pen 93: pentel sign pen

today's the pen, the pentel sign pen is one of those pens that seem to have been around for as long as i can remember, i remember as a child visiting my grandparents house and having these old crusty nearly dry pens mixed in among the broken crayons in the art box. 

some of these pens finer points (sorry, bad pun) are that  can last a long time, they are great for filling in large areas of black, or whatever color, they ink over pencil - the darker colors have better results and seem to have no trouble writing on dry paint, a feat that tends to baffle sharpie pens at times. the ink has no range of value, it's all or nothing and the ink does not really bleed, either out or through.

at around $1-$2 a pen and available in 12 colors these pens can be a great investment, especially if you want or need to have an odor-free alternative to the sharpie. really the only negatives about this pen is that the ink will stain your hand as you use it (especially if its hot and you're sweating, it happens, light tables generate heat), and if you aren't careful you can damage the tip by pressing too hard; however this is not really all that important unless you are doing fine detail work, and really there are better choices for that type of work anyway.

website:
www.pentel.com

what they say:

pentel:

• Celebrating 50 years of Sign Pen - The Original Fiber Tipped Pen!
• Perfect for general writing, drawing, doodling and adding character to any signature
• Bright & intense water-based ink is perfect for anytime you put ink to paper
• Snap-fit cap prevents the extra-durable tip from drying out when not in use
• Part of the Recycology™ line of products and made of 80% recycled plastic (Black, Red, Blue and Green only)
• Non-refillable

amazon:

• Fine point, 0.7 mm
• Quick-drying ink prevents smudges
• Durable fiber tip will allow ink to spread more like medium point pen
• Bright vivid colors
• Water-based ink is perfect for writing and drawing
• Pen contains 80% recycled content

blick:

• The Pentel Arts Sign Pen is ideal for artists — or anyone who enjoys drawing and sketching.
• Available in two tip types, the brush tip pen features smooth-flow
  ing, water-based dye ink, and the fiber tip pen features permanent pigment ink that is acid-free, fade-proof, and water-resistant. Both have a secure snap-fit cap to prevent them from drying out.
• Pentel Sign Pens are part of Pentel's Recycology line of products and contain 80% recycled plastic.
• AP Non-Toxic.