhodia No. 16 stapled, lined with margin, 80 g Clairefontaine](https://www.ldlc.com/fiche/PB00506813.html) - [JetPens: Rhodia Classic Notepads (pad sizes)](https://www.jetpens.com/Rhodia-Classic-Notepads/ct/764) - [Officeworks: Rhodia No. 12 graph pad, 85 × 120 mm](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/rhodia-no-12-85-x-120mm-graph-pad-orange-80-sheets-rh12200) - [AIA Store: Leuchtturm1917 A5 Medium hardcover (145 × 210 mm, 80 g/m², 249 pages)](https://store.aia.org/products/leuchtturm1917-notebook-medium) - [BIC Graphic: Moleskine Classic Notebook Large (13 × 21 cm, 240 pages, 70 g/m²)](https://www.bicgraphic.com/ee/moleskine-large-classic-notebook-ruled-paper-3460015056.html) - [Fountain Pen Network: Rhodia size classification (No. 19 at 210 × 318 mm)](https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/275367-rhodia-international-classification/) - [Paragraph Books: Rhodia head-stapled pad No. 16, dot grid, 16559 (vellum paper, coated card cover)](https://paragraphbooks.com/fr/products/head-stapled-pad-n-16-16559) --- # BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencil: 0.7 mm #2 Lead > The BIC Xtra-Smooth is a budget mechanical pencil with 0.7 mm HB (No. 2) lead, sold in packs from 5 to 320. Each pencil holds three leads, which you advance by clicking the eraser cap. Retailers cite NPD data making BIC the top-selling US mechanical pencil brand, and most listings give Mexico as the origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![BIC Xtra-Smooth mechanical pencil with a clear barrel, the lead visible inside, and a blue eraser cap and clip; inset: 0.7 mm HB (No. 2) lead](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/bic-xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil-16x9.png) *The BIC Xtra-Smooth, drawn proportionally (no published length).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/bic-xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencil, 0.7 mm, No. 2 (MPP40MJ-BLK, MP11, MPP51) | BIC (by Société BIC (France); sold in the US by BIC Corporation) | France | Mexico | Plastic barrel and grip | – | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencil, 0.7 mm, No. 2 (MPP40MJ-BLK, MP11, MPP51)): Mexico. Retailer and distributor spec sheets give Mexico for the 12-pack MP11 (PartsSource), the 40-pack clear barrel (Noble), the 5-pack MPP51 (OnTime Supplies, Gateway) and the MP320 and MP40TX packs (MX). One Noble listing for a dozen with a tube of lead gives France, so origin can vary by pack. PartsSource still gave Mexico for MP11 on October 20, 2026; the Noble pages no longer loaded. BIC's French corporate site has no product pages, and its former consumer product sites now return 'gone', so check the box. Source: https://www.partssource.com/parts/bic/mp11 ## Key takeaways - Lead: 0.7 mm in HB, which retailers label No. 2; listings say each pencil comes with 3 leads. - Packs found at US retailers run from 5 to 320 pencils, including a 40-pack (MPP40MJ-BLK) and a 320-pencil carton (MP320). - Staples and Kroger listings cite NPD unit sales for the 12 months ending June 2022 to call BIC the No. 1 selling mechanical pencil brand in the US. - A wooden No. 2 pencil's graphite core is about 2.2 mm thick, roughly 3 times the diameter of the Xtra-Smooth's 0.7 mm lead. - Six of the 7 pack listings we found with an origin give Mexico; one dozen pack lists France. ## What is the BIC Xtra-Smooth mechanical pencil? **It is BIC's mass-market mechanical pencil: a clear or colored plastic barrel holding 0.7 mm No. 2 lead, sold mostly in multi-packs for school and office.** Pack titles call the 0.7 mm size a medium point. Retailer listings on Staples and Kroger quote NPD unit sales for the 12 months ending June 2022 to call BIC the No. 1 selling mechanical pencil brand in the US. That is BIC's claim as carried by retailers; we haven't seen the NPD data ourselves. ## BIC Xtra-Smooth specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Société BIC, France | | Lead size | 0.7 mm (medium point) | | Lead grade | HB, sold as No. 2 (PartsSource's distributor title says "HB (#2.5)") | | Leads included | 3 per pencil | | Lead feed | Click the eraser cap (top advance) | | Eraser | Built in, under the cap | | Common item numbers | MPP51 (5), MP11 (12), MPP40MJ-BLK (40), MP320 (320) | | Refillable | Yes, with 0.7 mm lead | | Made in | Mexico for most packs (per retailer spec sheets) | Specs come from Staples, Quill, Kroger, H-E-B and ClassWallet listings. BIC doesn't publish a length or weight in the sources we found, so we don't give one. ![At 30 times scale, the BIC Xtra-Smooth's 0.7 mm lead is about one third the diameter of a wooden No. 2 pencil's 2.2 mm core; packs come in 5, 10, 12, 24, 40, 144 and 320 pencils](https://stationerytimes.com/images/bic-xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil-lead-vs-wood.svg) *The thin 0.7 mm lead never needs sharpening, but it is about a third as thick as a wooden pencil's core.* ## What pack sizes does the Xtra-Smooth come in? **We found packs of 5, 10, 12, 24, 40, 144 and a 320-pencil carton at US retailers.** The 320-count carton is sold as the Xtra Value Pack, in assorted barrel colors. Some packs use colored barrels instead of clear ones, such as the Bright Edition and Pastel Edition. Retailers list the same 0.7 mm No. 2 lead in each. Per pencil, every listing we checked falls in our lowest price band (under $5 a pencil), and the bigger the pack, the lower the cost per pencil. ## Can you refill the lead and eraser? **Yes: retailers list the Xtra-Smooth as refillable, and it takes standard 0.7 mm lead.** Each pencil ships with three leads, so most people won't need a refill for a while. BIC sells its own refills, such as the Break-Resistant Lead and Eraser Refills (LMV7PR42-AST) at Staples, but any lead of the same 0.7 mm diameter fits. Because the eraser is also the advance button, it wears down with use. ## How does it compare to a wooden No. 2 pencil? **The Xtra-Smooth never needs sharpening and keeps a constant line width, while a wooden [Ticonderoga No. 2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) has a thicker core that is stronger under pressure.** | | BIC Xtra-Smooth | Ticonderoga No. 2 | |---|---|---| | Graphite | 0.7 mm lead | 2.2 mm core | | Grade | HB (No. 2) | HB (No. 2) | | Sharpening | Never | Needed | | Line width | Constant | Widens as the point wears | | Eraser | Under a cap, also the lead button | Glued in a ferrule | | SAT scratch work | Allowed (any pen or pencil) | Allowed | | Allowed on AP exams | No | Yes (No. 2 pencils) | Both are No. 2 graphite, so the darkness is similar. The difference is the format: thin, constant lead in a refillable barrel versus a wide core you sharpen. ## Can you use a BIC mechanical pencil on the SAT or AP exams? **The BIC Xtra-Smooth mechanical pencil fits the SAT rules but is banned on AP exams.** The College Board's SAT rules allow any pen or pencil for scratch work, say it doesn't have to be a No. 2, and don't mention mechanical pencils. For AP exams, the College Board lists mechanical pencils among the items students may not bring and asks for sharpened No. 2 pencils for the paper parts. Michigan's paper PSAT instructions also tell students not to use a mechanical pencil. Some retailer copy calls the Xtra-Smooth suited to "test time" because its lead is No. 2. That refers to the grade, not to any test rule, so check your exam's own list and pack wooden No. 2 pencils when in doubt. ## How does it compare to premium mechanical pencils? **It is a disposable-priced pencil, not a drafting tool.** A [Pentel GraphGear 1000](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/) adds a metal grip and a retractable 4 mm sleeve, and the [Uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) turns its lead to keep the point even. Both cost many times more per pencil. To carry a pack, a zip pouch like the [EASTHILL pencil case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/) works. ## Where is the BIC Xtra-Smooth made? **Most US retailer and distributor listings give Mexico as the country of origin.** PartsSource lists the 12-pack MP11 as made in Mexico, and Noble, OnTime Supplies and Gateway list Mexico for 40-packs and 5-packs. One Noble listing for a dozen pack with a tube of lead says France, so check the box of the exact pack you buy. BIC itself is a French company. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size lead does a BIC Xtra-Smooth mechanical pencil use? It uses 0.7 mm lead, which BIC calls a medium point. The lead is HB, sold as No. 2, so it writes about as dark as a standard yellow wooden pencil. ### How do you advance the lead in a BIC Xtra-Smooth? Press the eraser cap at the top. Retailer listings describe a top-advance design, so the same eraser you erase with is the button that feeds new lead. ### How many leads come in a BIC Xtra-Smooth pencil? Retailer listings for the 10-count and 40-count packs say each pencil comes with three No. 2 leads. When those run out, you can refill it with any 0.7 mm lead. ### Can you use a BIC mechanical pencil on the SAT or AP exams? On the SAT, the College Board's rules allow any pen or pencil for scratch work, it doesn't have to be a No. 2, and they don't mention mechanical pencils, so the BIC Xtra-Smooth fits the rules. AP exams are different: the College Board bans mechanical pencils there and asks for sharpened No. 2 pencils. ### Can you refill a BIC Xtra-Smooth? Yes. Retailers list it as refillable, and any 0.7 mm lead fits. BIC sells its own 0.7 mm lead refills, such as the Break-Resistant Lead and Eraser Refills (LMV7PR42-AST) listed at Staples. ### Is BIC Xtra-Smooth the same as BIC Xtra Life? Retailers use both names for the same 0.7 mm clear-barrel pencil: Staples' URL for the MPP40MJ-BLK 40-pack still says Xtra Life, while the product title says Xtra-Smooth. ### Where are BIC Xtra-Smooth mechanical pencils made? Most US retailer and distributor listings give Mexico as the country of origin, though one dozen pack is listed as made in France. BIC itself is a French company. ## Sources - [Groupe BIC (French): corporate site (no consumer product pages; former BIC consumer sites return 410 Gone)](https://corporate.bic.com/fr-fr) - [Staples: BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencil 0.7 mm, 40-pack, MPP40MJ-BLK](https://www.staples.com/bic-mechanical-pencil-xtra-life-mechanical-pencil-2-0-7mm-40-pack-mpp40mj-blk/product_24276526) - [Staples: BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils (NPD No. 1 selling claim, eraser advance)](https://www.staples.com/product_104927) - [Kroger: BIC Xtra Smooth No. 2 Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, 10-count (3 leads per pencil, NPD claim)](https://www.kroger.com/p/bic-xtra-smooth-no-2-mechanical-pencils-with-erasers/0007033090576) - [H-E-B: BIC Xtra Smooth 0.7 mm Mechanical Pencils (3 leads, eraser advance)](https://www.heb.com/product-detail/bic-xtra-smooth-0-7mm-mechanical-pencils/10804008) - [Quill: BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencil, 0.7 mm, #2, 12/pack (MP11)](https://www.quill.com/bic-mechanical-pencils/cbs/040368.html) - [Walmart: BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils, 0.7 mm, 144-count](https://www.walmart.com/ip/BIC-Xtra-Smooth-Mechanical-Pencils-With-Erasers-Medium-Point-0-7mm-144-Count-Pack-Bulk-Mechanical-Pencils-for-School-or-Office-Supplies/1898715316) - [Walmart: BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencils, 0.7 mm, 10-count](https://www.walmart.com/ip/14977428) - [Staples: BIC Xtra-Smooth 320-carton, MP320](https://www.staples.com/bic-xtra-life-mechanical-pencil-0-7mm-2-medium-lead-320-carton-mp320/product_24358639) - [Staples: BIC Break-Resistant Lead and Eraser Refills, LMV7PR42-AST](https://www.staples.com/bic-break-resistant-mechanical-pencil-lead-and-eraser-refills-12-pack-lmv7pr42-ast/product_24612729) - [PartsSource: BIC MP11 (country of origin Mexico; titled HB #2.5)](https://www.partssource.com/parts/bic/mp11) - [Noble: Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencil, 0.7 mm, 40/pack (country of origin Mexico)](https://gsacp.noble.com/xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil,-0.7-mm,-hb-2,-black-lead,-clear-barrel,-40/pack/ecomm-product-detail/429162) - [Noble: Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Tube of Lead, dozen (country of origin France)](https://gsacp.noble.com/xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencils-with-tube-of-lead,-0.7-mm,-hb-2,-black-lead,-clear-barrel,-dozen/ecomm-product-detail/425686) - [OnTime Supplies: BIC MPP51 5-pack (country of origin Mexico)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/bicmpp51-7mm-mechanical-pencils-2-lead-07-mm-lead-diameter-5-pack.html) - [OnTime Supplies: BIC MP320 Xtra Value Pack, 320/carton](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/bicmp320bk-xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil-xtra-value-pack-07-mm-hb-2-black-lead-assorted-barrel-colors-320-carton.html) - [ClassWallet: Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencil, dozen (top-advance)](https://supply-essentials.classwallet.com/pencils/4397-xtra-life-mechanical-pencil-07mm-clear-dozen-070330900851.html) - [College Board: SAT testing rules (pen or pencil for scratch work, not necessarily No. 2)](https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/testing-rules) - [College Board AP Students: What to bring on exam day](https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-policies-guidelines/what-to-bring-on-exam-day) - [Michigan Department of Education: testing materials diagram (no mechanical pencils)](https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/MI_Testing_Materials_Diagram_678523_7.pdf) - [Quill: Ticonderoga #2 pencils, 12-pack 13806 (2.2 mm core)](https://quill.com/ticonderoga-wooden-pencils-no-2-soft-lead-dozen-13806/cbs/205032.html) --- # Pentel GraphGear 1000: Retractable Drafting Pencil > The Pentel GraphGear 1000 is a metal-bodied mechanical drafting pencil sold in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 mm (PG1013, PG1015, PG1017, PG1019). Its 4 mm lead sleeve retracts into the body, so it can ride in a pocket. Retailers list it at about 149 mm long and 20 g, made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graphgear-1000/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical pencil drawn to scale at about 149 mm (5.9 in) long, with its metal clip, knurled metal grip with rubber pads and 4 mm lead sleeve; inset: the 4 mm sleeve retracts](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-graphgear-1000-16x9.png) *The GraphGear 1000 at about 149 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-graphgear-1000-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil (PG1015, 0.5 mm) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan | Aluminum barrel, brass and silicone-rubber grip, brass tip, iron clip | 2002 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical drafting pencil (PG1015, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide (and its 2022 catalog) gives the GraphGear 1000's origin as Japan, and PartsSource lists Japan as the country of origin for the PG1015A. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state it. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/57/ ## Key takeaways - Four lead sizes in the US: 0.3 mm (PG1013), 0.5 mm (PG1015), 0.7 mm (PG1017) and 0.9 mm (PG1019), each with its own accent color; Pentel's Japanese site adds a 0.4 mm PG1014. - The lead sleeve is 4 mm long, the length drafting pencils use to sit flush against a ruler or template. - Retailer and reviewer specs put it at about 149–150 mm (5.9 in) long and 20 g, roughly twice the weight of a plastic Kuru Toga. Pentel of America's product guide gives the origin as Japan. - In Japan the PG1015 carries a maker price of ¥1,650 (about US$10) including tax (¥1,500 (about US$9.50) before tax). - A 2026 roundup by Everyman named it the best mechanical pencil for most people out of 9 models. ## What is the Pentel GraphGear 1000? **The GraphGear 1000 is a Pentel drafting pencil: a metal-bodied mechanical pencil with a lead sleeve that retracts into the body.** ASTRUM Corporation of Tokyo, called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026, makes it, and Pentel of America sells it as a "mechanical drafting pencil". Most drafting pencils have a fixed metal sleeve that can poke through a pocket or bend in a bag. The GraphGear 1000's sleeve pulls back, so it works as a drafting tool at a desk and as an everyday pencil you carry. ## Why is the GraphGear 1000 so often recommended? **Because it combines a drafting-grade tip, a metal grip and a retractable sleeve at a price far below premium pencils.** Everyman's 2026 roundup of 9 models called it the best mechanical pencil for most people, and ShopSavvy's 2024 list also put it first. The Pen Addict calls the GraphGear a "beloved drafting and engineering pencil", in the same breath as the rOtring 600. A reviewer at Mechanical Inclination calls it one of their all-time favorite mechanical pencils. ## Pentel GraphGear 1000 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo | | Models | PG1013 (0.3 mm), PG1015 (0.5 mm), PG1017 (0.7 mm), PG1019 (0.9 mm) | | Accent colors | Brown (0.3), black (0.5), blue (0.7), yellow (0.9 mm) in the US; silver body in Japan | | Lead sleeve | 4 mm, retracts when you open the clip | | Grip | Knurled metal with rubber pads | | Lead supplied | Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB | | Length | About 149–150 mm (5.9 in) | | Weight | About 20 g (0.7 oz) | | Japanese maker price | ¥1,650 (about US$10) including tax (PG1015) | | JAN / UPC (0.5 mm) | 4902506185327 (Japan, PG1015) · 072512198063 (US, PG1015A) | | Made in | Japan (Pentel of America product guide) | Model numbers, colors, the 4 mm tip and origin come from Pentel of America's product guide; the 0.4 mm model, JAN codes and price from Pentel's Japanese site. Length and weight come from Unsharpen and Bungu Store, since Pentel doesn't publish them. ![GraphGear 1000 lead diameters at 100 times: 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 mm; the 0.9 mm lead is three times as wide as the 0.3 mm. The pencil is about 149 mm long and 20 g, next to a 142 mm, 10 g Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-graphgear-1000-lead-sizes.svg) *Each size has its own accent color. The GraphGear is a little longer than a Kuru Toga and about twice as heavy.* ## How does the retractable tip work? **Press the end knock and the tip comes out; open the clip and it slides back into the body, Pentel's Japanese site explains.** Pentel's design archive adds that while the tip is out, the end of the clip tucks into the body so it doesn't press on your hand. Pentel of America calls the system a "dual-action retractor". A 4 mm sleeve is the drafting length: it lets the point reach paper along the edge of a ruler or template without the cone getting in the way. With the sleeve retracted, the pencil is safer in a shirt pocket. ## Which lead size should you choose? **Pick 0.5 mm (PG1015) for everyday writing; it is the most widely stocked size.** - **0.3 mm (PG1013):** the finest line, for small handwriting and fine technical work. Thin lead snaps more easily. - **0.5 mm (PG1015):** the all-round size for notes and drafting. - **0.7 mm (PG1017):** a bolder, stronger lead that breaks less under heavy pressure. - **0.9 mm (PG1019):** the thickest and sturdiest, good for sketching and for people who press hard. Pentel's Japanese site also lists a 0.4 mm PG1014. Pentel of America doesn't sell it, so expect to import it. For a lighter plastic drafting pencil with a fixed 4 mm sleeve, see the [Graph 1000 for Pro](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-graph-1000-for-pro/). ## How does the GraphGear 1000 compare to the Kuru Toga? **The GraphGear is a heavier metal drafting pencil; the [Uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) is a light plastic pencil that rotates its lead to keep the point even.** | | Pentel GraphGear 1000 | Uni Kuru Toga Standard | |---|---|---| | Body | Metal, knurled grip | Plastic | | Lead sizes | 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 mm | 0.3, 0.5 mm | | Sleeve | 4 mm, retractable | 2.9 mm, fixed | | Length | About 149 mm | 142 mm | | Weight | About 20 g | About 10 g | | Japanese maker price | ¥1,650 (about US$10) | ¥495 (about US$3.10) | Choose the GraphGear for drafting, heft and a pocket-safe tip. Choose the Kuru Toga if you write with light strokes and want a sharp point without turning the pencil. For all eight pencils we compared side by side, see our [best mechanical pencils](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-mechanical-pencils/) roundup. ## What lead and refills does the GraphGear 1000 use? **It comes loaded with HB lead (Super Hi-Polymer, per Pentel of America), and any standard lead of the right diameter fits.** Pentel's Japanese site says the hardness window shows HB, H, B or 2B, and the eraser refill is Z2-1N. If you're moving from a wood pencil such as the [Ticonderoga No. 2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/), a B or 2B lead gives a darker line than HB. For a budget mechanical pencil to compare, see the [BIC Xtra-Smooth](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/bic-xtra-smooth-mechanical-pencil/). ## How much does the GraphGear 1000 cost? **In Japan, Pentel sets a maker price of ¥1,650 (about US$10) including tax for the PG1015; in the US it usually sells in our $$ band ($5–20 a pencil).** Most US listings we checked fall in that band, though Staples lists it above $20. Pentel of America's list price is above $20, but most shops discount it. A black 60th-anniversary edition (PG1015-ANA), marking 60 years of Pentel drafting pencils, went on sale in Japan on October 24, 2025 at ¥2,200 (about US$14) including tax. ## Where is the Pentel GraphGear 1000 made? **In Japan: Pentel of America's 2023–2024 product guide and 2022 catalog both give the GraphGear 1000's origin as Japan.** PartsSource's spec sheet for the PG1015A agrees. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does the GraphGear 1000 tip retract? Yes. Pentel's Japanese site explains that pressing the end knock pushes the tip out and opening the clip pulls it back into the body; Pentel of America calls this a dual-action retractor that protects the lead. ### What lead sizes does the Pentel GraphGear 1000 come in? Pentel's US store lists 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 mm, sold as PG1013, PG1015, PG1017 and PG1019. Pentel's Japanese site also lists a 0.4 mm PG1014, which isn't sold by Pentel of America. ### How heavy is the GraphGear 1000? The review site Unsharpen gives 20.1 g, and Bungu Store lists the 2025 anniversary 0.5 mm edition at 20 g. Pentel doesn't publish a weight in the sources we found. ### Is the GraphGear 1000 good for writing or only for drafting? Pentel markets it as a drafting pencil, but several 2024–2026 roundups pick it as their best everyday mechanical pencil too. The retractable sleeve makes it easier to carry than most drafting pencils with a fixed tip. ### What is the difference between the GraphGear 1000 and the GraphGear 500? The 1000 has a metal grip with rubber pads and a retractable tip; the 500 is a simpler, cheaper drafting pencil with a fixed sleeve. Architecture Lab puts the 1000 at roughly double the 500's price. ### What lead does the GraphGear 1000 use? It ships with Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB lead, and any standard lead of the same diameter fits. A hardness indicator on the pencil lets you mark which grade is loaded. ### Where is the Pentel GraphGear 1000 made? In Japan. Pentel of America's product guide gives the origin as Japan, and PartsSource's spec sheet agrees. ## Sources - [グラフギア1000 (Pentel Japan product page: PG1013 to PG1019 including 0.4 mm, JAN codes, ¥1,650 list price, clip-operated retraction)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/mechanicalpencil/graphgear1000/) - [グラフギア1000 (Pentel Japan design archive: released 2002, Good Design Award 2002, clip retracts into the body when the tip is out)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/about/design/02a01030/) - [ぺんてるが製図用シャープペンシル発売60周年を記念し、黒ボディ限定モデル3種と歴史年表付きセットを発売 (Pentel Japan news release, October 9, 2025: GraphGear 1000 released 2002, anniversary edition ¥2,200)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/20251009/) - [Pentel of America: GraphGear 1000 Expert Mechanical Drafting Pencil (lead sizes, dual-action retractor, latex-free pads)](https://pentel.com/products/graph-gear-1000-mechanical-drafting-pencil) - [Pentel of America: 2023–2024 product guide, mechanical pencils (PG1013 to PG1019, 4 mm tip, origin Japan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/57/) - [Pentel of America: 2023–2024 product guide, GraphGear box set (origin Japan)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/93/) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: GraphGear 1000 accent colors (brown, black, blue, yellow), origin Japan](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/96) - [Staples: Pentel GraphGear 1000 0.5 mm (4 mm tip, dual-action retractor, lead hardness indicator)](https://www.staples.com/product_24610879) - [Staples: Pentel GraphGear 1000 0.3 mm, PTAPG1013EPABP](https://www.staples.com/pentel-graphgear-1000-mechanical-pencil-0-3mm-ptapg1013epabp/product_24610878) - [PartsSource: Pentel PG1015A (country of origin Japan)](https://www.partssource.com/parts/pentel-of-america/pg1015a) - [Unsharpen: Pentel Graph Gear 1000 drafting pencil (14.9 cm, 20.1 g, 4.0 mm retractable pipe)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/pentel-graph-gear-1000-drafting-pencil/) - [Bic Camera: Pentel GraphGear 1000 PG1015 (maker price, retractable tip, dual grip) (Japanese)](https://www.biccamera.com/bc/item/1516179/) - [Japanese Taste: Pentel GraphGear 1000 (PG1013 to PG1019, including 0.4 mm PG1014)](https://japanesetaste.com/products/pentel-graphgear-1000-mechanical-pencil) - [Bungu Store: GraphGear 1000 60th Anniversary Edition PG1015-ANA (10 × 9 × 150 mm, 20 g, materials)](https://bungu.store/products/limited-graphgear-1000-mechanical-pencil-60th-anniversary-edition-pentel) - [Everyman: The Best Mechanical Pencil in 2026, 9 models tested](https://everyman.co/blogs/news/best-mechanical-pencil) - [ShopSavvy: Best mechanical pencils for 2024](https://shopsavvy.com/best-picks/best-mechanical-pencils) - [The Pen Addict: Pentel Graph 1000 0.5 mm review](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2021/8/2/pentel-graph-1000-mechanical-pencil-05-mm-red-gradation-review) - [Mechanical Inclination: Review of the GraphGear line](https://mechanicalinclination.substack.com/p/review-graphgear-line) - [Architecture Lab: Pentel GraphGear 1000 vs 500](https://www.architecturelab.net/pentel-graphgear-1000-vs-500/) - [Walmart: Graph Gear listings](https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/graph-gear) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Pentel renames itself ASTRUM Corporation from April 1, 2026](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2094175.html) --- # Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch: Binder Fit & Pockets > The Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch (item 50642) is a flat polyester ACCO Brands pouch that rides on 3-ring binder rings via three grommets. Five Star lists it at 11 × 9 in with three pockets and a micro-mesh front; supplier sheets give 8.75 × 11 in and 0.183 lb. One spec sheet gives China as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-pencil-pouch/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch 50642 in navy and pink, to scale: the 279 mm (11 in) tall mesh front with two diagonal zip pockets and three grommets, and the pouch on the rings of an open 3-ring binder](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/five-star-pencil-pouch-16x9.png) *The Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch at its 8.75 × 11 in spec-sheet size, on its own and riding on binder rings.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/five-star-pencil-pouch-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch, Fits 3-Ring Binders, Assorted Colors (50642) | Five Star (by ACCO Brands Corporation) | United States | China | Polyester fabric, micro-mesh front, metal grommets | – | $: under $5 per case | - Made in (Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch, Fits 3-Ring Binders, Assorted Colors (50642)): China. Per one business-supplier spec sheet (On Time Supplies, lime colorway, stock no. 50642BF7, country of origin CN), which blocked our recheck on October 20, 2026. Five Star's own page and spec table and the Amazon copy we found don't state it, so other colorways or batches could differ; check the label. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/mea73120-zipper-pouch-8-3-4-x-11-lime.html ## Key takeaways - Five Star's own page lists the pouch at 11 × 9 in; supplier spec sheets give item 50642 as 8 3/4 × 11 in (22.2 × 27.9 cm), 0.13 in thick and 0.183 lb (about 83 g). - Three metal grommets let it ride on binder rings, which in North America sit 4.25 in (108 mm) apart. - Listings describe 3 zippered pockets: 2 small-item pockets on the mesh front and 1 full-size pocket. - Five Star guarantees it to last all year: one year from purchase or delivery, whichever is longer, excluding misuse. - Five Star's own store sells the Navy/Pink version (506420B) at US$10.81, while the assorted 50642 has sold for about US$3 in Amazon deals. ## What is the Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch? **It is a flat, zippered pencil pouch with three metal grommets, so it rides on the rings of a 3-ring binder.** Five Star sells it as item 50642 in assorted two-tone colors; the Amazon copy says the color is chosen for you. Five Star is a US school-supplies brand owned by ACCO Brands since ACCO's merger with MeadWestvaco's consumer and office products business on May 1, 2012. The pouch is the binder-friendly sibling of the [Five Star 5 Subject Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/). Five Star's own store now calls the Navy/Pink version (506420B) the Flat Zipper Pouch and sells it for US$10.81; the assorted 50642 has sold for about US$3 in Amazon deals, which keeps it in our $ band. ## Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch specs **Five Star lists it at 11 × 9 in with three pockets and three metal grommets; supplier spec sheets give 8.75 × 11 in and 0.183 lb.** | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand / maker | Five Star / ACCO Brands Corporation | | Item number | 50642 (UPC 043100506423); colorway codes such as 50642BF7, 50642BE7 | | Size | 11 × 9 in per Five Star; 8 3/4 × 11 in (22.2 × 27.9 cm) per supplier sheets | | Thickness, empty | 0.13 in (3.3 mm) | | Weight | 0.183 lb (about 83 g) | | Pockets | 3 zippered: 2 small-item pockets on the front, 1 full-size | | Front | Puncture-resistant micro-mesh | | Binder fit | 3 metal grommets | | Material | Polyester cover (Five Star) | | Guarantee | One year from purchase or delivery, whichever is longer; excludes misuse | | Made in | China (one supplier spec sheet) | Size, weight, pocket layout and origin come from On Time Supplies' sheet for the lime 50642BF7; a red listing gives the same size. Five Star's own page, and the Amazon copy quoted on Slickdeals, round the size to 11 × 9 in; our drawing uses the more precise supplier figure. ![Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch 50642 drawn to scale: 8.75 by 11 inches with three grommets 4.25 inches (108 mm) apart along the binder edge](https://stationerytimes.com/images/five-star-pencil-pouch-binder-fit.svg) *About the size of a letter sheet, so it sits flush inside a letter-size binder.* ## Will it fit my binder? **It fits standard North American 3-ring binders, whose rings sit 4.25 in (108 mm) apart.** That spacing dates to William P. Pitt's 1904 patent, and it is why a three-hole-punched 8.5 × 11 in sheet fits every US binder. Five Star doesn't publish the grommet spacing, so our drawing places the grommets at the standard spacing. At 11 in on the ring edge, the pouch matches letter paper; binders built to other hole spacings, such as many A4 binders, may not line up. ## How are the pockets laid out? **There are three zippered pockets: two small-item pockets on the mesh front and one full-size pocket.** The Amazon copy places the full-size pocket on the reverse. A supplier sheet says the front pockets have diagonal zippers and the large one a vertical zipper. The see-through micro-mesh front lets you check for an eraser or USB stick without opening it. Five Star calls the mesh puncture-resistant; we haven't tested that claim. ## How does it compare to other Five Star pouches? **The Zipper Pouch is the flat, binder-mounted option; the Stand 'N Store is upright and the Xpanz expands.** | | Zipper Pencil Pouch (50642) | Stand 'N Store (50516) | Xpanz Carrying Case (50206) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 8.75 × 11 × 0.13 in | 4.5 × 8 × 2 in | 6.4 × 10 in | | Binder fit | 3 metal grommets | 2 elastic binder loops | Not a binder pouch | | Shape | Flat | Stands upright | Expanding case | | Made in | China (supplier sheet) | Not checked | China (supplier sheet) | Sizes come from On Time Supplies and Target. For a free-standing desk case, see the [KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/). ## Which pencil case should you choose? **Pick the Five Star Zipper Pouch if everything you carry already lives in a binder.** - **Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch:** flat, light and always with your notes; better for a handful of pens than a full art kit. - **[Sooez Large Pencil Case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sooez-pencil-case/):** a roomy multi-pocket bag for larger collections. - **[EASTHILL Big Capacity](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/):** a simple open pouch for a mixed load. ## Where is the Five Star pencil pouch made? **One business-supplier spec sheet lists China as the country of origin.** On Time Supplies gives "CN" for the lime 50642BF7. Five Star's product page and spec table and the Amazon copy we found don't state an origin, so check the label on your colorway. The brand is American: Five Star belongs to ACCO Brands, a US company, even though this pouch is listed as made in China. The [Five Star 5 Subject Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/), by contrast, is listed as made in the USA. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch? Five Star's own page says 11 × 9 inches, as does the Amazon copy. Business-supplier spec sheets list item 50642 at 8 3/4 × 11 inches (22.2 × 27.9 cm) and 0.13 in thick when empty. ### Does the Five Star pencil pouch fit any 3-ring binder? It is made for standard 3-ring binders: three metal grommets slip over the rings. North American binders space their rings 4.25 in (108 mm) apart, so it suits US letter-size binders rather than A4 binders with different spacing. ### How many pockets does the Five Star zipper pouch have? Three zippered pockets. The Amazon copy describes two zippered pockets on the front and one full-size zippered pocket on the reverse, and a supplier sheet says the two small ones have diagonal zippers. ### Where is the Five Star pencil pouch made? A business-supplier spec sheet for the 50642 pouch in lime lists China as the country of origin. Five Star's own product page doesn't say, so check the label on the colorway you buy. ### Can you choose the color of Five Star pouch 50642? Not on the assorted listing: the Amazon copy says the color is selected for you and varies by shipment. Colorways named in listings include Black/Red, Lime/Black and Teal/Chartreuse, and Five Star sells a Navy/Pink version as item 506420B. ### Does Five Star replace a broken pencil pouch? Five Star says the pouch is guaranteed to last all year: the guarantee runs one year from purchase or delivery, whichever is longer, and doesn't cover misuse. ### What is the difference between the Five Star Zipper Pouch and the Stand 'N Store pouch? The Zipper Pouch (50642) is flat and rides on binder rings through three grommets. The Stand 'N Store (50516) is a small upright pouch, 4.5 × 8 × 2 in per retailers, that clips into a binder with two elastic loops. ## Sources - [Five Star: Flat Zipper Pouch, Navy/Pink (506420B; 11 × 9 in, 3 pockets, 3 metal grommets, polyester, micro-mesh, one-year guarantee, US$10.81)](https://www.fivestarbuiltstrong.com/p/pencil-pouches/zipper-pencil-pouch-navy-pink-506420b/) - [Five Star: Stand 'N Store Pencil Pouch, Navy/Pink (505160B)](https://www.fivestarbuiltstrong.com/p/pencil-pouches/stand-n-store-pencil-pouch-navy-pink-505160b/) - [ACCO Brands investor relations: 2005 spin-off and 2012 Mead merger](https://ir.accobrands.com/resources/2005-spin-off-2012-mead-merger/default.aspx) - [On Time Supplies: Five Star Zipper Pouch, 8 3/4 x 11, Lime (50642BF7; size, weight, country of origin)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/mea73120-zipper-pouch-8-3-4-x-11-lime.html) - [Supply Essentials (ClassWallet): Zipper Pouch, 8 3/4 x 11, Red](https://supply-essentials.classwallet.com/binder-pockets/25485-zipper-pouch-8-3-4-x-11-red-038576591875.html) - [Slickdeals: Five Star Zipper Pouch, Fits 3 Ring Binders, Assorted (50642) (Amazon listing copy)](https://slickdeals.net/f/13333144-five-star-zipper-pouch-pencil-pouch-pen-holder-fits-3-ring-binders-assorted-color-selected-for-you-1-count-50642-3) - [eBay: Five Star 50642 Zipper Pencil Pouch (model and UPC)](https://www.ebay.com/p/1400416948) - [dealnews: Five Star deals (Five Star Pencil Pouch on Amazon)](https://www.dealnews.com/b36135/Five-Star/) - [Target: Five Star Stand 'N Store Pencil Pouch (size, elastic binder loops)](https://www.target.com/p/-/A-15118390) - [On Time Supplies: Five Star Stand 'N Store Pencil Pouch, 4.5 x 8, Red (50516CE8)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/mea50516ce8-stand-n-store-pencil-pouch-45-x-8-red.html) - [On Time Supplies: Five Star Xpanz Carrying Case (50206)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/mea50206-xpanz-carrying-case-pouch-pencil-pen-supplies-assorted-puncture-resistant-1-pack.html) - [Wikipedia: Ring binder (North American 3-ring spacing)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_binder) --- # Memento Tuxedo Black: The Ink Pad for Copic Coloring > Memento Tuxedo Black (ME-000-900) is a water-based dye ink pad from Tsukineko of Japan, which calls Memento the best choice for alcohol marker coloring, such as Copics. Tsukineko lists the full-size Memento L pad at 99 × 68 mm with a 76 × 47 mm inking surface, and a drop-shaped Dew Drop (MD-900) version. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Full-size Memento Tuxedo Black dye ink pad with the lid lifted, drawn to scale at 97.5 mm (3.84 in) wide, beside a stamped star outline colored with an alcohol marker](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad-16x9.png) *The full-size Tuxedo Black pad, the dye ink stampers pair with alcohol markers.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Memento Dye Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black (ME-900; full size) | Memento (by Tsukineko Co., Ltd. (Japan); sold in the US under its Imagine name) | Japan | Japan | Water-based, acid-free dye ink on a raised cloth pad | – | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Memento Dye Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black (ME-900; full size)): Japan. Rittagraf, a European retailer, lists the Memento ink pad with a 7.7 × 4.7 cm inking surface (the full-size pad) as made in Japan. Tsukineko's product pages don't state a country of manufacture; its Japanese company history lists factories in Yoshikawa, Saitama, and a US subsidiary, Tsukineko, Inc., producing in Redmond, Washington, since 1994, so check the box. Source: https://rittagraf.com/en/memento-ink-pad-7-5x4-7-cm.html ## Key takeaways - Tsukineko lists the full-size Memento L pad (ME-000-900, UPC 712353259003) at 99 × 68 × 19 mm with a 76 × 47 mm inking surface. - Tsukineko lists the teardrop-shaped Dew Drop pad (MD-900) at 33 × 50 × 20 mm with a 24 × 39 mm inking surface; in Japan it costs ¥430 (about US$2.70) before tax. - Tsukineko's Memento re-inker holds 15 ml (about 0.5 oz) in a 24 × 66 mm bottle. - Tsukineko gives a drying time of 3 to 5 seconds on art paper and about 1 second on inkjet paper, and describes the ink as acid-free. - Tsukineko's Japanese site sells only the Dew Drop and inkers; the full-size Memento L appears on its English site for overseas markets. ## What is Memento Tuxedo Black? **Memento Tuxedo Black is a black, water-based dye stamp ink pad made by Tsukineko, the Japanese company that also makes StazOn and VersaFine.** The full-size pad's item number is ME-000-900 (often shortened to ME-900), and "900" is Tuxedo Black's color code across the Memento line. Tsukineko calls the full-size pad Memento L. Tsukineko describes Memento as a fast-drying, acid-free water-based dye ink with clearer color than conventional dye inks and better resistance to water and fading. In the US it is sold under Tsukineko's Imagine name. ## Memento Tuxedo Black specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Tsukineko Co., Ltd. (Japan) | | Model | ME-000-900 (full size, Memento L) · MD-900 (Dew Drop) | | Ink type | Water-based dye, acid-free | | Full-size pad | 99 × 68 × 19 mm (3.9 × 2.68 × 0.75 in) | | Full-size inking surface | 76 × 47 mm (3 × 1.85 in) | | Dew Drop pad | 33 × 50 × 20 mm; inking surface 24 × 39 mm | | Drying time | 3–5 seconds on art paper; about 1 second on inkjet paper | | Re-inker | 15 ml (about 0.5 oz), 24 × 66 mm bottle | | UPC, full size | 712353259003 | | Made in | Japan (retailer listing; see below) | All figures are from Tsukineko's English and Japanese product pages. Swedish retailer Tidformera gives the Dew Drop as about 32 × 50 mm; we use Tsukineko's figures. Tsukineko doesn't publish a weight. **Market note:** Tsukineko's Japanese page sells Memento only as the Dew Drop, at ¥430 (about US$2.70) before tax, plus inkers at ¥540 (about US$3.40). The full-size Memento L and the marker appear only on its English page, for overseas markets. ![To-scale drawing: the full-size Memento Tuxedo Black pad is 97.5 by 67.8 mm; the Dew Drop pad is about 32 by 50 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad-sizes.svg) *The Dew Drop covers about a quarter of the full-size pad's footprint, so it suits small stamps.* ## Why is Memento the standard ink for Copic coloring? **Because Tsukineko designs it for that: both its English and Japanese pages say Memento is the ink to choose for coloring with alcohol markers.** Alcohol markers can reactivate some stamp inks and drag the outline into the color; Memento's water-based dye doesn't react that way with the markers' solvent. Retailers say the same. Root & Co's Memento listing says a stamped print can be colored with alcohol markers, but not with a water brush or watercolor, and that the ink can't be heat embossed. ## How does Memento compare to VersaFine and StazOn? **All three are Tsukineko blacks, but each suits a different kind of coloring.** | | Memento Tuxedo Black | VersaFine Onyx Black | StazOn Jet Black | |---|---|---|---| | Ink base | Water-based dye | Pigment (oil-based) | Solvent | | Best for | Paper, alcohol markers | Fine detail, watercolor | Glass, metal, plastic | | Alcohol markers | Yes | Smears unless heat-set (stampers) | Can smear (stampers) | | Watercolor over it | Not the usual choice | Yes, once dry | Yes | | Heat embossing | Not sold for it | Glossy and coated surfaces | Not stated | Details come from the sources in each guide. For the full picture, see our [VersaFine Onyx Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad/) and [StazOn ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/) guides. For a US-made permanent black under watercolor, see our [Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-archival-ink-jet-black/) guide. ## What sizes does Memento Tuxedo Black come in? **The two common formats are the full-size rectangle and the teardrop-shaped Dew Drop.** - **Full size (ME-000-900, Memento L):** 99 × 68 mm with a 76 × 47 mm inking surface, for most stamps in one press. Sold outside Japan. - **Dew Drop (MD-900):** 33 × 50 mm with a 24 × 39 mm inking surface. Dew Drops are also sold in 4- and 12-color sets that include Tuxedo Black. - **Marker (PM-000-900):** a dual-tip Tuxedo Black marker, 12 mm across and 171 mm long per Tsukineko, for inking parts of a stamp or touching up. Tsukineko's Japanese site announced on August 10, 2026 that Memento markers would stop selling with orders taken on September 4, 2026, so expect remaining stock only. Memento Luxe Tuxedo Black (ML-900) is a separate pigment ink. Simon Says Stamp says it becomes permanent on non-paper surfaces when heat-set. ## How do you re-ink a Memento pad? **Use a matching Memento dye re-inker (RM-900 in Japan), which Tsukineko lists as a 15 ml (about 0.5 oz) bottle.** Tsukineko says the inkers can also be mixed to make new colors, and its Japanese site notes they are made to order, so allow time if stock runs out. Don't mix in a Memento Luxe refill: it is a pigment ink for a different pad, also sold in 0.5 oz bottles. ## Which should you choose? **Choose Memento Tuxedo Black if you color stamped images with alcohol markers.** - **Copics and other alcohol markers on smooth card:** Memento. - **Watercolor or crisp text:** [VersaFine Onyx Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad/). - **Non-paper surfaces:** [StazOn](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/). - **Blended backgrounds:** the [Tim Holtz Distress Oxide ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad/). ## Where is Memento Tuxedo Black made? **A European retailer, Rittagraf, lists the full-size Memento pad as made in Japan.** Tsukineko's own product pages don't state a country of manufacture. Tsukineko's Japanese company history says it was founded in 1952, built factories in Yoshikawa, Saitama, and set up a US subsidiary, Tsukineko, Inc., which has produced in Redmond, Washington, since 1994. Pads sold in the US could come from either, so check the box of the pad you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why is Memento Tuxedo Black recommended for Copic markers? Tsukineko itself says Memento is the best choice for coloring with alcohol markers. It is a water-based dye ink, which alcohol markers don't reactivate the way they can some other inks, so the black outline stays put. ### Do you have to wait for Memento to dry before coloring with Copics? Only briefly. Tsukineko gives a drying time of 3 to 5 seconds on art paper and about 1 second on inkjet paper, varying with paper, climate and color. A short wait on smooth card is the safer habit. ### Can you use watercolor over Memento Tuxedo Black? Root & Co says not with a water brush or watercolor, even though Tsukineko describes Memento as more water-resistant than conventional dye inks. Stampers usually use VersaFine or StazOn under watercolor. ### Can you heat emboss with Memento? No. Root & Co's Memento listing says you can't use it for heat embossing. For embossing, use a pigment ink such as VersaFine Clair. ### What is the difference between Memento and Memento Luxe? Memento is a dye ink; Memento Luxe is a separate pigment line. Simon Says Stamp says Luxe Tuxedo Black becomes permanent on non-paper surfaces when heat-set. ### How big is a Memento ink pad? Tsukineko lists the full-size Memento L at 99 × 68 × 19 mm with a 76 × 47 mm inking surface, and the Dew Drop at 33 × 50 × 20 mm with a 24 × 39 mm inking surface. ### Where are Memento ink pads made? Rittagraf lists the full-size Memento pad as made in Japan. Tsukineko has factories in Saitama, Japan, and a US subsidiary that has produced in Washington state since 1994, and its product pages don't state the origin, so check the box. ## Sources - [メメント｜紙用水性染料インク｜株式会社ツキネコ (Tsukineko Japan product page: Dew Drop MD-900 ¥430 + tax, inker ¥540 + tax, acid-free water-based dye, drying time, recommended for alcohol markers)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/products/memento/) - [MEMENTO | Water-Based Dye Ink for Paper | TSUKINEKO (Tsukineko English product page: Memento L ME-000-900, UPC, body and inking-surface sizes, 15 ml inker, marker)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/en/products/memento-series/) - [一部商品の製造・販売終了のお知らせ (Tsukineko Japan notice, August 10, 2026: Memento markers end with orders on September 4, 2026)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/news/info/920/product-discontinuation-2026-08/) - [会社案内-沿革 (Tsukineko Japan company history: founded 1952, Yoshikawa factories, TSUKINEKO, INC. producing in Redmond, Washington, from 1994)](https://tsukineko.co.jp/company/history.html) - [Rittagraf: Memento ink pad 7.7 × 4.7 cm (made in Japan)](https://rittagraf.com/en/memento-ink-pad-7-5x4-7-cm.html) - [Tidformera: Memento Dew Drop pads (about 32 × 50 mm per pad)](https://tidformera.se/en/products/stampeldyna-memento-dew-drop-gotta-have) - [Root & Co: Tsukineko Memento Dew Drop inks (dye-based, alcohol markers, no heat embossing or watercolor)](https://www.rootandco.com/products/tsukineko-memento-dew-drop-inks-new-sprout) - [Simon Says Stamp: Memento Luxe Tuxedo Black ink pad ML-900](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/memento-luxe-tuxedo-black-ink-pad-tsukineko-ml-900) - [Simon Says Stamp: Memento Tuxedo Black dual-tip marker PM-000-900](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/Memento-TUXEDO-BLACK-Dual-Tip-MARKER-Tsukineko-PM-900-24889) - [eBay.de: Tsukineko Memento dye re-inker 900 Tuxedo Black (ended listing)](https://www.ebay.de/itm/402334783883) - [Walmart: Tsukineko Memento Dye Inkpad Tuxedo Black (sold by Tsukineko/Imagine)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Tsukineko-Memento-Dye-Inkpad-Tuxedo-Black/23528411) --- # Sooez Large Pencil Case: Size, Pockets & Capacity > The Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch is a corduroy pencil bag with a carry handle and five compartments, sold mainly on Amazon. Listings give its size as 9.05 × 7.4 × 2.8 in (23.0 × 18.8 × 7.1 cm) and claim it holds up to 200 pens. Sooez doesn't state where it is made in the listings we found. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sooez-pencil-case/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch in grey corduroy, to scale: closed with its carry handle, 230 mm (9.05 in) long, and opened flat with pens in 14 elastic loops and four mesh pockets](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/sooez-pencil-case-16x9.png) *The Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch, closed and opened flat, drawn to scale from its listed 23.0 × 18.8 × 7.1 cm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/sooez-pencil-case-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch, 5 Compartments (Amazon ASIN B0C5JVQTMR) | Sooez (by ShenZhen XiaoJuZi Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd. (owner of the US SOOEZ trademarks, Shenzhen, China, per USPTO records)) | China | Not stated | Corduroy fabric, mesh pockets, elastic pen loops | – | $$: $5–20 per case | - Made in (Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch, 5 Compartments (Amazon ASIN B0C5JVQTMR)): Not stated. No listing we found (Desertcart's copy of the Amazon listing, eBay and reseller copies) states a country of origin; they name Sooez as the manufacturer without an address. The brand's trademark owner is based in Shenzhen, China, but that doesn't tell us where this case is made, so check the label. ## Key takeaways - Listed size is 9.05 × 7.4 × 2.8 in (23.0 × 18.8 × 7.1 cm), almost twice the footprint of the EASTHILL Big Capacity case. - The seller claims room for up to 200 pens across 5 compartments; no reviewer we found has checked that number. - Desertcart's copy of Amazon listing B0C5JVQTMR shows 4.7 stars from 2,645 reviews and a No. 10 rank in Pen, Pencil & Marker Cases. - USPTO records show 2 registered SOOEZ marks (Reg. Nos. 5708227 and 6227364, filed 2018 and 2020), the second covering pen and pencil cases, owned by a Shenzhen company. - Resale listings we checked sat in the $$ band ($5–20); Sooez publishes no list price. ## What is the Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch? **It is a large, zippered corduroy pencil bag with a carry handle and five compartments, sold mainly on Amazon under the Sooez brand.** The listing (ASIN B0C5JVQTMR) calls it an "extra big" pencil bag with a wide opening, so the inside is easy to see and reach. It is one of Amazon's better-selling cases. Desertcart's copy of the listing shows **4.7 stars from 2,645 reviews** and a rank of **No. 10 in Pen, Pencil & Marker Cases**. Ranks move daily, so treat that as a snapshot from October 2026. ## Sooez Large Pencil Case specs **Listings give 9.05 × 7.4 × 2.8 in (23.0 × 18.8 × 7.1 cm), five compartments and a 200-pen claim.** | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | Sooez | | Trademark owner | ShenZhen XiaoJuZi Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd. | | Amazon ASIN | B0C5JVQTMR | | Type | Soft zippered pouch with carry handle | | Dimensions | 9.05 × 7.4 × 2.8 in (23.0 × 18.8 × 7.1 cm) | | Compartments | 5 (seller's count) | | Capacity (seller claim) | Up to 200 pens | | Material | Corduroy fabric | | Weight | Not published in the sources we found | | Rating | 4.7 stars, 2,645 reviews (Desertcart mirror) | | Made in | Not stated | Dimensions, capacity and rating come from Desertcart's copy of the Amazon listing; a Napoleon Exhibit reseller copy repeats the size. The listings don't say which dimension is the height, so our drawing shows the outline, not an orientation. ![Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch outline at 23.0 × 18.8 cm with 7.1 cm depth, drawn to scale over the EASTHILL Big Capacity case at 22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/sooez-pencil-case-dimensions.svg) *Similar length, but the Sooez is almost twice as tall in outline as the EASTHILL.* ## How many pens does the Sooez case hold? **Sooez claims up to 200 pens, which is a packed-full maximum rather than a tested figure.** No review we found counted pens in this model. For context, Sooez markets its own Super Large model at 100 pens, and the EASTHILL Big Capacity case is sold on a 50-pen claim. In practice, the size means room for scissors, a ruler or a small calculator alongside pens. ## How are the five compartments laid out? **The listing counts five compartments, combining open mesh pockets, zippered pockets and elastic pen loops.** One reseller copy of the listing describes three mesh pockets, one zippered mesh pocket and one zippered pocket, plus 14 elastic pen loops. Sooez doesn't publish a diagram, and wording differs between listing copies, so check the photos on the listing you buy from. The wide opening is the main selling point: you see most of the contents at once, rather than digging into a tube. ## How does Sooez compare to the EASTHILL pencil case? **The Sooez is the bigger, more organized bag; the [EASTHILL Big Capacity](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/) is a slimmer open pouch.** | | Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch | [EASTHILL Big Capacity](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/) | |---|---|---| | Size | 23.0 × 18.8 × 7.1 cm (9.05 × 7.4 × 2.8 in) | 22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm (8.66 × 4.13 × 2.56 in) | | Footprint | about 432 cm² | about 231 cm² | | Capacity (seller claim) | Up to 200 pens | Up to 50 pens or 90 pencils | | Layout | 5 compartments, pen loops, handle | Main compartment + mesh pocket | | Material | Corduroy | Canvas (cotton), per most listings | | Rating (Desertcart mirror) | 4.7 stars, 2,645 reviews | 4.5 stars, 59,000+ reviews | | Made in | Not stated | China (retailer spec sheets) | Footprints are our arithmetic from the listed length and the larger second dimension. The EASTHILL has far more reviews, so it has the longer track record. ## Which Sooez case did reviewers pick? **TheTestedHub named the Sooez Super Large Pencil Case its best overall, a sibling model of the one covered here.** It describes the Super Large as holding up to 100 pens, with a divider, three inside pockets, three mesh pockets and five elastic straps. In a separate guide to expandable zipper pouches, TheTestedHub names this 5-compartment Large Pencil Case Pouch its best budget pick. BestReviews names another Sooez, the High Capacity case, as its best value. Sooez sells several similar names, so match the ASIN before you buy. ## Which pencil case should you choose? **Pick the Sooez Large if you carry a lot and want it sorted into pockets.** - **Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch:** most room and the most pockets; closer to a small bag than a pouch. - **[EASTHILL Big Capacity](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/):** slimmer and simpler, for a mixed load that can sit loose. - **[KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/):** much smaller, and it stands up as a pen cup. - **[Five Star Zipper Pencil Pouch](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-pencil-pouch/):** flat, and it clips into a 3-ring binder. ## Who makes Sooez, and where is it made? **Sooez is an Amazon brand whose US trademarks are owned by a Shenzhen company; no listing we found says where this case is made.** USPTO records list two registered SOOEZ marks under ShenZhen XiaoJuZi Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd., of Longhua District, Shenzhen: No. 5708227 (filed June 14, 2018, for stationery and notebooks) and No. 6227364 (filed May 29, 2020, for writing goods including pen and pencil cases, first used May 27, 2020). Desertcart and reseller copies name "Sooez" as the manufacturer without a country. Because a brand's home is not the same as a factory location, we list the country of manufacture as not stated; check the label on yours. ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the Sooez Large Pencil Case? Listings for the 5-compartment Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch give 9.05 × 7.4 × 2.8 inches, or about 23.0 × 18.8 × 7.1 cm. One reseller gives a smaller package size of 9.61 × 5.51 × 1.81 in, which looks like the folded case in its shipping bag. ### How many pens does the Sooez pencil case hold? Sooez says up to 200 pens. That is a seller's maximum for a packed case, and none of the reviews we found tested it; Sooez's Super Large model is marketed at 100 pens. ### What is the Sooez pencil case made of? The listing describes a soft corduroy fabric shell with a carry handle and a zipper. Sooez doesn't publish a lining material or care instructions in the sources we found. ### Who makes Sooez pencil cases? Sooez is a brand sold mainly on Amazon. USPTO records list ShenZhen XiaoJuZi Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd., of Longhua District, Shenzhen, China, as owner of the SOOEZ marks, whose goods include pen and pencil cases. ### Where is the Sooez pencil case made? No listing we found states a country of origin for the 5-compartment Sooez case. The brand's trademark owner is in China, but that is not the same as a made-in statement, so check the sewn-in label or packaging. ### Is the Sooez pencil case good for school? It is one of the more popular large cases on Amazon, with 4.7 stars from about 2,600 reviews on Desertcart's copy of the listing. At 9.05 × 7.4 in it is closer to a small bag than a slim pouch, so check it fits your backpack's front pocket. ### Which Sooez case did TheTestedHub pick as best overall? TheTestedHub's best-overall pick was the Sooez Super Large Pencil Case, a sibling model with a 100-pen claim, a divider and elastic straps. In a separate guide to zipper pouches it names the 5-compartment Large Pencil Case Pouch covered here its best budget pick. ## Sources - [USPTO TSDR: SOOEZ, Reg. No. 6227364 (filed May 29, 2020; pen and pencil cases; owner ShenZhen XiaoJuZi Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd., Shenzhen)](https://tsdr.uspto.gov/statusview/sn88938552) - [USPTO TSDR: SOOEZ, Reg. No. 5708227 (filed June 14, 2018; stationery, notebooks)](https://tsdr.uspto.gov/statusview/sn87961429) - [Amazon: Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch, 5 Compartments (B0C5JVQTMR)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5JVQTMR) - [Desertcart: Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch (dimensions, 200-pen claim, rating, rank)](https://www.desertcart.nl/products/542556988) - [Napoleon Exhibit: Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch, 5 Compartments, Wide Opening (listing copy)](https://www.napoleonexhibit.com/store/Sooez-Large-Pencil-Case-Pouch-Extra-Big-Bag-with-5-Compartments-Wide-Opening-_386959991380.html) - [Napoleon Exhibit: Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch, 5 Compartments (package size, manufacturer)](https://www.napoleonexhibit.com/store/Sooez-Large-Pencil-Case-Pouch-Extra-Big-Pencil-Bag-with-5-Compartments-Pen-Bag_126434012042.html) - [Napoleon Exhibit: Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch (resale price)](https://napoleonexhibit.com/store/Sooez-Large-Pencil-Case-Pouch-Extra-Big-Pencil-Bag-with-5-Compartments-Pen-Bag_296506334450.html) - [Justia Trademarks: ShenZhen XiaoJuZi Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd. (SOOEZ filings; page blocked our reader on October 20, 2026)](https://trademark.justia.com/owners/shenzhen-xiaojuzi-electronic-commerce-co-ltd-3862648) - [TheTestedHub: desk organization guide (Sooez Super Large best overall)](https://thetestedhub.com/?p=21671) - [TheTestedHub: Best stretch, extra-capacity zipper pouch (Sooez Large Pencil Case Pouch as best budget: 9.05 × 7.4 × 2.8 in, 200 pens, 14 pen loops)](https://thetestedhub.com/guides/best-pencil-stretch-extra-capacity-zipper-pouch/) - [BestReviews: Best pencil cases (Sooez High Capacity as best value)](https://bestreviews.com/best-pencil-cases) - [Fws-oberberg: Sooez Super Large Pencil Case, Haze Blue (sibling model)](https://www.fws-oberberg.de/item/sooez-super-large-pencil-case-big-capac-4/) --- # VersaFine Onyx Black: Ink Pad for Crisp Fine Detail > VersaFine Onyx Black (VF-82) is an oil-based pigment stamp ink pad from Tsukineko of Japan, favored by stampers for crisp fine-detail and text stamps. Tsukineko lists the full-size pad at 99 × 68 mm with a 76 × 47 mm inking surface and says the ink dries fast on plain paper and repels water once dry. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Full-size VersaFine Onyx Black pigment ink pad with the lid open, drawn to scale at 97 mm (3.825 in) wide with a raised inking surface, beside a crisp fine-line leaf sprig stamped in black](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad-16x9.png) *VersaFine's pigment ink sits on top of the paper, so thin lines stay thin.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | VersaFine Pigment Ink Pad, Onyx Black (VF-82; full size) | VersaFine (by Tsukineko Co., Ltd. (Japan); sold in the US under its Imagine name) | Japan | Not stated | – | – | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (VersaFine Pigment Ink Pad, Onyx Black (VF-82; full size)): Not stated. Tsukineko's product pages don't state a country of manufacture, and the retailer pages we could load for the Onyx Black pad give none. An eBay.de listing cited in an earlier version said Japan, but it no longer loads. For the VersaFine Clair line, The Journal Shop says made in Japan. Tsukineko's company history lists factories in Yoshikawa, Saitama, and a US subsidiary in Redmond, Washington, producing since 1994, so check the box. Source: https://thejournalshop.com/products/tsukineko-versafine-clair-stamp-ink-pad ## Key takeaways - Tsukineko lists the full-size VersaFine Onyx Black pad (VF-000-082, UPC 712353380820) at 99 × 68 × 19 mm with a 76 × 47 mm inking surface; UK retailers list 97 × 63 mm. - Tsukineko lists the VersaFine Clair pad at 97 × 57 × 23 mm, with a 76 × 35 mm (about 3 × 1.4 in) inking surface. - Simon Says Stamp says Clair stays embossable for several minutes after it dries; the original VF-82 is listed as embossable on glossy and coated surfaces. - A VersaFine Clair re-inker holds 0.5 fl oz (15 ml), per Root & Co. - Tsukineko's Japanese site now lists the small VersaFine S pad at ¥380 (about US$2.40) and the 15 ml re-inker at ¥580 (about US$3.70), before tax. ## What is VersaFine Onyx Black? **VersaFine Onyx Black is a black pigment stamp ink pad made by Tsukineko, the Japanese ink-pad maker behind StazOn and Memento.** Its model number is VF-82 (VF-000-082 on Tsukineko's site, VF000082 in some listings), and the full-size pad carries UPC 712353380820. Tsukineko calls the full-size pad VersaFine L. It is a forum favorite for one job: stamping fine lines and small text cleanly. On Splitcoaststampers, members call it the deepest, crispest black they have used for sentiments and detailed images. ## VersaFine Onyx Black specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Tsukineko Co., Ltd. (Japan) | | Model | VF-82 / VF-000-082 (full size) · VFS-82 / VF-SML-82 (small, UPC 712353400825) | | Ink type | Oil-based pigment (Tsukineko); archival and acid-free (retailer copy) | | Full-size pad | 99 × 68 × 19 mm (3.9 × 2.68 × 0.75 in), per Tsukineko; UK retailers list 97 × 63 mm | | Full-size inking surface | 76 × 47 mm (3 × 1.85 in), per Tsukineko | | Small pad (VersaFine S) | 34 × 34 × 20 mm; inking surface 24 × 24 mm, per Tsukineko | | Re-inker | 15 ml, per Tsukineko's Japanese site | | Drying | Fast on plain paper, per Tsukineko; no time published | | Water | Repels water once dry; water- and lightfast, per Tsukineko | | Embossing | On glossy and coated surfaces (Simon Says Stamp) | | Made in | Not stated for the VF-82 (see below) | Sizes come from Tsukineko's product pages; Loobi Crafts and Cass Art list the full-size pad about 2 mm narrower and 5 mm shallower, at 97 × 63 mm, and we use Tsukineko's figure. Tsukineko's Japanese page adds that a pad lasts more than twice as long as its ColorPalette pads, and that the ink suits planners, cards and tags. Tsukineko's Japanese site now lists the small VersaFine S pad at ¥380 (about US$2.40) and the 15 ml re-inker at ¥580 (about US$3.70), both before tax. Its 2024 JAN code table had them at ¥330 (about US$2.10) and ¥440 (about US$2.80); Tsukineko raised prices in January 2026 and again from July 21, 2026. ![To-scale drawing: the VersaFine Onyx Black full-size pad is 97 by 63 mm; the VersaFine Clair case is 97 by 55 mm with a 76 by 35 mm ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/images/versafine-onyx-black-ink-pad-sizes.svg) *Clair's ink pad is narrower than the original's case, so wide stamps may need two presses.* ## Why does VersaFine stamp such fine detail? **Because pigment ink sits on top of the paper instead of soaking in, thin lines stay thin.** Tsukineko's Japanese page says both solid areas and fine details print sharply. Ecstasy Crafts describes VersaFine Clair this way: the ink rests on the surface and gives bold, sharp impressions. The Journal Shop calls the Clair ink oil-based pigment, and stampers describe the original the same way. That oily base is also why it doesn't run under watercolor once dry. ## How long does VersaFine take to dry? **On ordinary paper it dries quickly, but Tsukineko doesn't publish a time.** Its Japanese page says it dries fast on plain paper, depending on the surface, climate and ink color, and Simon Says Stamp's listing says it dries quickly on porous surfaces. On coated or glossy card the ink has nothing to soak into, so it stays wet much longer. That slow drying is a feature for embossing and a smudge risk for everything else. ## Can you heat emboss with VersaFine? **Yes, with limits on the original.** Simon Says Stamp lists Onyx Black as embossable on glossy and coated surfaces. VersaFine Clair is sold for embossing on paper. The Journal Shop describes the process as stamp, add embossing powder and heat, and Simon Says Stamp says Clair stays embossable for several minutes after it dries. Our [Ranger clear embossing powder](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ranger-clear-embossing-powder/) guide walks through the steps. ## What is the difference between VersaFine and VersaFine Clair? **Clair is the newer Tsukineko pigment line, announced in 2017 per Tsukineko's company history, and sold as a deeper, slower-drying ink in a narrower pad.** A UK retailer, Loobi Crafts, calls it the same water-resistant ink as the original but improved, with stronger pigment. | | VersaFine (Onyx Black) | VersaFine Clair (Nocturne) | |---|---|---| | Ink | Pigment | Oil-based pigment | | Full-size case | 99 × 68 × 19 mm | 97 × 57 × 23 mm | | Inking surface | 76 × 47 mm | 76 × 35 mm (about 3 × 1.4 in) | | Drying | Quick on porous paper | Slower, per Loobi Crafts | | Embossing | Glossy and coated surfaces | On paper, for several minutes after drying | | Water | Water-resistant once dry | Waterproof once dry | | Re-inker | 15 ml (Tsukineko Japan) | 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) | Sizes come from Tsukineko's product pages (The Journal Shop gives the Clair case as 97 × 55 mm); the Clair re-inker size from Root & Co. Tsukineko hasn't published a side-by-side comparison in the sources we found. ## Can you color VersaFine with alcohol markers? **Not reliably.** Simon Says Stamp says its Nocturne Clair ink is not compatible with alcohol markers like Copics, and Splitcoaststampers members report smearing unless they heat-set the image with clear embossing powder. For Copic coloring, stampers point to a dye ink like [Memento Tuxedo Black](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/memento-tuxedo-black-ink-pad/). For glass, metal or plastic, Tsukineko's solvent ink is [StazOn](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/). For blending on paper, see the [Tim Holtz Distress Oxide ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad/). ## Which should you choose? **Pick the original Onyx Black for crisp black stamping under watercolor, and Clair if you also want to emboss on paper.** - **VersaFine Onyx Black:** fine text and detailed images, colored afterwards with watercolor or water-based markers. - **VersaFine Clair Nocturne:** the same jobs, plus embossing with powder. - **Neither:** if you color with alcohol markers. To stamp a solid image twice in exactly the same place, a [MISTI stamping tool](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/misti-stamping-tool/) holds the stamp in register. ## Where is VersaFine Onyx Black made? **Tsukineko doesn't say, and we found no current listing that states it for the Onyx Black pad.** The Journal Shop lists VersaFine Clair pads as made in Japan; an eBay.de listing that gave Japan for the VF-82 no longer loads. Tsukineko's Japanese company history lists factories in Yoshikawa, Saitama, and a US subsidiary, TSUKINEKO, INC., founded in Redmond, Washington in 1993 and producing there since 1994, so check the packaging of the pad you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why do stampers like VersaFine Onyx Black for fine detail? Members of Splitcoaststampers describe it as the densest, crispest black they have used for small text and detailed stamps. Retailers add that the pad has a raised surface that is easy to tap onto large or small stamps. ### Is VersaFine ink waterproof? Tsukineko's Japanese site says VersaFine repels water once dry, doesn't feather, and resists water and light; Simon Says Stamp calls it water-resistant when dry. Tsukineko says you can color over it with water-based markers. ### Can you heat emboss with VersaFine Onyx Black? Simon Says Stamp lists the original pad as embossable on glossy and coated surfaces. VersaFine Clair is sold as embossable on paper, with Simon Says Stamp saying it stays tacky enough for powder for several minutes after drying. ### Can you use Copic markers over VersaFine? It is not the usual choice. Simon Says Stamp says its Nocturne Clair ink is not compatible with alcohol markers like Copics, and stampers on Splitcoaststampers report smearing unless the image is heat-set with clear embossing powder. ### What is the difference between VersaFine and VersaFine Clair? Both are Tsukineko pigment inks for detailed stamping. A UK retailer says Clair has deeper pigment and dries more slowly, which suits embossing, and its full-size pad is narrower than the original's. ### How long does VersaFine take to dry? Tsukineko says only that it dries fast on plain paper, varying with the surface, climate and ink color; it publishes no time in seconds. On coated or glossy card it stays wet much longer, which is what makes embossing possible. ### Where is VersaFine Onyx Black made? Tsukineko doesn't say, and we found no current listing that states it for the VF-82 pad; The Journal Shop lists VersaFine Clair as made in Japan. Tsukineko makes ink pads in Yoshikawa, Japan, and has had a US factory since 1994, so check the box. ## Sources - [Versa Fine | Oil-Based Pigment Ink (Tsukineko product page, English edition of tsukineko.co.jp, read in full: VF-000-082 99 × 68 × 19 mm, VF-SML-82 34 × 34 × 20 mm, UPCs)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/en/products/versa-fine-series/) - [バーサファイン S｜紙用油性顔料インク (Tsukineko Japan product page, read in full: S pad ¥380 + tax, 15 ml inker ¥580 + tax, fast-drying, water-repellent once dry)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/product_craft/versafine/index.html) - [ツキネコ製品 JANコード表2024 (Tsukineko Japan 2024 JAN code and list price table, PDF)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/pdf/tsukineko_jan_codelist_2024.pdf) - [価格改定のご案内 (Tsukineko Japan price revision notice, effective July 21, 2026)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/news/info/865/price-change-2026-02/) - [Versa Fine CLAIR (Tsukineko product page, English edition of tsukineko.co.jp: Clair pad and inker sizes)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/en/products/versa-fine-clair-series/) - [会社案内-沿革 (Tsukineko Japan company history: Yoshikawa factories, TSUKINEKO, INC. founded 1993 in Redmond, production from 1994; VersaFine Clair announced 2017)](https://tsukineko.co.jp/company/history.html) - [Simon Says Stamp: VersaFine Onyx Black ink pad VF-82 (fast-drying, embossable on glossy and coated surfaces, water-resistant, acid free)](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/VersaFine-ONYX-BLACK-Ink-Pad-Pigment-Tsukineko-VF-82-23812) - [Loobi Crafts: VersaFine ink pad Onyx Black (VF82, 97 x 63 mm, archival, acid free)](https://www.loobicrafts.co.uk/versafine-ink-pad-%2D-onyx-black-26828-p.asp) - [Cass Art: Tsukineko VersaFine ink pad Onyx Black (pad size, ink description)](https://www.cassart.co.uk/tsukineko-versafine-ink-pad-onyx-black) - [Officeworks: Tsukineko VersaFine ink pad 82 Onyx Black](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tsukineko-versafine-ink-pad-82-onyx-black-tsj701682) - [The Journal Shop: Tsukineko VersaFine Clair stamp ink pad (oil-based pigment, sizes, made in Japan)](https://thejournalshop.com/products/tsukineko-versafine-clair-stamp-ink-pad) - [Officeworks: Tsukineko VersaFine Clair ink pad 09 Blue Belle (country of manufacture Japan)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tsukineko-versafine-clair-ink-pad-09-blue-belle-tsj705809) - [Simon Says Stamp: Tsukineko VersaFine Clair Nocturne ink pad (embossable after drying)](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/Tsukineko-VersaFine-Clair-NOCTURNE-Ink-Pad-vfcla351-vfcla351t) - [Simon Says Stamp: Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink pad (not compatible with alcohol markers)](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/simon-says-stamp-nocturne-versafine-clair-ink-pad-ink101) - [Root & Co: Tsukineko VersaFine Clair inker Nocturne (0.5 fl oz)](https://www.rootandco.com/products/tsukineko-versafine-clair-inker-nocturne) - [Loobi Crafts: VersaFine Clair ink pad Adriatic Sea (Clair vs original VersaFine)](https://www.loobicrafts.co.uk/versafine-clair-ink-pad-%2D-adriatic-sea-93731-p.asp) - [Ecstasy Crafts: What are VersaFine Clair ink pads?](https://ecstasycrafts.com/blogs/ecstasy-crafts-blog/what-are-versafine-clair-ink-pads-a-creative-s-guide) - [Walmart: Tsukineko VersaFine Onyx Black, small pad](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Tsukineko-Versafine-Ink-Pad-Onyx-Black-Small/25308674) - [Splitcoaststampers: Best black ink? (forum thread)](https://splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-128/best-black-ink-638386/) - [Splitcoaststampers: Water-proof black ink, what's best? (forum thread)](https://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-128/water-proof-black-ink-whats-best-what-do-you-use-340386/?nojs=1) --- # Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Notebook: Pages & Paper > The Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Medium (A5) is a German-brand hardcover notebook measuring 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in). Leuchtturm1917 lists 251 numbered pages of 80 g/m² paper, a blank table of contents, two page markers and a gusseted back pocket. A 120G edition has 203 pages of 120 g/m² paper. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a Forest Green Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 hard cover, 210 mm tall and 145 mm wide, closed with its elastic and opened flat on 5 mm dotted, numbered pages with two ribbon page markers](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook-16x9.png) *The Medium A5 closed and open, with a numbered page corner magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Medium (A5), Hardcover, 251 numbered pages (dotted, ruled, squared or plain) | Leuchtturm1917 (by Leuchtturm Gruppe (Geesthacht, Germany)) | Germany | Varies (Taiwan or Germany) | Synthetic leather hard cover, 80 g/m² FSC-certified, slightly cream paper | 2005 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Medium (A5), Hardcover, 251 numbered pages (dotted, ruled, squared or plain)): Varies (Taiwan or Germany). Retailer data conflicts. Galaxus has listed Germany for a forest-green Medium dotted hard cover; Digitec has listed Germany, Taiwan and United Kingdom for a red-violet one; several eBay listings for Medium A5 notebooks have given Taiwan (all three now block automated reading). Leuchtturm1917's German and US product pages name no country for the standard notebook; its US 120G page says that edition's paper is made in Germany. Check the label on your copy. Source: https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/leuchtturm1917-notebook-a5-dotted-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-12221141 ## Key takeaways - The cover is A5-sized at 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in), 15 mm wider than a Moleskine Classic Large at 130 × 210 mm. - Leuchtturm1917's own product pages list 251 numbered pages; older stock and some retailers still say 249. - Standard paper is 80 g/m², versus 70 g/m² in the Moleskine Classic; the 120G edition uses 120 g/m² with 203 numbered pages. - Leuchtturm1917's German site lists 8 perforated sheets at the back, a sticker set for archiving, a thread-sewn book block and a weight of 423 g. - The dotted layout uses a 5 mm dot grid, and retailers give 6 mm line spacing for the ruled version. ## What is the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 notebook? **It's the A5 hard-cover notebook from Leuchtturm1917, a German brand, and the size most people mean when they say "a Leuchtturm".** It comes in dotted, ruled, squared and plain layouts and in a long list of cover colors. What sets it apart from most hard-cover notebooks is the archiving kit. Leuchtturm1917 prints page numbers on every page and leaves a blank table of contents at the front, so you can index what you write. Wirecutter picked the Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Notebook Classic (A5) in its notebook guide; it was the favorite of three of its testers, who praised the cream-colored paper. ## Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Leuchtturm1917 (Leuchtturm Gruppe, Geesthacht, Germany) | | Format | Medium, A5 | | Size | 145 × 210 mm (5.75 × 8.25 in) | | Pages | 251 numbered (older listings: 249) | | Paper | 80 g/m², FSC-certified, slightly cream (Leuchtturm1917); acid-free, ink-proof (per retailers) | | Layouts | Dotted (5 mm) · ruled (6 mm) · squared · plain | | Index | Blank table of contents | | Page markers | 2 ribbons | | Extras | Elastic closure, gusseted back pocket, 8 perforated sheets, sticker set | | Binding | Thread-sewn book block (Fadenheftung); Leuchtturm1917 says it opens flat | | Weight | 423 g (Leuchtturm1917 Germany) | | Article | 329398 (black, dotted, Germany) | | German list price | €24.50 (about US$27) | | Made in | Varies: Taiwan or Germany, per retailers | Size, page count, paper, ribbons, extras, binding, weight and price come from Leuchtturm1917's German product page, which matches its US and international pages. The 6 mm line spacing comes from Spilhaus. ## Does it have 249 or 251 pages? **Leuchtturm1917's current product pages say 251 numbered pages.** Older stock and some retailer listings, including the EPFL shop and Yoseka Stationery (which gives 249 pages, 125 sheets), still say 249. Neither Leuchtturm1917 nor the retailers we found explain the change. If you buy from a shop with older stock, check the number printed on the band. ## What paper does it use, and is there a heavier option? **The standard Medium uses 80 g/m² paper; the 120G edition uses 120 g/m².** That 80 g/m² is a step up from the 70 g/m² in a [Moleskine Classic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/), and a common reason people switch. | Edition | Paper | Numbered pages | |---|---|---| | Standard Medium (A5) | 80 g/m² | 251 | | 120G Medium (A5) | 120 g/m² | 203 | The 120G edition trades about 50 pages for thicker paper. Leuchtturm1917 says it's designed for fountain pens, markers and brush pens. For even heavier paper, the [Archer & Olive A5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/archer-and-olive-a5-dot-grid-notebook/) has 192 pages of 160 gsm. The [Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/leuchtturm1917-bullet-journal-edition-2/) uses the same 120 g/m² paper as the 120G edition, with 206 numbered pages and built-in setup pages. ## Is the Leuchtturm1917 good for fountain pens? **Reviewers say it handles fountain pens well for its weight, with little smudging and no bleeding in Wirecutter's tests.** Leuchtturm1917 calls the slightly cream paper easy on the eyes. Ghosting (seeing writing from the other side) is still likely with wet inks or broad nibs on 80 g/m² paper. Those are reviewers' results; we haven't tested it ourselves. For gel pens, a [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) in 0.5 mm or a [uni-ball Jetstream RT](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/) puts down less ink than a broad fountain pen nib. ## How does it compare to the Moleskine Classic? **The Leuchtturm1917 Medium is 15 mm wider than a Moleskine Large and adds heavier paper, numbered pages and an index.** ![To-scale comparison: Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 at 145 × 210 mm beside Moleskine Classic Large at 130 × 210 mm, both 210 mm tall](https://stationerytimes.com/images/leuchtturm1917-a5-notebook-vs-moleskine.svg) *Both notebooks are 210 mm tall; the Leuchtturm1917 is 145 mm wide, the Moleskine 130 mm.* | Feature | Leuchtturm1917 Medium (A5) | Moleskine Classic Large | |---|---|---| | Size | 145 × 210 mm | 130 × 210 mm | | Pages | 251, numbered | 240, unnumbered | | Paper | 80 g/m² | 70 g/m² | | Table of contents | Yes | No | | Ribbons | 2 | 1 | | Perforated sheets | 8 | None | Moleskine figures come from our [Moleskine Classic Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) guide. The extra width matters if you want a standard A5 cover or A5 inserts. ## Which layout should you choose? **Dotted is the most flexible; pick ruled for prose and squared for numbers.** - **Dotted (5 mm):** guides straight lines but fades into the background for drawings, lists and bullet journaling. - **Ruled (6 mm):** for writing in full sentences. - **Squared:** for tables, sketches and math. - **Plain:** for drawing; the 120G edition suits markers better. For a cheaper ruled notebook for class, see the [Mead composition notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/). ## Where is the Leuchtturm1917 notebook made? **Retailer listings disagree: some say Germany, others Taiwan.** Galaxus lists Germany for a forest-green Medium dotted hard cover, Digitec lists Germany, Taiwan and the United Kingdom for a red-violet one, and several eBay sellers give Taiwan for Medium A5 notebooks. Leuchtturm1917's product pages don't state a country of manufacture for the standard notebook; its US page for the 120G edition says that paper is made in Germany. The retailer pages above now block automated reading, so we couldn't recheck them. One Galaxus listing for the Edition 120 sketchbook says Taiwan for the book but Germany for the paper, so paper and binding may happen in different places. Check the label on your copy. The brand is German: Leuchtturm1917 GmbH, Am Spakenberg 45, Geesthacht, near Hamburg. The "1917" in the name is the founding year in the company's own history; some accounts date today's Leuchtturm company to 1948 in Hamburg. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a Leuchtturm1917 Medium notebook? The Medium is A5: Leuchtturm1917 gives it as 145 × 210 mm, or 5.75 × 8.25 inches. It's the same height as a Moleskine Large but 15 mm wider. ### Does the Leuchtturm1917 A5 have 249 or 251 pages? Leuchtturm1917's current product pages say 251 numbered pages for the Medium hard cover. Listings for older stock and some retailers still give 249. Neither the maker nor retailers explain the change in the sources we found. ### What paper weight is the Leuchtturm1917 notebook? The standard Medium uses 80 g/m² (80 gsm) FSC-certified paper, according to Leuchtturm1917. The separate 120G edition uses 120 g/m² paper and has 203 numbered pages instead of 251. ### Is the Leuchtturm1917 good for fountain pens? Mostly, with fine nibs and normal inks. Wirecutter's testers reported very little smudging and no bleeding with fountain pens, but the 80 g/m² paper can show ghosting with wet inks. For heavy ink or markers, Leuchtturm1917 points to the 120G edition. ### What comes inside a Leuchtturm1917 notebook? Leuchtturm1917's German site lists numbered pages, a blank table of contents, two page markers, an elastic closure, a gusseted back pocket, 8 perforated sheets at the end and a sticker set for archiving. ### Where are Leuchtturm1917 notebooks made? It depends on the batch. Retailer listings give Germany for some Medium A5 notebooks and Taiwan for others, and the brand's product pages don't say. Leuchtturm1917 itself is a German brand based near Hamburg. ### Is Leuchtturm1917 better than Moleskine? On paper and page features, it offers more: 80 vs 70 g/m² paper, numbered pages and an index. The Moleskine Large is slimmer at 130 mm wide, so the choice comes down to width, page numbering and paper weight. ## Sources - [Leuchtturm1917 (Germany): Notizbuch Medium (A5), Hardcover, 251 nummerierte Seiten, Schwarz, Dotted (notebook: €24.50, article 329398, 145 × 210 mm, 80 g/m² cream FSC paper, thread-sewn, 8 perforated sheets, 423 g)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.de/notizbuch-medium-a5-hardcover-251-nummerierte-seiten-schwarz-dotted.html) - [Leuchtturm1917 (US): Notebook Medium (A5), Hardcover, 251 numbered pages, Light Grey, dotted](https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/notebook-medium-a5-hardcover-251-numbered-pages-light-grey-dotted.html) - [Leuchtturm1917: Notebook Medium (A5), Hardcover, 251 numbered pages, Black, dotted](https://www.leuchtturm1917.com/notebook-medium-a5-hardcover-251-numbered-pages-black-dotted.html) - [Leuchtturm1917 (US): Notebook Medium (A5), 120G, Hardcover, 203 numbered pages (120 gsm paper made in Germany)](https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/products/120g-edition) - [Leuchtturm1917 (US): Medium (A5) notebooks collection](https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/collections/medium-a5) - [Wirecutter: The Best Notebooks (Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Notebook Classic A5)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-notebooks/) - [Galaxus: Leuchtturm1917 Notebook medium A5 dotted hard cover (country of origin Germany)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/leuchtturm1917-notebook-medium-a5-dotted-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-24234290) - [Digitec: Leuchtturm1917 Notebook A5 dotted hard cover (origin Germany, Taiwan, United Kingdom)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/leuchtturm1917-notebook-a5-dotted-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-12221141) - [eBay: Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 dotted hard cover, black (country of manufacture Taiwan)](https://www.ebay.de/itm/396948416182) - [Galaxus: Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook Edition120 medium (origin Taiwan; paper made in Germany)](https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s12/product/leuchtturm1917-sketchbook-edition120-medium-a5-plain-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-18211391) - [Spilhaus: Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Medium A5 hard cover, 251 numbered pages, ruled (80 gsm, 6 mm lines)](https://spilhaus.co.za/products/leuchtturm1917-notebook-medium-a5-hardcover-251-numbered-pages-ruled) - [Yoseka Stationery: Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Medium A5 Dot Grid (249 pages, 125 sheets)](https://yosekastationery.com/collections/vendors/products/leuchtturm1917-hardcover-medium-notebook-a5-dot-grid) - [EPFL shop: Leuchtturm1917 notebook (249 numbered pages)](https://shop.epfl.ch/en/product/leuchtturm1917-notebook) - [Dromgooles: Leuchtturm1917 A5 Medium hard cover dotted (80 g/m², perforated sheets, labels)](https://www.dromgooles.com/products/leuchtturm1917-a5-medium-hardcover-dotted-notebook-gold) - [Tattered Cover: Leuchtturm1917 Medium hard cover notebook (US listing)](https://www.tatteredcover.com/products/4004117609299) - [Phidon Pens: Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 hard cover 120gsm (203 numbered pages)](https://shop.phidonpens.com/products/leuchtturm1917-medium-a5-hardcover-notebook-120gsm-lined) - [Cult Pens: Leuchtturm1917 brand page (Geesthacht, Leuchtturm-Gruppe)](https://www.cultpens.com/c/q/brands/leuchtturm1917) - [Goldspot: Leuchtturm1917 brand overview (history)](https://goldspot.com/pages/leuchtturm1917-brand-overview) - [The Journal Shop: Leuchtturm1917 vs Moleskine](https://www.thejournalshop.com/blogs/guides/leuchtturm1917-vs-moleskine) - [Leuchtturm1917 (US): FAQ (synthetic leather cover; FSC-certified paper)](https://leuchtturm1917.us/faq) - [Unsharpen: What's the deal with Leuchtturm1917? (stationery brand launched 2005)](https://unsharpen.com/whats-the-deal-leuchtturm1917/) --- # uni-ball Jetstream RT: Hybrid Ink, Tip Sizes & Refills > The uni-ball Jetstream RT is a retractable, refillable ballpoint from Mitsubishi Pencil of Japan. It uses Jetstream ink, a low-viscosity oil-based pigment ink that uni-ball markets in the US as a gel-ballpoint hybrid. US listings sell it mostly in 0.7 mm Fine and 1.0 mm, and retailer spec sheets list Japan as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the uni-ball Jetstream RT 1.0 mm (SXN-210) with the tip out, drawn to scale: 141.4 mm (5.6 in) long, black barrel with an embossed grip, steel pocket clip and push button](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/uni-ball-jetstream-rt-16x9.png) *The 1.0 mm Jetstream RT drawn to scale from uni-ball UK's length.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-ball-jetstream-rt-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | uni-ball Jetstream RT Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; SXN-210) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | PC/PP plastic barrel, rubber grip | 2006 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (uni-ball Jetstream RT Retractable Ballpoint (0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm; SXN-210)): Japan. Per US business-supplier spec sheets for items 62152 (0.7 mm black), 62153 (0.7 mm blue) and 73834 (1.0 mm red), all listing Japan; Unsharpen also lists Japan. uni's US store, uni-ball UK and Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site don't state it. Source: https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc62152-jetstream-retractable-ballpoint-pen-fine-07-mm-black-ink-blue-barrel.html ## Key takeaways - Mitsubishi Pencil launched the Jetstream line in Japan in July 2006 and says the series sells more than 100 million pens a year worldwide. - Three US ball sizes: 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm Fine and 1.0 mm, which uni's US store calls Medium and some retailers call Bold. - Refills are the Jetstream SXR family: SXR-5, SXR-7 and SXR-10; in the US the 1.0 mm black 2-pack is item 35972. - uni-ball UK lists the 1.0 mm RT (SXN-210) at 141.4 mm long, 11.7 mm across and 13.8 g; Unsharpen lists 11 g. - uni's own US store says Wirecutter has named the Jetstream RT its top pick since 2013. ## What is the uni-ball Jetstream RT? **The Jetstream RT is the retractable, refillable US model of uni-ball's Jetstream ballpoint, made by Mitsubishi Pencil of Japan.** "RT" is short for retractable. Mitsubishi Pencil launched the Jetstream line in Japan in July 2006, and its press releases say the series now sells more than 100 million pens a year worldwide. Unsharpen says the RT is sold in Japan as the Jetstream Rubber Body, whose whole barrel is rubber grip material. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site lists that model (SXN-250-07) only in 0.7 mm, for ¥275 (about US$1.70), so the 0.5 and 1.0 mm RT are export sizes. In the US, uni-ball sold through Newell Brands for years. The Drum reports that the distribution deal ended in 2019 and that the company now sells under its own name, styled "uni". uni's own US store says New York Times Wirecutter has named the Jetstream RT its "Top Pick Since 2013". A 2013 blog post by Eugene Wei records the original pick, but we couldn't open Wirecutter's current page to confirm it still stands. ## What does "hybrid ink" mean? **It means a ballpoint ink thinned out to write more like a gel pen: Mitsubishi Pencil calls it low-viscosity oil-based ink.** Ordinary ballpoint ink is a thick oil paste, so it drags and can leave faint lines. Jetstream ink is oil-based but runs thinner, which is why uni-ball's US packaging calls it a hybrid of gel smoothness and ballpoint drying speed. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese copy says the ink has up to 50% lower writing friction than its conventional oil-based ballpoints, combines pigment with new colorants for about twice the black density, and dries fast; a spring tip and twin-ball mechanism stop ink leaking or flowing back. In the US, uni markets the same ink as its Super Ink, resistant to check washing, water, fading and document alteration. ## uni-ball Jetstream RT specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (Japan), brand uni-ball | | Type | Retractable ballpoint, low-viscosity oil-based pigment ink | | Ball sizes (US) | 0.5 mm · 0.7 mm Fine · 1.0 mm Medium (some retailers: Bold) | | Refills | SXR-5 · SXR-7 · SXR-10 | | US refill 2-packs (1.0 mm) | 35972 black · 35973 blue | | Length (1.0 mm, SXN-210) | 141.4 mm (5.6 in), per uni-ball UK | | Weight | 13.8 g per uni-ball UK; 11 g per unsharpen | | Barrel / grip diameter | 11.7 mm per uni-ball UK; 11.8 mm / 11.3 mm per unsharpen | | US item / UPC | 173832 (1.0 mm black, single) · 162152 (0.7 mm black, single, JAN 4902778805282) | | Japanese equivalent | Jetstream Rubber Body SXN-250-07, 0.7 mm only, ¥275 (about US$1.70) | | Launched | Jetstream line: July 2006 in Japan | | Made in | Japan (per US supplier spec sheets) | Length, the 11.7 mm diameter and the 13.8 g weight come from uni-ball UK's page for the 1.0 mm RT; the other diameters and the lighter 11 g figure come from the pen database unsharpen. The weights disagree, so we give both. ![To-scale drawing of the three Jetstream RT ball sizes at 200 times: 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm and 1.0 mm, with refills SXR-5, SXR-7 and SXR-10](https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-ball-jetstream-rt-tip-sizes.svg) *The 1.0 mm ball is twice the diameter of the 0.5 mm, so it puts down a much heavier line.* ## Which Jetstream RT tip size should you choose? **Pick 0.7 mm Fine for everyday writing, 0.5 mm for small handwriting and 1.0 mm for signatures and bold, dark lines.** - **0.5 mm:** the finest RT; it appears in fewer US listings than the other two. - **0.7 mm Fine:** the size most US packs are sold in, and the one in the Wirecutter claim. - **1.0 mm:** called "Medium" by uni's US store, Quill and refill packs, and "Bold" by Staples and Walmart. It's the same pen. The number is the ball diameter; the line on paper depends on paper and pressure. Jetstream refills also come in 0.38 mm (SXR-38), but we found no US Jetstream RT sold in that size. ## What refills does the Jetstream RT use? **It takes the standard Jetstream SXR refill, the same one used in most Jetstream pens.** | Ball size | Refill | US 2-pack | |---|---|---| | 0.5 mm | SXR-5 | Not found in our sources | | 0.7 mm | SXR-7 | Not found in our sources | | 1.0 mm | SXR-10 | 35972 (black), 35973 (blue); uni's store sells a single black as 133938 | unsharpen lists the SXR-7 at 11.2 cm (4.4 in) long. Don't confuse it with the SXR-600 (a shorter metal refill for G2-style pens) or the SXR-80 multi-pen refill; neither fits the RT. The SXR-80 is the refill for the [Jetstream 4&1 multi pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-jetstream-4-and-1/). ## Does Jetstream ink smear? **uni-ball markets it as quick-drying and smudge-resistant, and recommends it for left-handed writers, but it doesn't publish a dry time.** Fast drying is the main reason people choose a low-viscosity ballpoint over a gel pen. It's the maker's claim; we haven't timed it. ## How does the Jetstream RT compare to the Pilot G2? **Pick the uni-ball Jetstream RT if you smear ink or write left-handed, since its low-viscosity oil-based ink is marketed as quick-drying; pick the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) if you want a wetter, more saturated gel line and a finer 0.38 mm tip.** The Jetstream RT comes in 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm; the G2 in 0.38, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm. | | Jetstream RT | Pilot G2 | |---|---|---| | Ink | Low-viscosity oil-based, pigment | Water-based gel | | Sizes | 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | 0.38 · 0.5 · 0.7 · 1.0 mm | | Refill | SXR-5 / -7 / -10 | 77232 / 77240 etc. (BLS-G2) | | Drying | Marketed as quick-drying | Can smear in 0.7 and 1.0 mm | | Made in | Japan (retailer sheets) | Japan (retailer sheets) | If you want a gel pen that dries faster than the G2, the [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) is the usual alternative. Pilot's own low-viscosity oil ballpoint, launched in 2008, is the [Pilot Acroball](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-acroball/); it takes BRFV-10 refills rather than SXR. ## How is the Jetstream different from the uni-ball ZENTO? **Both come from Mitsubishi Pencil, but the Jetstream is an oil-based ballpoint and the [ZENTO](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-signature/) is a water-based rollerball.** The Jetstream RT is a cheap, retractable everyday pen sold in multi-packs. The ZENTO Signature is a capped, metal-bodied premium pen with a Japanese list price of ¥3,300 (about US$21). If you want uni-ball's Super Ink in a gel pen instead, the [Signo 207](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-signo-207/) is the retractable gel model most often picked for signing checks. ## Where is the uni-ball Jetstream RT made? **US business-supplier spec sheets list the Jetstream RT as made in Japan.** OnTimeSupplies gives Japan as the country of origin for item 62152 (0.7 mm black), 62153 (0.7 mm blue) and 73834 (1.0 mm red), and Unsharpen agrees. uni's US store, uni-ball UK and Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese site don't state it, so check the packaging of the pack you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the uni-ball Jetstream a gel pen or a ballpoint? It is a ballpoint. Mitsubishi Pencil classes Jetstream as a low-viscosity oil-based ballpoint; uni-ball's US marketing calls the ink a hybrid because it aims for gel-like smoothness with ballpoint drying speed. ### What refill does the Jetstream RT take? The standard Jetstream SXR refill in the matching size: SXR-5 for 0.5 mm, SXR-7 for 0.7 mm and SXR-10 for 1.0 mm. US office suppliers sell the 1.0 mm refill as a 2-pack, item 35972 in black and 35973 in blue. ### Is the Jetstream good for left-handed writers? uni-ball and its retailers market the quick-drying ink as resisting smudges and suit it to left-handed writers. uni-ball doesn't publish a dry time, and we haven't timed it; a finer 0.5 or 0.7 mm tip lays down less ink than the 1.0 mm. ### Where is the uni-ball Jetstream RT made? US business-supplier spec sheets list Japan as the country of origin for several Jetstream RT items. The brand belongs to Mitsubishi Pencil, a Tokyo-based company. ### Is the Jetstream RT really Wirecutter's best pen? uni's own US store says New York Times Wirecutter has named it a "Top Pick Since 2013" and "the best everyday ballpoint pen". That's the maker quoting Wirecutter; we couldn't open Wirecutter's current page to confirm it. ### Is Jetstream ink waterproof? uni says Jetstream RT ink is its Super Ink, which it markets as resistant to check washing, water, fading and document alteration. Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese copy says the ink combines pigment with new colorants. ### What is the difference between the Jetstream RT and the Jetstream Standard? Both take the same SXR refill. The RT has a thicker body covered in a rubbery grip, while the Standard is a slimmer pen with a separate grip section. Unsharpen says the RT is sold in Japan as the Jetstream Rubber Body. ## Sources - [三菱鉛筆: ジェットストリーム ラバーボディ SXN-250-07 (Mitsubishi Pencil Japan, read in full: whole-body rubber grip, 0.7 mm, ¥275, up to 50% less friction, twice the black density)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/jetstream/jetstream/rubber_body/sxn_250_07.html) - [三菱鉛筆: ジェットストリーム スタンダード (Mitsubishi Pencil Japan: pigment ink, quick-drying, spring tip and twin-ball mechanism)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/jetstream/jetstream/standard.html) - [『ジェットストリーム 4＆1』ブライトシリーズ (Mitsubishi Pencil press release, February 17, 2011: Jetstream Standard launched July 2006)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20110217-37057.html) - [uni (US): uniball JETSTREAM RT, 1.0 mm (Medium; Super Ink; Wirecutter Top Pick since 2013; item numbers)](https://www.unibrands.co/products/jetstream-rt-ballpoint-pens) - [uni (US): uniball JETSTREAM RT, 0.7 mm (Fine; item numbers and UPCs)](https://www.unibrands.co/products/uniball-jetstream-rt-ballpoint-pen-new-colors) - [uni (US): uniball JETSTREAM RT refill, 1.0 mm black (item 133938)](https://www.unibrands.co/products/jetstream-refill) - [uni-ball UK: Jetstream RT SXN-210 (11.7 × 14.5 × 141.4 mm, 13.773 g)](https://uniball.co.uk/?p=12432) - [OnTimeSupplies: Jetstream RT 0.7 mm black, item 62152 (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc62152-jetstream-retractable-ballpoint-pen-fine-07-mm-black-ink-blue-barrel.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Jetstream RT 0.7 mm blue, item 62153 (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc62153-jetstream-retractable-ballpoint-pen-fine-07-mm-blue-ink-blue-barrel.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Jetstream RT 1.0 mm red, item 73834 (country of origin Japan)](https://docker1-www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc73834-jetstream-retractable-ballpoint-pen-bold-1-mm-red-ink-black-barrel.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Jetstream RT refills 1.0 mm blue, item 35973](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/ubc35973-jetstream-rt-ballpoint-pen-refills-1-mm-medium-point-blue-ink-non-toxic-super-ink-2-pack.html) - [Staples: Jetstream RT refills, Medium 1.0 mm black, 2-pack (35972)](https://www.staples.com/uni-ball-jetsream-rt-ballpoint-pen-refills-medium-point-1-0mm-black-ink-2-pack-35972/product_UBC35972) - [Staples: Jetstream RT 0.7 mm black, 12-pack (62152; hybrid ink and Super Ink copy)](https://www.staples.com/uni-ball-Jetstream-RT-Retractable-Rollerball-Pen-Fine-Point-0-7-mm-Black-12-pk-62152/product_651827) - [Staples: Jetstream RT Bold 1.0 mm blue, 12-pack (73833)](https://www.staples.com/uni-ball-Jetstream-RT-Retractable-Rollerball-Pen-Bold-Point-1-0-mm-Blue-12-pk-73833/product_640033) - [Quill: Jetstream RT Medium 1.0 mm red, dozen (73834)](https://Quill.com/uni-ball-jetstream-rt-rollerball-pens-bold-point-red-ink-dozen-73834/cbs/187495.html) - [Walmart: uniball Jetstream RT 0.7 mm black, 12 count (Wirecutter claim in listing copy)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/772185008) - [Walmart: uniball Jetstream RT 0.5 mm blue](https://www.walmart.com/ip/15066502) - [発売以来初の新軸色を追加『JETSTREAM（ジェットストリーム）スタンダード』 (Mitsubishi Pencil press release, January 24, 2024: Jetstream series over 100 million pens a year)](https://origin.digitalpr.jp/pdf.php?r=80747) - [All About (Japanese): Jetstream, launched 2006, low-viscosity oil-based ink](https://allabout.co.jp/gm/gc/503428/) - [JetPens: Uni Jetstream, a comprehensive guide](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/Uni-Jetstream-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/758) - [unsharpen: uni-ball Jetstream RT (11.8 mm body, 11.3 mm grip, 11 g; Jetstream Rubber Body in Japan; country of origin Japan)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/uni-ball-jetstream-rt/) - [unsharpen: uni SXR-7 refill (length 11.2 cm)](https://unsharpen.com/refill/uni-sxr-7/) - [unsharpen: uni SXR-10 refill](https://unsharpen.com/refill/uni-sxr-10/) - [Stationery World (Singapore): SXR-10 refill for SXN-210](https://stationeryworld.com.sg/uni-jetstream-pen-refill-10mm-sxr-10-for-sxn-210) - [The Drum: uni-ball ends Newell distribution and rebrands as uni (2022)](https://www.thedrum.com/news/2022/07/06/pen-maker-uniball-writes-new-chapter-uni) - [Eugene Wei: Pen of choice (2013, on Wirecutter's Jetstream pick)](https://www.eugenewei.com/blog/2013/9/14/pen-of-choice) --- # Top 5 Stationery Events of 2026: Dates & Places > The five stationery events that mattered most in 2026 are Ambiente in Frankfurt (February 6–10), ISOT in Tokyo (June 24–26), the China Stationery Fair in Shanghai (June 26–28), the Washington DC Fountain Pen Supershow near Washington (August 6–9) and the Tokyo International Pen Show (November 21–23). The first three are trade-only; the two pen shows are open to the public. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/top-stationery-events-2026/ - Category: Events - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Illustration of a pen-show table with fountain pens in a tray and a stand, four ink bottles, a name badge and a ticket for the Tokyo International Pen Show, November 21–23, 2026](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/top-stationery-events-2026-16x9.png) *A pen-show table: two of the five events are public pen shows.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/top-stationery-events-2026-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Events at a glance | Event | Dates | Where | Venue | Who can go | Official site | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Ambiente 2026 (with Christmasworld and Creativeworld) | Feb 6–10, 2026 | Frankfurt, Germany | Messe Frankfurt | Trade only | https://ambiente.messefrankfurt.com | | ISOT 2026 (37th International Stationery & Office Products Fair) | Jun 24–26, 2026 | Tokyo, Japan | Tokyo Big Sight | Trade only | https://www.isot.jp/en-gb.html | | 120th China Stationery Fair (CSF 2026) | Jun 26–28, 2026 | Shanghai, China | Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) | Trade only | https://www.chinastationeryfair.com/en/ | | Washington DC Fountain Pen SUPERSHOW 2026 | Aug 6–9, 2026 | Falls Church, Virginia, United States | Marriott Fairview Park | Public | https://www.tickettailor.com/events/washingtondcfountainpensupershow/2003294 | | Tokyo International Pen Show 2026 | Nov 21–23, 2026 | Tokyo, Japan | Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center, Hamamatsucho building (floors 3–5) | Public | https://tokyo-international-penshow.com | - Ambiente 2026 (with Christmasworld and Creativeworld): organized by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH. Stationery that used to be at Paperworld has been part of Ambiente's Working and Giving areas since 2023. Ambiente 2027 is announced for January 29 to February 2, 2027. Date source: https://ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/content/dam/messefrankfurt-redaktion/ambiente/2027/documents/en/ambiente26-facts-figures.pdf - ISOT 2026 (37th International Stationery & Office Products Fair): organized by RX Japan. Dates per JETRO's trade-fair database listing. 2027 dates appear only in aggregators and are not yet confirmed by the organizer. Date source: https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/database/j-messe/tradefair/detail/159263 - 120th China Stationery Fair (CSF 2026): organized by Gaobaiying Exhibition (Shanghai), supported by the China General Chamber of Commerce. Held together with the 27th CHN Gift Expo. Pre-show size estimates differ between sources. Date source: https://www.jufair.com/information/325729.html - Washington DC Fountain Pen SUPERSHOW 2026: organized by Show co-directors Barbara Johnson and Jeff Hancock. Local listings give a four-day run, August 6–9; the Ticket Tailor ticket page lists August 7–9, which appears to cover the public days. Date source: https://www.arlnow.com/events/2026-dc-pen-supershow-26314/ - Tokyo International Pen Show 2026: organized by Tokyo International Pen Show Executive Committee. The organizer says opening hours may change. Ticket types differ between its press releases, so check the official site. Date source: https://san-tatsu.jp/pressrelease/554945/ ## Key takeaways - Ambiente 2026, which now hosts the former Paperworld stationery range, had 4,636 exhibitors from 170 nations across its three combined fairs, per Messe Frankfurt. - Three of the five are trade-only (Ambiente, ISOT, China Stationery Fair); the DC Pen Supershow and the Tokyo International Pen Show sell tickets to the public. - The year ran from Ambiente on February 6 to the Tokyo International Pen Show on November 23, the only one of the five still upcoming on October 20, 2026. - ISOT (June 24–26) and the China Stationery Fair (June 26–28) overlapped by one day, June 26, 2026, in Tokyo and Shanghai. - Ambiente 2027 is the only top-five event with official next-year dates so far: January 29 to February 2, 2027. ## Which stationery events mattered most in 2026? **Our top five for 2026 are three trade fairs (Ambiente, ISOT and the China Stationery Fair) and two public pen shows (Washington DC and Tokyo).** We chose them by the size their organizers publish, by their reputation among pen and paper enthusiasts, and for a mix of Europe, Asia and North America. | Event | Dates (2026) | City | Who can go | Size (as published) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Ambiente | Feb 6–10 | Frankfurt | Trade only | 4,636 exhibitors, 170 nations (3 fairs combined) | | ISOT | Jun 24–26 | Tokyo | Trade only | No 2026 figures; ~1,000 exhibitors in 2023 | | China Stationery Fair | Jun 26–28 | Shanghai | Trade only | 1,000+ exhibitors (pre-show estimate) | | DC Pen Supershow | Aug 6–9 | Falls Church, VA | Public | 215 vendors, 375+ tables (pre-show) | | Tokyo International Pen Show | Nov 21–23 | Tokyo | Public | Not published | ![Timeline of the five events across 2026: Ambiente, Frankfurt, Feb 6–10; ISOT, Tokyo, Jun 24–26; China Stationery Fair, Shanghai, Jun 26–28 (all trade only); DC Pen Supershow, Falls Church, Aug 6–9; Tokyo International Pen Show, Nov 21–23 (both public)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/top-stationery-events-2026-timeline.svg) *The five events at their 2026 dates. Blue marks trade-only fairs, ochre marks pen shows open to the public.* ## When and where was Ambiente 2026? **Ambiente 2026 ran February 6–10, 2026, at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany, together with Christmasworld and Creativeworld.** It is a trade-only consumer goods fair. Paperworld no longer runs as its own Frankfurt fair: since 2023, its stationery has been shown in Ambiente's Working (office and business) and Giving (consumer and school) areas. Messe Frankfurt's final report counts 4,636 exhibitors from 170 nations across the three fairs. Visitor numbers differ by source: Messe Frankfurt's facts sheet gives 105,291 before audit and 95,503 as audited by FKM. We use the audited figure. ## When and where was ISOT 2026? **ISOT 2026, the 37th International Stationery & Office Products Fair, ran June 24–26, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight.** RX Japan organizes it and bills it as Asia's largest stationery trade fair. It is trade-only. RX Japan's 2026 size figures weren't available in the sources we found. For 2023, JETRO lists about 1,000 exhibitors (about 500 from abroad) and about 40,000 visitors. It is the main trade fair in the home market of Japanese makers such as Mitsubishi Pencil, whose [uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) and [uni-ball ZENTO Signature](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-signature/) we cover. ## When and where was the China Stationery Fair 2026? **The 120th China Stationery Fair ran June 26–28, 2026, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, alongside the 27th CHN Gift Expo.** Gaobaiying Exhibition (Shanghai) organizes it with support from the China General Chamber of Commerce, and it is trade-only. The fair is in its 73rd year. Pre-show estimates put it at more than 1,000 exhibitors. The same preview gives conflicting visitor counts (30,000+ and 45,000) and floor areas (80,500 and 92,000 m², or about 866,000 and 990,000 sq ft), so we report both. ## When and where was the DC Pen Supershow 2026? **The Washington DC Fountain Pen Supershow ran August 6–9, 2026, at the Marriott Fairview Park in Falls Church, Virginia.** It was the show's 35th year, and it bills itself as the largest fountain pen show in the world. It is open to the public. Co-directors Barbara Johnson and Jeff Hancock projected about 2,500 attendees and 215 vendors from 15 countries at more than 375 tables. The ticket page lists August 7–9, which appears to be the public days of the four-day run. ## When is the Tokyo International Pen Show 2026? **The Tokyo International Pen Show 2026 runs November 21–23, 2026, on floors 3 to 5 of the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center's Hamamatsucho building.** It is the only one of our five still to come as of October 20, 2026, and it is open to the public. The venue is about a five-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station. The organizer says hours may change, and its press releases describe different ticket types, so check the official site before buying. If you know Japanese pens mainly from US shelves, like the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/), this is the public show in their makers' home city. ## Which other events are worth knowing about? **Paperworld China and the London Stationery Show just missed our top five.** - **Paperworld China:** November 20–22, 2026, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, run by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai). JETRO lists 345 exhibitors in 2025. - **London Stationery Show:** May 12–13, 2026, at the Business Design Centre. - **Paperworld Middle East:** the 2026 edition was postponed to September 28–30, 2027. - **Insights-X:** the Nuremberg stationery fair was discontinued in March 2024. ## Which events have announced 2027 dates? **Only Ambiente has official 2027 dates: January 29 to February 2, 2027, in Frankfurt.** Aggregators list ISOT 2027 for June 9–11, 2027, but RX Japan has not yet confirmed them. The China Stationery Fair, DC Pen Supershow and Tokyo International Pen Show have not announced 2027 dates in the sources we found. We will update this page when they do. ## How do you choose which event to attend? **Go to a pen show if you want to buy and try pens; go to a trade fair only if you buy or sell stationery for a business.** - **Trade or public:** Ambiente, ISOT and the China Stationery Fair admit trade visitors only. The DC and Tokyo shows sell tickets to anyone. - **Timing:** ISOT and the China Stationery Fair overlap on June 26, so trade buyers covering Asia usually pick one or plan a tight trip. - **What you want:** buying and trying pens from many vendors at DC or Tokyo; meeting suppliers and seeing new ranges at the trade fairs. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the biggest stationery trade fair? By exhibitors, Ambiente in Frankfurt is the largest fair with a big stationery section: Messe Frankfurt reports 4,636 exhibitors from 170 nations across Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld in February 2026. ISOT in Tokyo calls itself Asia's largest stationery trade fair. ### Does Paperworld still exist? Not as a separate fair in Frankfurt. Since 2023, Paperworld's stationery has been shown inside Ambiente, in the Working (office and business) and Giving (consumer and school) areas. Messe Frankfurt still runs Paperworld China in Shanghai, held November 20–22, 2026. ### Can the public attend ISOT or Ambiente? No. Ambiente, ISOT and the China Stationery Fair are trade-only fairs for buyers, retailers and industry visitors. If you are a pen or stationery fan, the DC Pen Supershow and the Tokyo International Pen Show sell tickets to the public. ### When is the Tokyo International Pen Show 2026? The Tokyo International Pen Show 2026 runs November 21–23, 2026, on floors 3 to 5 of the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center's Hamamatsucho building. The organizer says hours may change, so check its official site before you go. ### What is the largest fountain pen show in the world? The Washington DC Fountain Pen Supershow bills itself as the largest fountain pen show in the world. For its 35th year, August 6–9, 2026, its co-directors projected about 2,500 attendees and 215 vendors from 15 countries. ### When is Ambiente 2027? Messe Frankfurt has announced Ambiente 2027 for January 29 to February 2, 2027, again alongside Christmasworld and Creativeworld. It is the only one of our top five with official 2027 dates as of October 20, 2026. ### What happened to Paperworld Middle East and Insights-X? Paperworld Middle East 2026 was postponed; Messe Frankfurt Middle East now plans it for September 28–30, 2027. Insights-X, the Nuremberg stationery fair, was discontinued in March 2024. ## Sources - [Messe Frankfurt: Ambiente 2026 facts and figures (PDF)](https://ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/content/dam/messefrankfurt-redaktion/ambiente/2027/documents/en/ambiente26-facts-figures.pdf) - [Messe Frankfurt: Ambiente, Christmasworld, Creativeworld 2026 final report (PDF, German)](https://christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com/content/dam/messefrankfurt-redaktion/ambiente/2026/press/press-releases/12-ambcwcrw26-schlussbericht.pdf) - [Messe Frankfurt: Ambiente 2027 kick-off press release (PDF)](https://ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/content/dam/messefrankfurt-redaktion/ambiente/2027/press/press-releases/ambcwcrw-auftakt-pk-sept-en.pdf) - [Ambiente: official site](https://ambiente.messefrankfurt.com) - [The Recycler: Paperworld moves into Ambiente](https://therecycler.com/?p=410606) - [ISOT: official site (RX Japan)](https://www.isot.jp/en-gb.html) - [JETRO J-messe: ISOT 2026 listing](https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/database/j-messe/tradefair/detail/159263) - [JETRO J-messe: ISOT 2023 listing (exhibitor and visitor figures)](https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/database/j-messe/tradefair/detail/132362) - [China Stationery Fair: official site](https://www.chinastationeryfair.com/en/) - [Jufair: 120th China Stationery Fair preview (size estimates)](https://www.jufair.com/information/325729.html) - [ARLnow: 2026 DC Pen Supershow listing](https://www.arlnow.com/events/2026-dc-pen-supershow-26314/) - [Ticket Tailor: Washington DC Fountain Pen Supershow 2026 tickets](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/washingtondcfountainpensupershow/2003294) - [The Gentleman Stationer: DC Pen Show 2026 recap](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2026/8/12/dc-pen-show-2026-recap-the-first-of-the-big-shows-was-big) - [Tokyo International Pen Show: official site](https://tokyo-international-penshow.com) - [Tokyo International Pen Show Executive Committee: 2026 press release (Japanese)](https://san-tatsu.jp/pressrelease/554945/) - [JETRO J-messe: Paperworld China 2026 listing](https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/database/j-messe/tradefair/detail/159231) - [Business Design Centre: London Stationery Show 2026](https://www.businessdesigncentre.co.uk/event/london-stationery-show-2026/) - [Zawya: Paperworld Middle East postponed to September 2027](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/events-conferences/messe-frankfurt-middle-east-announces-paperworld-middle-east-postponed-to-september-2027-493394) - [Spielwarenmesse: Insights-X bids farewell to the market](https://www.spielwarenmesse.de/en/mag/toy-market-news/insights-x-bids-farewell-to-the-market-with-a-heavy-heart/) --- # Blackwing 602: The Firm-Graphite Pencil Explained > The Blackwing 602 is a cedar pencil with a firm graphite core, revived in 2011 by Blackwing, the California Cedar Products brand, from the Eberhard Faber original of 1934. It is the firm grade in Blackwing's four core pencils, has a flat ferrule with a replaceable pink eraser, and is crafted in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Gunmetal grey Blackwing 602 pencil drawn to scale at 20.5 cm (8 in) long, with its flat ferrule and pink replaceable eraser; inset: the flat ferrule and eraser](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/blackwing-602-16x9.png) *The Blackwing 602 at its listed 20.5 cm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/blackwing-602-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Blackwing 602 (firm graphite, set of 12) | Blackwing (by California Cedar Products Company (Cal Cedar), Stockton, California) | United States | Japan | Incense-cedar wood (California and Oregon), Japanese graphite core | 2011 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Blackwing 602 (firm graphite, set of 12)): Japan. Blackwing's description of its 2026 factory film, quoted by Kottke, says the graphite is formulated in Kofu, Japan, the pencils are pressed and lacquered at a woodworking facility in Tokyo, and they are imprinted, fitted with the ferrule, checked and hand-packed at Blackwing's headquarters in Stockton, California. Blackwing's FAQ names California and Oregon incense-cedar and Japanese graphite; The Journal Shop's FAQ says the pencils are crafted in Japan. Blackwing's product page doesn't state a country of origin. Source: https://kottke.org/26/09/how-blackwing-pencils-are-made ## Key takeaways - The 602 is grade 3 of 4 on Blackwing's core scale: Matte (soft), Pearl (balanced), 602 (firm) and Natural (extra firm). - Eberhard Faber began making the original Blackwing 602 in 1934; it was discontinued in 1998 and brought back by Blackwing in 2011. - Retailers list the pencil at about 20.5 cm (8 in) long and 7.5 mm in diameter, sold in a 12-pack box that doubles as a pencil cup. - Replacement erasers come in packs of 10 and slide out of the flat ferrule in a metal clip. - Blackwing's official Japanese store rates the 602 as roughly a B and lists the 12-pack at ¥6,600 (about US$42); the US store lists it at US$34. ## What is the Blackwing 602? **The Blackwing 602 is a full-length cedar pencil with a firm graphite core, sold by Blackwing, the pencil brand of California Cedar Products Company in Stockton, California.** Blackwing describes the formula as firm and smooth, "crafted for speed, precision, and control". It is a revival of the Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602, a pencil Blackwing says was the choice of John Steinbeck and Chuck Jones before it was discontinued. "In 2011, we brought it back," Blackwing's product page says. ## Blackwing 602 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | Blackwing (California Cedar Products Company, USA) | | Graphite | Firm (Blackwing's own scale); "roughly B" per Blackwing Japan | | Finish | Gunmetal grey | | Ferrule | Flat, rectangular ("square Blackwing ferrule") | | Eraser | Pink, replaceable | | Length | About 20.5 cm (8 in), unsharpened | | Diameter | 7.5 mm (0.3 in) | | Wood | Incense cedar from California and Oregon (Blackwing FAQ) | | Barcode | 820933110252 (12-pack, Blackwing US and Japan) | | Pack | 12 pencils in a box that doubles as a pencil cup | | Safety | Conforms to ASTM D-4236 (per Blackwing) | | Made in | Japan (graphite in Kofu, pencils in Tokyo); finished in Stockton, California (per Blackwing) | Finish, ferrule, eraser, pack and ASTM conformity come from Blackwing's product page. Length and diameter come from retailer listings; Blackwing doesn't publish them on the 602 page. ## What does "Half the pressure, twice the speed" mean? **It is the slogan Eberhard Faber stamped on the side of the original 602, opposite the brand mark, from 1934.** The promise was that a smooth, dark pencil needs less pressure and so lets you write faster. Treat it as an advertising line, not a test result. Cal Cedar's own blog, written while it revived the brand, says its authors never understood the slogan's logic technically and doubt Eberhard Faber measured anything before coining it. Retail copy for today's 602 still uses the phrase. ## How firm is the 602 compared with other Blackwings? **The 602 is the firm grade, third of Blackwing's four core pencils from soft to extra firm.** Blackwing grades its graphite on its own scale rather than the HB system. | Model | Graphite (Blackwing's grade) | |---|---| | Matte | Soft | | Pearl | Balanced | | **602** | **Firm** | | Natural | Extra firm | ![Blackwing 602 drawn to scale at 20.5 cm long and 7.5 mm wide, and Blackwing's four core graphites ordered soft to extra firm: Matte, Pearl, 602, Natural](https://stationerytimes.com/images/blackwing-602-size-firmness.svg) *Firmer Blackwing graphite sits to the right; the 602 is one step from the firmest.* Blackwing's official Japanese store gives the closest thing to an official equivalent: "Firm / やや硬い (B相当)", slightly hard, roughly a B. Other retailers compare the 602 to 2B or HB. Retailers describe the Matte as the choice for rich, dark lines and the Natural as the one that holds its point longest, which leaves the 602 as the firmer, everyday writing grade of the middle two. Our [Blackwing Matte guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-matte/) covers the soft end of the scale. If you want a plain, inexpensive No. 2 for school or exams, our [Ticonderoga No. 2 guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) covers that pencil. ## Why does the Blackwing have a flat ferrule? **The flat ferrule holds a removable metal clip that carries the eraser, so the eraser can be extended or replaced.** Unsharpen traces the design to a 1921 Eberhard Faber patent for an "eraser-holder" with this kind of ferrule and retention clip. We haven't found a source that explains why the ferrule is flat rather than round. Its history matters, though: Wikipedia and Unsharpen report that the machine that made the clip broke during the Sanford years, which helped end production of the original in 1998. ## Can you replace the eraser? **Yes: the 602 comes with a pink eraser, and Blackwing sells replacement erasers in packs of 10.** You slide the eraser and clip out of the ferrule, move the clip to a new eraser, and push it back in. Colors vary by retailer and over time; listings include black, white and pink alongside brighter colors. Retailers say the replacements fit Blackwing's full-length pencils, including the 602, Pearl and Natural. ## How much does a Blackwing 602 cost? **The 602 sits in our lowest price band ($, under $5 a pencil).** It is sold mostly in 12-packs: on October 20, 2026 Blackwing's US store listed the 12-pack at US$34, about US$2.80 a pencil, and Blackwing Japan at ¥6,600 (about US$42). Blackwing's FAQ says 2025 cost increases for cedar, Japanese graphite and aluminum forced price adjustments. ## Where is the Blackwing 602 made? **Mostly in Japan, and finished in California.** Blackwing's description of its 2026 factory film, quoted by Kottke, says the graphite is formulated and cut in Kofu, Japan; the pencils are pressed and lacquered at a woodworking facility in Tokyo; and they are imprinted, fitted with the signature ferrule, quality-checked and hand-packed at Blackwing's Stockton, California headquarters. Laughing Squid's summary of the same film places imprinting in Tokyo instead. Blackwing's FAQ says the wood is incense-cedar from California and Oregon and the graphite is Japanese, and The Journal Shop's FAQ sums it up as crafted in Japan. Check the box of the pack you buy. ## How does the 602 fit with other gear? **At about 20.5 cm, the 602 is longer than many pencils, so check your case.** Before buying a case such as the [LIHIT LAB Teffa](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case/), compare its inside length with the pencil. For a mechanical alternative with a self-rotating lead, see our [uni Kuru Toga guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/). ## Frequently asked questions ### What does "Half the pressure, twice the speed" mean on the Blackwing 602? It was the slogan Eberhard Faber stamped on the side of the original 602, opposite the brand name, promising a pencil that writes with less effort. It is a marketing line, not a measured result; Cal Cedar's own blog says it doubts the claim was ever tested. ### Is the Blackwing 602 soft or hard? Blackwing grades the 602 as firm, the second-firmest of its four core pencils. Only the Natural (extra firm) is firmer; the Pearl (balanced) and Matte (soft) are softer. ### What HB grade is the Blackwing 602? Blackwing's US site doesn't give one, but its official Japanese store describes the 602 as "Firm / やや硬い (B相当)", slightly hard and roughly equivalent to B. Other retailers compare it to 2B or HB, so treat any equivalent as a rough guide. ### Can you replace the eraser on a Blackwing 602? Yes. The eraser sits in a metal clip inside the flat ferrule; you slide the clip out, swap in a new eraser and push it back. Blackwing replacement erasers are sold in packs of 10 and fit the brand's full-length pencils. ### How long is a Blackwing 602 pencil? Retailers list it at about 20.5 cm (8 in) long and 7.5 mm in diameter, unsharpened and including the eraser. That makes it a little longer than a typical wood pencil. ### Where are Blackwing 602 pencils made? Mostly in Japan: Blackwing says the graphite is made in Kofu and the pencils are pressed and lacquered in Tokyo, from California and Oregon incense-cedar. Imprinting, ferrule assembly and packing happen at Blackwing's headquarters in Stockton, California. ### Is the Blackwing 602 the same as the original Eberhard Faber pencil? No. The original was made by Eberhard Faber from 1934 and discontinued in 1998; the current 602 is a revival that Cal Cedar launched in 2011 after acquiring the Blackwing trademark in 2010. Its design echoes the original, but the graphite and wood come from a different maker. ## Sources - [Blackwing: Blackwing 602 (Set of 12) product page (firm graphite, gunmetal, pink eraser, ASTM D-4236, US$34)](https://blackwing602.com/products/blackwing-602-set-of-12) - [Blackwing: FAQ and shipping guide (California and Oregon incense-cedar; Japanese graphite)](https://blackwing602.com/pages/blackwing-faq-and-shipping-guide) - [Blackwing Japan: 602 12本入 (箱付) 【Firm / やや硬い B相当】 (602, 12-pack in box; firm, roughly B; ¥6,600)](https://www.blackwing602.jp/products/%EF%BE%8C%EF%BE%9E%EF%BE%97%EF%BD%AF%EF%BD%B8%EF%BD%B3%EF%BD%A8%EF%BE%9D%EF%BD%B8%EF%BE%9E-602) - [Blackwing: Core pencils (Matte, Pearl, 602, Natural)](https://blackwing602.com/collections/core-pencils) - [Cal Cedar: Reviving the Blackwing: Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed](https://calcedar.com/reviving-blackwing-half-pressure-twice) - [Wikipedia: Blackwing 602 (history, 1934 to 1998, 2011 revival)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwing_602) - [Boing Boing: The return of the Blackwing pencil (August 2010)](https://boingboing.net/2010/08/23/the-return-of-the-bl.html) - [Unsharpen: Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602 (ferrule, eraser clip, 1921 patent)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/eberhard-faber-blackwing-602/) - [The Journal Shop: Blackwing pencils (FAQ: crafted in Japan from California and Oregon cedar)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/collections/blackwing) - [Laughing Squid: How Blackwing pencils are made (Kofu, Tokyo and Stockton)](https://laughingsquid.com/how-blackwing-pencils-are-made/) - [Kottke: How Blackwing pencils are made (2026 factory film; quotes Blackwing's description)](https://kottke.org/26/09/how-blackwing-pencils-are-made) - [Tacto Studio: Palomino Blackwing 602 (20.5 cm length, 0.75 cm diameter)](https://tacto-studio.com/products/palomino-blackwing-602-graphite-pencils) - [Jenni Bick: Blackwing 602 pencils, set of 12 (8 in length)](https://www.jennibick.com/products/blackwing-602-pencils-set-of-12) - [Hunter Paper Co.: Blackwing sample pack, 4 core pencils (soft to extra firm)](https://hunterpaperco.com/products/blackwing-pencil-sample-pack-4-core-pencils) - [Cloth & Paper: Blackwing eraser refill](https://www.clothandpaper.com/products/blackwing-eraser-refill) - [The Journal Shop: Blackwing replacement pencil erasers, pack of 10](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/blackwing-pencil-erasers) - [Penstore: Blackwing 602 firm 12-pack ("Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed" retail copy)](https://www.penstore.com/blackwing/602-firm-12-pack) - [AKAR Design: Blackwing 602, set of 12 (US listing)](https://www.akardesign.com/products/blackwing-pencils-602-set-of-12) - [Silver Sprocket: Blackwing 602, set of 12 (US listing)](https://store.silversprocket.net/products/blackwing-602-set-of-12) --- # StazOn Ink Pad: What It Stamps On & How to Clean It > StazOn is a permanent, solvent-based stamp ink pad from Tsukineko, a Japanese ink maker, for glass, metal, plastic and leather. Tsukineko lists the full-size Jet Black pad (SZ-031) at 99 × 68 mm with a 76 × 47 mm surface and the Midi at 58 mm square; 15 ml inkers refill both. Officeworks lists Japan as the country of manufacture. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Full-size StazOn Jet Black solvent ink pad with the lid lifted, drawn to scale: a 99 mm (3.9 in) wide case with a 76 by 48 mm inking surface, beside a leaf stamped on a glossy non-porous swatch](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/stazon-ink-pad-16x9.png) *StazOn's solvent ink is sold for glass, metal, plastic and other non-porous surfaces.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/stazon-ink-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | StazOn Solvent Ink Pad, Jet Black (SZ-031; full size and Midi) | StazOn (by Tsukineko Co., Ltd. (Japan)) | Japan | Japan | Solvent-based, acid-free dye ink | – | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (StazOn Solvent Ink Pad, Jet Black (SZ-031; full size and Midi)): Japan. Officeworks (Australia) lists Japan as the country of manufacture for a StazOn pad in Pumpkin (No. 92); we found no listing stating it for Jet Black specifically. Tsukineko's product pages don't state a country of manufacture. Its Japanese company history lists factories in Yoshikawa, Saitama (1986 and 1998), and a US subsidiary, TSUKINEKO, INC. of Redmond, Washington, that began production in 1994, so check the packaging. Source: https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tsukineko-stazon-ink-pad-92-pumpkin-tsj704992 ## Key takeaways - Tsukineko's Japanese site lists the full-size pad (SZ-031, JAN 4992475550318) at 99 × 68 × 19 mm with a 76 × 47 mm surface, ¥980 (about US$6.20) before tax. - The Midi pad (SZM-031) is 58 × 58 × 20 mm with a 37 × 37 mm surface, ¥750 (about US$4.70) before tax; Tsukineko says it launched in 2012. - Tsukineko gives a drying time of 3 seconds on absorbent surfaces to 5 minutes on non-absorbent ones. - Inkers hold 15 ml and fit only StazOn and StazOn Midi; the StazOn cleaner (SZCL-56) holds 56 ml. - A June 2022 UK safety data sheet classifies StazOn ink as able to cause serious eye damage (H318) and calls for adequate ventilation. ## What is a StazOn ink pad? **StazOn is a permanent, solvent-based stamp ink pad made by Tsukineko, a Japanese ink-pad maker, for stamping on surfaces that ordinary inks can't hold.** Tsukineko's Japanese site calls it an all-purpose ink (万能インク) that works on almost any material: an acid-free, fast-drying solvent dye ink that air-dries. The Jet Black full-size pad is SZ-031 on Tsukineko's Japanese site (JAN 4992475550318) and SZ-000-031 on its English site (UPC 712353150317); Amazon sells it as SZ000031. Solvent ink sets as its carrier evaporates rather than by soaking into fibers, which is why it can sit on glass or metal. ## StazOn ink pad specs | Spec | Full size | Midi | |---|---|---| | Item No. (Japan) | SZ-*** (Jet Black SZ-031) | SZM-*** (Jet Black SZM-031) | | Item No. (export) | SZ-000-*** | SZ-MID-*** | | Colors | 30 | 17 | | Case (W × D × H) | 99 × 68 × 19 mm (3.9 × 2.68 × 0.75 in) | 58 × 58 × 20 mm (2.28 × 2.28 × 0.79 in) | | Inking surface | 76 × 47 mm (3 × 1.85 in) | 37 × 37 mm (1.46 in square) | | List price (Japan) | ¥980 (about US$6.20) before tax | ¥750 (about US$4.70) before tax | | Ink | Solvent-based, acid-free dye ink | Same ink | | Inker | 15 ml, SZR-*** (Jet Black SZR-031), ¥630 (about US$4.00) before tax | Same inker | Everything in the table comes from Tsukineko's Japanese StazOn page, which says the ink and its uses are the same for both pads. It also notes that the inker is made to order, so it can take a while to arrive in Japan. Tsukineko's company history dates the Midi to 2012. ![To-scale drawing: the full-size StazOn pad is 3.9 by 2.65 inches with an inking surface of about 3 by 1.88 inches; the Midi pad is 2.375 inches square](https://stationerytimes.com/images/stazon-ink-pad-sizes.svg) *The full-size inking surface takes a stamp up to about 3 × 1.85 in in one press.* ## Which surfaces does StazOn stamp on? **Tsukineko's Japanese site lists plastic, metal, shrink plastic, rubber, leather, polymer clay, laminated and coated paper, plain paper, photos, glass, ceramics, terracotta, transparency film and painted surfaces.** That covers glass jars, tags, packaging film and leather goods. The same page adds cautions. Washi, vellum, cloth and untreated wood bleed a little; prints on non-absorbent surfaces can come off if scratched; and you should wipe oil off the surface before stamping. Tsukineko says Jet Black resists UV light and is suited to long-term storage, even of important documents. ## How long does StazOn take to dry? **Tsukineko gives 3 seconds on absorbent surfaces and up to 5 minutes on non-absorbent ones.** It says the time varies with the material, the climate and the ink color. Not every buyer agrees. One eBay reviewer said the ink was still wet on their paper after several minutes, so test on a scrap of your actual paper first. ## How do you clean stamps and re-ink the pad? **Use Tsukineko's StazOn cleaner (SZCL-56), a 56 ml bottle listed at ¥980 (about US$6.20) before tax.** Tsukineko says to apply it to the stamp and wipe with a cloth, wait a little if the ink is stubborn, and always wipe the stamp with water afterwards. It also removes StazOn from glass or plastic, but not from paper or fabric. Clear stamps need care. Tsukineko says resin (acrylic) clear stamps may degrade depending on their material and recommends testing first, while Vaessen Creative says the cleaner is not suitable for clear stamps because it is solvent-based. When the pad runs dry, use the StazOn inker: a 15 ml bottle that Tsukineko says works only with StazOn and StazOn Midi. Close the inner lid when you store the full-size pad to stop it drying out. ## Is StazOn safe to use? **It is a craft ink, but its safety data sheet calls for eye protection.** A June 2022 UK sheet classifies the ink as able to cause serious eye damage (H318), names 2-phenoxyethanol (10–15%) as the hazard component, asks for adequate ventilation and gives a flash point above 60 °C. An older 2017 EU sheet lists a flash point of 64.5 °C, classifies the ink as harmful if swallowed and irritating to skin and eyes, and recommends tightly sealed goggles. Check the label and the current sheet from your seller. ## How does StazOn compare to VersaFine and Memento? **All three are Tsukineko inks, but only StazOn is made for non-paper surfaces.** | | StazOn | VersaFine Clair | Memento | |---|---|---|---| | Ink base | Solvent dye | Oil-based pigment | Water-based dye | | Best for | Glass, metal, plastic, leather | Fine detail on uncoated paper | Paper, including coated | | Watercolor over it | Not stated | Yes, water-resistant once dry | No (Root & Co) | | Alcohol markers | Not stated | Not stated | Recommended by Tsukineko | | Drying time | 3 s to 5 min | About 3–5 s | 3–5 s on art paper | Ink bases, uses and drying times come from Tsukineko's Japanese pages; the Memento watercolor note is from Root & Co. For a blendable paper ink, see our [Tim Holtz Distress Oxide ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad/) guide; for watercolor over a stamped outline, a heavier sheet like the [Canson XL Mix Media pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) helps. For opaque, matte color on dark cardstock, Tsukineko's [VersaMagic chalk ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/versamagic-chalk-ink-pad/) is the paper ink to look at. ## Which size should you choose? **Pick the full-size pad for stamps up to about 3 × 1.85 in, and the Midi for small stamps or a set of colors.** - **Full size:** a 76 × 47 mm surface covers most text and image stamps, in 30 colors. - **Midi:** a 37 mm (about 1.5 in) square surface in a 58 mm case, in 17 colors; it costs less per pad. For addresses and logos, a self-inking stamp such as the [Trodat Printy 4912](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/trodat-printy-4912/) uses its own pad instead. ## Where are StazOn ink pads made? **A retailer lists Japan as the country of manufacture.** Officeworks in Australia gives Japan for a StazOn pad in Pumpkin (No. 92); we found no listing that states it for Jet Black specifically. Tsukineko's product pages don't state a country of manufacture. Its Japanese company history lists factories in Yoshikawa, Saitama, built in 1986 and 1998, and a US subsidiary, TSUKINEKO, INC., set up in Redmond, Washington, in 1993 and producing since 1994. Check the box of the pad you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What surfaces can StazOn ink stamp on? Tsukineko's Japanese site lists plastic, metal, shrink plastic, rubber, leather, polymer clay, laminated and coated paper, plain paper, photos, glass, ceramics, terracotta, transparency film and painted surfaces. It warns that washi, vellum, cloth and untreated wood bleed a little. ### How long does StazOn take to dry? Tsukineko says 3 seconds on absorbent surfaces and up to 5 minutes on non-absorbent ones, varying with the material, climate and ink color. Some buyers report it staying wet longer on certain papers. ### Is StazOn ink permanent and waterproof? It is sold as a permanent ink, and Tsukineko says Jet Black resists UV light and suits long-term storage and important documents. On non-absorbent surfaces the print can still come off if scratched. ### How do you clean StazOn off rubber stamps? Tsukineko's StazOn cleaner (SZCL-56, 56 ml) is applied to the stamp and wiped off with a cloth, then the stamp is wiped with water. Tsukineko says resin clear stamps may degrade and should be tested first; one retailer calls the cleaner unsuitable for clear stamps. ### Can you use alcohol markers over StazOn? Tsukineko doesn't say. Its Japanese Memento page recommends Memento, a water-based dye ink, for coloring with alcohol markers, so that is the safer choice. ### Is StazOn ink toxic or flammable? A 2022 UK safety data sheet classifies it as able to cause serious eye damage and names 2-phenoxyethanol as the hazard component; it gives a flash point above 60 °C. A 2017 EU sheet lists a flash point of 64.5 °C and recommends tightly sealed goggles. ### How do you re-ink a StazOn pad? Use the matching StazOn inker, a 15 ml bottle that Tsukineko says fits only StazOn and StazOn Midi. Match the color number to the pad and spread the ink evenly across the surface. ### Where are StazOn ink pads made? Australian retailer Officeworks lists Japan as the country of manufacture for a StazOn pad, and Tsukineko runs factories in Yoshikawa, Saitama. Tsukineko also has a US subsidiary that began production in 1994, so check the box. ## Sources - [ステイズオン｜多用途油性速乾溶剤性染料インク (Tsukineko Japan product page, "StazOn, multi-surface fast-drying solvent dye ink": uses, drying time, cautions, SZ/SZM/SZR item numbers, JAN codes, sizes, prices)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/products/staz-on/) - [ステイズオン クリーナー (Tsukineko Japan product page, "StazOn Cleaner": SZCL-56, 56 ml, how to use)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/products/staz-on-cleaner/) - [会社案内-沿革 (Tsukineko Japan company history: Yoshikawa factories, US subsidiary, StazOn Midi launch 2012)](https://tsukineko.co.jp/company/history.html) - [メメント (Tsukineko Japan product page, "Memento": water-based dye ink, recommended for alcohol markers)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/products/memento/) - [バーサファイン クレア (Tsukineko Japan product page, "VersaFine Clair": oil-based pigment ink, water-resistant once dry)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/products/versa-fine-clair/) - [StāzOn / StāzOn Midi (Tsukineko product page, English edition: SZ-000 and SZ-MID item numbers, UPCs)](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/en/products/staz-on-series/) - [Officeworks: Tsukineko StazOn Ink Pad 92 Pumpkin (country of manufacture Japan)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tsukineko-stazon-ink-pad-92-pumpkin-tsj704992) - [Amazon: Tsukineko SZ000031 Full-Size StazOn Multi-Surface Inkpad, Jet Black](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013L5SDY) - [eBay: StazOn Solvent Ink Pad Jet Black (listing and buyer reviews)](https://www.ebay.com/p/1400069787) - [Birch Creative: Tsukineko StazOn safety data sheet, UK, June 2022 (PDF)](https://www.birchcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/J7031_J7032-Tsukineko-Stazon-EN-221215-JUNE-2022.pdf) - [Perles & Co: StazOn safety data sheet, EU, 2017 version (PDF)](https://www.perlesandco.es/pdf/pjproduit/o/u/outil-746-sd640_-_stazon_eu_20200323144206.pdf) - [Vaessen Creative: Tsukineko StazOn stamp cleaner 56 ml](https://www.vaessen-creative.com/p/tsukineko-stazon-stamp-cleaner-solvent-56ml-05szl56) - [Root & Co: Tsukineko Memento Dew Drop ink](https://www.rootandco.com/products/tsukineko-memento-dew-drop-inks-new-sprout) --- # Ticonderoga #2 HB Pencil: Grade, Size & Eraser > The Ticonderoga #2 HB is Dixon Ticonderoga's yellow, hexagonal, wood-cased graphite pencil with a latex-free eraser held in a green-and-yellow ferrule. Retailers list it at 7.5 inches (190 mm) long, and Dixon's catalog gives a 9/32 inch (7.1 mm) diameter. It dates from 1913, and current US grocery listings give China as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Yellow hexagonal Ticonderoga #2 HB pencil drawn to scale at 190 mm (7.5 in) long, with its green-and-yellow ferrule, eraser and sharpened point; inset: #2 HB graphite, 2.2 mm core](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/ticonderoga-2-pencil-16x9.png) *The Ticonderoga #2 at its listed 190 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/ticonderoga-2-pencil-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Ticonderoga #2 HB Wood-Cased Pencil, Yellow (13806, 13830, 13924, 13882) | Ticonderoga (by Dixon Ticonderoga Company (USA), part of F.I.L.A. Group (Italy)) | United States | China | Wood case (responsibly managed forests, per Ticonderoga), graphite core, eraser glued into a metal ferrule | 1913 | $: under $5 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Ticonderoga #2 HB Wood-Cased Pencil, Yellow (13806, 13830, 13924, 13882)): China. Stop & Shop lists China for the 24-count unsharpened pack and Giant lists China for the 18-count sharpened pack; a distributor listed China for the 30-count 13830. Some 12-count listings (13882 at Monk Office, 13806 on eBay) gave Mexico when we first checked. F.I.L.A.'s Italian site lists production sites for Dixon in Appleton, Wisconsin and Tultitlán, Mexico, so origin can vary by pack. Ticonderoga's product pages don't state it; check the box. Source: https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/ticonderoga-2-pencils-yellow-24-ct-pkg/213861 ## Key takeaways - On the US number scale, #2 corresponds to HB, the middle grade between #1 (B, softer) and #3 (H, harder). - Dixon's 2025 catalog gives a 9/32 in (about 7.1 mm) diameter, and Target lists an overall length of 7.5 in (190 mm). - Quill lists the graphite core of the pre-sharpened 12-pack (13806) and 30-pack (13830) at 2.2 mm. - The yellow Ticonderoga #2 has been sold since 1913; Italy's F.I.L.A. Group has owned Dixon Ticonderoga since February 2005. - Stop & Shop and Giant list China as the origin of the 24-count and 18-count packs; a few 12-count listings say Mexico. ## What is the Ticonderoga #2 pencil? **The Ticonderoga #2 is a yellow, hexagonal, wood-cased graphite pencil with a latex-free eraser, made by the Dixon Ticonderoga Company.** Ticonderoga's own history page dates the yellow #2 to 1913. The name comes from graphite found near Ticonderoga, New York, where Dixon bought the American Graphite Company in 1873. The brand is American, but its owner is not: Italy's F.I.L.A. Group completed a cash tender offer for Dixon in February 2005, with about 93.5% of shares tendered, according to the SEC filing. ## Ticonderoga #2 HB specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Dixon Ticonderoga Company (USA), part of F.I.L.A. Group (Italy) | | Grade | #2 / HB | | Core | Graphite, 2.2 mm (per Quill) | | Length | 7.5 in / 190 mm, unsharpened (per Target and other retailers) | | Barrel | Hexagonal wood, golden yellow lacquer; 9/32 in (7.1 mm) diameter (Dixon catalog) | | Eraser | Glued into a green and gold ferrule (Ticonderoga); latex-free (packaging copy) | | Safety | PMA certified (maker claim) | | Pre-sharpened packs | 12 (X13806, UPC 072067138064) · 18 (X13818) · 30 (X13830) · 72, 240, 480, 1,000 | | Unsharpened packs | 12 (X13812) · 24 (X13924) · 48 (X13922) · 72 (X33904) · 96 (X13872) | | Introduced | 1913 | | Made in | China for most US packs listed; Mexico for some | Diameter and item numbers come from Ticonderoga's product pages and Dixon's 2025 catalog, which also lists a Classic Yellow 12-count, X13882. Ticonderoga gives the length only as standard, so the 7.5 in figure is Target's and the core size is Quill's. ![Ticonderoga #2 HB pencil drawn to scale: 7.5 inches (190 mm) long, about 7.1 mm across, with a 2.2 mm graphite core; #2 equals HB on the grade scale between #1 (B) and #3 (H)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/ticonderoga-2-pencil-size-and-grade.svg) *A standard #2 barrel is about 27 times longer than it is wide.* ## What does #2 HB mean? **#2 is the US name for the HB grade, the middle of the scale between soft, dark leads and hard, light ones.** The common mapping is #1 = B, #2 = HB, #2½ = F, #3 = H and #4 = 2H. The equivalence is approximate. No industry standard fixes how dark a #2 must be, so a Ticonderoga #2 and a store-brand #2 can lay down different lines. If you want darker, softer writing, Ticonderoga also sells a #1 (B) yellow pencil, item 13881. ## What is the eraser made of? **Ticonderoga says the eraser is securely glued into its green and gold ferrule, and packaging copy quoted by Stop & Shop calls it latex-free.** That matters for classrooms with latex allergies. Ticonderoga's product pages also call the pencils PMA certified. The maker's copy also credits an "exclusive #2 graphite formula" and wood "harvested from responsibly managed forests". Ticonderoga doesn't publish the formula or name the wood species in the sources we found. ## Pre-sharpened or unsharpened: which should you buy? **Buy pre-sharpened for a quick start and unsharpened if you own a good sharpener and want the full 7.5 in length.** The pencils are otherwise the same. - **Pre-sharpened (X13806, X13830):** ready for tests and first-day supply lists. - **Unsharpened (X13812, X13924):** a flat end and a little more pencil before the first sharpening. - **Black barrel (X13953):** the same #2 grade in a black finish, per Dixon's catalog. For a refillable alternative with a fixed line width, see the [uni Kuru Toga](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/) mechanical pencil. For a softer, darker wood-cased pencil at a higher price, see the [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/). For a round, matte black #2 HB in the same $ band, see the [Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-mirado-black-warrior/). ## Why is the Ticonderoga pencil yellow? **Ticonderoga says the yellow No. 2 arrived in 1913, but its history page doesn't explain why yellow was chosen.** The ferrule changed more than the paint did. Ticonderoga says it began as brass, switched to green plastic during World War II metal rationing, and kept the green color scheme on a metal ferrule after the war. ## Is Ticonderoga better than a generic #2 pencil? **Ticonderoga documents more than most generic packs do: a glued eraser, PMA certification and a 9/32 in hexagonal barrel.** Whether it writes smoother is a matter of reviews and our own testing, which we haven't done yet. The best-known German alternative is the yellow-and-black [Staedtler Noris](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/staedtler-noris/), which has no eraser. It fits the same standard sharpeners and pencil cases as any #2, including the [EASTHILL pencil case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/) and the [KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/). ## Where are Ticonderoga pencils made? **Most current US listings give China as the country of origin for the yellow Ticonderoga #2, and a few 12-count listings have said Mexico.** Stop & Shop and Giant list China for the 24-count and 18-count packs, and a distributor listed China for the 30-count 13830. Monk Office listed Mexico for the 12-count 13882 when we first checked. They used to be American-made. Dixon's 2003 annual report said Ticonderoga pencils were made in Versailles, Missouri, while crayons had moved to its Mexican subsidiary, Grupo Dixon. Wikipedia reports that F.I.L.A. announced the Versailles closure after the 2005 purchase. Today F.I.L.A.'s Italian site lists Dixon production sites in Appleton, Wisconsin, where Ticonderoga says Dixon moved its headquarters in 2019, and in Tultitlán, Mexico. Because origin varies by pack, check the "Made in" line on the box you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a #2 pencil the same as an HB pencil? Yes, in practice. The US number system maps #2 to HB on the European letter scale, with #1 as B and #3 as H. There is no shared industry standard for darkness, so one brand's #2 can write a little differently from another's. ### Are Ticonderoga erasers latex-free? Packaging copy reproduced by Stop & Shop describes the eraser as latex-free, and Ticonderoga's own product pages call the pencils PMA certified. The maker's pages don't repeat the latex-free claim, so check the box if an allergy matters. ### How long is a Ticonderoga #2 pencil? Target lists an overall length of 7.5 inches, about 190 mm; Ticonderoga's own pages only say standard length. Dixon's catalog gives the diameter as 9/32 inch, roughly 7.1 mm. ### Are Ticonderoga pencils still made in the USA? Not as a rule. Dixon's SEC filings show Ticonderoga pencils being made in Versailles, Missouri in the early 2000s, but that plant closed after F.I.L.A. bought the company in 2005. Current US grocery listings give China, some 12-count listings have given Mexico, and the box states the origin. ### What is the difference between pre-sharpened and unsharpened Ticonderoga pencils? Only the point. Pre-sharpened packs, such as the 12-count X13806 and 30-count X13830, arrive ready to write, while unsharpened packs such as the 24-count X13924 have flat ends and come out slightly longer before first use. ### Why are Ticonderoga pencils yellow? Ticonderoga's own history says the yellow No. 2 was introduced in 1913 but doesn't explain why yellow was chosen. It does say the ferrule began as brass, turned green plastic during World War II metal rationing, and kept the green color on metal after the war. ### Who owns Ticonderoga? Ticonderoga is a brand of the Dixon Ticonderoga Company, which the Italian F.I.L.A. Group bought through a cash tender offer completed in February 2005. The brand is still American, but its parent company is Italian. ### Is Ticonderoga better than a generic #2 pencil? It is the better-documented one. Ticonderoga specifies a glued-in eraser and PMA certification, and its packaging copy calls the eraser latex-free, which many no-name packs don't state, but we have not run our own side-by-side test. ## Sources - [Ticonderoga: Classic Yellow Wood-Cased Pencils, Sharpened (#2 HB Soft; model X13806, UPC 072067138064 for 12; X13818 for 18; X13830 for 30; hexagonal, PMA certified, eraser glued in green and gold ferrule)](https://weareticonderoga.com/products/classic-pencils/classic-yellow-wood-cased-pencils-sharpened) - [Ticonderoga: Classic Yellow Wood-Cased Pencils, Unsharpened (X13812 for 12, X13924 for 24, X13922 for 48, X33904 for 72, X13872 for 96)](https://weareticonderoga.com/products/classic-pencils/classic-yellow-wood-cased-pencils-unsharpened) - [Dixon Ticonderoga: 2025 catalog (Classic Yellow and Yellow No. 2 pencils, 9/32 in diameter; X13882, X13881, X13953)](https://dixonticonderogacompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Dixon-Tic_2025_catalog.pdf) - [Ticonderoga: Tracing Our Roots (1913 introduction; brass, then green plastic ferrule in World War II; F.I.L.A. 2005; Appleton headquarters 2019)](https://weareticonderoga.com/history) - [Ticonderoga: About (how a Ticonderoga pencil is made)](https://weareticonderoga.com/about) - [F.I.L.A. Group: La nostra storia (Our history: Dixon Ticonderoga acquired in 2005, present in Canada, China and Mexico)](https://www.filagroup.it/il-gruppo/la-nostra-storia/) - [F.I.L.A. Group: F.I.L.A. nel mondo (F.I.L.A. worldwide: Dixon production sites in Appleton, Wisconsin and Tultitlán, Mexico)](https://www.filagroup.it/fila-nel-mondo/) - [SEC: Dixon Ticonderoga tender offer by F.I.L.A., February 2005](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000014995/000095012305001314/y05536exv99waw5wb.txt) - [SEC: Dixon Ticonderoga Form 10-K FY2003 (Versailles, Missouri plant; Grupo Dixon, Mexico)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000014995/000001499503000027/form10k2003.txt) - [Stop & Shop: Ticonderoga #2 Pencils Yellow, 24 ct (country of origin China; latex-free eraser, PEFC copy)](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/ticonderoga-2-pencils-yellow-24-ct-pkg/213861) - [Giant Food Stores: Ticonderoga Sharpened HB Pencils No. 2, 18 ct (country of origin China)](https://giantfoodstores.com/groceries/product/ticonderoga-sharpened-hb-pencils-no-2-18-ct-pkg/213858) - [OnTimeSupplies: Ticonderoga pre-sharpened HB #2, 30-pack, 13830 (country of origin China)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/dix13830-pre-sharpened-pencil-hb-2-black-lead-yellow-barrel-30-pack.html) - [Monk Office: Ticonderoga Pencils HB, 12/box, 13882 (country of origin Mexico when first checked)](https://commercial.monk.ca/office-products/writing-correction/woodcase-pencils/dix13882-ticonderoga-pencil-hb-12box) - [eBay: Ticonderoga #2 HB pre-sharpened, X13806 (country of origin Mexico)](https://www.ebay.de/itm/157401486595) - [Quill: Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened Wooden Pencil, 2.2 mm, #2 Soft, 12 (X13806X)](https://quill.com/ticonderoga-wooden-pencils-no-2-soft-lead-dozen-13806/cbs/205032.html) - [Quill: Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened Wooden Pencil, 2.2 mm, #2 Soft, 30 (X13830X)](https://quill.com/ticonderoga-wooden-pencils-no-2-soft-lead-30-pack-13830/cbs/339709.html) - [Target: Ticonderoga #2 wooden pencils, 12 ct (overall length 7.5 in)](https://www.target.com/p/ticonderoga-2-wooden-pencils-0-7mm-12ct/-/A-13300251) - [Walmart: Ticonderoga #2 HB pre-sharpened, 12-pack (13806), pack of 2](https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/348194065) - [Gateway Printing & Office Supply: Ticonderoga pre-sharpened #2, yellow barrel, 30 box (latex-free eraser, PMA certified)](https://www.gatewayp.com/ticonderoga-pre-sharpened-no-2-pencils-2-lead-yellow-barrel-30-box--1) - [H-E-B: Ticonderoga unsharpened #2 classic wood pencils, 12 pk (graphite formula and responsibly sourced wood copy)](https://www.heb.com/product-detail/ticonderoga-unsharpened-no-2-classic-wood-pencils-12-pk/1369347) - [OnTimeSupplies: Ticonderoga B #1 yellow, dozen (13881)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/dix13881-woodcase-pencil-b-1-yellow-dozen.html) - [OnTimeSupplies: Ticonderoga matte black #2, dozen (13953; country of origin China)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/dix13953-pencils-hb-2-black-lead-black-barrel-dozen.html) - [The Straight Dope: What exactly is a #2 pencil? (US number to HB mapping)](https://www.straightdope.com/21343238/how-come-you-see-2-pencils-but-no-1-pencils) - [Wikipedia: Dixon Ticonderoga (graphite near Ticonderoga, NY; plant closures)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixon_Ticonderoga) - [Brand Name Pencils: America's Pencil, the Dixon Ticonderoga (ferrule history)](https://brandnamepencils.com/blog/americas-pencil-the-dixon-ticonderoga) --- # Tim Holtz Distress Oxide: Pad Sizes & Water Effect > Tim Holtz Distress Oxide is a Ranger ink that combines dye and pigment in one pad. Ranger says misting it with water gives a chalky, oxidized look, and it is more opaque than original Distress Ink. Full-size pads have a 3 in square case and 1 15/16 in felt, minis a 1 in felt; 0.5 oz re-inkers refill both. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Full-size Tim Holtz Distress Oxide ink pad with the lid lifted, its case drawn to scale at 3 by 3 in (76 mm), beside a stamped hedgehog with a chalky edge and a water bloom](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-16x9.png) *Ranger says a mist of water gives Distress Oxide a chalky, oxidized look.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink Pad (3 × 3 in case; mini 1 × 1 in) | Tim Holtz Distress (by Ranger Industries, Tinton Falls, New Jersey (maker of the Tim Holtz Distress line)) | United States | United States | – | 2017 | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink Pad (3 × 3 in case; mini 1 × 1 in)): United States. Ranger's About page says it keeps all its inks manufactured in the USA at a facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey; its Faire brand profile and a UK retailer say the same. Individual pad pages on rangerink.com don't state a country, and US resale listings give the United States. Source: https://rangerink.com/pages/about ## Key takeaways - Ranger lists the full-size pad's case at 3 × 3 in (76 mm) and its felt at 1 15/16 in (49 mm) square; the stackable mini has a 1 × 1 in felt in a 1 3/8 in case. - Matching Distress Oxide re-inkers come in 0.5 oz bottles, one per color, for refilling both pad sizes. - The line launched with 12 colors in early 2017 and had reached 24 by July 2017; Ranger keeps adding colors in periodic releases. - Mini Oxide pads are sold in kits of 4; Ranger's full mini bundle runs from Kit 1 to Kit 18. - Ranger says it makes all its inks in the USA at its facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. ## What is a Tim Holtz Distress Oxide ink pad? **It is a stamping and blending ink pad from Ranger Industries that combines dye ink and pigment ink in one formula.** Ranger designs and sells it under the name of mixed-media artist Tim Holtz, alongside his original Distress Ink. Ranger calls Distress Oxide a "water-reactive dye & pigment ink fusion". The name describes the result: Ranger says spraying the ink with water creates an oxidized effect, with a soft, chalky finish that builds in layers. ## Distress Oxide specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Ranger Industries (Tinton Falls, New Jersey) | | Ink type | Dye and pigment hybrid, water-reactive (per Ranger) | | Full-size pad | Case 3 × 3 in (76 mm); felt 1 15/16 × 1 15/16 in (about 49 mm) | | Mini pad | Felt 1 × 1 in (25 mm) in a 1 3/8 in (35 mm) case; stackable, kits of 4 | | Re-inker | 0.5 oz (about 15 ml) bottle per color | | Item codes | TDO + number for pads (e.g. TDO55815 Black Soot); TDR for re-inkers (TDR56911); TDIK for mini kits | | Launched | Early 2017, with 12 colors | | Made in | USA (per Ranger) | Sizes, item codes and the ink description come from Ranger's product pages, and the launch details from a July 2017 retailer article. Ranger's 1 15/16 in felt explains why Root & Co lists the pad as 2 × 2 in: that is the inking surface, while 3 × 3 in is the case. ![To-scale drawing of the full-size Distress Oxide pad's 3 by 3 inch case beside a 1 by 1 inch square for the mini pad's felt](https://stationerytimes.com/images/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-sizes.svg) *The 3 × 3 in full-size case beside the 1 × 1 in mini felt. The full-size felt is 1 15/16 in and the mini case 1 3/8 in, per Ranger.* ## How does Distress Oxide react with water? **Ranger says a mist of water makes Distress Oxide look oxidized and chalky instead of simply running like a dye.** The dye part moves with the water, while the pigment part dries to a more matte, opaque finish. Vaessen Creative notes that the ink tends to sit on the surface of the card rather than soaking in. That is why the ink stays workable and can be moved with water after it is applied. ## How is Distress Oxide different from original Distress Ink? **Original Distress Ink is a transparent water-based dye; Distress Oxide adds pigment, so it covers more and blends more smoothly.** Both react with water, and both come in the same 3 × 3 in case with a 1 15/16 in felt, with matching re-inkers. | | Distress Ink (original) | Distress Oxide | Typical pigment ink | |---|---|---|---| | Ink type | Water-based dye (Ranger) | Dye and pigment hybrid (Ranger) | Pigment | | Coverage | Transparent: paper shows through | More opaque; shows on dark and kraft card | Opaque | | With water | Reactivates and moves | Moves, then dries chalky and "oxidized" | Little reaction once dry | | Blending | Harder to blend smoothly (Sizzix) | Blends easily (Sizzix) | Varies | | Drying | Faster than Oxide | Slower, stays wet longer (Sizzix) | Slow; often heat-set | | Full-size pad | 3 × 3 in case, 1 15/16 in raised felt | 3 × 3 in case, 1 15/16 in felt | Varies by brand | Comparison points for the two Distress lines come from Ranger and Sizzix, a Tim Holtz partner. The pigment column describes the category in general, not one product. ## Which size should you choose? **Choose full-size pads for the colors you use most and mini kits to try many colors cheaply and in less space.** - **Full size (3 × 3 in case, 1 15/16 in felt):** the larger inking surface suits blending tools and larger stamps. - **Mini (1 × 1 in felt):** four colors per kit, stackable, and better suited to small stamps and tags. Ranger's full mini bundle runs from Kit 1 to Kit 18. ## How do you re-ink a Distress Oxide pad? **Use the matching Distress Oxide re-inker, which Ranger sells in a 0.5 oz bottle for each color.** Ranger describes the re-inkers as acid-free, non-toxic and fade-resistant, and says they are for re-inking Distress Oxide pads. The original Distress line has its own re-inkers, so match the line as well as the color. ## How many Distress Oxide colors are there? **There is no fixed number, because Ranger adds colors in periodic releases.** The line launched with 12 colors in early 2017 and grew to 24 by July 2017. An older Ranger blog post gave 48. Check Ranger's site for the current list. ## Which paper works best with Distress Oxide? **Use smooth, heavy paper that handles water.** Ranger sells a Distress Mixed Media Heavystock (110 lb), and in an April 2017 blog test Heather Telford found that Oxides blended well on bristol and hot-pressed watercolor paper but less well on a smooth white cardstock. A mixed-media pad such as the [Canson XL Mix Media](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/) is a sensible budget choice to try. For permanent stamping on glass, metal or plastic, use a solvent ink such as [StazOn](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/) instead. For return addresses and office marks, a self-inking stamp such as the [Trodat Printy 4912](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/trodat-printy-4912/) is the better tool. ## Where are Distress Oxide ink pads made? **Ranger says all its inks are made in the USA at its facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.** Its About page states this, as do its brand profile on Faire and a UK retailer. US resale listings for individual Oxide pads and re-inkers also give the United States as the country of manufacture. Ranger's individual pad pages don't state it, so check the packaging if origin matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does "oxide" mean in Distress Oxide? It refers to the look, not a chemical. Ranger describes Distress Oxide as a dye and pigment ink in one that gives an oxidized, chalky effect when you spray it with water. ### Is Distress Oxide a dye ink or a pigment ink? Both. Ranger calls it a water-reactive dye and pigment ink fusion, so it reacts with water like a dye ink but covers more like a pigment ink. ### What is the difference between Distress Ink and Distress Oxide? Original Distress Ink is a transparent, water-based dye ink; Distress Oxide adds pigment, so it is more opaque and shows up on darker or kraft card. Retailers also note Oxide blends more easily and stays wet longer. ### How big is a Distress Oxide ink pad? Ranger lists the full-size case at 3 × 3 in (76 mm) and the felt inking surface at 1 15/16 × 1 15/16 in (about 49 mm). The minis have a 1 × 1 in felt in a 1 3/8 in case, are sold four to a kit, and stack. ### How do you refill a Distress Oxide ink pad? Use the matching Distress Oxide re-inker, a 0.5 oz bottle sold for each color. Ranger says the re-inkers are for re-inking Distress Oxide pads, which are sold separately. ### How many Distress Oxide colors are there? The count keeps changing because Ranger releases new colors periodically. The line started with 12 colors in early 2017 and reached 24 that July; check Ranger's site for the current list. ### Where are Distress Oxide ink pads made? Ranger's About page says all its inks are manufactured in the USA at a facility in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Resale listings for the pads also give the United States as the country of manufacture. ### What paper works best with Distress Oxide? Smooth, heavy, wet-media paper. Ranger sells a Distress Mixed Media Heavystock, and a 2017 blog test found Oxides blended well on bristol and hot-pressed watercolor paper but less well on a smooth white cardstock. ## Sources - [Ranger Ink: About (all inks manufactured in the USA in Tinton Falls, New Jersey)](https://rangerink.com/pages/about) - [Ranger Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink Pads collection](https://rangerink.com/collections/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pads) - [Ranger Ink: Distress Oxide Ink Pad, Black Soot, TDO55815 (case 3 × 3 in, pad 1 15/16 × 1 15/16 in; online since July 11, 2017)](https://rangerink.com/products/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-black-soot) - [Ranger Ink: Distress Oxide Re-Inker, Black Soot, 0.5 oz, TDR56911 (acid free, non-toxic, fade resistant)](https://rangerink.com/products/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-re-inkers-black-soot) - [Ranger Ink: Distress Oxide Re-Inkers collection](https://rangerink.com/collections/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-re-inkers/) - [Ranger Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads (water-based dye; case 3 × 3 in, pad 1 15/16 × 1 15/16 in)](https://rangerink.com/collections/tim-holtz-distress-ink-pads) - [Ranger Ink: Distress Full Mini Oxide Ink Pads Bundle (Kits 1–18; case 1 3/8 in, felt 1 × 1 in)](https://rangerink.com/products/tim-holtz-distress-full-mini-oxide-ink-pads-bundle) - [Ranger Ink blog: New Tim Holtz Distress Oxides from Ranger](https://rangerink.com/blogs/blog/new-tim-holtz-distress-oxides-from-ranger) - [Faire: Ranger Ink brand profile (inks made in the USA, Tinton Falls, NJ)](https://faire.com/brand/b_uj5jqbw7qu) - [Loobi Crafts: Ranger Ink (Ranger's made-in-USA statement)](https://www.loobicrafts.co.uk/ranger-ink-271-c.asp) - [eBay: Distress Oxide pad listings (country of manufacture United States; about 3 × 2.9 in)](https://www.ebay.com/p/13004809985) - [Vaessen Creative: Distress Mini Oxide Ink Pads Kit 5, TDIK91516 (four 1 × 1 in pads)](https://www.vaessen-creative.com/p/ranger-tim-holtz-distress-mini-oxide-ink-pads-kit-5-tdik91516) - [Nally Studios: Difference between original Distress Ink and Distress Oxide (July 12, 2017)](https://nallystudios.com/blog/2017/07/12/what-is-the-difference-between-original-distress-ink-and-distress-oxide) - [Sizzix: How to use Tim Holtz Distress Inks vs Distress Oxide Inks](https://www.sizzix.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-use-tim-holtz-distress-inks-vs-tim-holtz-distress-oxide-inks) - [Vaessen Creative: Distress Oxide ink pad, Kitsch Flamingo TDO72614 (ink sits on the surface)](https://www.vaessen-creative.com/p/ranger-tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-kitsch-flamingo-tdo72614) - [Heather Telford: The Distress Oxide trials (April 28, 2017, paper comparison)](https://cards.heathertelford.com/2017/04/28/the-distress-oxide-trials/) - [Simon Says Stamp: Distress Mixed Media Heavystock 8.5 × 11 in, TDA75172](https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/tim-holtz-8-5-x-11-distress-mixed-media-heavystock-ranger-tda75172-1?c=975) - [Walmart: Tim Holtz Distress Oxides Ink Pad, Black Soot (3 × 3 in)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/214938439) - [Root & Co: Distress Oxide Ink Pad, Wilted Violet](https://www.rootandco.com/products/ranger-ink-tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad-wilted-violet) --- # Trodat Printy 4912: Stamp Size, Text Lines & Ink Pads > The Trodat Printy 4912 is a rectangular self-inking text stamp from Austria's Trodat. Retailers list its impression as 47 × 18 mm (3/4 × 1-7/8 in), room for up to four lines of text. It re-inks itself from a swappable 6/4912 pad, sold in black, red, blue, green and violet, and comes custom-made or as a DIY kit. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/trodat-printy-4912/ - Category: Stamps - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Trodat Printy 4912 self-inking stamp beside its impression in red ink, drawn to scale at 47 by 18 mm (1-7/8 by 3/4 in) with four lines of text](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/trodat-printy-4912-16x9.png) *The Printy 4912 and its 47 × 18 mm impression, with room for up to four lines.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/trodat-printy-4912-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Trodat Printy 4912 Self-Inking Stamp (47 × 18 mm) | Trodat (by Trodat GmbH, Wels, Austria (part of TroGroup, with Trotec)) | Austria | Not stated | Plastic housing, rubber text plate | 1976 | $$: $5–20 per stamp or ink pad | - Made in (Trodat Printy 4912 Self-Inking Stamp (47 × 18 mm)): Not stated. Trodat doesn't state where the 4912 is made in the sources we found; it lists production plants in Austria, China, India and Romania. TroGroup's German history page says stamps have been made in Wels since 1951 and calls Xiamen, China (since 2001) one of the group's most important production sites. Retailer listings conflict: a Swiss retailer (Digitec) gives China for a Printy 4912, while US eBay sellers of pre-inked 4912 stamps and the German shop Office-Partner (for the 6/4912 pad) give Austria. Check the packaging. Source: https://www.trodat.net/ca/en/about-trodat/trodat-worldwide ## Key takeaways - Impression area: 47 × 18 mm (about 1-7/8 × 3/4 in) per US and EU retailers; Trodat's own page gives a maximum text plate of 46 × 17 mm. - Trodat lists the DIY 4912 Typomatic at up to 4 lines of text; some European shops allow 5 lines on custom plates. - The replacement ink pad is model 6/4912, listed in 5 ink colors plus an un-inked dry pad and a 2-color version. - The larger sister model, the Printy 4913, has a 58 × 22 mm impression (57 × 21 mm plate per Trodat) and up to 6 lines. - Trodat says it runs 4 production plants, in Austria, China, India and Romania, so the 4912's origin can vary. ## What is the Trodat Printy 4912? **The Trodat Printy 4912 is a small rectangular self-inking text stamp, sold for return addresses and short office messages such as PAID or PAST DUE.** It is made by Trodat GmbH of Wels, Austria, part of TroGroup alongside the laser maker Trotec. Wikipedia dates the Printy to 1976, and TroGroup's German site calls it the world's first plastic self-inking stamp. TroGroup's history page also calls it the world's most-sold stamp; that is a maker claim we have not seen sales data for. ## Trodat Printy 4912 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Trodat GmbH, Wels, Austria | | Impression area | 47 × 18 mm (3/4 × 1-7/8 in), per retailers | | Max. text plate | 46 × 17 mm, per Trodat | | Lines of text | Up to 4 (Trodat, DIY version); some EU shops allow 5 | | Ink | Water-based, meets DIN ISO 14145-2 for indelibility (per Trodat) | | Replacement pad | 6/4912, 4.7 × 1.8 cm (also fits the 4952) | | Pad colors | Black, red, blue, green, violet; dry pad; 2-color pad | | Versions | Custom plate, DIY Typomatic kit, Office Printy stock text | | Made in | Not stated by Trodat; listings say Austria or China | The plate size, line count and ink standard come from Trodat's own pages. The impression size, pad colors and origin come from retailer listings. ## How big is the 4912 impression, and how many lines fit? **Retailers list the 4912 impression as 47 × 18 mm, about the size of a short return-address label, and Trodat lists up to four lines of text.** Trodat's product page gives the maximum text plate as 46 × 17 mm, so the printable area sits a millimeter inside the stamp's footprint. Four lines in 17 mm leaves a little over 4 mm per line. That is enough for a name, street, city line and phone number, but not for a long company name in large type. ![To-scale drawing of the Trodat Printy 4912 impression, 47 by 18 mm, with a 46 by 17 mm text plate holding four lines of address text](https://stationerytimes.com/images/trodat-printy-4912-impression-size.svg) *Four address lines fill the 46 × 17 mm plate, drawn at 10× scale.* Some European shops, such as Basler's online stamp designer, allow 5 lines on a custom 4912 plate. More lines means smaller text, so keep to four if the stamp will be read at a glance. ## How does a self-inking stamp work? **The rubber text plate rests against an ink pad inside the housing, and pressing down flips it over to print, then back up to re-ink.** Each press inks the plate again, so there is no separate stamp pad to dab. The ink sits in a removable pad cartridge. Trodat says the ink is water-based and meets DIN ISO 14145-2, a standard for document ink that resists erasing. For stamping on glossy or non-porous surfaces you need a solvent ink instead; see our [StazOn ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stazon-ink-pad/) guide. ## What replacement ink pad does the 4912 use? **The 4912 takes the Trodat 6/4912 replacement pad.** US stamp shops list it in black, red, blue, green and violet, plus a dry pad with no ink for use with other inks, and Dutch distributors list a 6/4912/2 two-color pad in blue and red. German shop Office-Partner lists the pad's stamping area as 4.7 × 1.8 cm, matching the 4912 impression, and says it fits the 4912, the 4912 Typo and the 4952; it gives the origin as Austria. The Stamp Maker, a US shop, describes a pad as good for several thousand impressions and says it can be re-inked; Trodat doesn't publish a count in the sources we found. ## Should you buy a custom 4912 or the DIY kit? **Buy a custom plate for a clean, permanent return address; buy the DIY kit if your text will change.** - **Custom (made to order):** a stamp shop makes the text plate from your layout, so the text is fixed. - **DIY Typomatic kit:** Walmart lists it with two sets of loose rubber letters, 3 mm and 4 mm tall, plus tweezers. Bruneau lists 264 characters in 4 mm and 328 in 3 mm. - **Office Printy:** stock wording such as PAID or PAST DUE, sold ready to use. For a hand-drawn logo or picture rather than text, you can carve your own stamp from a [Speedball Speedy-Carve block](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/speedball-speedy-carve-block/). For tiny ready-made icons in a planner instead of text, the [Kodomo no Kao Pochitto6](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kodomo-no-kao-pochitto6-push-button-stamp/) puts six self-inking 5.5 mm stamps in one stick. ## How does the Trodat 4912 compare to the 4913? **The 4913 is the next size up in the same Printy line, with room for two more lines.** | | Printy 4912 | Printy 4913 | |---|---|---| | Impression (retailers) | 47 × 18 mm | 58 × 22 mm | | Max. text plate (Trodat) | 46 × 17 mm | 57 × 21 mm | | Lines of text | Up to 4 (5 at some shops) | Up to 6 | | Replacement pad | 6/4912 | 6/4913 | Choose the 4913 if you need a company name plus four address lines, or a logo beside the text. ## Is the Printy 4912 eco-friendly? **Trodat's distributors describe the current Printy 4.0 as climate-neutral.** Bruneau's Italian site says up to 49% less CO2 is emitted in manufacture than for the previous model, with the rest offset through Gold Standard projects. These are Trodat's claims. ## Where is the Trodat Printy 4912 made? **Trodat doesn't say where the 4912 is made in the sources we found, and retailer listings disagree.** Trodat lists four production plants, in Austria, China, India and Romania. TroGroup's German history page says stamps have been made in Wels since 1951 and calls its Xiamen, China, subsidiary (founded 2001) one of the group's most important production sites. A Swiss retailer gives China as the origin of a Printy 4912, while eBay sellers of 4912 stock stamps and a German shop selling the 6/4912 pad give Austria. Check the packaging of the one you buy. If you are stocking a desk, our guides to the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) and the [Tim Holtz Distress Oxide ink pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tim-holtz-distress-oxide-ink-pad/) cover two other common stationery buys. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Trodat 4912 stamp? US and European retailers list the Printy 4912 impression as 47 × 18 mm, or 3/4 × 1-7/8 inch. Trodat's own product page gives the maximum text plate as 46 × 17 mm, so design your text to fit inside that. ### How many lines of text fit on a Trodat 4912? Trodat lists up to 4 lines for the 4912 Typomatic DIY version, and most US stamp shops offer 4 lines on custom plates. Some European shops allow 5 smaller lines. ### What replacement ink pad does the Trodat 4912 use? It uses the Trodat 6/4912 replacement pad, with a 4.7 × 1.8 cm stamping area. Retailers list it in black, red, blue, green and violet, plus an un-inked dry pad and a 2-color pad; German shop Office-Partner says it also fits the 4912 Typo and the 4952. ### How many impressions does a Trodat 4912 pad last? Trodat doesn't publish a number in the sources we found. Retailers say only that a pad gives several thousand impressions, and that it can be re-inked or swapped. ### What is the difference between the Trodat 4912 and 4913? The 4913 is the next size up in the same Printy line. Retailers list it at 58 × 22 mm with up to 6 lines, against 47 × 18 mm and 4 lines for the 4912, and it takes a 6/4913 pad. ### Can I make my own text on a Trodat 4912? Yes, with the DIY version Trodat calls the 4912 Typomatic. It comes with loose rubber letters in 3 mm and 4 mm sizes and tweezers, so you set and change the text yourself. ### Where is the Trodat 4912 made? Trodat doesn't say in the sources we found, and listings disagree: some give Austria, one gives China. Trodat is based in Wels, Austria, and runs plants in Austria, China, India and Romania. ### Is the Trodat Printy really the best-selling self-inking stamp? That is Trodat's own claim: TroGroup's German history page calls the Printy the world's most-sold stamp to this day, and distributors repeat it. We have not seen independent sales data behind it. ## Sources - [TroGroup (German): Divisionen – Trodat (founded 1912 in Vienna; Printy the world's first plastic self-inking stamp)](https://www.trogroup.com/de/divisionen/trodat) - [TroGroup (German): Geschichte (history: Wels stamp production from 1951, Xiamen production site from 2001)](https://www.trogroup.com/de/unternehmen/geschichte) - [Trodat USA: Original Trodat Printy (4912 Typomatic, max. 4 lines, 46 × 17 mm plate, DIN ISO 14145-2 ink)](https://www.trodat.net/us/en/products/b2c/c1/at-home/c2/original-trodat-printy-2) - [Trodat Ireland: Original Trodat Printy (4912 plate 46 × 17 mm, 4913 plate 57 × 21 mm)](https://www.trodat.net/ie/en/products/b2c/c1/at-home/c2/original-trodat-printy-1) - [Trodat International: 4912 Typomatic product page](https://www.trodat.net/int/en/shop/product/Products-International/Original-Trodat-Printy/4912-Typomatic?gv_refer=catmatrel) - [Trodat International: 4912 Office Printy (standard text)](https://www.trodat.net/int/en/shop/product/Products-International/Original-Trodat-Printy/4912-Office-Printy) - [Trodat: Trodat worldwide (production in Austria, China, India, Romania)](https://www.trodat.net/ca/en/about-trodat/trodat-worldwide) - [Trodat: TroGroup (Wels headquarters and main stamp production)](https://www.trodat.net/int/en/about-trodat/company/trogroup) - [TroGroup: Trodat GmbH division page](https://www.trogroup.com/en/divisions/trodat) - [Wikipedia: Trodat (founded 1912, Printy introduced 1976)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trodat) - [Walmart: Trodat Printy 4912 DIY kit (3 and 4 mm characters, tweezers, 4 lines)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/815450796) - [Ehrgott's Signs and Stamps: Trodat 4912 Printy (3/4 × 1-7/8 in, 4 lines, pad 6/4912, ink colors)](https://ehrgotts.utypia.com/UI/en-US/Product/Ehrgotts%20Signs%20and%20Stamps/Trodat-4912-Printy-Self-Inking-Stamp%2c-Rectangular/20230913015532066) - [Basler (Utypia): Printy 4912 (47 × 18 mm, max. 5 lines)](https://basler.utypia.com/UI/en-US/Product/Basler/Printy-4912/15434912) - [Basler (Utypia): Printy 4913 (58 × 22 mm, max. 6 lines)](https://basler.utypia.com/UI/en-US/Product/Basler/Printy-4913/15434913) - [OfficeMax NZ: Trodat 4913 Printy 58 × 22 mm (pad 6/4913)](https://officemax.co.nz/Office-Products/Stamps-Ink/Date-Numbering-Stamps/Trodat-4913-Printy-Stamp-58X22mm-2261901) - [Bruneau: Trodat Printy Typomatic 4912T (47 × 18 mm, 264 × 4 mm and 328 × 3 mm characters)](https://www.bruneau.lu/en/product/personalisable-stamp-trodat-printy-typomatic-4912t-4-lines/79944) - [The Stamp Maker: Trodat 6/4912 stamp pad (colors, several thousand impressions, fits 4952)](https://www.thestampmaker.com/Products/Trodat-64912-Stamp-Pad__TRODAT_4912_PAD.aspx) - [Stock in the Channel: Trodat 6/4912/2 two-color pad (blue/red)](https://nl.stockinthechannel.com/Product/Trodat-6-4912-2-SS-Inktpatroon-Blauw-Rood/39273383) - [Bruneau: Trodat 4912 Printy 4.0 (climate-neutral, up to 49% less CO2 vs previous model)](https://www.bruneau.it/en/product/4912-4-0-econero/8449543) - [Business6US (Utypia): Printy 4916 listing ("world's best-selling self-inking stamp")](https://business6us.utypia.com/UI/en-US/Product/Business6US/4916-Printy/20230720142212201) - [Digitec: Trodat Printy 4912 (country of origin China)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/trodat-printy-4912-stamps-38615057) - [eBay: Trodat 4912 two-color stock stamp, 3/4 × 1-7/8 in (country of origin Austria)](https://www.ebay.de/itm/262552340664) - [Office-Partner (German): trodat Ersatzstempelkissen 6/4912 (replacement pad, 4.7 × 1.8 cm, fits 4912 and 4952, made in Austria)](https://www.office-partner.de/trodat-ersatzstempelkissen-schwarz-6/4912/dbs-11240705) - [Office Source (Utypia): Trodat 4912 Printy custom stamp (US listing)](https://officesource.utypia.com/UI/en-US/Product/Office%20Source%20-%20uC/Trodat-4912-Printy-Self-Inking-Rectangular-Stamp/20250117035613020) --- # Uni Kuru Toga: How the Rotating Lead Works > The Uni Kuru Toga is a Mitsubishi Pencil mechanical pencil, launched in Japan in March 2008, that turns its lead each time you lift the tip. The original engine turns it about 9 degrees per stroke, a full turn every 40 strokes, so the point wears to a cone, not a flat wedge. Retailers list it as made in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-kuru-toga/ - Category: Pencils - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Black uni Kuru Toga mechanical pencil drawn to scale at 142 mm (5.6 in) long, with its clip, grip window and 2.9 mm lead sleeve; inset: the lead rotates about 9 degrees per stroke](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/uni-kuru-toga-16x9.png) *The Kuru Toga Standard at 142 mm, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-kuru-toga-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Uni Kuru Toga Standard mechanical pencil (M5-450, 0.5 mm) | uni (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | PC resin (plastic) body, per The Journal Shop | 2008-03 | $$: $5–20 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Uni Kuru Toga Standard mechanical pencil (M5-450, 0.5 mm)): Japan. Per retailer spec sheets (The Journal Shop: country of origin Japan; Bungu Store: made in Japan). Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product pages don't state it. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/mitsubishi-kuru-toga-mechanical-pencil-standard-model-0-5mm ## Key takeaways - Rotation: about 9° per stroke on the original engine, so 40 strokes make one full turn; the 2017 Advance doubles that to about 18°, or 20 strokes per turn. - Launched in March 2008; Mitsubishi Pencil said in 2023 that the series had sold more than 100 million pencils and led Japanese mechanical pencil sales for 14 straight years. - Mitsubishi Pencil lists the plastic Standard (M5-450, M3-450) at ¥495 (about US$3.10) and the 2023 KS 'new Standard' at ¥605 (about US$3.80), both in 0.3 and 0.5 mm. - Unsharpen lists the plastic Standard at 142 mm (5.6 in) long, 10.6 mm across and 10 g. - The top model, the KURUTOGA DIVE, adds automatic lead feed with 5 settings and lists at ¥5,500 (about US$35) in Japan. ## What is the Uni Kuru Toga? **The Kuru Toga is a mechanical pencil that turns its own lead as you write, so the point stays sharp instead of wearing flat on one side.** Mitsubishi Pencil sells it under the uni brand and launched it in Japan in March 2008. The name plays on the Japanese for "turns and stays sharp". Mitsubishi Pencil says the "Kuru Toga Engine" fixes uneven wear (偏減り), where an ordinary lead slowly wears to a slanted edge. The maker blames that slant for lines that thicken, lead that snaps and graphite that smudges the page. In its February 2023 press release, it said the series had passed 100 million pencils sold and had been Japan's top-selling mechanical pencil by sales value for 14 straight years (2009 to 2022, major-retailer POS data). Inside, Mitsubishi Pencil says, the engine is three gears: the middle one, linked to the lead, moves up and down with writing pressure and meshes at an angle with the others, so it turns a little with every stroke. ## How does the Kuru Toga rotate the lead? **Every time you press the tip down and lift it, a small gear turns the lead about 9 degrees, so it makes one full turn every 40 strokes.** That is the figure reported when the pencil launched, and the reason the tip wears to a cone. The Advance model doubles the angle to about 18 degrees, or about 20 strokes per turn. ![Kuru Toga rotation dials: the standard engine turns the lead about 9 degrees per stroke, 40 strokes per full turn, and the Advance about 18 degrees, 20 strokes per turn](https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-kuru-toga-rotation.svg) *One tick per stroke. The standard engine needs 40 strokes for a full turn; the Advance needs 20.* The rotation is driven by the lead moving in and out slightly under pressure. Retailer guides note that a very light touch may not move it enough to turn. The engine has been revised over time: Mitsubishi Pencil's February 20, 2023 "new Standard model", sold as the KS model (M5-KS, M3-KS), has an improved engine that it says reduces tip wobble, moved toward the middle of the barrel to make room for a grip. ## Kuru Toga Standard specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (uni brand), Tokyo, Japan | | Model number | M5-450 (0.5 mm), e.g. M54501P.24 in black (JAN 4902778028179); M3-450 (0.3 mm) | | Lead sizes | 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm | | Rotation | About 9° per stroke, 40 strokes per turn | | Body | PC resin (plastic); lead sleeve protrudes 2.9 mm | | Length | 142 mm (5.6 in) | | Diameter | 10.2 mm at the grip, 10.6 mm max | | Weight | About 10 g (0.35 oz) with lead | | Japanese reference price | ¥495 (about US$3.10) including tax | | Made in | Japan (per retailer spec sheets) | Model codes, sizes and the reference price come from Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese lineup page. Length, diameter, weight and sleeve length come from Unsharpen; Mitsubishi Pencil doesn't publish them. ## Which Kuru Toga model should you choose? **For most people the plastic Standard is the right start: it has the rotating lead at the lowest price.** The other models change the body, the speed of rotation or the lead feed. | Model | What's different | Lead sizes we found | Japanese list price | |---|---|---|---| | Standard (M5-450) | Plastic body, the original design | 0.3, 0.5 mm | ¥495 (about US$3.10) | | KS, the 2023 "new Standard" (M5-KS) | Revised engine with less tip wobble, added grip | 0.3, 0.5 mm | ¥605 (about US$3.80) | | Roulette (M5-1017) | Knurled metal grip; 148 mm, 14 g per Cult Pens | 0.5 mm | ¥1,100 (about US$7) | | Advance (2017) | Double-speed rotation; the Advance Upgrade adds metal front parts for a lower center of gravity | 0.5 mm | Not found | | Metal (April 22, 2024; M5-KH) | Metal barrel | 0.5 mm at launch; 0.3 mm now listed too | ¥2,750 (about US$17) | | Wood (March 21, 2025) | Natural-wood grip, aluminum rear barrel | 0.5 mm | ¥3,850 (about US$24) | | DIVE (M5-5000) | Automatic lead feed, 5 settings | 0.5 mm | ¥5,500 (about US$35) | - **Standard:** the cheapest way to try the mechanism. Pick 0.3 mm for small handwriting, or the KS if you want a grip. - **Roulette:** The Pen Addict calls its knurled metal grip "fantastic" and compares it to much more expensive pencils. - **Advance:** for people who want the point to stay round with fewer strokes. - **DIVE:** the top model. It feeds lead automatically, so you rarely click, and it costs about 11 times the Standard in Japan. Prices are Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese reference prices including tax; Japanese colors and models aren't all sold in the US. ## What lead should you use in a Kuru Toga? **Any standard lead in the right diameter fits; Uni's own US starter set comes with its Nano Dia lead.** Retailer listings describe Nano Dia as lead with nanodiamond particles. Mitsubishi Pencil doesn't require a special lead, so the choice of grade (HB, B, 2B) is about how dark and soft you like the line. If you're coming from wood pencils such as the [Ticonderoga No. 2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/ticonderoga-2-pencil/) or the [Blackwing 602](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/blackwing-602/), a B or 2B lead in a 0.5 mm Kuru Toga gives a darker line than HB. ## How does the Kuru Toga compare to other mechanical pencils? **Its point stays rounder than a normal mechanical pencil's, but only while you keep lifting the tip between strokes.** Because the turn happens when the tip lifts, long continuous strokes such as shading don't rotate the lead. For a pencil that also fits a busy desk, pair it with a stand-up case like the [KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/). Our [best mechanical pencils](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-mechanical-pencils/) roundup compares it with seven other picks. If a slim barrel tires your hand, the 14.6 mm [Pilot Dr. Grip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-dr-grip-mechanical-pencil/) is the cushioned alternative. ## Where is the Kuru Toga made? **Retailer spec sheets list the Standard Kuru Toga as made in Japan.** The Journal Shop gives Japan as the country of origin for the Standard 0.5 mm, and Bungu Store lists it as made in Japan. Mitsubishi Pencil, which also makes the [uni-ball ZENTO Signature](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-signature/), doesn't state the country on its Japanese product pages, so check the packaging if it matters to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the Kuru Toga rotate the lead? Each time you press the tip to the paper and lift it, a small spring-loaded gear inside the pencil turns the lead a fraction of a turn. On the original engine that fraction is about 9 degrees, so the lead completes a full turn after about 40 strokes. ### What lead sizes does the Kuru Toga come in? The plastic Standard and the KS model are sold in 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. The Roulette, Wood and DIVE are listed in 0.5 mm only, so 0.5 mm is the size with the most choice. ### Which Kuru Toga model should I buy? Start with the plastic Standard if you just want the rotating lead at the lowest price. Choose the Roulette for a knurled metal grip, the Advance for faster rotation, and the DIVE only if you want automatic lead feed and don't mind paying several times more. ### Where is the Kuru Toga made? Retailer spec sheets list the Standard Kuru Toga as made in Japan; Mitsubishi Pencil's own pages don't say. Mitsubishi Pencil, which sells it under the uni brand, is based in Tokyo. ### Does the Kuru Toga work with light pressure? Not always. The rotation is triggered when the lead is pushed in slightly and released, so a very light touch may not turn it. Normal handwriting pressure is what the mechanism is designed for. ### What is the difference between the Kuru Toga and the Kuru Toga Advance? The Advance, introduced in 2017, doubles the rotation angle per stroke, so the lead turns about twice as fast. Its Advance Upgrade version adds metal front parts for a lower center of gravity. ### What lead should I use in a Kuru Toga? Any standard lead of the right diameter fits. Uni's US starter set pairs the pencil with its Nano Dia lead, which is the pairing the maker itself sells. ### How much does a Kuru Toga cost? In Japan, Mitsubishi Pencil lists the plastic Standard at ¥495 (about US$3.10) and the KS model at ¥605 (about US$3.80) including tax. US prices vary by retailer and pack, and they usually fall in our $$ band ($5–20 a pencil). ## Sources - [三菱鉛筆: クルトガ スタンダードモデル (Mitsubishi Pencil product page: three-gear Kuru Toga Engine)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/mechanical_pencils/sharp_pen/kurutoga/standard.html) - [三菱鉛筆: クルトガ スタンダードモデル ラインナップ (Mitsubishi Pencil lineup, read in full: M5-450 / M3-450, ¥495, order codes, JAN)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/mechanical_pencils/sharp_pen/kurutoga/standard/m5_650.html) - [三菱鉛筆: クルトガ KSモデル M5-KS (Mitsubishi Pencil lineup: ¥605)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/mechanical_pencils/sharp_pen/kurutoga/standard/m5_ks.html) - [三菱鉛筆: クルトガ ローレットモデル M5-1017 (Mitsubishi Pencil lineup: ¥1,100)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/mechanical_pencils/sharp_pen/kurutoga/roulette/m5_1017_1p.html) - [三菱鉛筆: KURUTOGA DIVE M5-5000 (Mitsubishi Pencil lineup: ¥5,500)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/mechanical_pencils/sharp_pen/kurutoga/standard/m5_5000.html) - [『クルトガ 新スタンダードモデル』2月20日（月）新発売 (Mitsubishi Pencil press release, February 2023: M3-KS / M5-KS, ¥605, 100 million sold, 14 years No. 1)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/67368) - [Mitsubishi Pencil press release: KURUTOGA DIVE regular colors, March 3, 2023 (Japanese)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/67927) - [Mitsubishi Pencil press release: KURUTOGA Metal, April 22, 2024 (Japanese)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/86188) - [Mitsubishi Pencil press release: KURUTOGA Wood, March 21, 2025, ¥3,850 (about US$24) (Japanese)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/103518) - [Mitsubishi Pencil press release: Kuru Toga KS model new colors, November 20, 2023 (Japanese)](https://digitalpr.jp/r/78376) - [President Online: Kuru Toga launch (9 degrees per stroke, 40 strokes per turn) (Japanese)](https://president.jp/articles/-/2273) - [GetNavi: Kuru Toga new Standard model with improved engine (Japanese)](https://getnavi.jp/variety/836014/) - [Impress Watch: KURUTOGA DIVE with five-step automatic lead feed (Japanese)](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1545749.html) - [The Journal Shop: Mitsubishi Kuru Toga Standard Model 0.5 mm (country of origin Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/mitsubishi-kuru-toga-mechanical-pencil-standard-model-0-5mm) - [Bungu Store: Kuru Toga Standard Model (made in Japan)](https://bungu.store/products/kuru-toga-standard-model-0-5mm-mitsubishi-pencil) - [Unsharpen: Uni Kuru Toga mechanical pencil (14.2 cm, 10.6 / 10.2 mm, 10 g, 2.9 mm lead pipe)](https://unsharpen.com/pencil/uni-kuru-toga-mechanical-pencil/) - [Cult Pens: Uni Kuru Toga Roulette 0.5 mm, M5-1017 (length, weight)](https://cultpens.com/products/uni-kuru-toga-roulette-pencil-0-5mm-m5-1017) - [The Pen Addict: Uni Kuru Toga Roulette mechanical pencil review](https://penaddict.com/blog/2019/6/19/uni-kuru-toga-roulette-mechanical-pencil-review) - [Yoseka Stationery: The Kuru Toga mechanical pencil by Uni (light pressure, Advance speed)](https://yosekastationery.com/blogs/news/the-kuru-toga-mechanical-pencil-by-uni) - [Wikipedia: Uni-ball (Kuru Toga 2008; Advance 2017 doubles rotation angle)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uni-ball) - [Staples: uni-ball Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm starter set, 1751934](https://www.staples.com/uni-kuru-toga-mechanical-pencil-0-5mm-2-hard-lead-1751934/product_805694) - [Walmart: uni-ball KuruToga Mechanical Pencil 0.5 mm Starter Set (Nano Dia lead)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Uni-Ball-UBC1751934-KuruToga-Mechanical-Pencil-0-5-mm/862989845) --- # Amazon Basics Copy Paper: What 20 lb & 92 Bright Mean > Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper is Amazon's house-brand letter-size office paper: 8.5 × 11 in sheets, 20 lb bond weight (about 75 gsm), 92 brightness on the US GE scale, 500 sheets per ream, sold in multi-ream packs. Its listing describes it as acid-free and made for laser and inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/amazon-basics-copy-paper/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of an Amazon Basics copy paper ream, 279 mm (11 in) long, in a white wrapper with a dark band and orange smile arrow, torn open at one end, beside one 8.5 × 11 in sheet; inset: 20 lb · 92 bright](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/amazon-basics-copy-paper-16x9.png) *A 500-sheet ream of 20 lb, 92 bright letter paper, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/amazon-basics-copy-paper-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 in, 20 lb, 92 Bright (AZ8511201R) | Amazon Basics (by Amazon) | United States | Not stated | 20 lb (75 g/m²) acid-free copy paper | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 in, 20 lb, 92 Bright (AZ8511201R)): Not stated. Amazon's own listing, read on October 20, 2026, doesn't name the mill or a country of origin. Some eBay seller listings say United States, but those fields are entered by resellers, so we don't treat them as reliable. ## Key takeaways - Each ream holds 500 sheets of 8.5 × 11 in (216 × 279 mm) paper; the single ream is model AZ8511201R and the 3-ream pack is AZ8511203R. - 20 lb is a US bond weight, equal to about 75 gsm. Heavier bond grades are 24 lb (90 gsm), 28 lb (105 gsm) and 32 lb (120 gsm). - 92 bright is measured on the North American GE (TAPPI T 452) scale at 457 nm, so it can't be compared directly with ISO or CIE numbers. - HP Copy&Print20 and Hammermill Copy Plus share the same 20 lb, 92 bright headline specs; both are sold as made in the USA. - Amazon doesn't name the mill, and we found no reliable source for the country of origin. ## What is Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper? **It is Amazon's own-brand everyday office paper: white, letter-size (8.5 × 11 in), 20 lb, 92 bright, 500 sheets per ream.** Mirrored listing data names Amazon as the manufacturer and Amazon Basics as the brand. The single ream is model **AZ8511201R** (ASIN B01FV0F8H8). Amazon's listing describes it as smooth virgin paper, acid-free to prevent yellowing, for laser and inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines, and shows 4.8 out of 5 stars from 231,277 ratings as of October 20, 2026. It's a plain multipurpose sheet, not a premium or color-laser paper. ## Amazon Basics copy paper specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand / listed manufacturer | Amazon Basics / Amazon | | Model numbers | AZ8511201R (1 ream) · AZ8511203R (3 reams) | | Sheet size | 8.5 × 11 in (216 × 279 mm), US letter | | Weight | 20 lb bond, about 75 gsm | | Brightness | 92 (GE scale) | | Sheets per ream | 500 | | Pack sizes | 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10 reams (500 to 5,000 sheets), plus pallets | | Ream weight | 5 lb (2.3 kg), per the listing | | Finish | Smooth | | Paper | Virgin fiber, acid-free (per the listing) | | Use | Laser and inkjet printers, copiers, fax | | Made in | Not stated | Specs come from Amazon's own listing, read on October 20, 2026; model numbers come from retailer copies of the listing. Amazon's page shows no mill or country of origin. The 5 lb ream weight is consistent with 500 letter sheets at 75 gsm, which works out to about 2.26 kg (4.98 lb). ## What do 20 lb and 92 bright mean? **20 lb is the paper's US bond weight, about 75 gsm. 92 bright is its brightness on the North American GE scale.** - **20 lb:** US bond paper is weighed as a ream of 500 sheets of the 17 × 22 in basis size. If that ream weighs 20 pounds, the paper is "20 lb". Conversion tables put it at **75 gsm**, with roughly 3.76 gsm per pound of bond weight. That's slightly lighter than the 80 gsm A4 paper common in Europe. - **92 bright:** the GE brightness scale (TAPPI T 452) measures how much blue light at 457 nm the paper reflects. Sappi, a paper maker, notes that GE, ISO and other methods each give a different number for the same sheet, so don't compare a GE 92 with an ISO or CIE figure from another brand. ![To-scale bar chart: 20 lb bond is 75 gsm, 24 lb is 90 gsm, 28 lb is 105 gsm and 32 lb is 120 gsm; 80 gsm A4 office paper is marked between 20 and 24 lb](https://stationerytimes.com/images/amazon-basics-copy-paper-weight-scale.svg) *Common US bond weights converted to gsm. Amazon Basics copy paper is the 20 lb (75 gsm) grade.* | Bond weight | gsm | |---|---| | 20 lb | 75 | | 24 lb | 90 | | 28 lb | 105 | | 32 lb | 120 | ## How does Amazon Basics compare to HP and Hammermill paper? **On paper the three are the same grade: 20 lb (75 gsm), 92 bright and acid-free. The differences are what the makers add and say.** HP Copy&Print20 is made by Sylvamo, which states it is manufactured in the USA. Hammermill Copy Plus is listed by US retailers with a US country of origin. | | Amazon Basics Multipurpose | HP Copy&Print20 | Hammermill Copy Plus | |---|---|---|---| | Weight | 20 lb (75 gsm) | 20 lb (75 gsm) | 20 lb (75 gsm) | | Brightness (GE) | 92 | 92 | 92 | | Acid-free | Yes (per listing) | Yes (per Sylvamo) | Yes (per retailers) | | ColorLok | Not claimed | Yes | Yes | | FSC certified | Not stated by Amazon | Yes | Yes | | Made in | Not stated | USA (per Sylvamo) | USA (per retailers) | Sylvamo also lists a whiteness of 155 for HP Copy&Print20. Hammermill claims a 99.99% jam-free guarantee for Copy Plus. These are maker claims we haven't tested. For more on HP's range, see our [HP printer paper guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hp-printer-paper/). ## Is Amazon Basics copy paper acid-free? **Its listing says it is acid-free virgin paper.** Acid-free paper resists yellowing, which matters if you file documents for years. Amazon doesn't publish a test standard or archival rating for the claim, so treat it as the seller's description. ## Does it work in inkjet and laser printers? **Yes. The listing names laser and inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines.** It's a general-purpose sheet. One reviewer noticed slight show-through with dense ink on double-sided prints, which is typical of 20 lb paper. For heavy color or two-sided printing, 24 lb (90 gsm) paper is the usual step up. ## Can you use fountain pens on Amazon Basics copy paper? **You can, but expect some feathering or bleed with wet inks or broad nibs.** We found no fountain-pen test of this exact paper. Fountain Pen Network users report that most cheap 20 lb copy paper feathers or bleeds, and some say 24 lb office paper behaves better. Pure Pens' paper guide suggests 80 gsm as a practical minimum for fountain pens, and this paper is about 75 gsm. For daily notes with a gel pen like the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) or [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/), plain copy paper is usually fine. For fountain pens, a notebook such as the [Moleskine Classic](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) or heavier paper is a safer bet. ## Where is Amazon Basics copy paper made? **Amazon doesn't say.** The listing names Amazon as manufacturer and Amazon Basics as brand, but no mill or country of origin. Some eBay seller listings fill in "United States", but resellers enter those fields themselves, so we don't treat them as reliable. Check the end panel of your ream wrapper for a "Made in" line or mill code. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does 20 lb mean on copy paper? It is the US bond weight: 500 sheets of the 17 × 22 in bond basis size weigh 20 pounds. In metric terms that is about 75 gsm (grams per square meter), slightly lighter than the 80 gsm A4 paper common in Europe. ### What does 92 bright mean? It is a brightness score on the GE (TAPPI T 452) scale used in North America, which measures how much blue light at 457 nm the paper reflects. Higher is brighter. Different scales give different numbers, so 92 GE can't be compared with an ISO or CIE figure. ### How many sheets are in a ream of Amazon Basics copy paper? 500 sheets. Amazon sells packs of 1 ream (500 sheets), 3 reams (1,500 sheets), 5 reams (2,500 sheets), 8 reams (4,000 sheets) and 10 reams (5,000 sheets), plus pallet quantities. ### Is Amazon Basics copy paper acid-free? Amazon's listing describes it as virgin copy paper that is acid-free to prevent yellowing. Amazon doesn't publish a test standard for the claim. ### Can you use Amazon Basics copy paper in an inkjet printer? Yes. The listing says it is made for laser and inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines. One reviewer noted slight show-through with dense ink when printing on both sides. ### Where is Amazon Basics copy paper made? Amazon doesn't say. The listing names Amazon as manufacturer but not the mill or country. Some eBay sellers list United States, but we found no reliable source, so check the ream wrapper of your own pack. ### Is Amazon Basics copy paper good for fountain pens? It isn't sold as fountain-pen paper. Fountain pen forum users report that most cheap 20 lb copy paper feathers or bleeds, and one pen retailer's guide suggests 80 gsm as a practical minimum; this paper is about 75 gsm. ### Is Amazon Basics paper the same as HP or Hammermill paper? The headline specs match: HP Copy&Print20 and Hammermill Copy Plus are also 20 lb (75 gsm), 92 bright and acid-free. HP and Hammermill add ColorLok technology and state US manufacture; Amazon claims neither. ## Sources - [Amazon.com: Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 in, 20 lb, 92 Bright, 1 Ream (B01FV0F8H8; acid-free virgin paper, pack sizes, 5 lb item weight)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FV0F8H8) - [Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper (ASIN B01FV0F8H8, model AZ8511201R): listing details mirrored by manuals.plus](https://manuals.plus/asin/B01FV0F8H8) - [device.report: Amazon Basics AZ8511201R](https://device.report/amazon-basics/az8511201r) - [Retailer listing: Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 1 ream (acid-free, virgin, model, EAN)](https://shop.mrsdscorner.com/products/amazon-basics-multipurpose-copy-printer-paper-8-5-x-11-20lb-1-ream-500-sheets-92-bright-white) - [Retailer listing: Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 10 reams (5,000 sheets)](https://mooremuseum.ca/products/amazon-basics-multipurpose-copy-printer-paper-20-lb-85-x-11/211996711/) - [Slickdeals: 5,000-sheet Amazon Basics copy paper, 20 lb, 92 brightness (July 2025)](https://slickdeals.net/f/18428344-5000-sheet-amazon-basics-8-5-x11-multipurpose-copy-printer-paper-20-lbs-92-brightness-34-99-w-s-s-free-shipping-w-prime-or-on-35) - [Best CAD Papers: best bulk printer paper (Amazon Basics 4,000-sheet pack)](https://bestcadpapers.com/vetted/best-bulk-printer-paper/) - [Papersizes.org: US to UK and international paper weights](https://www.papersizes.org/us-international-weights.htm) - [Cloudprinter: lb to gsm paper weight conversion](https://knowledge.cloudprinter.com/paper-weight-conversion-calculator-from-lb-to-gsm) - [Sappi: Understanding Paper Brightness (PDF)](https://cdn-s3.sappi.com/s3fs-public/sappietc/Understanding%20Paper%20Brightness.pdf) - [Sylvamo: HP Copy&Print20 product page](https://www.sylvamo.com/us/en/our-brands/hp-papers-global/hp-papers-na/products/hp-copyprint20%E2%84%A2) - [Sylvamo shop: HP Copy&Print20 (acid-free, made in USA)](https://shop.sylvamo.com/en/paper/copy-%26-printer-paper/hp-papers/hp-copy%26print20%E2%84%A2/p/200350) - [Staples: Hammermill Copy Plus 20 lb, 92 brightness (105500)](https://www.staples.com/hammermill-copy-plus-8-27-x-11-69-copy-paper-20-lbs-92-brightness-500-sheets-ream-105500/product_24448136) - [Walmart: Hammermill 105500 Copy Plus, 92 bright, 20 lb (country of origin)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/295400342) - [Fountain Pen Network: 20-ish lb US letter printer paper that's inexpensive and not terrible](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/363296-20ish-lb-us-letter-printer-paper-thats-inexpensive-and-not-terrible) - [Fountain Pen Network: fountain pen friendly printer paper](https://fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/77092-fountain-pen-friendly-printer-paper) - [Pure Pens: Fountain pen paper guide (GSM, bleed, feathering)](https://www.purepens.co.uk/blogs/news/fountain-pen-paper-guide) --- # Canson XL Mix Media Pad: Sizes, Weight & Wet Media > The Canson XL Mix Media pad is a side-wire-bound pad of 98 lb (160 gsm), fine-textured, acid-free paper with heavy sizing, which Canson says suits both wet and dry media. Five sizes, from 5.5 × 8.5 in to 14 × 17 in, hold 60 micro-perforated sheets; the 18 × 24 in pad holds 30. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-mix-media-pad/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the 5.5 × 8.5 in Canson XL Mix Media pad, 140 mm wide, with its black cover and side wire binding, shown closed and opened round the wire; inset: micro-perforated sheet edge beside the wire loops](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/canson-xl-mix-media-pad-16x9.png) *The smallest XL Mix Media pad, closed and open, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/canson-xl-mix-media-pad-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Canson XL Mix Media Pad (98 lb / 160 gsm, side wire bound) | Canson (by Canson (Annonay, France)) | France | Not stated | 98 lb (160 g/m²) acid-free paper, side wire binding | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (Canson XL Mix Media Pad (98 lb / 160 gsm, side wire bound)): Not stated. Sources conflict. An Amazon listing for the 9×12 in pad says it is manufactured in France; School Specialty lists the United States as the country of origin, and STL Art Supply says the pads are made in the USA from French paper. Canson's US page doesn't say, and its French site says only that Canson papers are made in France. Check the back of the pad you buy. ## Key takeaways - Paper: 98 lb (160 g/m²), heavy sizing, acid-free, sold for both wet and dry media; Canson's French site adds ISO 9706 permanence and FSC certification. - Six pad sizes: 5.5×8.5, 7×10, 9×12 and 11×14 in (portrait) and 14×17 in (landscape) with 60 sheets each; 18×24 in (landscape) with 30 sheets. - Side wire binding with micro-perforated, true-size sheets that tear out cleanly. - For heavy watercolor washes, the Canson XL Watercolor pad (140 lb / 300 gsm, cold press, 30 sheets) is the heavier paper; retailers say the 98 lb Mix Media sheet can buckle under heavy washes. - On Amazon it ranks No. 1 in Mixed Media Paper with about 50,000 ratings averaging 4.8 stars, per listing snapshots from 2026. ## What is the Canson XL Mix Media pad? **It is a wire-bound pad of 98 lb (160 gsm) drawing paper with heavy sizing, sold for both wet and dry media.** Canson, the French paper maker based in Annonay, sells it as part of its XL line of art pads. "Mixed media" paper is a middle ground. It is heavier and more water-resistant than sketch paper, so it can take ink, marker and light washes, but it is lighter and cheaper than real watercolor paper. If you mostly write and doodle, it is far heavier than anything in a [composition notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/) or [copy paper](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/amazon-basics-copy-paper/). ## Canson XL Mix Media pad specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | Canson (XL range) | | Paper weight | 98 lb (160 gsm) | | Surface | Canson's US page says "fine textured" in its description and "medium grain" in its specs; French site "grain léger" (light grain) | | Sizing | Heavy, for wet and dry media (Canson's description) | | Archival | Acid-free; ISO 9706 and FSC certified (Canson's French site) | | Binding | Side wire, micro-perforated true-size sheets | | Sheets | 60 per pad; 30 in the 18×24 in pad | | Made in | Not stated consistently: France or USA, depending on the listing | Weight, sizing and binding come from Canson and retailer spec sheets (Amazon, Dick Blick, Jerry's Artarama). One retailer, Nasco, lists the 18×24 in pad at 96 lb; everyone else, including the product title on Amazon, says 98 lb. ## What sizes does the Canson XL Mix Media pad come in? **Six sizes, from 5.5 × 8.5 in to 18 × 24 in. Five hold 60 sheets; the largest holds 30.** | Size (in) | Size (cm) | Format | Sheets | |---|---|---|---| | 5.5 × 8.5 | 14.0 × 21.6 | Portrait | 60 | | 7 × 10 | 17.8 × 25.4 | Portrait | 60 | | 9 × 12 | 22.9 × 30.5 | Portrait | 60 | | 11 × 14 | 27.9 × 35.6 | Portrait | 60 | | 14 × 17 | 35.6 × 43.2 | Landscape | 60 | | 18 × 24 | 45.7 × 61.0 | Landscape | 30 | Sizes, formats and sheet counts are from Dick Blick's listings; centimetre values are converted from inches. Some sizes are also sold in multi-packs (Staples sells the 11 × 14 in pad as a 2-pack). ![To-scale drawing of the six Canson XL Mix Media pad sizes: 5.5×8.5, 7×10, 9×12, 11×14 inch portrait pads, a 14×17 inch landscape pad, and an 18×24 inch landscape pad with 30 sheets](https://stationerytimes.com/images/canson-xl-mix-media-pad-sizes.svg) *The six pad sizes drawn to scale from one corner.* ## What media can you use on Canson XL Mix Media paper? **Canson says the heavy sizing makes it suitable for both wet and dry media; in practice it suits dry media, markers, ink and light washes best.** - **Dry media:** pencil, colored pencil, charcoal and pastel. Retailers describe the fine tooth as easy to erase and blend on. - **Markers and pens:** buyers on the Amazon listing frequently mention little bleed-through from markers, fountain pens and paint pens. That is a reviewer observation, not a Canson spec. For tracing marker roughs, the lighter, semi-translucent [Canson XL Marker pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-marker-pad/) is 70 gsm. - **Wet media:** Staples' listing says the sizing makes it work for watercolor and acrylic, and Jerry's Artarama says the 98 lb sheet can take light collage. Rainbow Resource and Amazon reviewers warn that it **buckles or wrinkles under heavy washes**. For ink and light washes in a bound book, the [Stillman & Birn Alpha sketchbook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/stillman-birn-alpha-sketchbook/) has 62 sheets of 150 gsm paper. ## How does it compare to Canson XL Watercolor and XL Sketch? **Mix Media sits in the middle: heavier than XL Sketch, lighter than XL Watercolor.** | Pad | Paper weight | Surface | Sheets (18×24 in pad) | Best for | |---|---|---|---|---| | Canson XL Sketch | 50 lb | Sketch paper | 50 | Pencil, charcoal, pastel | | **Canson XL Mix Media** | **98 lb (160 gsm)** | Fine texture, heavy sizing | 30 | Markers, ink, dry media, light washes | | Canson XL Watercolor | 140 lb (300 gsm) | Cold press | 30 | Watercolor, gouache, repeated washes | The XL Sketch figures come from Amazon's listing title; the XL Watercolor figures from DeSerres and School Specialty. Pound weights for different paper types are measured on different base sheet sizes, so compare the gsm numbers where you have them. We cover the [Canson XL Watercolor pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/canson-xl-watercolor-pad/) and the 60 lb [Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/strathmore-400-sketch-pad/) in their own guides. ## Which size should you choose? **Pick by how much room you need: 9 × 12 in is a common middle choice, and only the 18 × 24 in pad drops to 30 sheets.** - **5.5 × 8.5 in:** pocket and travel sketching, and a sturdier alternative to a small notebook for marker doodles. - **7 × 10 and 9 × 12 in:** everyday drawing, class work and practice. - **11 × 14 in:** finished pieces and studies with room to work. - **14 × 17 and 18 × 24 in:** large studies and figure drawing; the 18 × 24 in pad has only 30 sheets. ## Where is the Canson XL Mix Media pad made? **Sources don't agree, so we list it as not stated.** An Amazon listing for the 9 × 12 in pad says it is manufactured in France. School Specialty lists the United States, and STL Art Supply says the pads are made in the USA from French paper, which would explain both answers. Canson's US product page doesn't state it; its French site says Canson papers are made in France at Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay, which fits "French paper" but not where the US pad is bound. In France the same paper is sold in spiral albums, not side-wire pads. The country printed on the back of the pad you buy is the reliable answer. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is mixed media paper? Mixed media paper is a heavier drawing paper with extra sizing so it can take both dry media (pencil, charcoal, marker) and light wet media (ink, light watercolor washes, acrylic) on the same sheet. It sits between sketch paper and watercolor paper. ### Can you use watercolor on the Canson XL Mix Media pad? Yes, for light washes. Canson and retailers say the heavy sizing suits wet and dry media, but retailers and reviewers note that the 98 lb (160 gsm) sheet can buckle or wrinkle under heavy washes. For heavy watercolor, the 140 lb (300 gsm) Canson XL Watercolor pad is the better fit. ### What sizes does the Canson XL Mix Media pad come in? Six sizes: 5.5×8.5, 7×10, 9×12 and 11×14 inches in portrait format and 14×17 inches in landscape format, each with 60 sheets, plus an 18×24 inch landscape pad with 30 sheets. ### How heavy is Canson XL Mix Media paper? It is 98 lb paper, which is 160 gsm. That is heavier than the 50 lb Canson XL Sketch pad and lighter than the 140 lb (300 gsm) Canson XL Watercolor pad. ### Do markers bleed through Canson XL Mix Media paper? Buyers on the Amazon listing frequently praise its resistance to marker and pen bleed-through, but that is a reviewer claim, not a manufacturer specification. Alcohol markers soak into most papers, so put a scrap sheet underneath. ### Is the Canson XL Mix Media pad acid-free? Yes. Retailers including Dick Blick and Jerry's Artarama list the paper as acid-free, which means it is made to resist yellowing and turning brittle over time. ### Where is the Canson XL Mix Media pad made? Sources disagree. An Amazon listing says the pad is manufactured in France, while School Specialty lists the United States and STL Art Supply says it is made in the USA from French paper. Canson is a French company based in Annonay. The country printed on your pad's packaging is the reliable answer. ### Is Canson XL Mix Media the same as Canson XL Fluid Mixed Media? No. Canson XL Fluid Mixed Media is a separate pad in the XL range with its own paper. This guide covers the original 98 lb (160 gsm) XL Mix Media pad. ## Sources - [Canson (French): XL Mixed Media (160 g/m², grain léger, spiral albums, FSC, acid-free, ISO 9706)](https://fr.canson.com/xlr-mixed-media) - [Canson (French): Qui sommes-nous ? (papers made in France at Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay)](https://fr.canson.com/qui-sommes-nous) - [Canson USA: XL Mixed Media (98 lb/160 g pads; medium grain; heavy sizing; wire-bound, micro-perforated true-size sheets; acid-free)](https://us.canson.com/xl-mixed-media-usa) - [Dick Blick: Canson XL Mixed Media Wirebound Pads (sizes, acid-free, micro-perforated)](https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-mix-media-pads/) - [Dick Blick: Canson XL Mixed Media Pad, 18 x 24 in, Landscape, 30 Sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/items/canson-xl-mix-media-pad-18-x-24-landscape-30-sheets/) - [Dick Blick: Canson XL Mixed Media Pad, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 in, Portrait, 60 Sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/items/canson-xl-mix-media-pad-8-12-x-5-12-portrait-60-sheets/) - [Dick Blick: Canson XL Mixed Media Pad, 14 x 17 in, Landscape, 60 Sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/items/canson-xl-mix-media-pad-14-x-17-landscape-60-sheets/) - [Amazon: Canson XL Mix Media Pad 9x12 (specs, country of origin)](https://www.amazon.com/Canson-Heavyweight-Texture-Sizing-Sheets/dp/B002NQ2K16) - [Amazon: Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad, 98 lb, 14 x 17 in, 60 sheets](https://www.amazon.com/clp/B00F3D83Z8) - [Jerry's Artarama: Canson XL Mixed Media Pads (heavy sizing, acid-free)](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/canson-xl-mixed-media-pads) - [Walmart: Canson XL Mixed Media Pad, 11 x 14 in, 60 Sheets (micro-perforated)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/23485162) - [Staples: Canson XL 11 x 14 in Wire Bound Mixed Media Pad, 2-pack](https://www.staples.com/canson-xl-11-x-14-wire-bound-mixed-media-sketch-pad-60-sheets-pad-2-pack-97317-pk2/product_1721448) - [Rainbow Resource: Canson XL Mix Media Pad 9 x 12 in (buckling with heavy washes)](https://www.rainbowresource.com/060253.html) - [School Specialty: Canson XL Mixed Media Paper Pad, 98 lb, 9 x 12 in (country of origin)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/canson-xl-mixed-media-paper-pad-98-lb-9-x-12-inches-60-sheets-1329702) - [STL Art Supply: Canson XL Mix Media pad (made in USA with French paper)](https://shop.stlartsupply.com/products/canson-xl-mix-media-pad) - [Nasco: Canson XL Mixed Media Pad, 18 x 24 in, 30 sheets (listed as 96 lb)](https://www.nascoeducation.com/canson-xl-mixed-media-pads-18-in-x-24-in-30-sheets-96-lb-9739082.html) - [Desertcart: mirror of the Amazon 11 x 14 in listing (rank and ratings snapshot)](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/3478047) - [DeSerres: Canson XL collection (XL Watercolor 140 lb / 300 gsm, cold press, 30 sheets)](https://www.deserres.ca/collections/canson-xl) - [School Specialty: Canson XL Watercolor Pad, 140 lb, 18 x 24 in, 30 sheets](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/canson-xl-heavy-weight-watercolor-pad-140-lb-18-x-24-inches-30-sheets-1371710) - [Amazon: Canson XL Series Sketch Pad, 50 lb, 18 x 24 in, 50 sheets](https://www.amazon.com/Canson-Sketch-Charcoal-Pencil-Pastel/dp/B0039UKM7O) - [Cult Pens: Canson XL Fluid Mixed Media pad (a separate product)](https://cultpens.com/products/canson-xl-fluid-mixed-media-spiral-pad-a4) - [Wikipedia: Canson (company background)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canson) --- # EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case: Size & Capacity > The EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case is a zippered canvas pencil pouch sold mainly on Amazon. Retailer listings give its size as 8.66 × 4.13 × 2.56 in (22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm), its weight as about 110 g, and its capacity as up to 50 pens or 90 pencils. Listings name China as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case in light blue canvas, to scale: closed, 220 mm (8.66 in) long with a zipper over the top and a front zip pocket, and unzipped holding pencils, pens, a ruler and scissors](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/easthill-pencil-case-16x9.png) *The EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case, closed and packed, drawn to scale from its listed 22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/easthill-pencil-case-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case | EASTHILL (by ANGOO (per Amazon's item details)) | Not stated | China | Canvas (cotton) shell, zippered mesh pocket | – | $$: $5–20 per case | - Made in (EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case): China. Per retailer spec sheets (Desertcart's copy of the Amazon listing and an eBay listing's item specifics), which blocked our reader when we rechecked on October 20, 2026. Amazon US's own item details name ANGOO as the manufacturer but don't give a country. EASTHILL has no brand site we could find; CICIMELON, another ANGOO-made pencil case brand, lists China on its own site. Source: https://www.desertcart.com.cy/products/149353417 ## Key takeaways - Listed size: 8.66 × 4.13 × 2.56 in (22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm), with an empty weight of about 110 g (3.84 oz). - Seller claim: holds up to 50 pens or 90 pencils. One tester (BestReviews) described fitting 20 pencils, two pairs of scissors and a hole punch with room to spare. - Retailer listings describe a canvas (cotton) shell, a large main compartment and a zippered mesh pocket for small items. - Its Amazon US listing (ASIN B07H6G7ZQF) showed 4.7 stars from 53,627 ratings on October 20, 2026, ranked No. 18 in Pen, Pencil & Marker Cases. - Amazon's item details name ANGOO as the manufacturer; Desertcart's copy of the listing and eBay item specifics give China as the country of origin. ## What is the EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case? **The EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case is a large, zippered fabric pencil pouch sold through Amazon under the EASTHILL brand.** It is one of the best-selling pencil cases on Amazon: on October 20, 2026, its US listing showed 4.7 stars from 53,627 ratings and ranked No. 18 in Pen, Pencil & Marker Cases, and NBC Select and Reviewed both include it in their pencil case roundups. EASTHILL is a brand name used on Amazon. Amazon's item details name **ANGOO** as the manufacturer, the same maker CICIMELON's own site names for its pencil cases; we found no EASTHILL brand site. ## EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case specs **Amazon lists it at 8.66 × 4.13 × 2.56 in (22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm) and 0.11 kg; retailer spec sheets say made in China.** | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | EASTHILL | | Manufacturer | ANGOO (Amazon item details) | | Amazon ASIN / GTIN | B07H6G7ZQF / 07459834770697 (yellow-orange) | | Type | Soft zippered pouch | | Dimensions | 8.66 × 4.13 × 2.56 in (22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm) | | Listed volume | 1,874 cm³ (Desertcart listing) | | Weight, empty | 3.84 oz (about 109 g); Amazon lists 0.11 kg | | Capacity (seller claim) | Up to 50 pens or 90 pencils | | Pockets | Large main compartment + zippered mesh pocket | | Material | Canvas, 100% cotton (Amazon) | | Colors | Nine at the time of NBC Select's review | | Rating | 4.7 stars, 53,627 ratings (Amazon US, October 20, 2026) | | Made in | China (per retailer spec sheets) | Dimensions come from Amazon's item details and match Pacifiko's listing; a few third-party listings give 21 × 11 × 8.5 cm or similar for other EASTHILL variants. The listed volume doesn't match the outer dimensions exactly (22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm works out to about 1,500 cm³), so treat it as the seller's figure. EASTHILL doesn't publish a price list, and Amazon prices change by color, so we've left price out. ![To-scale front and end views of the EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case: 22.0 cm (8.66 in) long, 10.5 cm (4.13 in) tall and 6.5 cm (2.56 in) deep](https://stationerytimes.com/images/easthill-pencil-case-dimensions.svg) *The EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case drawn to scale from its listed dimensions. The seller says it holds up to 50 pens or 90 pencils.* ## How many pens does the EASTHILL pencil case hold? **The seller says up to 50 pens or 90 pencils.** Walmart, Pacifiko and Reviewed all repeat that figure. It's a packed-full maximum for slim pens and pencils, not a comfortable everyday load. For a more realistic picture, a tester at BestReviews described fitting **20 pencils, two pairs of scissors and a hole punch** with room to spare. NBC Select says it fits most scissors, rulers and basic calculators, and Reviewed says it fits a medium-sized calculator. ## How many compartments does it have? **Retailer listings describe one large main compartment and a zippered mesh pocket for small items.** NBC Select highlights the mesh pocket for tape and erasers. The listings don't mention pen loops or dividers, so pens sit loose in the main compartment. A Desertcart listing describes a dual-opening design (top and side), and eBay listing photos show a front zipper. If you want each pen in its own slot, a structured case such as the [LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case/) is a better fit. ## What is it made of, and is it washable? **Most listings and Reviewed describe a canvas (cotton) shell with heavy-duty zippers; no source we found gives washing instructions.** Straight.com praises the metal zipper pulls but notes buyer reports that the stitching on the fabric brand label on the front can come loose with use. One aggregator page lists the fabric as polyester, so the material may differ between versions. EASTHILL doesn't say whether the case is machine washable. Spot cleaning is the cautious choice; we haven't tested washing it. ## What colors does it come in? **NBC Select counted nine colors when it reviewed the case.** Current listings include black, pink, light blue, khaki, green, white, purple and yellow-orange. Straight.com, reviewing a single listing, saw only one color, because each color is often sold as its own Amazon listing. ## How does EASTHILL compare to LIHIT LAB and KOKUYO Neo Critz? **The EASTHILL is the largest and simplest of the three: a soft, open pouch that holds the most, while the LIHIT LAB and KOKUYO cases trade capacity for organization.** | | EASTHILL Big Capacity | [LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case/) (A7551) | [KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/) (F-VBF180) | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm (8.66 × 4.13 × 2.56 in) | 20.0 × 12.0 × 5.0 cm (7.9 × 4.7 × 2.0 in) | 19.5 × 8.5 × 5.0 cm (7.7 × 3.3 × 2.0 in) | | Stated capacity | Up to 50 pens or 90 pencils | About 12–14 pens (LIHIT LAB) | Not published by KOKUYO; about 14 pens per a retailer | | Layout | Main compartment + mesh pocket | Opens like a book; pen straps, 4 mesh pockets + outside card pocket | Stands upright as a pen cup; front pocket | | Material | Canvas (cotton) | Polyester | Polyester outer and lining, PP core | | Made in | China (retailer spec sheets) | Not stated (see the [LIHIT LAB guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case/)) | Cambodia, per KOKUYO's global store (see the [Neo Critz guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/)) | Sizes and capacity for the LIHIT LAB case come from LIHIT LAB's Japanese catalog and for the Neo Critz from KOKUYO. JetPens says the LIHIT LAB's back mesh pocket holds items up to 9 × 18 cm (3.5 × 7.1 in). ## Which pencil case should you choose? **Pick the EASTHILL if you carry a lot of supplies and don't need them sorted.** - **EASTHILL Big Capacity:** the most room, including for scissors, a ruler or a small calculator. Reviewers note it can be too bulky for small bags. - **LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style:** for people who want every pen visible in its own slot. - **KOKUYO Neo Critz:** the smallest of the three, and it doubles as a desk pen stand. If you're filling it with gel pens, see our guides to the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) and [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/). ## Frequently asked questions ### How big is the EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case? Retailer listings give the size as 8.66 × 4.13 × 2.56 inches, which is 22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm. Some third-party listings give slightly different figures, so check the exact color variant you're buying. ### How many pens fit in the EASTHILL pencil case? The seller says it holds up to 50 pens or 90 pencils, and Reviewed repeats that figure. That is a maximum for slim pens packed tightly; a tester at BestReviews described a more everyday load of 20 pencils, two pairs of scissors and a hole punch with room to spare. ### How many compartments does the EASTHILL pencil case have? Retailer listings describe one large main compartment plus a zippered mesh pocket for small items such as erasers, tape and sticky notes. The listings don't mention pen slots or dividers, so it works as one open pouch. ### What is the EASTHILL pencil case made of? Retailer listings and Reviewed describe the shell as canvas (cotton), with a zippered closure and metal zipper pulls. One aggregator page lists polyester instead, so the fabric may vary by version. ### Is the EASTHILL pencil case washable? EASTHILL doesn't publish care instructions in the listings we found, and no source we found says it's machine washable. If you clean it, spot cleaning is the cautious option; we haven't tested washing it. ### Where is the EASTHILL pencil case made? Retailer spec sheets list China as the country of origin. Amazon's own item details name ANGOO as the manufacturer, with EASTHILL as the brand; we found no EASTHILL brand site. ### What colors does the EASTHILL pencil case come in? NBC Select counted nine colors when it reviewed the case. Listings show black, pink, light blue, khaki, green, white, purple and yellow-orange, among others; the choice changes over time. ### Is the EASTHILL pencil case bigger than the KOKUYO Neo Critz? Yes. The EASTHILL is listed at 22.0 × 10.5 × 6.5 cm, while KOKUYO lists the standard Neo Critz (F-VBF180) at 19.5 × 8.5 × 5.0 cm. The EASTHILL is a soft pouch; the Neo Critz has a PP core and can stand upright as a pen cup. ## Sources - [Amazon: EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Pen Case (listing B07H6G7ZQF: 8.66 × 4.13 × 2.56 in, 0.11 kg, canvas, 100% cotton, manufacturer ANGOO, 4.7 stars from 53,627 ratings)](https://www.amazon.com/EASTHILL-Capacity-College-Storage-Organizer/dp/B07H6G7ZQF) - [Amazon: EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case, canvas (product listing)](https://www.amazon.com/EASTHILL-Capacity-Colored-Storage-Stationery/dp/B08BLRMQD5) - [Desertcart: EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case (country of origin, manufacturer, volume)](https://www.desertcart.com.cy/products/149353417) - [eBay: EASTHILL pencil case item specifics (country of origin)](https://www.ebay.com/itm/195239106960) - [eBay: EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Pen Case, Khaki (dimensions, weight)](https://www.ebay.de/itm/376470647772) - [Pacifiko: EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case, Light Blue (dimensions, capacity, mesh pocket)](https://www.pacifiko.com/compras-en-linea/estuche-para-lapices-de-gran-capacidad-easthill-para-oficina-colegio-escuela-almacenamiento-grande-bolsa-de-alta-capacidad-estuche-caja-organizadora-azul-claro&pid=NGY2M2QxMD) - [Walmart: EASTHILL Large Capacity Pencil Case, Light Blue (capacity claim)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/EASTHILL-Big-Capacity-Pencil-Pen-Case-Office-College-School-Large-Storage-High-Capacity-Bag-Pouch-Holder-Box-Organizer-Light-Blue/271174352) - [NBC Select: The best pen and pencil cases](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-pen-pencil-cases-ncna1276549) - [Reviewed: The best pen and pencil cases](https://reviewed.com/home-outdoors/best-right-now/best-pen-and-pencil-cases) - [BestReviews: Best pencil cases](https://bestreviews.com/best-pencil-cases) - [Straight.com: Best pencil cases](https://www.straight.com/guides/retail/best-pencil-cases/) - [ペンケース［ブックタイプ］ (LIHIT LAB Japan catalog: A-7551, 200 × 50 × 120 mm, about 12–14 pens, polyester, pockets)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/products/catalog/a-7551.html) - [JetPens: Lihit Lab Teffa Pen Case, Book Style (dimensions, capacity)](https://www.jetpens.com/Lihit-Lab-Teffa-Pen-Case-Book-Style-Orange/pd/7667) - [CICIMELON: Large Capacity Pencil Case 3 Compartment (another ANGOO-made case; country of origin China)](https://cicimelon.com/product/cicimelon-large-capacity-pencil-case-3-compartment-pouch-pen-bag-for-school-teen-girl-boy-men-women-navy/) - [Kokuyo Store: Neocritz Tool Pencase F-VBF180 (dimensions, materials)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/stationery/stationery-organizer/neocritz-tool-pencase/F-VBF180.html) --- # Five Star 5 Subject Notebook: Size, Pages & Pockets > The Five Star Spiral Notebook, 5 Subject, College Ruled (model 72081) is a wirebound notebook from ACCO Brands with 200 perforated, double-sided sheets (400 pages) that tear out to 8.5 × 11 in. It has four two-pocket dividers, a water-resistant plastic cover and Spiral Lock wire. Retailer spec sheets list it as made in the USA. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Five Star 5 Subject notebook 72081: closed with its black plastic cover and wire spiral, and opened flat on the wire showing college-ruled sheets that tear out at 8.5 × 11 in (216 × 279 mm), with three punched holes](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/five-star-5-subject-notebook-16x9.png) *The black 72081, closed and opened on its Spiral Lock wire (1 mm = 0.64 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/five-star-5-subject-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Five Star Spiral Notebook, 5 Subject, College Ruled, 200 Sheets (72081) | Five Star (by ACCO Brands Corporation) | United States | United States | Water-resistant plastic cover, SFI-certified paper | – | $$: $5–20 per notebook | - Made in (Five Star Spiral Notebook, 5 Subject, College Ruled, 200 Sheets (72081)): United States. AB1Supply's spec sheet gives country of origin US (United States), as did Amazon.ca and On Time Supplies when we first read them; Five Star's own product page and spec table don't state it. Other Five Star products can differ. Source: https://ab1supply.com/products/five-star-72081-wirebound-notebook-5-subject-medium-college-rule-black-cover-200-11-x-8-5-sheets-mea72081 ## Key takeaways - Model 72081 (Amazon ASIN B003O2RXUQ) has 200 college-ruled sheets, which is 400 pages, split into 5 subjects. - Sheets measure 8.5 × 11 in (21.6 × 27.9 cm) when torn out along the perforation; the wide-ruled 5 Subject version is smaller, 8 × 10.5 in. - Five Star's spec table lists 8 pockets (four two-pocket dividers) for loose 8.5 × 11 in papers, and a US$6.98 price on its own store. - College ruling is 9/32 in (7.1 mm) between lines, versus 11/32 in (8.7 mm) for wide ruling. - AB1Supply and Amazon.ca spec sheets list the country of origin as the USA; Five Star has belonged to ACCO Brands since its May 1, 2012 merger with MeadWestvaco's office products business. ## What is the Five Star 5 Subject notebook? **It's a large, letter-size spiral notebook with 200 college-ruled sheets split into five subjects by pocket dividers.** The black college-ruled version is model **72081**, sold on Amazon as ASIN B003O2RXUQ. Five Star is a brand of ACCO Brands; it used to be part of Mead. It's one of the best-selling notebooks on Amazon: the sales-data site ASINsight's August 2026 report estimates about 20,000 sales a month for this ASIN, double the month before. That figure is a third-party estimate, not an Amazon or ACCO number. Five Star's product page describes these features: - **200 double-sided sheets** that the maker says fight ink bleed and are perforated for clean tear-out. - **Tough pockets** that hold 8.5 × 11 in loose sheets. - A **water-resistant plastic front cover**. - **Spiral Lock wire**, which Five Star says resists snagging on clothes and backpacks. - **SFI-certified paper**, and reinforcement tape you can remove so the rest can be recycled. - The **Five Star Study App**, which scans notes and makes flashcards. - A one-year **"Lasts all year" guarantee**, and a choice of black, sky blue, fire red, amethyst purple or retro green covers. ## Five Star 5 Subject notebook specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ACCO Brands Corporation (brand: Five Star) | | Model number | 72081 (black, college ruled) · Amazon ASIN B003O2RXUQ | | Sheets | 200 sheets (400 pages), ruled on both sides | | Subjects | 5 | | Ruling | College ruled: 9/32 in (7.1 mm) line spacing | | Sheet size, torn out | 8.5 × 11 in (21.6 × 27.9 cm) | | Dividers and pockets | 8 pockets (Five Star), on 4 two-pocket dividers | | Perforated | Yes | | Holes | 3-hole punched (per an office-supply reseller) | | Cover | Plastic, water-resistant | | Binding | Spiral Lock wire | | Paper | SFI-certified; acid-free status listed inconsistently by retailers | | Paper weight | Not published | | Price | US$6.98 at Five Star, our $$ band | | Made in | USA (per retailer spec sheets) | Features, sheet size, pocket count and price come from Five Star's product page and spec table. The divider count and 400-page figure come from Amazon and Walmart, the 3-hole punch from On Time Supplies, and the line spacing from the standard college-ruled definition. Staples lists the 72081 as not acid-free while OfficeCrave lists it as acid-free, so we haven't stated either as fact. ![To-scale drawing: the college-ruled Five Star 72081 sheet is 8.5 by 11 inches with 7.1 mm line spacing, and the wide-ruled 5 Subject sheet is 8 by 10.5 inches with 8.7 mm line spacing](https://stationerytimes.com/images/five-star-5-subject-notebook-sheet-sizes.svg) *College-ruled and wide-ruled Five Star 5 Subject sheets at the same scale. Line spacing is to scale; the position of the first line is illustrative.* ## Is it 8.5 × 11 in or 11 × 8.5 in? **They are the same size.** Retailers say the 72081's sheets measure 8.5 × 11 in when torn out; some listings, including Amazon.ca and Walmart, write it height-first as "11 × 8-1/2 in". Either way it's US letter size, so torn-out pages fit standard binders and folders. The size that differs is the **wide-ruled** 5 Subject version: its sheets are **8 × 10.5 in** (20.3 × 26.7 cm), half an inch narrower and shorter. If you need pages that line up with printer paper, such as [standard copy paper](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/amazon-basics-copy-paper/), pick the college-ruled 8.5 × 11 in version. ## How many pages and pockets does it have? **200 sheets (400 pages) and 8 pockets.** Both sides of each sheet are ruled, which is why Amazon lists 400 pages. The four dividers each have two pockets, per Amazon and Walmart; Five Star says the pockets are reinforced and sized for 8.5 × 11 in papers. Five Star doesn't say how many sheets go in each subject, so we haven't listed a per-subject count. ## College ruled or wide ruled: which should you choose? **Choose college ruled for more lines per page and letter-size sheets; choose wide ruled for larger handwriting.** | | College ruled (72081) | Wide ruled 5 Subject | |---|---|---| | Line spacing | 9/32 in (7.1 mm) | 11/32 in (8.7 mm) | | Sheet size, torn out | 8.5 × 11 in (21.6 × 27.9 cm) | 8 × 10.5 in (20.3 × 26.7 cm) | | Sheets | 200 | 200 | | Example model | 72081 (black) | 72045 (black) | Both rulings put the left margin about 1.25 in (32 mm) from the edge. ## Does Five Star paper bleed through? **Five Star says the paper "fights ink bleed", but it doesn't publish a paper weight, so we can't compare it by the numbers.** We haven't tested it. Wetter pens such as gel pens are the usual test: see our guides to the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/), [Sharpie S-Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/) and [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) for their tip sizes. ## How does a Five Star notebook compare to a regular spiral notebook? **The differences Five Star itself claims are the pocket dividers, a plastic water-resistant cover, snag-resistant Spiral Lock wire and bleed-resistant paper.** For a sewn, hard-cover alternative with no tear-out sheets, see the [Mead composition notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/); for something pocket-sized, see [mini composition books](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/). ## Who makes Five Star, and where is it made? **ACCO Brands makes Five Star, and retailer spec sheets list the 72081 as made in the USA.** Five Star was a Mead brand under MeadWestvaco. On May 1, 2012, ACCO Brands merged with MeadWestvaco's consumer and office products business, which brought Five Star, Mead, Trapper Keeper and AT-A-GLANCE to ACCO. AB1Supply lists the 72081's country of origin as the US, as did Amazon.ca and On Time Supplies when we checked them earlier. Five Star's own page doesn't state a country, and other Five Star products can be made elsewhere, so check the label on the exact notebook you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is the Five Star 5 Subject notebook? The college-ruled Five Star 5 Subject notebook (72081) has sheets that measure 8.5 × 11 in (21.6 × 27.9 cm) when torn out. Amazon lists it as 11 × 8-1/2 in, which is the same size written height-first. The wide-ruled 5 Subject version has smaller 8 × 10.5 in sheets. ### How many pages are in a Five Star 5 Subject notebook? It has 200 sheets, which is 400 pages because both sides of each sheet are ruled. Amazon lists the 72081 as 400 pages. ### How many pockets does the Five Star 5 Subject notebook have? Eight. Five Star's spec table lists 8 pockets, which Amazon and Walmart describe as four two-pocket dividers; Five Star says the pockets are tough and hold 8.5 × 11 in loose sheets. ### Are Five Star 5 Subject notebook pages perforated? Yes. Five Star says the sheets are perforated for clean tear-out, and retailers state the sheets measure 8.5 × 11 in once torn out, so they match standard letter paper. ### Where are Five Star 5 Subject notebooks made? Retailer spec sheets for the 72081, including AB1Supply and Amazon.ca, list the country of origin as the USA. Five Star's own product page doesn't state it, and origin can differ between Five Star products, so check the label on the one you buy. ### What is the difference between college ruled and wide ruled? College ruled lines are 9/32 in (7.1 mm) apart and wide ruled lines are 11/32 in (8.7 mm) apart, so college ruled fits more lines per page. In the Five Star 5 Subject line, the wide-ruled version also has a smaller 8 × 10.5 in sheet. ### What paper weight is the Five Star 5 Subject notebook? Five Star doesn't publish a paper weight for the 72081 in the sources we found. It does say the paper fights ink bleed and is SFI-certified. ### Who makes Five Star notebooks? ACCO Brands. Five Star was a Mead brand under MeadWestvaco, and it moved to ACCO Brands when ACCO merged with MeadWestvaco's consumer and office products business on May 1, 2012. ## Sources - [Five Star: Spiral Notebook Plus Study App, 5 Subject, College Ruled, 8 1/2 × 11 in, Black (72081; 200 sheets, 8 pockets, US$6.98, five colors)](https://www.fivestarbuiltstrong.com/p/notebooks/spiral-notebooks/spiral-notebook-5-subject-college-ruled-black-72081/) - [Amazon.com: Five Star Spiral Notebook + Study App, 5 Subject, College Ruled, 200 Sheets, Black (72081)](https://www.amazon.com/Five-Star-Notebook-Subject-72081/dp/B003O2RXUQ) - [Amazon.ca: Five Star Spiral Notebook, 5 Subject, College Ruled, 11 x 8-1/2 in, 200 Sheets (72081) (country of origin)](https://www.amazon.ca/Five-Star-Wirebound-College-Ruled-72081/dp/B003O2RXUQ) - [Walmart: Five Star Spiral Notebook + Study App, 5 Subject, College Ruled, 11 x 8-1/2 in (72081)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Five-Star-Spiral-Notebook-Study-App-5-Subject-College-Ruled-Paper-11-X-8-1-2-200-Sheets-Black-1-Count-72081/1305605028) - [Staples: Five Star 5-Subject Notebook, 8.5 x 11 in, College Ruled, 200 Sheets, Black (72081)](https://www.staples.com/five-star-5-subject-notebook-8-5-x-11-college-ruled-200-sheets-black-72081/product_958110) - [AB1Supply: Five Star 72081 Wirebound Notebook (country of origin US)](https://ab1supply.com/products/five-star-72081-wirebound-notebook-5-subject-medium-college-rule-black-cover-200-11-x-8-5-sheets-mea72081) - [On Time Supplies: Five Star notebook MEA72081, 3 holes, letter size (Made in USA)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/mea72081-notebook-5-subjects-200-sheets-wire-bound-college-ruled-3-holes-letter-8-12-x-11-black-cover.html) - [OfficeCrave: Acco Five Star Notebook (72081)](https://www.officecrave.com/acco-five-star-notebook-72081.html) - [On Time Supplies: Five Star 5 Subject wide-ruled notebook, 8 x 10-1/2 in (72045)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/mea72045-wirebound-black-5-subject-notebook-200-sheets-wire-bound-wide-ruled-3-holes-8-x-10-1-2-black-cover-plastic-cover.html) - [H-E-B: Five Star 5 Subject Wide Ruled Notebook, Black](https://www.heb.com/product-detail/five-star-5-subject-wide-ruled-notebook-black/15919042) - [Wikipedia: Ruled paper (college and wide ruling dimensions)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruled_paper) - [ACCO Brands investor relations: 2005 spin-off and 2012 Mead merger](https://ir.accobrands.com/resources/2005-spin-off-2012-mead-merger/default.aspx) - [ASINsight: Best-selling large spiral notebooks on Amazon, August 2026 (72081 at about 20,000 a month)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/large-spiral-notebook) --- # HP Printer Paper: Weights, Brightness & ColorLok > HP Printer Paper is HP-branded copy paper that Sylvamo makes under a license from HP Inc. The everyday line, HP Copy&Print20, is 20 lb (75 gsm), 92 bright, 8.5 x 11 in, 500 sheets per ream, acid-free, FSC-certified and made with ColorLok technology. Sylvamo says its North American HP papers are manufactured in the USA. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/hp-printer-paper/ - Category: Paper - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of an HP Copy&Print20 ream, 279 mm (11 in) long, in a white wrapper with an HP-blue band and logo and the ColorLok mark, torn open at one end, beside a printed 8.5 × 11 in sheet; inset: ColorLok, 20 lb, 92 bright](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/hp-printer-paper-16x9.png) *HP Copy&Print20: 20 lb, 92 bright, ColorLok, drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/hp-printer-paper-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | HP Copy&Print20 Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 in, 20 lb, 92 bright (200060) | HP (by Sylvamo Corporation (under license from HP Inc.)) | United States | United States | 20 lb (75 g/m²) FSC-certified, acid-free paper | – | $$: $5–20 per ream or pad | - Made in (HP Copy&Print20 Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 in, 20 lb, 92 bright (200060)): United States. Sylvamo, the licensed maker, says on its shop page for Copy&Print20 (200060) that HP Papers are manufactured in the USA, and its HP Premium24 sell sheet carries a MADE IN USA line. Sylvamo doesn't name the mill. Source: https://shop.sylvamo.com/paper/copy-%26-printer-paper/hp-papers/hp-copy%26print20%E2%84%A2/p/200060 ## Key takeaways - HP doesn't make its own copy paper: Sylvamo's annual reports say it holds a license from HP Inc. to produce and sell HP-branded copy paper in almost all geographies. - HP Copy&Print20 (item 200060) is 20 lb (75 gsm), 92 bright and 155 whiteness, per Sylvamo, in 8.5 x 11 in reams of 500 sheets. - Sylvamo says HP Copy&Print20 is made in the USA, FSC-certified and 100% acid-free. - The heavier HP Premium24 is 24 lb (90 gsm), 100 bright and 163 whiteness; HP Premium32 is 32 lb (120 gsm) and 100 bright. - ColorLok is an HP paper technology; HP said at launch that ColorLok paper dries up to three times faster than ordinary paper. ## What is HP Printer Paper? **HP Printer Paper is a family of HP-branded copy and printer papers, and the everyday version is HP Copy&Print20: 20 lb (75 gsm), 92 bright, 8.5 x 11 in, 500 sheets per ream.** Its item number is 200060. It's general-purpose paper for inkjet and laser printers and copiers. Sylvamo says Copy&Print20 is optimized for all inkjet and laser printers and copiers, uses ColorLok technology, is 100% acid-free and is FSC-certified. ## Who makes HP printer paper, and where? **Sylvamo Corporation makes HP printer paper under a license from HP Inc., and Sylvamo says the HP papers it sells in North America are manufactured in the USA.** HP, the printer company, doesn't run paper mills. Sylvamo's Form 10-K annual reports (for 2021 and 2023) say the company has a license from HP Inc. "for the right to produce and sell HP branded copy paper in almost all geographies globally", and list losing that license as a business risk. Sylvamo was spun off from International Paper in 2021, which is why some older listings name International Paper as the maker. The country of origin comes from Sylvamo's own shop pages for Copy&Print20 and Premium32 ("manufactured in the USA") and the MADE IN USA line on the HP Premium24 sell sheet. Sylvamo doesn't name the specific mill. ## HP Copy&Print20 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand | HP | | Maker | Sylvamo Corporation, under license from HP Inc. | | Product name | HP Copy&Print20 | | Item number | 200060 (8.5 x 11 in, 500-sheet reams) | | Size | 8.5 x 11 in (216 x 279 mm), US letter | | Weight | 20 lb bond (75 gsm) | | Brightness | 92 | | Whiteness | 155 | | Sheets per ream | 500 | | Technology | ColorLok | | Acid-free | Yes (100% acid-free, per Sylvamo) | | Certification | FSC-certified | | Made in | USA (per Sylvamo) | Weight, brightness, whiteness, ColorLok, acid-free status, certification and origin come from Sylvamo. Sylvamo also sells Copy&Print20 in other carton sizes, including a 400-sheet-ream version (200010). ## What are the different HP paper lines and weights? **The everyday HP papers are 20 lb (75 gsm) and 92 bright; the Premium papers step up to 24 lb (90 gsm) or 32 lb (120 gsm) and 100 bright.** Heavier paper is thicker and stiffer and shows less through from the other side. | Line | Weight | gsm | Brightness | Item no. | Typical use | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | HP Copy&Print20 | 20 lb | 75 | 92 | 200060 | Everyday copying and printing | | HP Office20 | 20 lb | 75 | 92 | HPC8511 | Everyday office printing | | HP Premium24 | 24 lb | 90 | 100 (whiteness 163) | 112400 | Reports, double-sided printing | | HP Premium32 | 32 lb | 120 | 100 | 113100 | Presentations, résumés | Specs for Copy&Print20 and Premium24 are from Sylvamo; the Office20 item number is from Quill, and Sylvamo's shop now marks Office20 as discontinued; Premium32's weight in gsm and item number are from Staples. Some resellers list Premium24 at 98 bright instead of 100. Sylvamo's sheet says 100, so we use that. ![To-scale bars of HP paper weight: Copy&Print20 and Office20 are 20 lb or 75 gsm, Premium24 is 24 lb or 90 gsm, Premium32 is 32 lb or 120 gsm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/hp-printer-paper-weights.svg) *HP paper lines by weight, drawn to scale in gsm. The two 20 lb lines are the same weight; Premium32 is 1.6 times heavier.* ## What is ColorLok technology? **ColorLok is a paper technology owned by HP, developed with International Paper, that HP says gives bolder blacks, richer colors and faster drying with inkjet ink.** HP's claims for ColorLok: - **Faster drying:** at launch, HP said ColorLok paper dries up to three times faster than ordinary paper. - **Bolder blacks and richer colors:** an HP engineer has explained that ordinary paper usually trades dry time against black density, and that ColorLok improves both. - **Other benefits HP lists:** fewer paper jams and longer printer life with laser printers, and better print quality on recycled paper. Other paper makers can meet the ColorLok standard their own way or license HP's technology. ColorLok isn't exclusive to HP-branded paper. These are HP's figures; we haven't measured drying time. ## What does "92 bright" mean? **The brightness number on a ream rates how much light the paper reflects; a higher number looks brighter.** HP's everyday 20 lb papers are 92 bright, and the Premium lines are 100 bright. Sylvamo also lists a separate **whiteness** figure (155 for Copy&Print20, 163 for Premium24), which isn't capped at 100. Amazon Basics copy paper, for comparison, is also sold as 92 bright. ## Is HP printer paper acid-free? **Yes. Sylvamo describes HP Copy&Print20 as 100% acid-free, and HP Premium24 is also sold as acid-free.** Acid-free paper resists yellowing over time better than acidic paper. Sylvamo also says the paper is FSC-certified. ## How does HP Printer Paper compare to Amazon Basics copy paper? **On published specs the two everyday papers are nearly identical: both are 20 lb, 92 bright, 8.5 x 11 in, 500-sheet acid-free reams.** The differences are in what each brand states. | | HP Copy&Print20 | Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Paper | |---|---|---| | Weight | 20 lb (75 gsm) | 20 lb | | Brightness | 92 | 92 | | Size | 8.5 x 11 in | 8.5 x 11 in | | Sheets per ream | 500 | 500 | | Acid-free | Yes | Yes | | ColorLok | Yes | Not stated | | Made in | USA (per Sylvamo) | See our guide | Amazon Basics specs are from a retail listing. For its origin and more detail, see our [Amazon Basics copy paper guide](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/amazon-basics-copy-paper/). ## Which HP paper should you choose? **For everyday home and office printing, HP Copy&Print20 (20 lb, 92 bright) is the standard choice; step up to Premium24 or Premium32 when show-through or a better feel matters.** - **HP Copy&Print20 or Office20 (20 lb, 75 gsm):** school work, drafts, forms and everyday printing. - **HP Premium24 (24 lb, 90 gsm):** double-sided documents and reports where you want less show-through. - **HP Premium32 (32 lb, 120 gsm):** résumés, presentations and handouts that should feel substantial. If you write on printed sheets with gel pens, see our [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) guide. ## Frequently asked questions ### Who makes HP printer paper? Sylvamo Corporation makes it. Sylvamo's annual reports say it holds a license from HP Inc. for the right to produce and sell HP-branded copy paper in almost all geographies globally. Sylvamo was spun off from International Paper in 2021. ### Where is HP printer paper made? Sylvamo says HP papers sold in North America, including HP Copy&Print20 and HP Premium32, are manufactured in the USA, and its HP Premium24 sell sheet is marked MADE IN USA. Sylvamo doesn't say which mill makes them. ### What weight is HP Copy & Print paper? HP Copy&Print20 is 20 lb bond, which Sylvamo lists as 75 gsm. It is 92 bright and 155 whiteness and comes in 8.5 x 11 in reams of 500 sheets. ### What is ColorLok technology? ColorLok is a paper technology owned by HP and developed with International Paper. HP says ColorLok paper gives bolder blacks, richer colors and faster drying, and said at launch that it dries up to three times faster than ordinary paper. These are HP's claims. ### Is HP printer paper acid-free? Yes. Sylvamo describes HP Copy&Print20 as 100% acid-free and FSC-certified. HP Premium24 is also listed as acid-free. ### What is the difference between HP Copy&Print20 and HP Premium24? Premium24 is heavier and brighter. Copy&Print20 is 20 lb (75 gsm), 92 bright and 155 whiteness; Premium24 is 24 lb (90 gsm), 100 bright and 163 whiteness, per Sylvamo. ### Is HP printer paper better than Amazon Basics copy paper? On paper specs they are close. Both are sold as 20 lb, 92 bright, 8.5 x 11 in, 500-sheet acid-free reams. HP Copy&Print20 adds ColorLok technology and a stated USA origin; we haven't tested them side by side. ## Sources - [Sylvamo: HP Copy&Print20 product page (HP Papers North America)](https://www.sylvamo.com/us/en/our-brands/hp-papers-global/hp-papers-na/products/hp-copyprint20%E2%84%A2) - [Sylvamo shop: HP Copy&Print20, item 200060 (made in USA; 200010 variant)](https://shop.sylvamo.com/paper/copy-%26-printer-paper/hp-papers/hp-copy%26print20%E2%84%A2/p/200060) - [Sylvamo: HP Premium24 product page](https://www.sylvamo.com/us/en/our-brands/hp-papers-global/hp-papers-na/products/hp-premium24%E2%84%A2) - [Sylvamo: HP Premium24 sell sheet (24 lb, 90 g/m², 100 bright, 163 whiteness, made in USA; items 112400 and 115300), PDF](https://assets.sylvamo.com/asset/caa2d246-6629-4e00-b37d-0e4a86ded2e0/HP-Premium24-Sell-Sheet.pdf) - [Sylvamo shop: HP Premium32 (32 lb, 100 bright, made in USA)](https://shop.sylvamo.com/en/paper/copy-%26-printer-paper/hp-papers/hp-premium32%E2%84%A2/p/02963-sheet) - [Sylvamo shop: HP Office20 (20 lb, 92 bright; marked discontinued)](https://shop.sylvamo.com/paper/copy-%26-printer-paper/hp-papers/hp-office20%E2%84%A2/p/412101) - [Sylvamo Form 10-K, FY2021 (HP license disclosure)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856485/000185648522000010/syl-20211231.htm) - [Sylvamo Form 10-K, FY2023 (HP license disclosure)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856485/000185648524000008/syl-20231231.htm) - [HP: ColorLok Technology press kit](https://hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press_kits/2011/ColorLokTechnology/index.html) - [InternetNews: HP Partnership Brightens Colors (ColorLok launch)](https://internetnews.com/it-management/hp-partnership-brightens-colors) - [Staples: HP Premium32 8.5 x 11 in, 32 lb, 100 brightness, item 113100 (120 gsm)](https://www.staples.com/hp-premium32-8-5-x-11-multipurpose-paper-32-lbs-100-brightness-500-sheets-ream-113100/product_397160) - [Quill: HP Office20 8.5 x 11 in, 20 lb, 92 brightness (HPC8511)](https://Quill.com/hp-office20-85-x-11-multipurpose-paper-20-lbs-92-brightness-500-ream-hpc8511/cbs/041187.html) - [Stop & Shop: HP Copy & Print Paper 8.5 x 11 in, 400-sheet pack](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/home-office/school-office/office-supplies/office-paper/hp-copy-print-paper-85-x-11-inch-400-ct-pkg.html) - [Retail listing: Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 in, 20 lb, 500 sheets, 92 bright](https://shop.mrsdscorner.com/products/amazon-basics-multipurpose-copy-printer-paper-8-5-x-11-20lb-1-ream-500-sheets-92-bright-white) --- # KOKUYO Neo Critz: The Stand-Up Pen Case Explained > The KOKUYO Neo Critz is a Japanese fabric pen case that stands upright and turns into a pen stand when you unzip it and fold the top half down. KOKUYO lists the Regular (F-VBF180) at 85 × 50 × 195 mm in polyester over a polypropylene core, at ¥1,800 (about US$11) before tax; retailers say it holds about 14 pens. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the KOKUYO Neo Critz Regular in Navy × Blue, to scale: standing closed, 195 mm (7.7 in) tall, and in stand mode with the top folded down so the blue lining shows and pens stand upright](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/kokuyo-neo-critz-16x9.png) *The Neo Critz Regular (F-VBF180) closed and folded into a pen stand, drawn to scale from KOKUYO's 85 × 50 × 195 mm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-neo-critz-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | KOKUYO Neo Critz Pen Case, Regular Size (F-VBF180) | KOKUYO (by KOKUYO Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Cambodia | Polyester fabric, PP (polypropylene) core | 2006 | $$: $5–20 per case | - Made in (KOKUYO Neo Critz Pen Case, Regular Size (F-VBF180)): Cambodia. Per KOKUYO's own global online store for F-VBF180-2 (Navy × Blue) and F-VBF180-3 (Blue × Navy). The same store lists the Marucru as made in China, so origin can vary by model; check the label. Source: https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/neocritz-tool-pencase-navy-x-blue/F-VBF180-2.html ## Key takeaways - KOKUYO lists the Regular Neo Critz (F-VBF180) at 85 × 50 × 195 mm (3.3 × 2.0 × 7.7 in), in polyester with a PP (polypropylene) core. - The Large size (F-VBF181) is 90 × 55 × 205 mm (3.5 × 2.2 × 8.1 in) and, KOKUYO says, fits a pencil and an 18 cm ruler. - The rounder Marucru (F-VBF185) is 90 × 50 × 195 mm and holds about 15 pens, according to KOKUYO. - KOKUYO's global store lists the Regular in Navy × Blue (F-VBF180-2) and Blue × Navy (F-VBF180-3) as made in Cambodia, and the Marucru as made in China. - KOKUYO's Japanese list price is ¥1,800 (about US$11) before tax for the Regular and ¥1,900 (about US$12) for the Large. ## What is the KOKUYO Neo Critz? **The KOKUYO Neo Critz is a tall zippered fabric pen case that turns into a pen stand on your desk.** It is made by KOKUYO Co., Ltd., a stationery company based in Japan. The standard model is the **Regular size (F-VBF180)**. KOKUYO's Japanese series page also lists a **Large size (F-VBF181)**, the rounder **Marucru (F-VBF185)** and the thin **Neo Critz Flat** (105 × 20 × 195 mm), and Lifehacker Japan has covered earlier spin-offs such as the Neo Critz Mini and Voyage. Impress Kaden Watch says KOKUYO has sold the Neo Critz since 2006. ## How does the Neo Critz stand-up mode work? **You unzip the top and fold the top half of the case down over the outside, so the bottom half becomes a cup with your pens standing upright.** KOKUYO's Japanese page puts it as "open the zipper and fold the top half back, and it turns into a pen stand" (ファスナーを開けて上半分を折り返せば、ペンスタンドに早変わり). KOKUYO lists three design details that make this work: - A **PP (polypropylene) core** inside the fabric keeps the walls stiff enough to stand. - A **two-way zipper**, so you can open only the top to take something out. - A **front space for small items** such as erasers. KOKUYO notes it isn't a closed pocket, so watch what you put in it. ![Three steps to turn the KOKUYO Neo Critz into a pen stand: the closed 195 mm case, unzipping the top, then folding the top half down so pens stand upright](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-neo-critz-stand-mode.svg) *How the Neo Critz converts into a pen stand. Schematic, not to scale: KOKUYO doesn't publish the stand-mode height.* ## KOKUYO Neo Critz specs **KOKUYO lists the Regular Neo Critz at 85 × 50 × 195 mm, in polyester with a PP core.** | Spec | Regular (F-VBF180) | |---|---| | Maker | KOKUYO Co., Ltd. (Japan) | | External size (W × D × H) | 85 × 50 × 195 mm (3.3 × 2.0 × 7.7 in) | | Height in stand mode | Not published | | Material | Polyester outer and lining, PP core | | Compartments | Main compartment + open front space for small items | | Zipper | Two-way | | Capacity | Not published by KOKUYO; up to 14 pens per The Journal Shop, 12–15 per a Pen Addict reviewer | | Weight | 36 g per The Journal Shop | | Colors (code suffix) | Black × Black (-1), Navy × Blue (-2), Blue × Navy (-3); Navy dot (-6) being phased out | | Japanese list price (before tax) | ¥1,800 (about US$11); ¥1,450 (about US$9.20) for the navy-dot -6 | | JAN, Navy × Blue | 4901480323336 | | Made in | Cambodia (F-VBF180-2 and -3, per KOKUYO's global store) | Size, material, colors and prices come from KOKUYO's Japanese product pages, which add that sewn products can vary slightly in size. The Pen Addict reviewer described the fabric as nylon over a foam core, while KOKUYO lists polyester with a PP core; we use KOKUYO's description. KOKUYO marks the F-VBF180-6 (navy dot) color as ending while stocks last. ## Neo Critz vs Large vs Marucru: what's the difference? **The Large is 10 mm taller and 5 mm wider and deeper than the Regular; the Marucru is the Regular's height with a rounder, 90 mm wide body.** | | Regular | Large | Marucru | |---|---|---|---| | Model | F-VBF180 | F-VBF181 | F-VBF185 | | Size (W × D × H) | 85 × 50 × 195 mm | 90 × 55 × 205 mm | 90 × 50 × 195 mm | | Capacity | About 14 pens (retailer) | About 20 pens (retailer) | About 15 pens (KOKUYO) | | Fits an 18 cm ruler | Not stated | Yes, per KOKUYO | Not stated | | Weight | 36 g (retailer) | About 47 g (retailer) | Not published | | Extras | — | Zipper doubles as a handle | Rounded top, synthetic leather pull and back panel | | Price (Japan, before tax) | ¥1,800 (about US$11) | ¥1,900 (about US$12) | ¥1,700 (about US$11) | | Made in | Cambodia (F-VBF180-2, -3) | Not stated | China (Warm Gray) | ![KOKUYO Neo Critz pen cases drawn to scale: Regular 85 by 195 mm, Large 90 by 205 mm and Marucru 90 by 195 mm](https://stationerytimes.com/images/kokuyo-neo-critz-sizes.svg) *The three main Neo Critz sizes, closed and drawn to the same scale, from KOKUYO's published external dimensions.* The Large's capacity and weight are from the Japanese retailer Komeri. KOKUYO marks the Marucru Warm Gray as ending while stocks last, so some colors may be hard to find; it describes the Marucru's fabric as a heathered weave with a patterned lining. We didn't find an official KOKUYO model called "Neo Critz Wide". If you see one, check its model number against the table above. ## How does the Neo Critz compare to the LIHIT LAB Teffa and EASTHILL cases? **The Neo Critz is the only one of the three that becomes a pen stand; the LIHIT LAB Teffa opens flat like a book and the EASTHILL case holds far more.** | | KOKUYO Neo Critz (Regular) | [LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case/) | [EASTHILL Big Capacity](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/) | |---|---|---|---| | Style | Standing pouch, converts to pen cup | Opens like a book | Zippered box-style pouch | | Size | 85 × 50 × 195 mm | 200 × 50 × 120 mm (7.9 × 2.0 × 4.7 in) | 8.66 × 4.13 × 2.56 in (220 × 105 × 65 mm) | | Capacity | About 12–15 pens | About 12–14 pens (LIHIT LAB) | Up to 50 pens (Reviewed) | | Stands up as a pen stand | Yes | No | No | Teffa figures are from LIHIT LAB; EASTHILL figures are from Reviewed. Pick the Neo Critz if desk space is tight and you want your pens upright while you work. Pick the Teffa if you want everything sorted into slots, or the EASTHILL if you need to carry a lot. ## Which Neo Critz should you choose? **Choose the Regular for a typical pen-and-eraser kit, the Large if you carry a full-length pencil or a ruler, and the Marucru if you prefer a softer, rounder look.** - **Regular (F-VBF180):** 195 mm tall; the standard everyday size. - **Large (F-VBF181):** 205 mm tall and 55 mm deep; KOKUYO says it fits a pencil and an 18 cm ruler. - **Marucru (F-VBF185):** same height as the Regular, rounder body, about 15 pens. If you also need somewhere to put pens like the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) or [uni-ball ZENTO Signature](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-signature/), measure the longest one: the Regular is 195 mm tall on the outside, so very long pens and new pencils fit better in the Large. If you'd rather have a slim case that lies open as a tray, see KOKUYO's [C2 pen case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-c2-pen-case/). To protect just three fountain pens inside a bag, a plush [Rickshaw 3 Pen Long Coozy](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/rickshaw-3-pen-coozy/) is the slimmer choice. ## Where is the KOKUYO Neo Critz made? **KOKUYO's own global online store lists the Regular in Navy × Blue (F-VBF180-2) and Blue × Navy (F-VBF180-3) as made in Cambodia.** The same store lists the Marucru as made in China. KOKUYO is a Japanese company, but its Neo Critz cases are made outside Japan, and the country can vary by model. We found no reliable source for where the Large size (F-VBF181) is made, so check the label on the case or its packaging. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the KOKUYO Neo Critz stand up? Open the zipper around the top, then fold the top half of the case down over the outside. KOKUYO says this turns the case into a pen stand, with the pens standing upright in the bottom half. ### How big is the KOKUYO Neo Critz? KOKUYO lists the Regular Neo Critz (F-VBF180) at 85 mm wide, 50 mm deep and 195 mm tall (3.3 × 2.0 × 7.7 in). The Large size (F-VBF181) is 90 × 55 × 205 mm. KOKUYO doesn't publish the height in stand mode. ### How many pens fit in a Neo Critz? KOKUYO doesn't publish a count for the Regular size. The Journal Shop says up to 14 pens and a Pen Addict reviewer fit 12 to 15. KOKUYO says the Marucru holds about 15 pens, and the Japanese retailer Komeri lists the Large at about 20. ### What is the Neo Critz made of? KOKUYO lists the outer fabric and lining as polyester, with a PP (polypropylene) core that lets the case keep its shape and stand up. The Marucru adds a synthetic leather zipper pull and back panel. ### Where is the KOKUYO Neo Critz made? KOKUYO's own global online store lists the Regular in Navy × Blue and Blue × Navy as made in Cambodia, and the Marucru as made in China. We found no source for the Large, so check the label on the one you buy. ### What is the difference between the Neo Critz Regular, Large and Marucru? The Regular is 85 × 50 × 195 mm. The Large is 90 × 55 × 205 mm, fits a pencil and an 18 cm ruler, and its zipper doubles as a handle. The Marucru is 90 × 50 × 195 mm with a rounded top, synthetic leather accents and room for about 15 pens. ### Is the Neo Critz better than the LIHIT LAB Teffa book-style pen case? They suit different uses. The Neo Critz is a tall single pouch that doubles as a pen stand. The LIHIT LAB Teffa opens like a book with several compartments, but it does not stand up as a pen cup. ### How much does the KOKUYO Neo Critz cost? KOKUYO's Japanese list price is ¥1,800 (about US$11) before tax for the Regular and ¥1,900 (about US$12) for the Large; the navy-dot Regular being phased out is ¥1,450 (about US$9.20). Prices outside Japan are set by importers. ## Sources - [ネオクリッツ ペンケース 外寸法/W85×D50×H195 ネイビー×ブルー (KOKUYO Japan product page: F-VBF180-2, ¥1,800 before tax, polyester and PP, two-way zipper, front space is not a pocket, JAN 4901480323336)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/bag-pouch/pencase/13335/) - [ネオクリッツ ペンケース ネイビードット柄×ネイビー (KOKUYO Japan product page: F-VBF180-6, ¥1,450 before tax, marked to end when stock runs out; color codes -1 to -6)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/bag-pouch/pencase/7546/) - [ネオクリッツ ラージサイズペンケース ネイビー×ライトブルー (KOKUYO Japan product page: F-VBF181-2, 90 × 55 × 205 mm, pencil and 18 cm ruler, zipper handle, ¥1,900 before tax)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/bag-pouch/pencase/6878/) - [ネオクリッツマルクル ペンケース ウォームグレー (KOKUYO Japan product page: F-VBF185-2, 90 × 50 × 195 mm, about 15 pens, ¥1,700 before tax)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/category/bag-pouch/pencase/13879/) - [ネオクリッツ (KOKUYO Japan series page: Regular, Large, Flat and Marucru lineup and prices)](https://www.kokuyo.com/stationery/series/neocritz) - [KOKUYO Store: Neocritz Tool Pencase F-VBF180-2, Navy × Blue (country of origin Cambodia)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/neocritz-tool-pencase-navy-x-blue/F-VBF180-2.html) - [KOKUYO Store: Neocritz Tool Pencase F-VBF180-3, Blue × Navy (country of origin Cambodia)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/neocritz-tool-pencase-blue-x-navy/F-VBF180-3.html) - [KOKUYO Store: Pencase Neocritz MARUCRU F-VBF185-2 (dimensions, about 15 pens, country of origin China)](https://www.kokuyostore.com/en/pencase-neocritz-marucru/F-VBF185-2.html) - [コメリ: コクヨ ペンケース ネオクリッツ ラージサイズ F-VBF181-2 (Komeri: about 20 pens, about 47 g)](https://www.komeri.com/shop/g/g1537830/) - [The Journal Shop: Kokuyo NeoCritz Pencil Case (up to 14 pens, 36 g)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/kokuyo-neocritz-pencil-case) - [The Pen Addict: Kokuyo Neo Critz Pencil Case Review (May 11, 2017)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2017/5/11/kokuyo-neo-critz-pencil-case-review) - [Impress Kaden Watch: KOKUYO Neo Critz review (on sale since 2006; Japanese)](https://kaden.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/column_review/yajreview/594165.html) - [Lifehacker Japan: Neo Critz lineup (Mini, Voyage, Flat; Japanese)](https://www.lifehacker.jp/article/160211neoclitz/) - [bungu.store: Neocritz Marucru Pen Case (about 15 pens)](https://bungu.store/collections/cases-bags/products/neocritz-marucru-pen-case-kokuyo) - [Reviewed: The best pen and pencil cases (EASTHILL dimensions and capacity)](https://reviewed.com/home-outdoors/best-right-now/best-pen-and-pencil-cases) --- # LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case: Size & Layout > The LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case (A-7551) is a zippered polyester pen case from Japan's LIHIT LAB that opens flat like a book. LIHIT LAB lists it at 200 × 120 × 50 mm, holding about 12 to 14 pens, with three small mesh pockets, one large mesh pocket and an outside pocket for A7 memos and cards. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case/ - Category: Cases - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the orange LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case A7551, to scale: closed, 200 mm (7.9 in) long, and unzipped flat like a book with pens in an elastic strap and a mesh pocket on the centre divider](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case-16x9.png) *The LIHIT LAB Teffa A7551, closed and opened flat, drawn from a retailer's 20.0 × 12.5 × 4.5 cm; LIHIT LAB lists 200 × 120 × 50 mm.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case (A-7551) | LIHIT LAB (by LIHIT LAB, Inc.) | Japan | Not stated | Polyester body, mesh inner pockets | – | $$: $5–20 per case | - Made in (LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case (A-7551)): Not stated. LIHIT LAB's catalog and online store, Japanshop.nl and the other listings we read don't give a country of origin. One commenter on The Gentleman Stationer's 2016 review said the tag on their Teffa case read Cambodia, but a reader comment isn't enough to state it; check the sewn-in label. ## Key takeaways - LIHIT LAB's Japanese catalog lists the A-7551 at 200 × 50 × 120 mm and about 12 to 14 pens, depending on pen thickness. - Inside are pen straps, three small mesh pockets and one large mesh pocket; outside is a pocket for cards and A7 (74 × 105 mm) memos. - LIHIT LAB's list price is ¥1,350 (about US$8.50) before tax; its own store sells it in 13 color codes, including limited camouflage prints. - LIHIT LAB lists the body as polyester, with a double zipper; JetPens sells the same A7551 as the Book Style Pen Case - Standard. - No LIHIT LAB or retailer page we read states where the A7551 is made; LIHIT LAB is a Japanese company founded in 1938. ## What is the LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case? **It's a zippered pen case from LIHIT LAB, a Japanese stationery maker, that opens flat like a book so every pen is visible at once.** The model number is **A-7551** (often written A7551), followed by a color code. It was sold for years in the US as the **Teffa Pen Case - Book Style**, and JetPens now lists it as the **Book Style Pen Case - Standard**. In Japan, LIHIT LAB sells it as ペンケース［ブックタイプ］ ("pen case, book type"). LIHIT LAB, Inc. is a Japanese office-supply maker based in Osaka; its company profile gives May 1938 as its founding. ## How does the book-style opening work? **A double zipper runs around the case, so it opens along its spine and lies flat like a book.** LIHIT LAB's catalog sums up the idea: because it opens like a book (見開き式), the pen you want is easy to find. LIHIT LAB lists what's inside and out: - **Pen straps:** elastic loops that hold pens and pencils in rows; Tools and Toys notes they suit clip pens best. - **Three small mesh pockets:** for erasers, lead refills and other small items. - **One large mesh pocket:** big enough for scissors or a glue stick. - **Outside pocket:** for cards and A7 (74 × 105 mm) memo pads. LIHIT LAB adds that the lining is brown on colors 4 to 24 and gray on colors 103 to 135. ## LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | LIHIT LAB, Inc. (Japan) | | Model number | A-7551 + color code | | Dimensions | 200 × 50 × 120 mm (7.9 × 2.0 × 4.7 in) | | Pen capacity | About 12–14 pens, depending on thickness | | Pockets | 3 small mesh, 1 large mesh, outside pocket for cards and A7 memos | | Material | Polyester | | Closure | Double zipper | | Japanese list price | ¥1,350 (about US$8.50) before tax | | JAN, Jet Black | 4903419819828 | | Made in | Not stated | All figures are from LIHIT LAB's Japanese catalog and online store; Japanshop.nl gives the same 120 × 200 × 50 mm. Some US listings have given 20.0 × 12.5 × 4.5 cm and a much higher pen count; we use LIHIT LAB's figures. LIHIT LAB doesn't publish a weight. ![To-scale drawing of the LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case: 20.0 × 12.5 cm from the back and 4.5 cm deep, with an 18 × 9 cm back mesh pocket that fits a 3.5 × 5.5 in notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/images/lihit-lab-teffa-book-style-pen-case-dimensions.svg) *Closed size and back pocket drawn from a US retailer's figures at 1 cm = 20 px; LIHIT LAB lists 200 × 120 × 50 mm.* ## How much does it hold? **LIHIT LAB rates it at about 12 to 14 pens, and says the count depends on pen thickness.** Reviewers have squeezed in more: in a 2011 review, The Pen Addict fit **17 pens plus a flash drive, a small stylus and a small sketchbook**, and fit a Rhodia No. 12 pad in the back mesh pocket. The outside pocket takes cards and A7 memo pads (74 × 105 mm), so a small notebook can ride along. ## What is it made of, and is it water-repellent? **LIHIT LAB lists the body as polyester; we found no LIHIT LAB claim that the A-7551 is water-repellent or waterproof.** The Pen Addict describes the fabric as shiny, easy to wipe clean and resistant to marks, and calls it nylon, which doesn't match LIHIT LAB's "polyester". Treat it as wipe-clean, not waterproof. One older complaint to know about: in 2016 The Gentleman Stationer reported a strong chemical smell from a Teffa case and didn't recommend it, though several readers commented that theirs had no smell. We haven't checked current production. ## What colors does it come in? **LIHIT LAB's online store lists 13 color codes for the A7551, including limited camouflage prints.** | Color | Model number | |---|---| | Orange | A7551-4 | | Yellow green | A7551-6 | | Brown | A7551-9 | | Navy (藍) | A7551-11N | | Black | A7551-24 | | Coral | A7551-103 | | Blue | A7551-108 | | Jet black | A7551-124 | | Camouflage: green, navy, maroon, black, ice gray | A7551-131 to A7551-135 | LIHIT LAB's catalog marks the camouflage prints as limited production. Yodobashi in Japan labels A7551-124 (jet black) as an overseas edition (海外版), so availability varies by market. ## Which book-type size should you choose? **The A-7551 is the standard, single-layer book case; LIHIT LAB also makes thicker Double and Triple versions.** | Case | Model | Size (LIHIT LAB) | Pen capacity (LIHIT LAB) | List price (before tax) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Book type (Teffa / Standard) | A-7551 | 200 × 50 × 120 mm | About 12–14 | ¥1,350 (about US$8.50) | | Book type Double | A-7555 | 200 × 70 × 120 mm | About 25 | ¥1,700 (about US$11) | | Book type Triple | A-7556 | 200 × 90 × 120 mm | About 40 | ¥1,900 (about US$12) | | Smart Fit double pen case S | A-7660 | 175 × 45 × 85 mm | About 10 | ¥1,500 (about US$9.50) | Smart Fit is a separate LIHIT LAB line; the A-7660 is included for size only. ## How does it compare to EASTHILL and KOKUYO Neo Critz cases? **Choose the LIHIT LAB book style if you want every pen laid out flat and visible; the other two are built differently.** The [EASTHILL pencil case](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/easthill-pencil-case/) is a zip pouch, and the [KOKUYO Neo Critz](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kokuyo-neo-critz/) is a pouch designed to stand up as a pen holder on a desk. See each guide for their sizes and capacities. Pens worth carrying in it include the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/), [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) and [uni-ball ZENTO Signature](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-signature/). The outside pocket is sized for A7 memos (74 × 105 mm), so a [mini composition book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/) at 83 × 114 mm may be too big for it. ## Where is it made? **None of the LIHIT LAB pages or retailer listings we read state a country of origin for the A-7551.** LIHIT LAB is a Japanese company, but brand nationality isn't the same as where a product is made: one reader commenting on The Gentleman Stationer's 2016 review said the tag on their Teffa case read Cambodia. Check the sewn-in label or packaging of your case. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does the LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case open? It unzips with a double zipper and opens flat like a book, so the pen you want is easy to find. Inside are pen straps, three small mesh pockets for erasers and refills, and one large mesh pocket for scissors or glue. ### How many pens does the LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case hold? LIHIT LAB says about 12 to 14 pens, depending on how thick they are. A 2011 Pen Addict review reported fitting 17 pens plus a flash drive, a stylus and a small sketchbook. ### What are the dimensions of the LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case? LIHIT LAB lists 200 × 50 × 120 mm (7.9 × 2.0 × 4.7 in), and Japanshop.nl gives the same 120 × 200 × 50 mm. Some US retailers have listed 20.0 × 12.5 × 4.5 cm; we use LIHIT LAB's figure. ### What is the model number of the LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case? It is A-7551 (often written A7551), followed by a color code: for example A7551-4 (orange), A7551-9 (brown), A7551-108 (blue) and A7551-124 (jet black). LIHIT LAB's store lists 13 codes, including camouflage prints from A7551-131 to A7551-135. ### How much does the LIHIT LAB Teffa pen case cost in Japan? LIHIT LAB's list price is ¥1,350 (about US$8.50) before tax, or ¥1,485 (about US$9.40) with tax. The larger Double (A-7555) is ¥1,700 (about US$11) and the Triple (A-7556) ¥1,900 (about US$12). ### Is the LIHIT LAB Teffa pen case waterproof? No source we found says it is. LIHIT LAB lists the body as polyester, and The Pen Addict found the shiny fabric easy to wipe clean, but LIHIT LAB makes no water-resistance claim. ### Where is the LIHIT LAB Teffa Book Style Pen Case made? The LIHIT LAB pages and retailer listings we read don't say. LIHIT LAB is a Japanese company founded in 1938, and one reader comment says their case's tag read Cambodia, so check the label on your case. ### What's the difference between LIHIT LAB Teffa and Smart Fit? Teffa is the older name for the A7551 book-style case, which JetPens now sells as the Book Style Pen Case - Standard. Smart Fit is a separate LIHIT LAB line; the Smart Fit double pen case S (A-7660), for example, is 175 × 45 × 85 mm and holds about 10 pens. ## Sources - [ペンケース［ブックタイプ］ (LIHIT LAB Japan catalog: A-7551, ¥1,350 before tax, 200 × 50 × 120 mm, about 12–14 pens, polyester, pockets, colors)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/products/catalog/a-7551.html) - [ペンケース［ブックタイプ］ (LIHIT LAB official online store: A7551 color codes and JAN codes, ¥1,485 with tax)](https://store.lihit-lab.com/products/a-7551) - [ペンケース［ブックタイプ］ダブル (LIHIT LAB Japan catalog: A-7555, 200 × 70 × 120 mm, about 25 pens, ¥1,700)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/products/catalog/a-7555.html) - [ペンケース［ブックタイプ］トリプル (LIHIT LAB Japan catalog: A-7556, 200 × 90 × 120 mm, about 40 pens, ¥1,900)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/products/catalog/a-7556.html) - [SMART FIT ダブルペンケース S (LIHIT LAB Japan catalog: A-7660, 175 × 45 × 85 mm, about 10 pens)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/products/catalog/a-7660.html) - [会社概要 (LIHIT LAB company profile: founded May 1938)](https://www.lihit-lab.com/company/about/) - [Japanshop.nl: Lihit Lab Book Type Pen Case, Blue (A-7551-108, 120 × 200 × 50 mm)](https://www.japanshop.nl/brands/lihit-lab-en1/lihit-lab-pen-cases/lihit-lab-book-type-pen-case-blue) - [Yodobashi: LIHIT LAB product list (overseas-edition A7551-124 book-type case) (Japanese)](https://www.yodobashi.com/maker/0000002907/p39/) - [JetPens: Lihit Lab Book Style Pen Case - Standard - Orange (A7551-4; formerly Teffa Pen Case - Book Style; blocked our reader when re-checked)](https://www.jetpens.com/Lihit-Lab-Book-Style-Pen-Case-Standard-Orange/pd/7667) - [The Pen Addict: Lihit Lab Teffa Pen Case Review (2011)](https://penaddict.com/blog/2011/10/12/lihit-lab-teffa-pen-case-review.html) - [The Gentleman Stationer: Reasonably priced pen carry, Lihit Lab bags and cases (2016)](https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2016/7/15/reasonably-priced-pen-carry-lihit-labs-bags-and-cases) - [Tools and Toys: Lihit Lab Book-Style Pen Case](https://toolsandtoys.net/lihit-lab-book-style-pen-case/) --- # Mead Composition Notebook: Size, Sheets & Ruling > The Mead Composition Notebook (09910) is ACCO Brands' classic black marble composition book. It measures 9.75 × 7.5 in (24.8 × 19.1 cm) and holds 100 sewn sheets (200 pages) of wide-ruled white paper, with a class schedule and reference tables inside the covers. A college-ruled version (09932) is the same size. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of the Mead Composition Notebook 09910 to scale: closed with its black-and-white marble cover, black tape spine and name label, 9.75 × 7.5 in (248 × 191 mm), and opened flat to show wide ruling and the sewn centre fold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/mead-composition-notebook-16x9.png) *The Mead 09910, closed and opened to its sewn, wide-ruled pages (1 mm = 0.8 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/mead-composition-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Mead Composition Notebook, Wide Ruled, 100 Sheets, Black Marble (09910) | Mead (by ACCO Brands Corporation) | United States | Vietnam | Marbled cardboard cover, 15 lb (56 g/m²) bond paper | – | $: under $5 per notebook | - Made in (Mead Composition Notebook, Wide Ruled, 100 Sheets, Black Marble (09910)): Vietnam. Per office-supply distributor spec sheets (BSC Source and PFSTAR, which lists the 12-book carton). Mead's own site doesn't state a country. PFSTAR and PartsSource list the college-ruled 09932 as made in China, so origin can differ by item; check the label. Source: https://www.bscsource.com/ProductDetails/Composition-Book-Wide-Legal-Rule-Black-Cover-9-75-X-7-5-100-Sheets/MEA09910/p4909743 ## Key takeaways - Size: 9.75 × 7.5 in (24.8 × 19.1 cm), the standard full-size composition book, about five times the page area of a 4.5 × 3.25 in mini. - Pages: 100 sheets (200 pages), sewn rather than glued or spiral-bound. - Ruling: the 09910 is wide (legal) ruled with 25 blue lines per page, listed at 11/32 in (8.7 mm) by one dealer and 3/8 in (9.5 mm) by another; the 09932 is college ruled. - Paper is listed as 15 lb bond (about 56 g/m²), lighter than typical 20 lb (75 g/m²) copy paper. - Distributors BSC Source and PFSTAR list Vietnam as the country of origin for the 09910; the college-ruled 09932 is listed as made in China. ## What is the Mead Composition Notebook? **The Mead Composition Notebook is the classic black-and-white marbled school notebook made by Mead, a brand of ACCO Brands.** The best-known version is item **09910**: 100 sewn sheets of wide-ruled paper in a 9.75 × 7.5 in (24.8 × 19.1 cm) book. Distributors also list it under Mead's "Square Deal" line, with UPC 043100099109. It's one of the best-selling notebooks on Amazon. ASINsight estimated about 20,000 sales of its Amazon listing (ASIN B00006IDM7) in July 2026, the second-highest in its "composition book" report. Inside, Mead prints a **class schedule** on the inside front cover and **multiplication tables, conversion tables and grammar rules** on the inside back cover. ## Mead Composition Notebook specs | Spec | Wide ruled (09910) | College ruled (09932) | |---|---|---| | Maker | ACCO Brands (Mead) | ACCO Brands (Mead) | | Size | 9.75 × 7.5 in (24.8 × 19.1 cm) | 9.75 × 7.5 in (24.8 × 19.1 cm) | | Sheets | 100 sheets (200 pages) | 100 sheets (200 pages) | | Line spacing | 11/32 in (8.7 mm) per one dealer; 3/8 in (9.5 mm) per BSC Source | College ruled; Mead gives no figure | | Lines per page | 25 | Not listed | | Paper | White, 15 lb bond (about 56 g/m²) | White | | Binding | Sewn | Sewn | | Cover | Black marble; 33-pt chipboard back cover | Black marble | | Inside covers | Class schedule; multiplication, conversion and grammar tables | Same | | Made in | Vietnam, per BSC Source and PFSTAR | China, per PFSTAR and PartsSource | Size, sheet count, sewn binding and the inside-cover tables come from Mead's own pages for the 09932 and the 12-pack of the wide-ruled book. Line spacing, lines per page, paper weight and cover board come from office-supply distributor spec sheets, not from a Mead page; the two dealers we found disagree on the wide-rule spacing. The g/m² figure is our conversion from 15 lb bond. Prices vary widely by retailer and pack size, and Mead doesn't publish a list price, so we've left price out. ## How big is a full-size composition book? **A full-size composition book like the Mead is 9.75 × 7.5 in (24.8 × 19.1 cm), a little smaller than a sheet of US letter paper (11 × 8.5 in).** ![To-scale drawing: the Mead Composition Notebook is 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) wide and 9.75 inches (24.8 cm) tall, about five times the area of a 3.25 by 4.5 inch mini composition book](https://stationerytimes.com/images/mead-composition-notebook-size.svg) *Full-size vs mini, drawn to the same scale. The full-size book has about five times the page area.* If you want something for a pocket, see our guide to [mini composition books](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/), which measure 4.5 × 3.25 in (11.4 × 8.3 cm). For the same 7.5 × 9.75 in size on recycled paper, see the [Decomposition Book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/decomposition-book/). ## Wide ruled or college ruled: which should you choose? **Choose wide ruled (09910) for large handwriting or when a school list asks for it, and college ruled (09932) to fit more on each page.** The two books are otherwise the same size, sheet count and cover. - **Wide (legal) ruled:** 25 lines per page; dealers list the spacing as 11/32 in (8.7 mm) or 3/8 in (9.5 mm). - **College (medium) ruled:** narrower lines, which Mead says gives more lines per page. College rule is usually 9/32 in (7.1 mm), but Mead doesn't publish a figure for the 09932. Check the item number or the ruling printed on the cover. Both versions use the same black marble design, so they look nearly identical on a shelf. ## Is the Mead Composition Notebook sewn, and can you tear pages out? **Yes, it's sewn, and tearing pages out isn't recommended.** Mead says the sewn binding keeps pages securely in place and lets the book lie flat, and none of the spec sheets we found list perforated pages. In a sewn book, each page is one half of a sheet folded at the spine. If you tear a page out, its partner page on the other side of the stitching usually comes loose too. If you need tear-out pages, a spiral notebook with perforations is the better fit; see our [Five Star 5-subject notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/) guide. ## What is the paper like? **Distributors list the paper as 15 lb bond, about 56 g/m², which is thin by notebook standards.** Typical 20 lb copy paper is about 75 g/m². Thin paper is light and keeps a 200-page book slim, but wet inks are more likely to show through. With gel pens or rollerballs, a fine tip such as 0.38 or 0.5 mm puts down less ink. See our [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) and [uni-ball ZENTO Signature](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-signature/) guides for tip sizes. ## Why do composition notebooks have a marble cover? **The black-and-white pattern is a printed imitation of marbled paper, a decoration that's centuries old.** Mental Floss traces paper marbling to 10th-century China and 12th-century Japan, and says marbled notebooks appeared in France and Germany in the mid-19th century before reaching America in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Format magazine reports that the composition book pattern descends from a German "agate" design produced by industrial methods rather than by hand, and that it was never copyrighted. That's why Mead and many other brands all sell nearly identical black marble books. ## Where is the Mead Composition Notebook made? **Office-supply distributors BSC Source and PFSTAR list the Mead 09910 as made in Vietnam.** Listings for the college-ruled 09932 (PFSTAR, PartsSource) give China. Mead's own site and its Amazon listing don't state a country of origin. Because listings differ by item and batch, check the country printed on the back cover or the shrink-wrap of the book you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a Mead composition notebook? The full-size Mead Composition Notebook measures 9.75 × 7.5 inches (24.8 × 19.1 cm). Retailers list both the wide-ruled 09910 and the college-ruled 09932 at that size. ### How many pages are in a Mead composition notebook? The standard Mead Composition Notebook has 100 sheets, which is 200 pages because both sides are ruled. Amazon's listing for the 09910 gives the page count as 200. ### Is the Mead composition notebook wide ruled or college ruled? Both exist. The Mead 09910 is wide ruled (also called legal ruled), with 25 lines per page, and the 09932 is college ruled, which Mead says gives more lines per page. Check the item number on the cover. ### Is the Mead composition notebook sewn? Yes. Mead says the sewn binding keeps pages securely in place and lets the book lie flat when open. It is not perforated, and the book has no spiral. ### Can you tear pages out of a composition notebook? You can, but it isn't designed for it. In a sewn book each page is half of a folded sheet, so tearing one out usually loosens its partner page on the other side of the stitching. Spec sheets for the Mead 09910 list no perforations. ### What paper weight is a Mead composition notebook? Distributor spec sheets list the 09910's paper as 15 lb bond, which is about 56 g/m². That's lighter than common 20 lb (75 g/m²) copy paper. Mead doesn't publish a gsm figure in the sources we found. ### Why do composition notebooks have a marble cover? The black-and-white pattern comes from paper marbling. Mental Floss traces marbled notebooks to France and Germany in the mid-1800s, and Format magazine reports the German "agate" pattern was made industrially and never copyrighted, so any maker can use it. ### Where is the Mead composition notebook made? Office-supply distributors BSC Source and PFSTAR list the Mead 09910 as made in Vietnam, while the college-ruled 09932 is listed as made in China. Mead's own site doesn't state a country, so check the label. ## Sources - [Mead: Composition Book, College Ruled, 100 Sheets, 7 1/2 x 9 3/4 in, Black Marble (09932)](https://www.mead.com/p/notebooks/school-notebooks/composition-notebooks/composition-book-college-ruled-black-marble-09932/) - [Mead: Black Marble Composition Books, Wide Ruled, 12-pack (72936; 100 sheets, sewn, lays flat, 7 1/2 x 9 3/4 in)](https://www.mead.com/p/notebooks/school-notebooks/composition-notebooks/black-marble-composition-books-wide-ruled/) - [Amazon: Mead Composition Notebook, Wide Ruled, 7.5 × 9.75 in, 100 Sheets, Black Marble (09910), ASIN B00006IDM7](https://www.amazon.com/Mead-Composition-Notebook-Ruled-Sheets/dp/B00006IDM7) - [Staples: Mead 1-Subject Composition Notebook, 9.75 × 7.5 in, Wide Ruled, 100 Sheets (09910)](https://www.staples.com/mead-1-subject-composition-notebooks-9-75-x-7-5-wide-ruled-100-sheets-black-09910/product_306712) - [Walmart: Mead Composition Book, Wide Ruled, 100 Sheets, 9 3/4 × 7 1/2, Black Marble](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mead-Composition-Book-Wide-Ruled-100-Sheets-9-34-x-7-12-Black-Marble/14668429) - [Quill: Mead Composition Notebook, 9.75 × 7.5 in, Wide Ruled, 100 Sheets (09910)](https://www.quill.com/mead-composition-notebook-975-x-75-wide-ruled-100-sheets-black-marble-09910/cbs/50116253.html) - [Dealer spec sheet: Mead MEA09910 (11/32 in ruling, 25 lines per sheet, blue rule)](https://demo.dealercommander.com/Composition-Book-Wide-Legal-Rule-Black-Cover-9-75-x-7-5-100-Sheets/Mead/MEA09910/details.php) - [PFSTAR: Mead 09910, 12-book carton (UPC 043100099109, sewn, country of origin Vietnam)](https://pfstar.com/09910-Composition-Book-Wide-Legal-Rule-Black-Cover-100) - [BSC Source: Mead MEA09910 (15 lb paper, 25 lines, 3/8 in ruling, 33-pt chipboard back, country of origin Vietnam)](https://www.bscsource.com/ProductDetails/Composition-Book-Wide-Legal-Rule-Black-Cover-9-75-X-7-5-100-Sheets/MEA09910/p4909743) - [Office Supply Inc: Mead Wide Ruled Composition Notebook, 1 each (country of origin)](https://www.officesupplyinc.com/mead-wide-ruled-composition-notebook-sheets-sewn-white-paper-black-marble-cover-each-p-16796.html) - [PartsSource: Mead 09932, college ruled, sewn (country of origin China)](https://www.partssource.com/parts/mead/09932) - [PFSTAR: Mead 09932 (lists China as country of origin)](https://www.pfstar.com/09932-BOOK-COMP-SQDL-3SBJCT-120CT) - [On Time Supplies: Mead 09932 Square Deal Composition Book, college rule, 100 sheets](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/mea09932-square-deal-composition-book-medium-college-rule-black-cover-100-975-x-75-sheets.html) - [Mental Floss: The Long History of the Marbled Composition Book](https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/long-history-marbled-composition-book) - [Format magazine: Who Designed the Composition Notebook?](https://www.format.com/magazine/who-designed-composition-notebook-history) - [ASINsight: Best-selling composition books on Amazon US, July 2026 (sales estimates)](https://www.asinsight.com/report/US/composition-book) --- # Moleskine Classic Notebook: Sizes, Paper & Pages > The Moleskine Classic Notebook is a hard-cover notebook with rounded corners, an elastic closure, a ribbon bookmark and a back pocket. The most popular Large size measures 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) and has 240 pages of 70 g/m² ivory paper. Retailer spec sheets list it as made in China. Moleskine is owned by Belgium's D'Ieteren Group. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of a black Moleskine Classic Large hard cover, 21 cm tall and 13 cm wide, with rounded corners, elastic closure and ribbon, closed and opened flat on ruled ivory pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/moleskine-classic-notebook-16x9.png) *The Large hard cover closed and open, with the elastic closure magnified (1 mm = 1 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/moleskine-classic-notebook-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Large (QP060 ruled) | Moleskine (by Moleskine S.r.l. (D'Ieteren Group)) | Italy | China | Cardboard hard cover, 70 g/m² ivory acid-free paper (FSC-certified and controlled sources) | 1997 | $$$: $20–75 per notebook | - Made in (Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Large (QP060 ruled)): China. Per retailer spec sheets: Galaxus/Digitec list China for the Large and Pocket hard covers, and the Australian promotional supplier Good Things lists China for the XL hard cover. Moleskine's Italian product page doesn't state the country, and Galaxus blocked our reader when we rechecked on October 20, 2026. Source: https://goodthings.com.au/products/pens-stationery/notebooks-journals-stationery/moleskine-classic-hard-cover-notebook-extra-large/ ## Key takeaways - Moleskine's Italian site lists five hard-cover sizes: Pocket 9 × 14 cm, Medium 11.5 × 18 cm, Large 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in), XL 19 × 25 cm and XXL 21.6 × 27.9 cm. - The Large hard cover has 240 pages; the Pocket and XL hard covers have 192 pages, per retailer listings. - Moleskine lists 70 g/m² ivory acid-free paper from FSC-certified sources, in dotted, ruled, squared and plain layouts; the Italian shop prices the Large at €24.00 (about US$27). - Retailer spec sheets list the country of origin as China; Moleskine's own product page doesn't state it. - D'Ieteren Group bought into Moleskine in 2016 and now owns 100% of it; D'Ieteren reports Moleskine's 2025 revenue as €117.8 (about US$132) million. ## What is the Moleskine Classic Notebook? **The Moleskine Classic Notebook is Moleskine's core hard-cover notebook: a black (or colored) board cover with rounded corners, an elastic closure, a ribbon bookmark and an expandable pocket inside the back cover.** It's the notebook most roundups use as the benchmark, and it comes in several sizes and four page layouts. Moleskine's Italian site lists the paper as **ivory-colored, acid-free, 70 g/m²** from FSC-certified and other controlled sources, in **dotted, ruled, squared and plain** layouts, and says the notebook opens to 180°. It sells the black Large hard cover for €24.00 (about US$27) in Italy. A soft-cover version with the same name also exists; this guide covers the hard cover unless it says otherwise. ## Moleskine Classic Notebook specs | Spec | Pocket | Large | XL | |---|---|---|---| | Size | 9 × 14 cm (3.5 × 5.5 in) | 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) | 19 × 25 cm (about 7.5 × 10 in) | | Pages (hard cover) | 192 | 240 | 192 | | Example code (ruled, black) | — | QP060 | QP090 | | Paper | 70 g/m², ivory, acid-free | 70 g/m², ivory, acid-free | 70 g/m², ivory, acid-free | | Layouts | Ruled · dotted · squared · plain | Ruled · dotted · squared · plain | Ruled and others | | Cover | Hard, rounded corners | Hard, rounded corners | Hard, rounded corners | | Closure / extras | Elastic band, ribbon, back pocket | Elastic band, ribbon, back pocket | Elastic band, ribbon, back pocket | | Page numbers | No | No | No | | Made in | China (per retailers) | China (per retailers) | China (Good Things) | Sizes, paper and features come from Moleskine's Italian product page, which also lists a Medium (11.5 × 18 cm) and an XXL (21.6 × 27.9 cm). Moleskine doesn't give page counts there, so those come from retailers (Officeworks, The Journal Shop, Digitec, Good Things and others). The XL is 19 × 25 cm, which is 7.48 × 9.84 in; US retailers round it to 7.5 × 10 in, and one listing says 7.5 × 9.75 in. ![To-scale drawing of Moleskine Classic hard-cover sizes: Pocket 9 × 14 cm with 192 pages, Large 13 × 21 cm with 240 pages and XL 19 × 25 cm with 192 pages](https://stationerytimes.com/images/moleskine-classic-notebook-sizes.svg) *The three main Moleskine Classic hard-cover sizes drawn to scale (1 mm = 1.2 px).* **Page counts vary between listings.** A few US listings show 192 pages for the Large; that matches the **soft-cover** Large, while most hard-cover Large listings say 240. Check the label on the shrink-wrap if the count matters to you. ## Which size should you choose? **The Large (13 × 21 cm) is the all-round choice; pick the Pocket to carry in a jacket and the XL for desk work.** - **Pocket, 9 × 14 cm (3.5 × 5.5 in):** fits a jacket pocket or small bag. Good for lists and quick notes, like a hard-cover alternative to a [mini composition book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/). - **Large, 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in):** the most popular size. Close to A5 height but 1.8 cm narrower, and it has the most pages (240). - **XL, 19 × 25 cm (about 7.5 × 10 in):** the largest of the three, with room for meeting notes and sketches. For a cheaper desk notebook, see the [Mead composition notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/). ## Is Moleskine paper good for fountain pens? **Not very. At 70 g/m², the paper is known for show-through and bleed-through with fountain pens, especially wet inks and medium or broad nibs.** - In a published paper test on stefanv.com, the reviewer found that a Moleskine pocket notebook feathered with every pen and ink he tried, showed through with all of them and bled through with all but his Pelikan pens. - The Pen Lounge reviewer found the paper fine for ballpoints but bleed-prone with a fine-nib fountain pen and Diamine Onyx Black ink. - Goldspot, a pen retailer, uses Moleskine as its example of bleed-through in its notebook guide. If you use fountain pens, reviewers suggest fine or extra-fine nibs and drier inks. The Pen Lounge reviewer found ballpoints worked well. These are reviewers' results; we haven't tested it ourselves. For gel pens, see our [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) guide; for notebooks with heavier paper, see the [best notebooks for fountain pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens/). ## Where are Moleskine notebooks made? **Retailer spec sheets list the Moleskine Classic Notebook's country of origin as China.** Galaxus and Digitec list China for the Large and Pocket hard covers, and the Australian promotional supplier Good Things lists China for the XL hard cover. Moleskine is an Italian brand, Moleskine srl of Milan, but its Italian product page doesn't name a country of production. One Digitec listing for a different Moleskine product (the PROF A4 soft cover) gives both China and Italy, so origin can differ by product. Check the label on your copy. ## Who owns Moleskine? **Moleskine is owned by D'Ieteren Group, a Belgian company.** D'Ieteren agreed to buy a 41% stake in 2016 at €2.40 (about US$2.70) per share, then made a takeover offer, squeezed out the remaining shareholders and now holds 100% of the shares. We found no announced sale of Moleskine in 2025 or 2026. D'Ieteren's 2025 annual report, published in April 2026, still lists Moleskine as one of its businesses, and D'Ieteren's Moleskine page reports **2025 revenue of €117.8 (about US$132) million**, down 3.7% from €122.3 (about US$137) million in 2024. ## How does Moleskine compare to Leuchtturm1917? **The Leuchtturm1917 Medium has heavier paper, numbered pages and an index; the Moleskine Large is narrower, with 240 unnumbered pages.** | Feature | Moleskine Classic Large (hard cover) | Leuchtturm1917 Medium (A5, hard cover) | |---|---|---| | Size | 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in) | 14.5 × 21 cm (A5 cover) | | Pages | 240, unnumbered | 249 numbered (some listings say 251) | | Paper weight | 70 g/m² | 80 g/m² | | Table of contents | No | Yes | | Ribbon bookmarks | 1 | 2 (per The Journal Shop) | | Detachable sheets | No | 8 perforated sheets | | Back pocket | Yes | Yes (gusseted) | | Layouts | Ruled, dotted, squared, plain | Ruled, dotted, squared, plain | Leuchtturm1917 figures come from retailer listings and The Journal Shop's comparison. In that comparison, the heavier Leuchtturm1917 paper shows less ghosting with fountain pen ink, while the Moleskine is described as lighter and more classic. Another alternative, the [Baron Fig Confidant](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/baron-fig-confidant/), uses 90 gsm paper in a 5.4 × 7.7 in cloth hard cover. ## Related guides - [Mini composition books](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/) - [Mead composition notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/) - [Five Star 5-subject notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/five-star-5-subject-notebook/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a Large Moleskine notebook? The Large Moleskine Classic Notebook measures 13 × 21 cm (5 × 8.25 in). That's a little narrower than A5, which is 14.8 × 21 cm. The hard-cover Large has 240 pages. ### How many pages are in a Moleskine Classic Notebook? Retailers list 240 pages for the Large hard cover and 192 pages for the Pocket and XL hard covers. The soft-cover Large has 192 pages. The pages are not numbered. ### What paper weight does Moleskine use? Moleskine's Italian site lists the Classic Notebook's paper as 70 g/m² (70 gsm), ivory-colored and acid-free. That is lighter than the 80 g/m² paper in a Leuchtturm1917 Medium. ### Do fountain pens bleed through Moleskine paper? Often, yes. Reviewers report feathering, show-through and bleed-through with many fountain pen and ink combinations, especially wet inks and medium or broad nibs. Fine or extra-fine nibs and drier inks reduce the problem. ### Where are Moleskine notebooks made? Retailer spec sheets, including Galaxus, Digitec and Australia's Good Things, list China as the country of origin for the Classic hard-cover notebooks. Moleskine's own product page doesn't state it, so check the label on your copy. ### Who owns Moleskine? Belgium's D'Ieteren Group. It agreed to buy a 41% stake in 2016, followed with a takeover offer and now holds 100% of the shares. Its 2025 annual report, published in April 2026, still lists Moleskine as one of its businesses. ### Is Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 better? It depends on what you value. The Leuchtturm1917 Medium has heavier 80 g/m² paper, numbered pages and a table of contents. The Moleskine Large is narrower, lighter in paper weight and has no page numbers. ## Sources - [Moleskine (IT): Taccuino Classic, Copertina rigida, Nero (Moleskine's Italian page: sizes Pocket to XXL, carta acid free 70 g/m² avorio, FSC, €24.00 Large)](https://www.moleskine.com/it-it/shop/taccuini/the-original-notebook/taccuino-classic-nero-9788883701122.html) - [D'Ieteren Group: Our businesses, Moleskine (100% owned; revenue 2020–2025, €117.8 million in 2025)](https://www.dieterengroup.com/moleskine/) - [D'Ieteren press release: agreement to acquire a 41% stake in Moleskine (2016)](https://www.dieterengroup.com/press-releases/559719/) - [D'Ieteren press release: D'Ieteren holds more than 95% of Moleskine and prepares a squeeze-out](https://www.dieterengroup.com/press-releases/605005/) - [D'Ieteren press release: D'Ieteren holds 100% of the shares in Moleskine](https://www.dieterengroup.com/press-releases/626185/) - [D'Ieteren Group Annual Report 2025 (Moleskine revenue)](https://financialfilings.com/filings/dieteren-group/annual-report/2026/35781584/) - [Galaxus: Moleskine Classic Large A5 plain hard cover (country of origin)](https://galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/moleskine-classic-large-a5-plain-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-6073998) - [Galaxus: Moleskine Notebook Classic Pocket A6 plain hard cover (country of origin, 192 pages)](https://galaxus.fr/en/s12/product/moleskine-notebook-classic-pocket-a6-plain-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-6073988) - [Good Things (Australia): Moleskine Classic Hard Cover Notebook, Extra Large (190 × 250 mm, 192 pages, 70 gsm, country of origin China)](https://goodthings.com.au/products/pens-stationery/notebooks-journals-stationery/moleskine-classic-hard-cover-notebook-extra-large/) - [The Journal Shop: Moleskine Classic Notebook Large (240 pages, layouts)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/moleskine-classic-notebook-large) - [Paragraph Books: Moleskine Classic Notebook, Large, Ruled, Black, Hard Cover (5 × 8.25 in)](https://paragraphbooks.com/products/9788883701122) - [Officeworks: Moleskine Classic Hard Cover Ruled Large Notebook, Black (MSQP060)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/moleskine-classic-hard-cover-ruled-large-notebook-black-msqp060) - [PB Tech: Moleskine QP090 Notebook XL Ruled (70 gsm ivory paper, hard cover)](https://www.pbtech.com/product/STAMON0010127/Moleskine-QP090-Moleskine-Notebook-XL-Ruled-Black) - [Digitec: Moleskine Classic XL 19 × 25 cm lined hard cover (192 pages)](https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/moleskine-classic-19-x-25-cm-xl-19x25-lined-hardcover-notebooks-notepads-9707563) - [UNM Bookstore: Moleskine Classic Notebook, Extra Large, Ruled, Hard Cover (7.5 × 10 in)](https://bookstore.unm.edu/p-172468-moleskine-ruled-classic-notebook-xlarge-black-hard-cover.aspx) - [RCA Shop: Moleskine Classic Notebook, Soft Cover (sizes and 192 pages)](https://shop.rca.ac.uk/products/moleskine-classic-notebook-soft-cover) - [stefanv.com: A Comparison of Fountain Pens, Inks, and Papers (Moleskine test)](https://www.stefanv.com/pens/paper_tests.html) - [Pen Lounge: Moleskine Classic Notebook, Singapore Airlines Edition (fountain pen review)](https://penlounge.substack.com/p/06) - [Goldspot: Best Notebooks for Fountain Pens Reviewed](https://goldspot.com/blogs/magazine/best-notebooks-for-fountain-pens) - [The Journal Shop: Leuchtturm1917 vs Moleskine](https://www.thejournalshop.com/blogs/guides/leuchtturm1917-vs-moleskine) - [AIA Store: Leuchtturm1917 Ruled Notebook, A5 Medium Hardcover (80 g/m², 249 pages, 145 × 210 mm)](https://store.aia.org/products/leuchtturm1917-notebook-medium) - [Wikipedia: Moleskine (1997 launch by Modo & Modo)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moleskine) --- # Pentel EnerGel RTX: Liquid Gel Ink, Tips & Refills > The Pentel EnerGel RTX is a refillable, retractable gel pen from Japanese maker Pentel that uses EnerGel "liquid gel" ink, which Pentel says is lower in viscosity and quicker drying than ordinary gel ink. It comes in 0.3 and 0.5 mm needle tips, 0.7 mm needle or metal tips, and a 1.0 mm metal tip. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the Pentel EnerGel RTX 0.7 mm (BL77) retractable gel pen with the tip out: gray barrel, black top and push button, metal clip, latex-free rubber grip and metal cone tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-energel-16x9.png) *The EnerGel RTX BL77, the classic 0.7 mm metal-tip model.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-energel-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel EnerGel RTX (BL77, BLN75, BLN73, BLN77, BL80) | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Japan or Mexico | 54% recycled plastic body, latex-free rubber grip | 2001 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel EnerGel RTX (BL77, BLN75, BLN73, BLN77, BL80)): Japan or Mexico. Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog gives the origin of the EnerGel RTX (BL77 metal tip and BLN73/75/77 needle tips) as 'Japan / Mexico' without saying which SKU comes from where. Retailer listings match: OfficeSupply.com lists Mexico for one RTX listing. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state a country. Check the package of the exact pen you buy. Source: https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/20 ## Key takeaways - Maker: ASTRUM Corporation of Japan, called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; in the US it is sold by Pentel of America. Pentel's Japanese site says EnerGel launched in 2001 and had sold more than 1.6 billion pens worldwide as of August 2026. - EnerGel RTX tip sizes: 0.3 mm needle (BLN73), 0.5 mm needle (BLN75), 0.7 mm metal (BL77) or needle (BLN77), and 1.0 mm metal (BL80). - Pentel markets the ink as quick-drying and smudge-resistant, and recommends it for left-handed writers. We have not timed it. - Every RTX is refillable: LRN3, LRN5 and LRN7 are needle-tip refills, LR7 and LR10 are metal-tip refills. - Pentel of America says the RTX body uses 54% recycled plastic, and its 2022 catalog gives the origin as Japan / Mexico. In Japan the same pen lists at ¥275 (about US$1.70) from October 1, 2026. ## What is the Pentel EnerGel RTX? **The Pentel EnerGel RTX is a refillable, retractable gel pen from Pentel, the Japanese pen brand of ASTRUM Corporation (called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026), built around its EnerGel "liquid gel" ink.** RTX is short for retractable: you click the end to extend and retract the tip, and the pen has a latex-free rubber grip. ![Pentel EnerGel RTX tip sizes magnified 200 times: 0.3 mm needle (BLN73), 0.5 mm needle (BLN75), 0.7 mm metal or needle (BL77, BLN77) and 1.0 mm metal (BL80)](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-energel-tip-sizes.svg) *The four EnerGel RTX tip sizes at 200×, with the US model code for each.* EnerGel dates to 2001. Pentel's Japanese site says the line had sold **more than 1.6 billion pens worldwide** as of August 2026; its magazine says EnerGel was made for export first and reached Japanese shops in 2003. The RTX is the main refillable EnerGel model sold in the US by Pentel of America, which says the body is made with **54% recycled plastic** as part of its Recycology range and lists the 0.7 mm BL77 in 20 ink colors. ## What does "liquid gel" ink mean? **Liquid gel is Pentel's name for a gel ink with low viscosity: it is still a gel ink, but Pentel says it flows and dries more like a liquid ink.** Pentel's Japanese site adds that it has three times the lubricant of its usual gel ink (0.5 and 0.7 mm, Pentel's comparison). Pentel UK describes the EnerGel formula as "smoother flowing and quicker drying than ordinary gel ink", and says that unlike liquid-ink rollerballs it doesn't need a regulator to control the flow, because the ink feeds straight from the refill to the tip. Retailers file EnerGel under gel pens, so if you are comparing it with other gel pens such as the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) or the [Sharpie S-Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/), compare like with like. ## Does EnerGel ink really dry quickly? **Pentel markets EnerGel as quick-drying and smudge-resistant, and recommends it for left-handed writers, but it doesn't publish a dry time in seconds.** The quick-dry claim is the main reason people pick EnerGel over other gel pens. For how it compares with other quick-drying pens, see our [best pens for left-handed writers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-for-left-handed-writers/). ## Pentel EnerGel vs Pilot G2: which smears less? **The Pentel EnerGel RTX smears less than the Pilot G2 by maker claims and informal tests: Pentel markets its liquid gel ink as quick-drying, while reviewers report G2 smearing, mostly in the 0.7 and 1.0 mm sizes.** Neither Pentel nor Pilot publishes a dry time in seconds, and we haven't timed either yet. In a 2011 blog test, Mark Dominus at leancrew.com found the EnerGel smudged only if touched within a second or two, while the G2 sometimes left smeary blobs. Our [best gel pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/) picks the EnerGel for people who smear and the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) as the best all-round gel pen. ## Pentel EnerGel RTX specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (formerly Pentel Co., Ltd.), Tokyo; sold in the US by Pentel of America | | Model numbers (US) | BLN73 · BLN75 · BL77 · BLN77 · BL80 | | Tip sizes | 0.3 mm needle · 0.5 mm needle · 0.7 mm metal or needle · 1.0 mm metal | | Ink | EnerGel liquid gel ink | | Mechanism | Retractable (click) | | Grip | Latex-free rubber | | Body | 54% recycled plastic (per Pentel of America) | | Refills | LRN3, LRN5, LRN7 (needle) · LR7, LR10 (metal) | | Japan list price | ¥275 (about US$1.70) incl. tax from October 1, 2026 | | Made in | Japan or Mexico (Pentel of America catalog) | Model numbers, tip sizes, ink and recycled content come from Pentel of America. Pentel doesn't publish an official length or weight for the RTX in the sources we found, so we've left them out. Pentel's Japanese site sells the same pen as plain エナージェル (EnerGel) with the same codes, plus a **0.4 mm needle tip (BLN74) that is not in the US range**. It lists every size at ¥275 (about US$1.70) including tax, up from ¥253 (about US$1.60) under a price revision that took effect on October 1, 2026, and EnerGel refills at ¥99 (about US$0.60). The JAN barcode of the 0.3 mm black BLN73-A is 4902506305008. ## What tip sizes does the EnerGel RTX come in? **Four tip sizes: 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm with a needle tip, 0.7 mm with a metal or needle tip, and 1.0 mm with a metal tip.** The letter N in the model code marks a needle tip: BLN75 is the 0.5 mm needle, BL77 is the 0.7 mm metal tip. - **Needle tip (0.3, 0.5, 0.7 mm):** a long, thin tube that leaves the writing point easy to see; good for small handwriting. - **Metal tip (0.7, 1.0 mm):** the standard cone-shaped tip. The 0.7 mm BL77 is the classic RTX. On thin paper, such as a [mini composition book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/), a finer tip lays down less ink and is the safer choice. ## What refills does the EnerGel RTX use? **Every EnerGel RTX takes any EnerGel refill: LR refills for metal tips and LRN refills for needle tips.** Pentel's catalog says any EnerGel refill fits, so you can switch tip style. | Refill | Tip | Size | |---|---|---| | LRN3 | Needle | 0.3 mm | | LRN5 | Needle | 0.5 mm | | LRN7 | Needle | 0.7 mm | | LR7 | Metal | 0.7 mm | | LR10 | Metal | 1.0 mm | The letter after the code is the ink color: for example LRN5-C is blue and LR10-B is red. Pentel UK also sells an LRP7 refill with permanent ink. ## How does the EnerGel RTX compare to the EnerGel Pearl and EnerGel-X? **All three are retractable pens with the same EnerGel ink, and the 0.7 mm metal-tip versions all take the LR7 refill; they differ mainly in body.** | Model | US code | Body | Tips | |---|---|---|---| | EnerGel RTX | BL77 and siblings | Colored barrel, rubber grip | 0.3–1.0 mm, needle or metal | | EnerGel Pearl | BL77PW, BLN75PW, BLN77PW | Pearly barrel with metal accents | 0.7 mm metal, 0.5 and 0.7 mm needle | | EnerGel-X | BL107, BLN105, BL110 | Transparent barrel that shows the ink level | 0.7 and 1.0 mm metal, 0.5 mm needle | Pick the RTX for the widest choice of tips, the Pearl if you want the white barrel, and the EnerGel-X if you want to see how much ink is left. For a gel pen with water-based pigment ink and a binder clip, see the [Zebra Sarasa Clip](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-sarasa-clip/). ## Where is the Pentel EnerGel RTX made? **In Japan or Mexico: Pentel of America's 2022 product catalog lists the origin of both the metal-tip and needle-tip EnerGel RTX as "Japan / Mexico".** It doesn't say which SKU comes from where, and Pentel's Japanese page states no country, so check the package. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does liquid gel ink mean on the Pentel EnerGel? Liquid gel is Pentel's name for its EnerGel ink. Pentel says it is a low-viscosity gel ink that flows more smoothly and dries more quickly than ordinary gel ink, and that unlike liquid-ink rollerballs it needs no regulator to control the flow. ### Does Pentel EnerGel ink really dry fast? Pentel markets EnerGel ink as quick-drying and smudge-resistant and recommends it for left-handed writers. Pentel does not publish a dry time in seconds in the sources we found, and we have not timed it ourselves. ### What tip sizes does the Pentel EnerGel RTX come in? The EnerGel RTX comes in 0.3 mm needle (BLN73), 0.5 mm needle (BLN75), 0.7 mm metal (BL77), 0.7 mm needle (BLN77) and 1.0 mm metal (BL80). We found no 0.35 mm RTX model; that figure sometimes appears as a line width rather than a tip size. ### What refill does the Pentel EnerGel RTX use? Any EnerGel refill. The metal-tip refills are LR7 (0.7 mm) and LR10 (1.0 mm); the needle-tip refills are LRN3 (0.3 mm), LRN5 (0.5 mm) and LRN7 (0.7 mm). The letter after the code gives the ink color, such as A for black and C for blue. ### What is the difference between the EnerGel RTX, EnerGel Pearl and EnerGel-X? All three are retractable pens with the same EnerGel ink. The RTX is the main refillable line with a rubber grip and the widest choice of tips. The Pearl has a pearly barrel. The EnerGel-X is the lower-priced line, best known as the 0.7 mm BL107, and Pentel of America also sells it in 0.5 mm needle (BLN105) and 1.0 mm (BL110). ### Where is the Pentel EnerGel RTX made? In Japan or Mexico. Pentel of America's 2022 catalog gives the origin of the EnerGel RTX as 'Japan / Mexico' without splitting it by SKU, so check the package of the exact pen you buy. ### Is the Pentel EnerGel RTX good for left-handed writers? Pentel markets EnerGel ink as quick-drying and loved by left-handed writers, because fast-drying ink is less likely to smear under the hand. That is the maker's claim; we have not tested it. ## Sources - [ぺんてる: エナージェル (Pentel Japan: EnerGel product page, model codes, JAN, ¥275 list price, refills)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/ballpointpen/energel/) - [ぺんてる: 左利きでも汚れず書けるゲルインキボールペン・エナージェル「左ききさんにやさしくしたいペン」プロジェクト (Pentel Japan news, August 7, 2026: launched 2001, over 1.6 billion sold)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/20260807/) - [ぺんてる: 製品価格改定のお知らせ (Pentel Japan: price revision from October 1, 2026, with item list PDF)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/news/202600806/) - [ぺんてるマガジン: 知る人ぞ知るボールペン「エナージェル」 (Pentel Japan magazine, October 2023: development story, overseas-first launch, Japan from 2003)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/magazine/mono-monogatari_202310-2/) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen, 0.7 mm](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-rtx-gel-pen) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel RTX Extra-Fine 0.3 mm](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-rtx-liquid-gel-pen-extra-fine-0-3mm) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel RTX needle tips](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-deluxe-rtx-gel-pen-1541) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel RTX 1.0 mm bold](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-rtx-liquid-gel-pen-bold-line) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel Pearl Retractable Liquid Gel Pen, 0.7 mm metal tip (BL77PW)](https://www.pentel.com/products/pentel-energel-pearl-retractable-liquid-gel-pen-0-7mm) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel Pearl needle tip, 0.5 and 0.7 mm (BLN75PW, BLN77PW)](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-pearl-retractable-0-5mm-0-7mm-needle-tip-fine-line-assorted-ink-colors-1) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel-X Retractable Liquid Gel Pen, 0.7 mm (BL107)](https://www.pentel.com/products/energel-x-rollergel-pen-0-7mm-os) - [Pentel of America: EnerGel collection](https://www.pentel.com/collections/energel) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: EnerGel RTX needle tips (BLN73, refill compatibility, origin Japan / Mexico)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/16) - [Pentel of America 2022 product catalog: EnerGel RTX metal tip BL77 (origin Japan / Mexico)](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2022_Product_Catalog/20) - [Pentel UK: EnerGel-X BL107 (low-viscosity liquid gel ink, no regulator)](https://pentel.co.uk/product/pentel-energel-x-bl107) - [Pentel UK: EnerGel 0.7 mm refill](https://pentel.co.uk/product/energel-0-7mm-refill) - [Pentel UK: EnerGel needlepoint 0.5 mm refill](https://pentel.co.uk/product/energel-needlepoint-0-5mm-refill) - [Impress Watch (Japanese, October 10, 2023): EnerGel adds nine standard colors; launched 2001](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1536985.html) - [JetPens: Pentel EnerGel RTX Needle-Point 0.3 mm (recycled plastic, latex-free grip)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-EnerGel-RTX-Gel-Pen-Needle-Point-0.3-mm-Blue/pd/21494) - [Staples: EnerGel RTX Deluxe 0.7 mm needle tip (BLN77)](https://www.staples.com/pentel-energel-rtx-deluxe-retractable-liquid-gel-pens-medium-point-0-7mm-black-barrel-black-ink-ea/product_PENBLN77A) - [Quill: EnerGel LRN5 refill](https://images.quill.com/pentel-energel-gel-ink-pen-refill-fine-tip-blue-ink-each-lrn5-c/cbs/444631.html) - [Quill: EnerGel LR10 refill](https://images.quill.com/pentel-energel-1-mm-bold-liquid-gel-pen-refill-red-ink-lr10-b/cbs/444626.html) - [Officecrave: Pentel LRN7 refill](https://www.officecrave.com/pentel-lrn7a.html) - [Unsharpen: Pentel EnerGel LRN3 refill](https://unsharpen.com/refill/pentel-energel-lrn3/) - [Pentel UK: EnerGel permanent refill LRP7](https://www.pentel.co.uk/product/pentel-energel-permenant-refill-0-7mm-lrp7/) - [Blue Dog Ink: EnerGel Pearl 0.5 mm needle tip (BLN75PW)](https://www.bluedogink.com/pentel-energel-rtx-gel-pen-retractable-fine-05-mm-needle-tip-black-ink-white-black-barrel-bln75pwa.html) - [On Time Supplies: EnerGel Pearl BL77PW (LR7 refill)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/penbl77pwp-energel-rtx-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-pink-ink-white-pink-barrel.html) - [Officeworks: EnerGel-X BL107 (transparent barrel)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/pentel-energel-x-bl107-gel-pen-blue-pebl107c) - [Blue Dog Ink: EnerGel-X BL107 (LR7 refill)](https://www.bluedogink.com/pentel-energel-x-gel-pen-retractable-medium-07-mm-blue-ink-blue-barrel-dozen-bl107c.html) - [OfficeSupply.com: EnerGel RTX listing (country of origin Mexico)](https://www.officesupply.com/school-supplies/basic-school-supplies/pencils-pens/gel-ink-pens/energel-energel-liquid/p517646.html) - [Pentel UK: Pentel celebrates 80 years of success in writing (company renamed ASTRUM Corporation, Pentel kept as brand)](https://www.pentel.co.uk/trade-news/pentel-celebrates-80-years-of-success-in-writing/) - [Impress Watch (Japanese): Pentel renames itself ASTRUM Corporation from April 1, 2026](https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/2094175.html) - [leancrew.com: EnerGel (February 2011; EnerGel vs G2 smearing)](https://leancrew.com/all-this/2011/02/energel/) --- # Pilot G2: Tip Sizes, Refills & Ink Colors > The Pilot G2 is a retractable, refillable gel pen that Pilot launched in 1997 and markets in the US as America's #1 selling gel ink brand. It comes in four tip sizes: 0.38 mm Ultra Fine, 0.5 mm Extra Fine, 0.7 mm Fine and 1.0 mm Bold. US retailer listings give Japan as the country of origin. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the Pilot G2 0.7 mm Fine retractable gel pen with the tip out: clear barrel showing the black-ink refill, ribbed rubber grip, black clip and push button](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pilot-g2-16x9.png) *The Pilot G2 0.7 mm Fine, the size Goldspot calls the most popular.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-g2-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pilot G2 Premium Retractable Gel Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm) | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Plastic barrel, rubber grip | 1997 | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pilot G2 Premium Retractable Gel Pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm)): Japan. Per US retailer spec sheets (Stop & Shop, OnTimeSupplies for item 31171). Some grocery listings for a 4-pack say "Japan, USA", so origin may vary by pack. Pilot's US site doesn't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://stopandshop.com/groceries/home-office/school-office/office-supplies/pens/pilot-g2-pens-fine-blue-ink-7mm-2-ct-pkg.html ## Key takeaways - Four tip sizes, with names that run one step finer than many brands: 0.38 mm Ultra Fine, 0.5 mm Extra Fine, 0.7 mm Fine and 1.0 mm Bold. - Pilot launched the G2 in 1997; Pilot USA calls it America's #1 selling gel ink pen brand, citing Circana dollar sales (older packaging cites NPD). - US refills come in 2-packs by item number, e.g. 77240 (0.7 mm black) and 77232 (0.5 mm black); outside the US they are sold as BLS-G2. - Pilot USA says the G2 comes in 4 point sizes and up to 41 core ink colors. - US retailer spec sheets list the country of origin as Japan; a few grocery listings say Japan and USA. ## What is the Pilot G2? **The Pilot G2 is a retractable, refillable gel pen made by Pilot Corporation of Japan and sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America.** Pilot launched it in 1997; Pilot's UK site still calls it "the original since 1997". Gear Patrol credits its click-to-retract design as a first among gel pens of that era. Pilot USA calls the G2 **America's #1 selling gel ink pen brand**, citing Circana dollar sales (older packaging copy cites NPD, "data on file"), and says independent ISO testing found it writes longer than the average of competing gel ink brands. These are Pilot's claims; we haven't seen the underlying data. Pilot's US About page lists the G2 among its top-selling brands. ## Pilot G2 specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Pilot Corporation (Japan); US seller Pilot Corporation of America | | Type | Retractable gel pen (Pilot calls it a "gel roller" or "gel ink rolling ball") | | Tip sizes | 0.38 mm Ultra Fine · 0.5 mm Extra Fine · 0.7 mm Fine · 1.0 mm Bold | | Ink type | Gel ink (Pilot doesn't give the formula in the sources we read) | | Ink colors | Up to 41 core colors across all sizes, per Pilot USA | | Grip | Latex-free comfort grip (per retailer copy) | | US refills (black, 2-pack) | 77287 (0.38) · 77232 (0.5) · 77240 (0.7) · 77289 (1.0) | | International refills | BLS-G2-5 · BLS-G2-7 · BLS-G2-10 (color suffix -B black, -L blue) | | Launched | 1997 | | Dimensions and weight | Not published by Pilot in the sources we found | | Made in | Japan (per US retailer spec sheets) | Size names, colors and the sales claim come from Pilot USA; refill item numbers from Pilot's US brochure and retailer listings. The country of origin comes from retailer spec sheets. ## What do the G2 tip sizes and names mean? **Pilot names the four G2 sizes Ultra Fine (0.38 mm), Extra Fine (0.5 mm), Fine (0.7 mm) and Bold (1.0 mm).** The names run one step finer than many brands: what Pilot calls "Fine" is 0.7 mm, a size other makers often call Medium. Goldspot calls the 0.7 mm Fine the most popular G2 size. The number is the diameter of the ball in the tip. The line on paper is usually a little different from the ball size, depending on paper and pressure. ![To-scale drawing of the four Pilot G2 tip sizes at 200 times: 0.38 mm Ultra Fine, 0.5 mm Extra Fine, 0.7 mm Fine and 1.0 mm Bold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pilot-g2-tip-sizes.svg) *The 1.0 mm Bold tip is about 2.6 times the diameter of the 0.38 mm Ultra Fine.* ## Which G2 size should you choose? **Choose 0.7 mm Fine for everyday writing, 0.5 or 0.38 mm for small handwriting and thin paper, and 1.0 mm for signatures and bold lines.** - **0.38 mm Ultra Fine:** the finest line and the least ink. Good for planners, margins and small notebooks such as a [mini composition book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/). - **0.5 mm Extra Fine:** a crisp line with a little more flow. - **0.7 mm Fine:** the standard G2 and the widest range of ink colors. - **1.0 mm Bold:** the wettest, darkest line. It puts down the most ink, so it takes longest to dry. ## What refills does the Pilot G2 use? **In the US, G2 refills are sold in 2-packs by item number; elsewhere Pilot sells them as BLS-G2.** | Size | US 2-pack (black) | US 2-pack (blue) | International code | |---|---|---|---| | 0.38 mm Ultra Fine | 77287 | | | | 0.5 mm Extra Fine | 77232 | 77233 | BLS-G2-5 | | 0.7 mm Fine | 77240 | 77241 | BLS-G2-7 | | 1.0 mm Bold | 77289 | | BLS-G2-10 | Pilot's US Fine Writing brochure lists 0.5 mm refills in black, blue and red, and 0.7 mm refills in black, blue, red, green and purple. Internationally, a letter suffix gives the color: BLS-G2-7-B is 0.7 mm black and BLS-G2-5-L is 0.5 mm blue. OnTimeSupplies' listing for the 77240 refill says the same refill fits the G2, G2 Limited, G2 Pro, G6, B2P, B2P Gel, MR Gel Roller, Dr. Grip gel models, Q7 and G-Knock BeGreen. In Europe the pen is written G-2; Pilot's UK site calls it "the original since 1997" and says it is made from 70% recycled plastic, not counting ink and refills. Pilot's current Japanese web catalog lists neither the G-2 nor a G-2 refill (we searched it on October 20, 2026), so there is no Japanese spec sheet to compare. ## How many ink colors does the G2 come in? **Pilot USA says the G2 comes in up to 41 core colors.** Most of them are in the 0.7 mm Fine size; JetPens groups them as basic, metallic, pastel and neon. Pilot's UK site gives "more than 31 colours" for Europe, so the range varies by size and country. ## Does the Pilot G2 smudge? **It can, especially in the 0.7 and 1.0 mm sizes.** Pilot's packaging calls the ink smear-resistant and quick-drying, but doesn't give a dry time. Reviewers and left-handed writers often report that G2 ink can smear before it dries. In a 2011 blog comparison, Mark Dominus at leancrew.com found the G2 sometimes left a blob of ink that stayed smeary, while the [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) only smudged if touched within a second or two. If you're left-handed or write fast, a finer G2 tip lays down less ink and is the safer choice. Our [best pens for left-handed writers](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-pens-for-left-handed-writers/) compares quicker-drying alternatives. ## What is the difference between the G2, G2 Limited and G2 Pro? **All three take the same G2 refill; they differ only in the body.** | Model | Body | Notes | |---|---|---| | G2 | Plastic with rubber grip | The standard pen in four tip sizes | | G2 Limited | Metal | Sold in red, gold, purple and dark grey; matte black added in 2021 | | G2 Pro | Plastic | A G2 variant with a contoured rubber grip; not metal | The G2 Limited is often confused with the G2 Pro, but only the Limited has a metal body. ## How does the Pilot G2 compare to other gel pens? **The G2 is the mass-market standard: cheap, widely sold and refillable, with more sizes than most rivals.** The [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) is the usual pick for faster drying. If you want a premium, metal-bodied pen with a magnetic cap, the [uni-ball ZENTO Signature](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-signature/) is a water-based rollerball rather than a gel pen. Pilot's own liquid-ink rollerball is the [Precise V5](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-precise-v5/). Our [best gel pens roundup](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-gel-pens/) picks one gel pen for each job, from left-handed writing to erasing. ## Where is the Pilot G2 made? **US retailer spec sheets list the Pilot G2 as made in Japan.** Stop & Shop's listings for the 0.7 mm Fine 2-pack and the 1.0 mm Bold 2-pack say "Made in Japan", and a business supplier lists the 0.7 mm blue dozen (item 31171) with Japan as the country of origin. Some grocery listings for a 4-pack give "Japan, USA", so origin may vary by pack. Pilot's US site doesn't state it in the sources we found; check the packaging of the exact pack you buy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What do the Pilot G2 tip size names mean? Pilot names the G2 sizes Ultra Fine (0.38 mm), Extra Fine (0.5 mm), Fine (0.7 mm) and Bold (1.0 mm). The 0.7 mm Fine is the standard G2, and Goldspot calls it the most popular size. ### What refill does the Pilot G2 use? In the US, G2 refills are sold in 2-packs by item number: 77287 (0.38 mm black), 77232 (0.5 mm black), 77240 (0.7 mm black), 77241 (0.7 mm blue) and 77289 (1.0 mm black). Outside the US they are sold as BLS-G2-5, BLS-G2-7 and BLS-G2-10. ### Is the Pilot G2 really the best-selling gel pen? That is Pilot's claim. Pilot USA calls the G2 America's #1 selling gel ink pen brand, citing Circana dollar sales, and older packaging copy cites NPD ("data on file"). We have not seen the underlying sales data. ### How many ink colors does the Pilot G2 come in? Pilot USA says the G2 comes in up to 41 core colors. The widest range is in the 0.7 mm Fine size, which includes basic, metallic, pastel and neon colors; the 0.5 mm refill is sold in fewer colors. ### Where is the Pilot G2 made? US retailer spec sheets list the G2 as made in Japan, with Pilot Corporation of America as the US seller. A few grocery listings say "Japan, USA" for one pack, so check the packaging of the exact pack you buy. ### Does the Pilot G2 smudge? It can. Reviewers and left-handed users report that G2 ink can smear before it dries, especially in the 0.7 and 1.0 mm sizes, which put down more ink. Pilot does not publish a dry time. ### What is the difference between the G2, G2 Limited and G2 Pro? The G2 Limited is a metal-bodied version of the G2, and the G2 Pro is a plastic G2 variant with a contoured rubber grip. All three take the same standard G2 refill. ### Do G2 refills fit other Pilot pens? Yes. OnTimeSupplies' listing for the 77240 refill says it fits the G2, G2 Limited, G2 Pro, G6, B2P, B2P Gel, MR Gel Roller, Dr. Grip gel models, Q7 and G-Knock BeGreen. ## Sources - [Pilot USA (Power to the Pen): G2 (4 point sizes, up to 41 colors, #1 selling claim per Circana)](https://powertothepen.com/pens/g2/) - [Pilot Pen (US): About Pilot (G2 among top-selling brands)](https://pilotpen.us/About) - [Pilot Pen (US): Fine Writing brochure (G2 refill table and item numbers, PDF)](https://pilotpen.us/Downloads/Fine_Writing_Brochure.pdf) - [Pilot Pen UK: Gel ink pens (G-2 "the original since 1997")](https://www.pilotpen.co.uk/our-products/gel-ink-pens/) - [Stop & Shop: Pilot G2 Pens Fine Blue Ink .7mm, 2 ct (made in Japan)](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/home-office/school-office/office-supplies/pens/pilot-g2-pens-fine-blue-ink-7mm-2-ct-pkg.html) - [Stop & Shop: Pilot G2 Retractable Bold Point Black, 2 ct (made in Japan)](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/pilot-g2-retractable-gel-ink-rolling-ball-pens-bold-point-black-2-ct-pkg/176927) - [Hannaford: Pilot G2 Fine Point Black, 4 ct (country of origin Japan, USA)](https://hannaford.com/groceries/product/pilot-g2-gel-ink-rolling-ball-pens-fine-point-black-4-ct-pkg/138862) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pilot G2 Fine 0.7 mm, item 31171 (country of origin Japan)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pil31171-g2-retractable-gel-ink-rollerball-pens-fine-pen-point-07-mm-pen-point-size-refillable-retractable-blue-gel-based-ink-12-dozen.html) - [Stop & Shop: Pilot G2 Fine Black 0.7 mm, 2 ct (#1 selling claim, NPD data on file; ISO write-out claim)](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/product/pilot-g2-pens-fine-black-ink-7mm-2-ct-pkg/170943) - [Goldspot: Pilot G2 pens (tip size names; 0.7 mm Fine the most popular)](https://goldspot.com/collections/pilot-g2-gel-pen?page=2) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pilot 77240 refill (compatible pens)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pil77240-refill-for-pilot-b2p-dr-grip-g2-g6-mr-metropolitan-precise-begreen-and-q7-gel-pens-fine-tip-black-ink-2-pack.html) - [Staples: Pilot G2 refill, 0.38 mm Ultra Fine, black, 2-pack (77287)](https://www.staples.com/pilot-g2-gel-ink-pen-refill-ultra-fine-tip-black-2-pack-77287/product_953562) - [OnTimeSupplies: Pilot G2 Bold refill, 1.0 mm, black, 2-pack (77289)](https://www.ontimesupplies.com/pil77289-refill-for-pilot-g2-gel-ink-pens-bold-conical-tip-black-ink-2-pack.html) - [SPK (Cyprus): Pilot refill for G2, 1.0 mm (BLS-G2-10-L)](https://www.spk.com.cy/product/pilot-refill-g2-ink-10-mm-broad-tip-blue) - [JetPens: Pilot G2 Gel Pen 0.7 mm 10-color set and color chart](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-G2-Gel-Pen-0.7-mm-10-Color-Set/pd/27910) - [The Pen Addict: Pilot G2 Limited metallic body pen review](https://penaddict.com/blog/2021/3/11/pilot-g2-limited-metallic-body-pen-review) - [Unsharpen: Pilot G2 Limited (body colors, G2 Pro distinction)](https://unsharpen.com/pen/pilot-g2-limited/) - [Gear Patrol: An Ode to the Pilot G2 (history, retractability)](https://www.gearpatrol.com/?p=826495) - [leancrew.com: G2 vs EnerGel smearing (2011 blog test)](https://leancrew.com/all-this/2011/02/energel/) --- # Sharpie S-Gel: Tip Sizes, Smear Claims & Refills > The Sharpie S-Gel is a retractable gel pen sold under the Sharpie brand by Newell Brands. It comes in 0.38, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm tips, uses water-based gel ink that Sharpie markets as 'no smear, no bleed', and is sold mostly in 4- to 12-count packs. Only the 0.7 mm medium point has official refills. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of a black Sharpie S-Gel 0.7 mm medium point retractable gel pen with the tip out: black barrel, contoured rubber grip, pocket clip and push button](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/sharpie-s-gel-16x9.png) *The Sharpie S-Gel 0.7 mm medium point, the size with the most packs and the only one with refills.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/sharpie-s-gel-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Sharpie S-Gel retractable gel pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm) | Sharpie (by Sanford L.P., a Newell Brands company) | United States | United States | Plastic barrel, contoured rubber grip | – | $: under $5 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Sharpie S-Gel retractable gel pen (0.38 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 1.0 mm)): United States. Per Sharpie's product records for several 12-count packs (they no longer load for us as of October 20, 2026) and distributor spec sheets. A reviewer reports the packaging reads 'assembled in the U.S.A.', which may mean imported parts; one third-party database lists China. Inbound Logistics (October 2025) reports that Newell's Maryville, Tennessee Sharpie plant had to learn to make ink refills for the gel pen as production moved back from China. Source: https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_2096152/Sharpie(r)-S-Gel-Gel-Pens-Medium-Point-(0-7mm)-Blue-Ink-Gel-Pen-12-Count/ ## Key takeaways - Four tip sizes: 0.38 mm ultra fine, 0.5 mm fine, 0.7 mm medium and 1.0 mm bold. The 0.7 mm medium is the most widely stocked. - Sharpie sells refills only for the 0.7 mm medium point, in 2-count packs of black or blue; it says 0.38 mm refills are not available. - The ink is water-based gel ink. Sharpie says it is not waterproof and not permanent, so it is not meant for checks. - Sharpie's own product records list the country of origin of S-Gel 12-count packs as the United States; a reviewer reports the packaging says 'assembled in the U.S.A.' - Unlike the S-Gel, the Pilot G2 offers official refills in all four of its sizes (0.38, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mm). ## What is the Sharpie S-Gel? **The Sharpie S-Gel is a click-retractable gel pen sold under the Sharpie brand, which is owned by Newell Brands.** It is Sharpie's gel pen, not a marker: it writes in water-based gel ink and is designed for paper. ![The four Sharpie S-Gel tip sizes drawn to scale at 200 times: 0.38 mm ultra fine, 0.5 mm fine, 0.7 mm medium and 1.0 mm bold](https://stationerytimes.com/images/sharpie-s-gel-tip-sizes.svg) *The four S-Gel tip sizes at 200×. Only the 0.7 mm medium point has official refills.* Sharpie describes it as a "high performance gel pen" with "no smear, no bleed" gel technology and a contoured rubber grip. It is sold mostly in multipacks such as 4, 8 and 12 pens, with black, blue and red ink as the core colors. ## What tip sizes does the S-Gel come in? **Four: 0.38 mm (ultra fine), 0.5 mm (fine), 0.7 mm (medium) and 1.0 mm (bold).** Sharpie lists each size as its own product. The 0.7 mm medium point is the one with the most packs, including the fashion-barrel and assorted-color sets. | Point name | Tip size | Ink colors (core) | Official refills | |---|---|---|---| | Ultra fine | 0.38 mm | Black | No (Sharpie says not available) | | Fine | 0.5 mm | Black, blue, red | Not found | | Medium | 0.7 mm | Black, blue, red + assorted colors | Yes, 2-count packs (black, blue) | | Bold | 1.0 mm | Black, blue, red | Not found | The drawing above shows the four tips to scale at 200×: the 1.0 mm bold ball is about 2.6 times the diameter of the 0.38 mm ultra fine. The tip size is the ball diameter, not the width of the line; gel lines are usually a little wider or narrower depending on the paper. ## Sharpie S-Gel specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Brand / maker | Sharpie / Sanford L.P. (Newell Brands) | | Type | Click-retractable gel pen with rubber grip | | Tip sizes | 0.38 mm · 0.5 mm · 0.7 mm · 1.0 mm | | Ink | Water-based gel ink; not waterproof, not permanent (per Sharpie) | | Core ink colors | Black, blue, red | | Common packs | 4, 8 and 12 count (refills in 2-count) | | Refill | 0.7 mm only, 2-count (black item 2096168) | | Made in | United States per Sharpie's product records; packaging reads "assembled in the U.S.A." per a reviewer | Sharpie doesn't publish an official length or weight for the S-Gel in the sources we found, so we've left them out. ## Does Sharpie S-Gel ink smear? **Sharpie says it doesn't: the S-Gel is marketed with "no smear, no bleed" gel ink technology.** That is the maker's claim, not something we've tested. A Swiss retailer listing adds that the ink dries in less than 2 seconds; we found that figure only on the retailer's page, not on Sharpie's. Two things Sharpie itself is clear about: - **Not waterproof:** Sharpie's FAQ says the S-Gel uses water-based ink and is not waterproof. - **Not permanent:** it is not permanent like an original [Sharpie Fine Point](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-fine-point/) marker and should not be used for checks. Sharpie recommends a pen labeled permanent or fraud-resistant for that. Independent opinion is mixed. In a 2020 review of four 0.7 mm S-Gels, The Pen Addict found the black ink the weakest of the set and the blue much closer to a Pilot G2. ## Is the Sharpie S-Gel refillable? **Only the 0.7 mm medium point has official refills.** Sharpie sells S-Gel medium point refills in 2-count packs of black (item 2096168) or blue ink, and says these fit S-Gel medium point pens. A Sharpie consumer-care answer from June 2026 says refills are currently sold only in 2-counts. For the 0.38 mm ultra fine, Sharpie says refills are not available. We didn't find official 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm refills either, and at least one office-supply retailer lists the S-Gel as "not refillable". ## What colors does the S-Gel come in? **Black, blue and red are the core colors in every size except 0.38 mm (black only).** The 0.7 mm medium point adds more: - **Assorted packs:** for example a 12-pack with 4 black, 4 blue and 4 red pens (item 2090624). - **Fashion barrels:** pearl white, gray and frost blue bodies, some with bold ink colors. - **Trending colors:** Sharpie sells a "Trending Colors" medium point set. Exact colors vary by pack, so check the item number on the package. For bright multi-color packs, the [Paper Mate InkJoy Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/paper-mate-inkjoy-gel/), also from Newell Brands, comes in assorted packs of 14, 22 and 30 pens. ## How does the Sharpie S-Gel compare to the Pilot G2? **They are close rivals: both are click-retractable gel pens in the same four tip sizes. The G2 has refills in every size; the S-Gel only in 0.7 mm.** | | Sharpie S-Gel | [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/) | |---|---|---| | Maker | Sanford L.P. (Newell Brands), US | Pilot Corporation (Japan) | | Tip sizes | 0.38, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 mm | 0.38, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 mm | | Mechanism | Click-retractable | Click-retractable | | Ink | Water-based gel | Gel | | Official refills | 0.7 mm only | All four sizes | | Made in | United States (assembled, per packaging) | Japan (per retailer listings) | | Maker's ink claim | "No smear, no bleed" | — | If you want a pen you can keep and refill in any size, the Pilot G2 is the safer pick. If you want a quick-drying alternative to both, see our [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) guide. For a 0.7 mm gel pen with a weighted grip, see the [Zebra bLen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/zebra-blen/). ## Where is the Sharpie S-Gel made? **Sharpie's own product records list the United States as the country of origin for S-Gel 12-count packs in 0.38, 0.7 and 1.0 mm.** A US distributor lists the same, adding that country of origin is subject to change. The details are more nuanced. A reviewer at Unsharpen reports the blister pack and box say "assembled in the U.S.A.", which under US rules is not the same as "Made in USA" and can mean some parts are imported. A separate Unsharpen spec page lists China. Inbound Logistics reported in October 2025 that as Newell moved Sharpie production from China to its Maryville, Tennessee factory, the plant had to develop the ability to make ink refills for the gel pen. Check the packaging of the exact pack you buy. ## Which tip size should you choose? **Pick 0.7 mm medium for everyday writing and refills; go finer for small handwriting or thin paper.** - **0.38 mm ultra fine:** planners, margins and very small writing. Black only, no refills. - **0.5 mm fine:** neat notes and forms. A good middle ground on thin paper such as a [mini composition book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/). - **0.7 mm medium:** the default size, the most colors, and the only one with refills. - **1.0 mm bold:** signatures and headings. It puts down the most ink, so use thicker paper. ## Frequently asked questions ### What tip sizes does the Sharpie S-Gel come in? Four: 0.38 mm ultra fine, 0.5 mm fine, 0.7 mm medium and 1.0 mm bold. The 0.7 mm medium point is the most common size in stores and comes in the most ink and barrel colors. ### Is the Sharpie S-Gel refillable? Only the 0.7 mm medium point, officially. Sharpie sells 0.7 mm S-Gel refills in 2-count packs of black or blue ink (black is item 2096168). Sharpie says refills for the 0.38 mm ultra fine are not available. ### Does Sharpie S-Gel ink smear? Sharpie markets the S-Gel as having 'no smear, no bleed' gel ink technology. That is the maker's claim; one reviewer at The Pen Addict found the black 0.7 mm less consistent than the blue. ### Is Sharpie S-Gel ink permanent or waterproof? No. Sharpie says the S-Gel uses water-based gel ink that is not waterproof and not permanent like a Sharpie marker. For checks, Sharpie recommends a pen labeled permanent or fraud-resistant. ### Where is the Sharpie S-Gel made? Sharpie's product records list the United States as the country of origin for several S-Gel 12-count packs. A reviewer reports the packaging says 'assembled in the U.S.A.', which can mean some parts are imported. ### What colors does the Sharpie S-Gel come in? The core colors are black, blue and red in every size. The 0.7 mm medium point also comes in assorted-color packs and fashion-barrel packs with pearl white, gray and frost blue bodies. ### Is the Sharpie S-Gel better than the Pilot G2? They are similar retractable gel pens in the same four tip sizes. The Pilot G2 has official refills in every size and is made in Japan per retailer listings; the S-Gel has refills only for 0.7 mm. A 2020 Pen Addict review preferred the G2. ### Who makes the Sharpie S-Gel? Sanford L.P., the Newell Brands company in Atlanta that owns the Sharpie trademarks. Distributor spec sheets list Newell Brands, its parent, as the manufacturer. ## Sources - [Sharpie: S-Gel Fine Point (0.5 mm) product page and FAQ](https://www.sharpie.com/pens/gel-pens/sharpie-s-gel-fine-point-0.5mm/SAP_2096146.html) - [Sharpie: S-Gel Ultra Fine Point (0.38 mm) product page](https://www.sharpie.com/pens/gel-pens/sharpie-s-gel-ultra-fine-point-0.38-mm/SP_1152957.html) - [Sharpie: S-Gel Medium Point Refills (0.7 mm) product page](https://www.sharpie.com/pens/gel-pens/sharpie-s-gel-medium-point-refills-0.7mm/SP_1478934.html) - [Sharpie: S-Gel Trending Colors, Medium Point (0.7 mm)](https://www.sharpie.com/pens/gel-pens/sharpie-s-gel-trending-colors-medium-point-0.7mm/SP_4733726.html) - [Sharpie product record: S-Gel Medium Point (0.7 mm) Blue, 12 Count (country of origin)](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_2096152/Sharpie(r)-S-Gel-Gel-Pens-Medium-Point-(0-7mm)-Blue-Ink-Gel-Pen-12-Count/) - [Sharpie product record: S-Gel Ultra Fine Point (0.38 mm) Black, 12 Count](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_2140521/Sharpie(r)-S-Gel-Gel-Pens-Ultra-Fine-Point-(0-38mm)-Black-12-Count/) - [Sharpie product record: S-Gel Bold Point (1.0 mm) Blue, 12 Count](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_2096187/Sharpie(r)-S-Gel-Gel-Pens-Bold-Point-(1-0mm)-Blue-Ink-Gel-Pen-12-Count/) - [Sharpie product record: S-Gel Fashion Barrel, Pearl White Body, Medium (0.7 mm), 12 Count](https://sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/b2dae3b8-7a2e-4ca6-8428-8273de608721/product/SAP_2221454/Sharpie(r)-S-Gel-Pens-Fashion-Barrel-Gel-Pens-Pearl-White-Body-Medium-(0-7mm)-Point-Bold-Ink-Colors-12-Count/) - [ADI Global Distribution: S-Gel Bold 1.0 mm 12-pack (manufacturer, country of origin)](https://adiglobaldistribution.pr/Product/7D-2096140) - [Officeworks: Sharpie S-Gel Pen Refills 0.7 mm Black 2 Pack (SH2096168)](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/sharpie-s-gel-pen-refills-0-7mm-black-2-pack-sh2096168) - [School Specialty: Sharpie S-Gel Medium Point, Assorted Colors, Pack of 12 (2090624)](https://www.schoolspecialty.com/sharpie-s-gel-gel-pens-medium-point-assorted-colors-pack-of-12-2090624) - [Blue Dog Ink: Sharpie S-Gel 0.7 mm, black and blue ink, black/gray/white barrels, 12-pack (2129832)](https://www.bluedogink.com/sharpie-s-gel-gel-pen-retractable-medium-0-7-mm-black-blue-ink-black-gray-white-barrels-12-pack-2129832.html) - [Swiss Post shop: Sharpie gel pen 0.7 mm (drying-time claim)](https://shop.post.ch/en/stationery/writing-utensils/gel-pens/sharpie-gelschreiber-0-7mm-2136595-schwarz/p/860141) - [Unsharpen: Where is the Sharpie S-Gel pen made? (packaging wording)](https://unsharpen.com/where-is-the-sharpie-s-gel-pen-made/) - [Unsharpen: Sharpie S-Gel spec page](https://unsharpen.com/pen/sharpie-s-gel/) - [The Pen Addict: Sharpie Pen S-Gel 0.7 mm review (August 10, 2020)](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2020/8/10/sharpie-pen-s-gel-07-mm-pen-review) - [JetPens: Pilot G2 gel pens (sizes, refills)](https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-G2-Gel-Pens/ct/42) - [Stop & Shop: Pilot G2 0.7 mm blue 2-pack (country of origin Japan)](https://stopandshop.com/groceries/home-office/school-office/office-supplies/pens/pilot-g2-pens-fine-blue-ink-7mm-2-ct-pkg.html) - [Inbound Logistics, October 2025: Sharpie rewrites supply chain strategy (Maryville, Tennessee plant; gel pen ink refills)](https://magazine.inboundlogistics.com/view/125389672/50) - [Newell Brands: Sharpie brand page (smooth gel pens that won't bleed)](https://www.newellbrands.com/our-brands/sharpie) - [CIPO (Canadian trademark database): SHARPIE registration TMA1147563, registered owner Sanford, L.P., Atlanta](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/cipo/trademark-search/1980166) --- # uni-ball ZENTO Signature: Specs, Ink, Refills & Sizes > The uni-ball ZENTO Signature is the premium, metal-bodied model of Mitsubishi Pencil's ZENTO water-based rollerball line, launched in Japan in 2025. It has a magnetic cap, writes in black pigment ink that the maker says has about 40% less friction than its earlier water-based pens, comes in 0.38, 0.5 and 0.7 mm, and is refillable. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/uni-ball-zento-signature/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Side view of the capped uni-ball ZENTO Signature 0.38 mm with its silver metal body, drawn to scale: 123 mm (4.8 in) long capped, 13.0 mm at its widest, with the magnetic cap and pocket clip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/uni-ball-zento-signature-16x9.png) *The silver 0.38 mm ZENTO Signature, capped and drawn to scale.* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/uni-ball-zento-signature-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | uni-ball ZENTO Signature (UB-ZH) | uni-ball (by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.) | Japan | Japan | Metal body (aluminium and brass, per The Journal Shop) | 2025-02-03 | $$$: $20–75 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (uni-ball ZENTO Signature (UB-ZH)): Japan. Per The Journal Shop's spec sheet (country of origin Japan); Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese product page doesn't state it. Source: https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/uni-ball-zento-signature-model-0-38mm-water-based-ink-ballpoint-pen ## Key takeaways - Maker: Mitsubishi Pencil (uni), Japan. The Signature (¥3,300 (about US$21)) is the top model of the uniball ZENTO line, above the Flow (¥1,100 (about US$7)), Standard and Basic (¥275 (about US$1.70)) models. - Uni classifies the ZENTO as a water-based rollerball (水性ボールペン), even though many Western retailers sell it as a "gel pen". - Sizes and colors: 0.38 mm (silver body), 0.5 mm (metallic black) and 0.7 mm (champagne gold, added December 23, 2025), all with black ink. - Refillable with UBR-Z refills at ¥132 (about US$0.80) each in Japan; the same refill fits the ZENTO click and capped pens. - JetPens lists it at 12.3 cm (4.8 in) capped, 13.0 mm at its widest and 22 g; The Journal Shop lists Japan as the country of origin. ## What is the uni-ball ZENTO Signature? **The uni-ball ZENTO Signature is the flagship of uniball ZENTO**, a line of water-based pens that Mitsubishi Pencil (the Japanese maker of uni-ball) began rolling out to Japanese stores in early 2025. Every ZENTO uses the same newly developed ZENTO ink. The Signature model adds a **metal body** and a **magnetic cap** that snaps onto the back of the pen when you write. ![The three uni-ball ZENTO Signature ball sizes magnified 200 times: 0.38 mm with a silver body, 0.5 mm with a metallic black body and 0.7 mm with a champagne gold body](https://stationerytimes.com/images/zento-signature-ball-sizes.svg) *The three ZENTO Signature ball sizes at 200× and the body color each one comes in. All write in black ink.* It sits above the cheaper **Flow** (aluminum grip, ¥1,100 (about US$7)), **Standard** and **Basic** (¥275 (about US$1.70) each) ZENTO models, which use the same ink in simpler bodies. Mitsubishi Pencil's launch release says ZENTO went on sale in Japan on February 3, 2025, after it had already been sold overseas. ## Is the ZENTO a gel pen or a rollerball? **Mitsubishi Pencil calls the ZENTO a water-based ballpoint, which in English is usually called a rollerball.** On the maker's site it is filed under water-based pens, separate from gel pens like the uni-ball Signo. The ink is a water-based pigment ink. Many US retailers, including JetPens, list it as a "gel pen". If you're comparing it with other pens, it competes most directly with premium rollerballs and fine gel pens. For everyday gel pens, see our [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/), [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) and [Sharpie S-Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/) guides. ## uni-ball ZENTO Signature specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (uni) | | Model numbers | UB-ZH-38 · UB-ZH-05 · UB-ZH-07 | | Order code / JAN (0.38 silver) | UBZH38.26 · 4902778322291 | | Ball sizes | 0.38 mm · 0.5 mm · 0.7 mm | | Body colors | Silver (0.38) · Metallic black (0.5) · Champagne gold (0.7) | | Ink | Black, water-based pigment ink (ZENTO ink) | | Cap | Magnetic, posts on the back | | Body | Metal (aluminium and brass, per The Journal Shop) | | Length, capped | 123 mm (4.8 in); 132 mm posted | | Diameter | 13.0 mm max · 10.7 mm at the grip | | Weight | 22 g with ink (JetPens); 22.25 g measured by a reviewer | | Refill | UBR-Z-38 / UBR-Z-05 / UBR-Z-07 | | Price in Japan | ¥3,300 (about US$21) including tax | | Made in | Japan (per retailer spec sheets) | Model numbers, sizes, colors and price come from Mitsubishi Pencil's Japanese lineup page. Dimensions and weight come from JetPens (The Journal Shop lists 13.2 × 123.3 mm), and the country of origin from The Journal Shop. In 2026 Mitsubishi Pencil also listed a limited 0.5 mm Stone Brass version (UB-ZHT-05) at ¥4,400 (about US$28). ![To-scale silhouette of the capped uni-ball ZENTO Signature, 123 mm long and 13.0 mm at its widest point, with a 10.7 mm grip under the cap](https://stationerytimes.com/images/zento-signature-dimensions.svg) *The capped ZENTO Signature drawn to scale: 123 mm long and 13.0 mm at its widest.* ## What's different about ZENTO ink? **ZENTO ink is a newly developed water-based ink that Mitsubishi Pencil says glides with less friction and bleeds less.** The maker makes two claims for it: - **Lower friction:** an additive acts like a cushion between the ball and the paper. The maker says writing friction is **about 40% lower** than its earlier water-based pens. - **Less spreading and bleed:** a second additive is meant to keep lines crisp and reduce bleed-through, a common weakness of water-based rollerball ink. These are the manufacturer's figures; we haven't measured them. ## Which size should you choose? - **0.38 mm:** the finest line. It's good for small handwriting, planners and thin paper. - **0.5 mm:** the middle option and a safe everyday choice. - **0.7 mm:** the boldest, smoothest line. It puts down the most ink, so it's best on thicker paper. If you write in small notebooks with thin paper, such as a [mini composition book](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/), start with 0.38 or 0.5 mm. ## Refills **The Signature is refillable:** in Japan the refills are sold as **UBR-Z-38**, **UBR-Z-05** and **UBR-Z-07**, matching the three ball sizes, at ¥132 (about US$0.80) each. Mitsubishi Pencil says the same refill fits both the click and capped ZENTO pens. JetPens sells the 0.38 mm black refill as **UBRZ38.24**. ## ZENTO Signature vs ZENTO Signature 3-color On June 25, 2026, Mitsubishi Pencil released a **ZENTO Signature 3-color** pen, listed at ¥5,500 (about US$35). It keeps the magnetic cap that posts on the back, but you twist a knurled section to bring out black, red or blue ink, in 0.38 or 0.5 mm and two body colors. The original Signature remains the single-color capped model. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the uni-ball ZENTO a gel pen? Not by its maker's definition. Mitsubishi Pencil sells the ZENTO as a water-based ballpoint (a rollerball) and files it under its water-based pens, separate from its gel pens. Many Western retailers still list it as a gel pen. The ink is water-based pigment ink. ### What sizes does the uni-ball ZENTO Signature come in? Three ball sizes: 0.38 mm with a silver body, 0.5 mm with a metallic black body, and 0.7 mm with a champagne gold body. The 0.7 mm version was added in December 2025. All write in black ink. ### Is the ZENTO Signature refillable? Yes. It takes the ZENTO water-based refills sold as UBR-Z-38, UBR-Z-05 and UBR-Z-07 in Japan, at ¥132 (about US$0.80) each; Mitsubishi Pencil says the same refill fits both click and capped ZENTO pens. JetPens lists the 0.38 mm black refill under the code UBRZ38.24. ### Where is the uni-ball ZENTO Signature made? The Journal Shop lists the country of origin as Japan; Mitsubishi Pencil's own page doesn't say. Mitsubishi Pencil, the maker, is a Japanese company based in Tokyo. ### How much does the ZENTO Signature cost? In Japan the list price is ¥3,300 (about US$21) including tax (¥3,000 (about US$19) before tax). Outside Japan it is sold by importers, so prices vary by retailer. ### How heavy is the ZENTO Signature? About 22 g. JetPens lists 22 g with ink (16 g barrel, 7 g cap), and one Japanese reviewer measured 22.25 g. Mitsubishi Pencil doesn't publish a weight. ### What is the difference between the ZENTO Signature and the ZENTO Signature 3-color pen? The Signature is a single-color capped pen. The ZENTO Signature 3-color, released on June 25, 2026 at ¥5,500 (about US$35), keeps the magnetic cap but twists out one of three refills (black, red, blue) in 0.38 or 0.5 mm, in a slimmer body than you'd expect for a multi-pen. ### Does ZENTO ink bleed through thin paper? Mitsubishi Pencil says the ZENTO ink includes an additive that limits spreading and bleed-through. On very thin paper, such as composition book paper, a 0.38 or 0.5 mm tip lays down less ink than the 0.7 mm and is the safer choice. ## Sources - [三菱鉛筆: ユニボール ゼント シグニチャーモデル (Mitsubishi Pencil product page: ZENTO ink, POA cushion additive, about 40% less friction)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/roller/zento/ubzh.html) - [三菱鉛筆: ユニボール ゼント シグニチャーモデル ラインナップ (Mitsubishi Pencil lineup, read in full: model and order codes, JAN, ¥3,300, limited Stone Brass)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/products/ballpoint_pens/roller/zento/ubzh/ubzh.html) - [三菱鉛筆 press release: uniball ZENTO on sale February 3, 2025 (four models, refill ¥132, sold overseas first)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20250115-53823.html) - [三菱鉛筆 press release: ZENTO 0.7 mm models on sale December 23, 2025](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20251210-54129.html) - [三菱鉛筆 press release: 『uniball ZENTO 3色ボールペン』 3モデル新登場 (ZENTO 3-color pens, June 25, 2026)](https://www.mpuni.co.jp/company/press/20260611-54312.html) - [JetPens: Uni-ball ZENTO Gel Pen, Signature Model, 0.38 mm (12.3 cm capped, 13.0 mm, 22 g; refill code)](https://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-ZENTO-Gel-Pen-Signature-Model-0.38-mm-Silver-Body-Black-Ink/pd/45350) - [The Journal Shop: uni-ball ZENTO Signature Model 0.38 mm (aluminium and brass body, 123.3 mm, country of origin Japan)](https://www.thejournalshop.com/products/uni-ball-zento-signature-model-0-38mm-water-based-ink-ballpoint-pen) - [Shinowan Blog: ZENTO Signature and three other models reviewed (measured weight, Japanese)](https://shinowanblog.com/uni-zento-4-model-review/) - [GetNavi: uniball ZENTO, developed over six years (sold overseas first) (Japanese)](https://getnavi.jp/stationery/1011000/) --- # Mini Composition Books: Size, Pages & Ruling > A mini composition book is a pocket-size version of the classic marbled school notebook. The common size is 4.5 × 3.25 inches (about 11.4 × 8.3 cm), usually with 80 ruled sheets (160 pages), and it's typically sold in 2- or 3-packs. Ruling is often narrow or college ruled. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mini-composition-books/ - Category: Notebooks - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-20 - Updated: 2026-10-20 ![Drawing of three mini composition books with black-and-white marble covers, black tape spines and name labels, each 4.5 × 3.25 in (114 × 83 mm), beside one opened flat to show 1/4 in narrow ruling](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/mini-composition-books-16x9.png) *Three minis at 4.5 × 3.25 in, and one opened to narrow ruling (1 mm = 1.3 px).* Original drawing (SVG): https://stationerytimes.com/images/mini-composition-books-cover.svg. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Mead Mini Composition Book (4.5 × 3.25 in, 80 sheets) | Mead (by ACCO Brands Corporation) | United States | Not stated | Marbled board cover, cloth-tape spine | – | $: under $5 per notebook | - Made in (Mead Mini Composition Book (4.5 × 3.25 in, 80 sheets)): Not stated. Neither Mead's site nor the retail listings we checked state it. Distributors list full-size Mead composition books as made in Vietnam (09910) or China (09932), and Hannaford lists a Top Flight mini as made in Vietnam, so check the pack. ## Key takeaways - Standard mini size: 4.5 × 3.25 in (11.4 × 8.3 cm), about one-fifth the page area of a full-size 9.75 × 7.5 in composition book. - Typical page count: 80 sheets / 160 pages (Mead, Pen+Gear and Staples minis all list 80 sheets). - Ruling varies by brand: Mead's mini is narrow ruled (1/4 in), Staples' is college ruled (9/32 in). - Compared with a 3.5 × 5.5 in, 48-page pocket memo book, a mini comp book is smaller but has more than three times as many pages. - Best for quick lists, pocket journaling, kids' notes and party favors; less ideal for fountain pens or heavy markers on thin paper. ## What is a mini composition book? **A mini composition book is a scaled-down version of the classic composition notebook**: the one with the black-and-white marbled cover, stiff boards and a cloth-tape spine. It keeps the look and the ruled pages, but shrinks to a size that fits in a pocket. People buy them for the same reason they buy any pocket notebook: to have paper on hand all the time. The familiar marbled design and low price also make them a popular classroom reward and party favor. ![Illustration of a mini composition book with a marbled black-and-white cover, measuring 3.25 inches (8.3 cm) wide by 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) tall](https://stationerytimes.com/images/mini-composition-book.svg) *A mini composition book: 3.25 × 4.5 in (8.3 × 11.4 cm), with the classic marbled cover, cloth spine and name label.* ## How big is a mini composition book? **The standard mini composition book measures 4.5 × 3.25 inches (about 11.4 × 8.3 cm)**, held in portrait orientation. Mead, Pen+Gear and Staples all list their minis at this size. | Notebook | Size (in) | Size (cm) | Page area | Typical pages | |---|---|---|---|---| | Mini composition book | 4.5 × 3.25 | 11.4 × 8.3 | 14.6 sq in | 80 sheets / 160 pages | | Pocket memo book (e.g. Field Notes) | 5.5 × 3.5 | 14.0 × 8.9 | 19.3 sq in | 48 pages | | Full-size composition book | 9.75 × 7.5 | 24.8 × 19.1 | 73.1 sq in | 80–100 sheets | ![To-scale drawing comparing a full-size composition book (9.75 × 7.5 in), a pocket memo book (5.5 × 3.5 in) and a mini composition book (4.5 × 3.25 in) on a one-inch grid](https://stationerytimes.com/images/size-comparison.svg) *Drawn to scale on a 1-inch grid. The mini has about one-fifth the page area of a full-size composition book.* A mini page has roughly one-fifth the writing area of a full-size composition book page (see our [Mead Composition Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/) guide for the full-size version). That's plenty for a list or a few lines of notes, but too small for long-form writing. ## How many pages does a mini composition book have? **Most mini composition books have 80 sheets, or 160 pages counting front and back.** That's the count listed for the Mead, Pen+Gear and Staples minis. It's the same number of sheets as many full-size composition books, so a mini lasts surprisingly long for its size. They're usually sold in **2-packs or 3-packs**, and bulk packs of 30 or more are common for classrooms and party favors. ## What ruling do mini composition books come in? **Mini composition books come narrow ruled or college ruled, depending on the brand.** Ruling is the spacing between the printed lines: | Ruling | Line spacing | Metric | Example mini | |---|---|---|---| | Wide ruled | 11/32 in | 8.7 mm | Less common on minis | | College ruled | 9/32 in | 7.1 mm | Staples mini composition notebook | | Narrow ruled | 1/4 in | 6.4 mm | Mead mini composition book | ![Three ruled paper swatches drawn to scale: wide ruled at 11/32 inch, college ruled at 9/32 inch and narrow ruled at 1/4 inch line spacing](https://stationerytimes.com/images/ruling-comparison.svg) *The same 1.5-inch strip of paper with wide, college and narrow ruling, drawn to scale.* On a page this small, **narrow or college ruling is the better choice**: you fit more lines per page. Wide ruling suits young children with larger handwriting. ## What paper and pens work best? **Pencils, ballpoints and fine gel pens work best, because composition books use lightweight paper.** As a reference point, one full-size Roaring Spring composition book lists 15 lb (56 g/m²) paper, well below the 80–100 g/m² of premium journals. What that means in practice: - **Best:** pencil, ballpoint, fine gel pens such as the [Pilot G2](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-g2/), [Pentel EnerGel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-energel/) or [Sharpie S-Gel](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/sharpie-s-gel/) in 0.38–0.5 mm. - **Usually fine:** fine-tip felt pens; expect some show-through. - **Risky:** fountain pens with wet nibs, brush pens, alcohol markers, as these are likely to bleed through. ## What are mini composition books good for? - **Grocery and to-do lists:** small enough to live in a pocket or bag permanently. - **Pocket journal or daily log:** one page a day fits a few lines. - **Travel notes:** addresses, train times, places to try. - **Kids:** spelling words, lunchbox notes, a first diary. - **Classroom rewards and party favors:** cheap in bulk, and instantly recognizable. - **Junk journaling and art:** the covers are easy to decorate with stickers or paint. - **Field notes:** bird sightings, garden logs, mileage. ## Which brands make mini composition books? **At least seven brands sell a 4.5 × 3.25 in mini composition book with 80 sheets: BAZIC, Mead, Top Flight, Pen+Gear, Staples, Office Depot and Feela.** They differ mainly in ruling, cover style and pack size. Links go to the maker's own page where we found one; store brands link to the store that makes them. | Brand | Size | Sheets | Ruling | Pack | Product page | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | BAZIC | 4.5 × 3.25 in | 80 | Narrow (maker page); wide (BAZIC store) | 2 | [BAZIC Mini Marble (5054)](https://bazicproducts.com/products/composition-book-mini-marble-4-5-x-3-25-80-ct-5054) | | Mead | 4.5 × 3.25 in | 80 | Narrow | 3 | [Mead Mini Fashion (Walmart)](https://www.walmart.com/ip/MEAD-SMALL-COMPOSITION-BOOKS-ANIMALS-3-PACK/15039950459) | | Top Flight | 4.5 × 3.25 in | 80 | Narrow | 1 or 3 | [Top Flight Mini (Kroger)](https://www.kroger.com/p/top-flight-mini-composition-books/0007575506351) | | Pen+Gear (Walmart) | 3.25 × 4.5 in | 80 | Ruled | 3 | [Walmart mini composition books](https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/mini-composition-notebook) | | Staples | 3.25 × 4.5 in | 80 | College | 2 | [Staples mini composition (658961)](https://www.staples.com/zq9zq9Notebooks/cat_CL165557/64aad-o4s1q-7hjhq-6y4a3) | | Office Depot | 3.25 × 4.5 in | 80 | Narrow | 4 | [Office Depot Mini Marble (323629)](https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/323629/Office-Depot-Brand-Mini-Marble-Composition/) | | Feela | 4.5 × 3.25 in | 80 | Narrow | 30 | [Feela on Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/c/brand/feela) | Mead's own site doesn't list the mini composition book. It does list the [Mead Square Deal Memo Book (45421)](https://www.mead.com/p/notebooks/school-notebooks/composition-notebooks/square-deal-memo-book-narrow-ruled-black-45421/), a marble-cover book in the same 4.5 × 3.25 in size with 80 narrow-ruled sheets. A grocery listing gives Vietnam as the country of manufacture for one Top Flight mini. Pack sizes and cover colors change often, so check the listing before you buy. For classrooms and party favors, the Feela 30-packs and BAZIC's 24-pack boxes are the bulk options. ## How to choose a mini composition book Check these five things on the listing before you buy: 1. **Size:** confirm 4.5 × 3.25 in if you want the classic mini; "pocket" notebooks are often larger. 2. **Sheet count:** 80 sheets is standard; fewer usually means a thinner, cheaper book. 3. **Ruling:** narrow or college for adults; wide for young kids. 4. **Pack size:** 2–3 for personal use, bulk packs for classrooms and favors. 5. **Your pens:** if you use fountain pens or markers, a mini with thicker paper (or a different notebook) will serve you better. ## Where are mini composition books made? **Most mini listings, including Mead's own page for the Square Deal Memo Book, don't state a country of manufacture.** The exception we found is Hannaford's listing for a Top Flight mini, which says made in Vietnam. Distributors list Mead's full-size composition books as made in Vietnam or China depending on the item (see our [Mead Composition Notebook](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/mead-composition-notebook/) guide), so the minis may vary too. Walmart's Pen+Gear listing and Staples' own listing don't state an origin either. Check the country printed on the pack or the back cover. ## Mini composition book vs. pocket memo book Both fit in a pocket, but they serve different needs: - **Choose a mini composition book** if you want the most pages for the price, a sturdier marbled-board cover and the classic look. - **Choose a pocket memo book (3.5 × 5.5 in)** if you want a slightly larger page, a thinner and flatter book (48 pages, staple-bound), and more choice of paper (graph, dot-grid, plain). - **Choose a [Moleskine Classic Pocket](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/moleskine-classic-notebook/) (9 × 14 cm)** if you want a hard cover, an elastic closure and 192 pages in a similar pocket size. ## Frequently asked questions ### What size is a mini composition book? The common size is 4.5 × 3.25 inches (about 11.4 × 8.3 cm), in portrait orientation. That's the size listed for Mead, Pen+Gear and Staples mini composition books. ### How many pages are in a mini composition book? Most have 80 sheets, which is 160 pages counting both sides. Always check the listing, since sheet counts can vary between brands and special editions. ### Is a mini composition book wide ruled or college ruled? It depends on the brand. Mead's mini composition books are narrow ruled (1/4 inch spacing) and Staples sells a college-ruled (9/32 inch) mini. Narrow ruling fits more lines on the small page. ### Will a mini composition book fit in my pocket? At 4.5 × 3.25 inches it fits most back pockets, shirt pockets and small bags. It's slightly smaller than a 3.5 × 5.5 inch pocket memo book. ### What is the difference between a mini composition book and a memo book? A mini composition book is 4.5 × 3.25 inches with about 80 sheets, and usually has a marbled cover. A typical pocket memo book (like Field Notes) is 3.5 × 5.5 inches with 48 pages and is staple-bound. ### Can you use fountain pens in a mini composition book? You can, but expect some show-through or bleed. Composition books generally use lightweight paper, so a fine nib and a well-behaved ink work best. Ballpoints, gel pens and pencils are the safest choices. ### What can I use a mini composition book for? Popular uses include grocery and to-do lists, a pocket journal, travel logs, kids' lunchbox or spelling notes, field notes, junk journaling and party or classroom favors. ## Sources - [BAZIC: Composition Book Mini Marble 4.5 × 3.25 in, 80 ct, 2-pack (SKU 5054)](https://bazicproducts.com/products/composition-book-mini-marble-4-5-x-3-25-80-ct-5054) - [BAZIC store: Mini Marble Composition Notebook (lists wide ruling)](https://bazicstore.com/products/composition-book-mini-marble-4-5-x-3-25-80-ct-5054) - [Mead: Square Deal Memo Book, narrow ruled, 80 sheets, sewn, 4.5 × 3.25 in (45421)](https://www.mead.com/p/notebooks/school-notebooks/composition-notebooks/square-deal-memo-book-narrow-ruled-black-45421/) - [Walmart: Mead Mini Fashion Composition Book, narrow ruled, 80 sheets, 4.5 × 3.25 in, 3-pack](https://www.walmart.com/ip/MEAD-SMALL-COMPOSITION-BOOKS-ANIMALS-3-PACK/15039950459) - [Kroger: Top Flight Mini Composition Books, 3-pack, sewn](https://www.kroger.com/p/top-flight-mini-composition-books/0007575506351) - [Hannaford: Top Flight mini composition book (4.5 × 3.25 in, 80 sheets, narrow rule, made in Vietnam)](https://hannaford.com/groceries/product/top-flight-composition-book-80-sheets-1-ea/406235) - [Office Depot: Office Depot Brand Mini Marble Composition Books, 3¼ × 4½ in, narrow ruled, 80 sheets, pack of 4](https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/323629/Office-Depot-Brand-Mini-Marble-Composition/) - [Walmart: Feela mini composition notebooks, 4.5 × 3.25 in, narrow ruled, 30-packs](https://www.walmart.com/c/brand/feela) - [Walmart: Mini composition notebook listings (Mead Mini Fashion 3-pack, Pen+Gear 3-pack, 4.5 × 3.25 in, 80 sheets)](https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/mini-composition-notebook) - [Staples: Sewn composition notebooks, including a 4.5 × 3.25 in college-ruled mini, 80 sheets](https://www.staples.com/zq9zq9Notebooks/cat_CL165557/64aad-o4s1q-7hjhq-6y4a3) - [Wikipedia: Ruled paper (US wide, college and narrow line spacing)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruled_paper) - [Gateway: Roaring Spring full-size composition book spec (9 3/4 × 7 1/2 in, 80 sheets, 15 lb / 56 g/m² paper)](https://www.gatewayp.com/roaring-spring-composition-book-80-sheets-160-pages-printed-sewn-tapebound-both-side-ruling-surface-red-margin-15-lb-basis-weight-56-g-m-and-178-grammage-9-3-4-x-7-1-2-0-33-x-7-5--3) - [JetPens: Field Notes Original Kraft Memo Books (3.5 × 5.5 in, 48 pages)](https://www.jetpens.com/Field-Notes-Original-Kraft-Memo-Books-3.5-x-5.5-48-Pages-Graph-Pack-of-3/pd/7453)