The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 711 - Super Inky Guy

What is your favorite pocket fountain pen that doesn’t use a threaded cap? The Traveler’s Brass Fountain Pen is a contender. (via JetPens)

Ink-stained hands are currently en vogue, at least at my desk. I’m rotating out some of my fountain pen inks right now, but am I making any headway thinning the herd? Apparently not. Myke and I also check out the 2026 Kokuyo Design Awards, which isn’t what we hoped it was, and say “Happy Birthday!” to a classic rollerball pen.

Show Notes & Download Links

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rOtring 600 Ballpoint Pen Review

(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Bluesky. And her latest book, The Atropine Tree, is now available!)

rOtring are very well known for their iconic mechanical pencils. The signature look evokes serious-business design. It's a plain sort of elegance, but jazzed up by the fun new colors available in the 600 line. The ballpoint version of the 600 has the same look as the pencil.

This pen is in the newer “Chocolate Truffle” color, which is a burgundy-brown that I absolutely love. The smooth matte finish gives it a very elegant look. It's also available in blue, black, dark stone (grey), gold, silver, green, red, pearl white, and rose gold. They all look good enough to make choosing difficult.

The body of the pen is brass. It's still lightweight, but feels very solid. The body is hexagonal, so it doesn't roll, and the grip section is the gritty knurled tube that rOtring is known for. It has a very sturdy metal clip. The click knock has a very satisfying clunk, but it's surprisingly silent. You can click to your heart's content without annoying your coworkers. The nosecone is narrow and elongated, designed to let you see the tip of the pen better as you draw or write.

The grip section unscrews to allow access to the refill. The refill included is a rOtring oil-based, parker-style ballpoint. And it's not great. It's fairly pale, railroads, and it smears, even long after writing. It's still perfectly useable for a practical purpose. I've been using it at work for a few weeks now, and it's been a pleasure to use. But it could be so much better. Fortunately, there are many better options that will fit. The Schmidt EasyFlow 9000, the Uni Jetstream, and the Fisher Space Pen pressurized ballpoint refill are all good options.

The rOtring 600 Ballpoint sells for $41.60 at Vanness Pen Shop, marked down from the list price of $52. It's a lot for a ballpoint pen, but the prestige of the brand is part of what you're paying for, here. For the good quality build, easy refill access, and timeless look, I think it earns its sticker price. It's one I keep reaching for. It's a convenient staple that makes the experience of everyday writing a bit better.

(Vanness Pens provided this product at a discount to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Nahvalur Triad Fountain Pen and Saddle Amber Ink Giveaway

It’s the Year of the Horse, and I have Nahvalur’s Saddle Amber Fountain Pen Ink made for the occasion, plus their new entry level fountain pen to give away this week. The Nahvalur Triad Fountain Pen in Chocolate (Fine Steel nib,) looks like a nice match, so let’s put them together for one winner of this giveaway. Read the rules below and enter away!

Nahvalur Triad Fountain Pen and Saddle Amber Ink Giveaway