Words: Jonathan Wells
Mightier than the sword? You may scoff, but the right pen can jot down the first scribblings of a multi-million business empire, record the hushed whispers of a hot scoop, or commit you to contracts that will change your life forever. You’d be hard pushed to unsheath a sword that could do all that.
Yet, though used to ink important signatures and sweeping ideas, pens are also daily essentials. We bite the lids off clear plastic Biros, scrawl shopping lists, jot on Post-It notes — and even doodle our way through particularly boring Zoom meetings.
But you should still invest in the best. Improve the standard of your everyday pen, and it’ll kick everything else into touch — from your handwriting to the quality of your work. We’ve jotted down our pick of the best, so take a look and ensure that your next scribblings are scrawled with style.
Uncap an intricately-designed fountain pen
The fountain pen — surely the height of writing sophistication? It’s just one step down on the flamboyancy scale from the quill, and has been putting thoughts and theories to paper for well over a century.
Now, it’s your turn to take up this age-old instrument — and get one that’s as decorative as the script that flows from its nib. From Ystudio, this brass and copper offering is tipped with a German-made filigree gold nib. Chopard’s palladium-plated option boasts a unique ruched pattern on the barrel, and Parker’s offering features a precise laser-etched chevron pattern.
Upgrade your ballpoint with some precious metals
Ballpoints get a bad rap. But not every one of these particularly handy pens are basic Biros. Invest in the best ballpoint money can buy, and you’ll have a reliable pen to last you for many years to come. And that means going for a precious metal.
Be it Montblanc’s Meisterstück pen — finished with platinum-plated details, or this weighty gold-plated pen from Caran D’ache, a precious metal is a sure-fire way to upgrade your pen game. Smythson’s sterling silver pen is the ultimate expression of decadence, house in a velvet-lined case to make your desk that little more sophisticated.
Opt for a simple, monochrome rollerball
Of course, if you’re not into flashing your cash — or just feel a little silly using a golden pen to doodle on the back of a receipt — opt for something a little more restrained. Go for a rollerball, one step up from a ballpoint, and keep the colours restrained.
For example, Graf von Faber-Castell have used platinum and ebony to craft an understated, yet thoroughly expensive pen. S.T. Dupont’s Line D pen boasts a palladium cap, and this rollerball from Cross combines design ingenuity with jewellery-quality craftsmanship.
Looking to bring even more decadence to your desk? These letter openers will give your office the edge…
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