If today’s pen looks somewhat familiar, it’s because Object Index has released a pocket-sized take on the Mark’style Tous Les Jours Needle-tip ballpoint, and both feature different versions of the same excellent low-viscosity ballpoint refill. I love these pens because (1) they write a very fine .5mm line that dries almost instantly, with zero smearing; and (2) the hexagonal cedar barrels convincingly imitate the feel of a woodcase pencil.
Though “pocket-sized,” the pen is still long enough to feel balanced - sort of like when woodcase pencils reach that “perfect” length, having been sharpened several times.
Object Index is a Kakimori “sibling brand” that recently arrived in the shop. The Object Index line includes pens, pencils, and various office and desk accessories, all with a shared minimalist design and complementary colors that include grey, yellow, and natural wood tones. Their take on these “woodcase pens” is a bit more understated than the Mark’s version, with minimal branding and a brushed metal nose cone and knock. The knock feels slightly upgraded on the Cedar Pocket Pen, with more resistance and a firmer feel.
The signature needle tip of the Ohto refill.
While marketed as a “pocket pen,” I probably won’t be carrying this one in my actual pants pocket, as it’s wood and therefore more subject to damage than a heavier duty metal pen. That said, it’s quite slim, and will fit easily into the pen holders integrated into pocket notebook covers, Plotters, and more, which makes it portable. I understand that this particular pen is also designed to fit into a notepad made by Object Index, which I may try to get in the future.
Each pen ships with two extra refills, in addition to the one in the barrel.
These needle-tip ballpoints use refills made by Ohto, another Japanese company that makes some of the best needle-tip ballpoint and gel refills around. As I mentioned, it uses a low-viscosity ink that behaves similar to a Uniball Jetstream. Each pen comes as part of a set, which includes three refills (one in the pen, two extra in the package) and is priced at $15 and available in three colors: Grey (shown here), as well as Yellow and Natural. We also have additional refills for this pen available once you use up the three included in the pack (though this will likely take you a VERY long time). For everyday writing, these pens can’t be beat, and many thanks to Kakimori for including an extra in my shipment so that I could review it and test it out myself.
.5mm Needle-tip writing sample on Midori MD Memo Block paper.
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