While I’m basically a digital person, I turn analog when it comes to my journaling habit. This means I have a lot of tools like notebooks, stickers, washi tapes, and other ephemera to help me journal. But probably my most important “weapons” are my pens. As someone who likes colorful things, I collect different colored (both ink and the pen’s actual color) pens that I can use when I write in my various journals. So whenever I see a new kind of pen, whether it’s the design or the features, I pay attention.
Designer: Seung-Wan Nam
This concept for a pen called Bloomstick is based on the idea that writing down your dreams is an important part in making them come true. So the pen can metaphorically help your dreams to “bloom like flowers” when you write them down on paper using it. The tagline of the product is “click to bloom your dream”. It is basically a pen with a silicone-covered button that when you press it opens to a flower-like shape and turns it into a blooming instrument.
The product renders show different colors available for the pens like green, blue, and pink. The flower part of the pen is white while the “bud” part seems to be of a different color that matches the main, silicone part of the pen. When closed, it looks like just any ordinary pen and you’ll still be able to use it of course but it’s without its blooming design. There doesn’t seem to be any other function that it can do aside from write and look pretty.
As someone who collects pens and who likes flowery, pretty things, this is something I’d probably buy if I see it in a stationery store. Now if it can actually make my handwriting look nicer or make my dreams come true, I’d order it as soon as it hits the market.
The pen is mightier than the sword, and that aphorism remains true even in this highly digital age. In fact, there has been a renaissance of interest and even passion for handwritten notes, giving birth to a myriad of paper-based productivity systems and beautiful notebooks, as seen on YouTube. Unfortunately, it’s also hard to deny the advantages and conveniences of digital notes, particularly in terms of organization and searching. Fortunately, there is no longer any need to choose between the two when you can have the best of both worlds thanks to this innovative AI-powered ballpoint pen that turns your handwritten scribbles into digital notes, whether you’re writing on craft paper or on the back of an envelope.
There is a certain appeal to the age-old art of writing things by hand, not to mention the cognitive and psychological benefits that the practice brings. Unfortunately, it’s also no longer possible to ignore the drawbacks of paper notes, especially ones that get lost or are hard to decipher months or even just weeks later. There are quite a few products trying to bridge the gap between analog and digital, but these often require the use of special paper that doesn’t feel like paper, special pens that may be discontinued in the unforeseen future, or both.
The Nuwa Pen is a revolutionary solution that approaches the problem from a different angle. You can use your favorite stationery or grab any piece of paper within reach, and standard D1 ballpoint refills are never going away. Instead, the Nuwa Pen employs an innovative TRIDENT imaging system to see what you’re writing and harnesses the power of AI to digitize those ink marks that can be saved to a digital file. The result is complete freedom to write what you want on whatever kind of paper you want, confident that you’ll be able to easily search through them as if you had typed the notes directly.
Searchable Notes: Keep track of your notes
Text Conversion: Exact copy of your notes
Augmented Notes: Stay connected
This AI-powered Ballpoint Pen, however, does more than just digitize your handwritten notes. Although the pen itself has 2Gb of built-in memory, you can also send your notes to the Nuwa Pen App for unlimited cloud storage. And with the Nuwa Pen+ subscription, you’ll be able to convert your scribbles into searchable text and, soon, connect those notes with over a hundred apps, including Google Calendar, Todoist, emails, and more. With its built-in battery, you can write non-stop for 2 hours before needing to charge the Nuwa Pen in just 15 minutes. The included charging case lets you do that five more times, giving you nearly unlimited freedom to put your thoughts on paper and, in the long run, on the cloud.
Starting at $234, not only do you get the well-designed ballpoint pen and its charging case, you also get a one-year Nuwa Pen+ subscription. With the AI-powered Nuwa Pen, you no longer have to choose between the joys of writing and the conveniences of digital notes. Write on your favorite paper, digitize your notes, and sync with the cloud to let your thoughts and ideas take you to new heights and new worlds.
What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty stationery designs that you must own! From an everlasting all-metal pencil to a note-taking desk accessory – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs.
1. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
Wouldn’t it be grand if, like a Wacom stylus, you rarely have to replace a tip or barely sharpen your pencil at all? That sounds almost like a pipe dream, but that dream has fortunately become real with this everlasting metal pencil that lets you worry less about lead and focus more on your creative process.
Why is it noteworthy?
At first glance, it looks like the all-metal cousin of the second-gen Apple Pencil, and that is almost an accurate assessment. The octagonal shaft is made of aluminum and houses a special alloy core. Knowing that, you might think that all it will do is leave heavy grooves on your paper, but your mind might be blown away when it draws like a real pencil without seeing the tip wear down even after dozens of marks.
What we like
It uses metal for the core rather than the usual clay or charcoal, so it wears down so slowly that you might think your all-metal pencil will actually outlive you
What we dislike
It doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does. That might be a bummer for those who use smudging techniques
2. Note
Paper can be simple, and apps can be quick, but not everyone needs all the commitment these two note-taking methods sometimes require. There are those that just need to jot down quick notes or even draw a diagram that can be discarded before the day is over. Note, which is the most generic name ever, is pretty much a small desk whiteboard that lets you do that with efficiency, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve that a bit of spice and fun to your work.
Why is it noteworthy?
The “whiteboard” twists or rather flips over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down. One side can have a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other can be plain, or they can have the same design on both sides. As with any vertical slate, you can also place sticky notes on it, in case scribbling notes down on paper is quicker for you.
What we like
What makes Note unique is the addition of a multi-purpose vertical screen to its left side, this allows you to also have a view of the time, the calendar, and your appointments which are synced from your phone
What we dislike
The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that some people may need for their work
3. LEGO Star-Lord Helmet Pen Stand
Launched just a week before the new Marvel movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 drops, this adorably functional build from LEGO also doubles up as a stationery holder and pen stand for your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
The iconic headgear sits on a platform with a label underneath, measuring 7 inches in height and comprising 602 pieces. Even with as few bricks as that, the helmet looks impressively similar to the original, with everything from those red-tinted eyepieces to the valves on the face mask that helps Peter Quill breathe in outer space.
What we like
It is a functional device, that helps you store things inside the helmet’s hollow space, including stationery, cables, or even EDC like your AirPods
What we dislike
It is a niche product, only targetted towards LEGO lovers, so it won’t work for everybody
4. The Slope
The Slope is a “personal desktop whiteboard with pen” that you can slot right in between your monitor and your keyboard. So yes, it is simply a magnetic dry-erase whiteboard but instead of being on your wall or on the side, it is right in front of you and angled in such a way that it is perfect for your list-making or reminder-listing writing needs.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is made from bent steel sheets and is powder-coated so it’s pretty smooth and easy to use as well as giving you a premium dry-erase surface. It is also magnetic so you can attach your whiteboard markers if they’re magnetic. If not, there’s a space at the top to place them as well as space at the back to store your separate eraser. There’s a silicone phone holder if you need to have your mobile device in front of you and there’s also an opening in it so you can place your charger.
What we like
If you’re not using your keyboard, you can slip it under the sloped whiteboard
Smooth and easy to use
What we dislike
You can’t save what you were writing into the cloud nor can you digitize it if you need to save what you wrote
5. The Levitating Pen
Much like its name, the Levitating Pen actually does seem to be levitating! It looks as if the pen is suspended in its holder at a 23.5-degree angle. Designed to be a grand writing instrument, the pen features a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which makes the pen rigid and super easy to hold and creates a smooth and luxurious writing experience. And once you take a break from writing, the pen doesn’t go back to a boring old pen stand, it goes back to levitating!
Why is it noteworthy?
When done writing, you close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!
What we like
The pen is super fun to interact with
Quite easy to hold and write with
Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster
What we dislike
No option of personalization or custom color variations are available
6. Wooden Pen Holder
There’s something almost poetic about the act of picking up a brush or a fountain pen from an inkwell, drawing your strokes, and dipping it back in to be ready for when the next inspiration strikes, a feeling that’s almost lost even with the most elaborate and extravagant pens today. Not unless you have a pen holder that brings back that atmosphere, like a block of wood that could be the most Zen pen holder to ever adorn your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
This wooden block is both unassuming and, at the same time, beautiful in its simplicity, as many minimalist products are wont to be. Made from genuine maple wood, each piece has grains and patterns that make it unique and special. Without saying explicitly, it’s an assurance that each black will be one of a kind, giving you the feeling that this pen holder was crafted just for you. Together with an equally stylish pen, this block transforms any desk into a thinker’s workbench, where the tools of the trade are just at an arm’s reach.
What we like
The Wooden Pen Holder has a gently curving depression that can accommodate any pen with a standard size
When you pick the pen up, you almost believe that the ink will also follow it up from an invisible well of ideas
What we dislike
It occupies precious real estate on a bench that cannot be adjusted/reduced
7. Hexcal Studio
British company Hexcal created the Hexcal Studio desktop organizer, which aims to be the ultimate desktop organizer and workspace accessory you need!
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed to be a monitor stand and a desktop organizer, the Hexcal Studio attempts to eliminate clutter, hide wires and provide shadowless lighting. The goal is to create a neat, tidy, and destressing workspace where wires are smartly hidden, and multiple screens can be installed to support a conducive work environment.
What we like
The organizer’s distribution system can support up to 14 devices, including those on AC, DC, and wireless power
Its patented cable management system will make all your wires disappear, providing you with a wire-free desk
What we dislike
Large + space-consuming design. It will take up a lot of space on your desk
8. The Japanese Paper Memo Block
The Japanese paper Memo Block comes in to provide a temporary shelter for those itinerant thoughts of yours.
Why is it noteworthy?
There is nothing more welcoming and more freeing than a blank sheet of paper that’s ready to record those fleeting thoughts, flashes of inspiration, or even tasks that were suddenly dumped on your lap. With no other markings, not even grids or lines, this white Memo Block lets you focus on the simplest task at hand, jotting that note down before you get distracted again. And with its smaller footprint, it’s easy to put a block of paper anywhere on your desk, in any position or orientation, so that it will always be within easy reach when your Muse or your colleague visits you.
What we like
Its pure black surface challenges the mind as if daring it to put an unconventional and exciting new thought on paper
Uses high-quality Japanese paper revered by many stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
The pad lacks any cover or label that showcases its design qualities
9. Lifestyle Tool File Organizers
This rather ingenious organizer design comes in handy for your workdesk! From the outside and when they’re closed, they look like regular, nondescript file binders.
Why is it noteworthy?
Open them up, however, and you’ll see plenty of space for almost any kind of tool or supply. Simply pull one out using the typical ring hole, open it up, and you’ll have access to whatever you need to get the job done. It’s only a few steps more compared to reaching out for an open desk organizer but not much more compared to pulling out tools from a drawer.
What we like
Made from hard paperboard, the organizers also offer a more sustainable solution to the growing number of plastic products sitting on your desk
What we dislike
The design keeps the products hidden/away from sight, which is good for those who want a clean-looking setup but not for those who enjoy showcasing the products they have
10. Colored Curve Pens
Dual-tipped pens are something that has been around for a while and are quite universally liked. However, these Colored Curve Pens from Aechy go beyond your usual dual-tipped pens! On one end of these pens lay down patterns to help decorate your notebook – patterns such as waves, heart-roses, flowers, dots, and dashes.
Why is it noteworthy?
Basically what you get is a stamp-like roller that you can use for your journaling, doodling, drawing, scrapbooking, or any other paper-related tasks. The dual-tip markers come in 8 different colors and five mark line types.
What we like
Helps the artistically challenged with drawing
40% more ink than the brand’s regular pens
What we dislike
You can’t choose a specific color for a specific pattern so you’ll have to make do with the options that they have
You don’t need complex mechanisms to elevate the ballpoint, as this innovative pen beautifully demonstrates.
It has almost been 85 years since the first ballpoint pen was revealed to the public and patented by inventor Lazlo Biro. Since then, the writing tool has become a staple of everyday life, making writing more accessible and more common. Unfortunately, the proliferation of cheap ballpoint pens has also made both the act and the tool more mundane, taking for granted one of the key accomplishments of human civilization. Every now and then, a new pen appears that reminds us of the unique experience of writing, and the Lazlo is one such instrument that brings back those feelings with a pen whose simplicity and beauty belie the ingenuity inside and the quality writing experience it delivers.
Designers: Odin Ardagh and Noah Bier of Makers Cabinet
Many ballpoint pens today employ complex mechanisms and components in an attempt to make the writing experience more pleasurable. Unfortunately, it has the opposite effect of making the pen more prone to malfunctions and less likely to last a long time. Most of the time, making things simpler is actually the solution, and this pen named after the Father of Ballpoint applies that philosophy but with a special twist, literally and figuratively.
The Patent Pending Mechanism – Diametrically opposed neodymium magnets rotate bi-directionally to engage and disengage the cartridge to create an unparalleled crisp click.
The Lazlo pen utilizes a patent-pending dipole magnetic mechanism that extends or retracts the ballpoint with a simple twist of the knurled top of the pen. There are no springs involved, reducing the chances of the pen breaking due to wear and tear or broken parts. You still get a satisfying snap when you twist the cap, though, and some might even be tempted to use the pen as a makeshift fidget toy while letting ideas percolate in your head. The pen’s minimalist aesthetic makes it a good fit for any stationery or desk theme, but you still have a choice of materials and their corresponding weight. The anodized space-grade aluminum blends well with many laptops of the same hue and is the lighter option at only 40g. The precision-machined solid brass, on the other hand, has a bit of heft at 65g but ages gracefully with a patina over time. Whichever variant you choose, you are guaranteed a well-balanced tool that will feel comfortable and stable in your hand.
A Satisfying, Balanced Weight – The profile is marginally tapered, forming an elegant shape which is both comfortable in your hand and balanced in weight.
Longevity Tested to 80+ Years of Use.
Featuring Schmidt – The Schmidt MegaLine ballpoint refill is a highly sophisticated writing module based on a gas-pressurized system. This enables you to not only write upside down but also in the most extreme environmental conditions.
The Drop Stand.
Unlike most ballpoint pens, Lazlo is designed not just with durability and longevity in mind but also with sustainability. Its all-metal construction means that every part of the pen is recyclable. The steel clip that lets you conveniently carry the Lazlo pen in your front pocket is easily removable, and so is the front cap that gives easy access to the refill inside. It uses widely-available Schmidt MegaLine ballpoint refills, which utilize an innovative gas-pressurized system that lets you write even upside-down. The pen is also now compatible with Euro-Style cartridges, expanding your choices of refills. This means you won’t have to keep on buying new pens just because the ink has run out. Everything about the pen is designed to make it easy to repair, maintain, and preserve, ensuring that it will be around for years.
Even the packaging is made from sustainable and recyclable materials, including the cork drop stand that comes with every pen. You could, of course, also opt for a metal drop stand that matches the pen’s brass or aluminum body. There is also a Lazlo Sheath designed specifically for the pen, made from premium Badalassi Carlo leather that ages well with the pen itself. Whether you prop it up on a stand, keep it in your pocket, or display it in its leather bed, the all-metal Lazlo ballpoint pen will look striking in its simplicity, serving as a visual reminder of the simple joys of writing with a good pen.
You’ll never take pens for granted again after you’ve used one that is designed to make writing feel so natural and free.
Pen designs are a dime a dozen, but the majority of them are simply fat sticks that let you leave ink marks on paper or other surfaces. Some pens are beautifully designed, but few are made to make the act of writing both pleasurable and painless. Some pens do come with ergonomic shapes that let you grip the barrel more comfortably, but some of these also come with heavy clips or caps that make the entire shaft more top-heavy. This pen, in contrast, uses simple physics to elevate the writing process and, in turn, help elevate your thinking process as well, making it feel as if gravity is pulling down not only the ink but also the ideas you want to put on paper.
It’s easy enough to take for granted how well a pen is constructed. After all, what else do you need aside from having ink flow unhindered from the chamber through the nib and onto the paper? When your life starts to depend on that writing activity, figuratively and literally, and your writing hand starts showing signs of daily strain, then you start to become more conscious about how the right pen can make or break your flow, almost literally too. Many pens labeled as “ergonomic” have specific barrel shapes or grips, but this pen takes ergonomics to the next level.
Most pens are strangely designed to be top- or back-heavy, with the end opposite the nib having the most weight. In effect, this creates a sort of counterweight that causes the nib end to get lifted, forcing the writer to exert more effort in keeping it down. The end result is that writing feels a little bit more forced, putting unnecessary strain on the fingers and the hand. More than just a physiological effect, this design also has a subtle psychological effect that makes the process of writing less enjoyable.
The Gravity Pen puts the center of gravity closer to where your fingers are, making it easier to make more agile strokes. The pen pulls that off with a grip that’s larger than the barrel, expanding the area of grip for a more comfortable hold. The faceted form of that grip also makes it easier to grip the pen, allowing for a more stable grip as well. It’s the ultimate ergonomic pen design, thanks to a smart application of physics and minimalist design principles.
Of course, the Gravity Pen isn’t just ergonomic. It is also sleek and handsome, thanks to that same minimalist character. Made from aluminum alloy, the pen is durable while still maintaining a light and comfortable 20g weight. It’s also easy to use, with a simple twist mechanism to reveal or conceal the nib. No caps to lose or clickers to break, just pure, unadulterated joy of writing.
Compatible with SCHMIDT P900M refills, you won’t have to worry about having to part ways with this ingenious pen when the ink literally runs dry. Ergonomic and elegant, this Gravity Pen lets physics do the work in keeping the nib close to the surface, leaving your brain free to focus on the most important task at hand. Plus, it looks fabulous on any desk, especially when standing proud on our Wooden Pen Holder.
Break free from the problems that weigh you down with this stylish pen that looks like a spaceship ready to blast off into higher levels of productivity.
We all have our favorite writing tool. For some, it’s a specific brand pen brand. For others, it’s a very specific kind of pen. Many of those with a passionate love for ink keep their prized pen proudly standing on their desk, ready to be picked up and used. Not everyone does so, however, and quite a few expensive-looking designer pens remain as decorative pieces, untouched and unused, almost like they were fragile artifacts rather than tools to help us grow. This pen is anything but just a pretty face and is built almost like a spaceship. More importantly, it actually invites us to stare at it and even have fun with it, all for the sake of actually improving our productivity.
Static, immobile pen stands are so last century. If you’re going to show off a pen, you might as well do everything to catch people’s attention. That’s what this levitating pen brings to the table, almost literally. Rather than simply leaning at a 23.5-degree angle, this pen looks as if it were on the verge of falling over. It never does, of course, thanks to the almost magical science of magnets.
Despite its otherworldly feat, almost everything about this levitating pen is begging to be touched, felt, and played with. Give the pen a twist while docked in its station and be mesmerized by its continuous kinetic motion. If you’re more of the “hands-on” type of person, you can also pull out the magnetic cap and have that spin around on the desk, using the pen like a magic wand that has granted you telekinetic powers.
Of course, the pen is more than just a visual novelty and a toy. It is a true-blooded tool for putting your thoughts on paper. Compatible with standard SCHMIDT D1 ballpoint refills, you can be assured that your pen will keep on writing forever, as long as you have a stock of refills at hand. Thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum body, it’s also guaranteed to last just as long, maybe for a few decades at the very least.
Despite its almost cold metal body and space-worthy talents, this futuristic writing tool remains approachable and human. The soft satin-like finish makes it soft to the touch, and its twisting form is more than just for show, though it is definitely an eye-catching design. It’s actually designed for ergonomics, with the curves nestling comfortably inside your hand and won’t slide off or cut into your skin while you hold it.
Available in our shop in black and silver color choices, this levitating pen makes any writing task smoother and more enjoyable. And when your brain needs a break, you can spin the pen or the cap to get those creative juices flowing again. Whether it’s docked or in your hand, this spacecraft-like ballpoint pen is ready to launch your productivity and consciousness into new heights while having fun along the way.
Sure, you’ve got pens that can write in zero gravity… but can your pen defy gravity on earth?? Meet the pen that quite literally floats in mid-air while docked in its unique ‘anti-gravity’ pen stand.
Designed as what I assume is the world’s first and only ‘sci fi’ pen, the pen is a marvel of engineering as it floats within its gravity-defying stand, looking almost like something out of an alien’s spaceship. The pen itself is a remarkable writing instrument, equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge for a smooth, luxurious writing experience, however, when you’re taking a break from writing, the pen doesn’t just simply go into a pencil-case or a pen-stand. The pen comes with its own magnetic stand that allows it to rest in an inclined position with its tip touching the pen-stand, without tipping over. Magnets within the pen-stand’s arc-shaped guardrail help the pen hover on its own, resting on just one point. The magnetic forces also cause the pen to gently sway up and down or even spin on its axis, resulting in an experience that feels metaphorically and literally out of this world!
The pen may be a writing instrument, but it’s first and foremost a tabletop show-stopper. Designed to be less like the Bic ballpoint pen you buy and forget about, and more like an incredibly premium Mont Blanc pen you carefully place on your office table, the pen has a charming, fidget-ish quality that is sure to attract your eyes and fingers. Docking the pen in its stand feels almost like docking a space-pod in the hull of a spaceship. There’s a satisfying pull that causes the pen to slip out of your hand and automatically align with the magnetic rim of the stand. In fact, even spinning the pen in place will cause it to rotate on its own for 20-ish seconds afterwards, giving the pen a wonderful interactive quality.
Resisting gravity at a 23.5 degree angle.
A simple twist will send the pen spinning for up to 20 seconds in flawless, kinetic motion.
A study by Harvard Business Review found that frequently interrupting your brainstorming with consistent micro-breaks resulted in more idea generation than no breaks. Every now and then, take a moment out of your day, spin the pen, and boost your creativity like never before.
Inspired by the shape of famous science fiction spacecraft such as the USS Enterprise, Naboo Starships, and Interstellar’s Ranger spacecraft.
The pen body is crafted from a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum.
Designed to last for decades.
Soft and gentle to the touch, the pen was designed to make long, strenuous writing sessions feel light and enjoyable.
Just holding the pen a small distance from the lid is enough for the cap to get sucked onto the pen.
Equipped with Schmidt ballpoint cartridges, the German-engineered luxury standard in ballpoint pens. Versatile yet flexible, no spills, no spotting, and definitely no explosions.
Simply pull out the cartridge using the included pincher tool and re-insert any D1 sized refill.
The pen comes in a space-black and a silver variant, along with the levitating magnetic stand. You can find the pen in all its glory on our newly opened YD Select store – our one-stop destination for creative, well-designed stationery, gadgets, and objets d’art. Free shipping on orders above $200.
The world has changed radically in the past two years, but one of the things that have remained constant is the need for a reliable and comfortable writing tool exemplified by this distinctive pen.
It almost seems as if we’ve moved to a purely digital realm, with many of our documents and IDs already available in computers, phones, and the cloud. Styluses like the Apple Pencil even make short work of signing documents or sketching ideas with digital ink. Like it or not, it’s impossible to get rid of paper and, consequently, the pen that leaves its mark on it. Some people see pens as trivial, disposable tools, while others regard them as something that should last almost for eternity. The HMM Ballpoint is of the latter, and its design clearly shows it.
Most designer pens come in smooth, cylindrical shapes, glossy finishes, and golden accents here and there. These pens look luxurious and well-refined, delicate, and reserved to be used on special occasions only. In contrast, the HMM Ballpoint pens look raw, almost to the point of being primal. And yet, there’s an ironic beauty in seeing the unbridled power of the pen in its natural form.
The pen comes in two finishes, with RAW exhibiting that naked form best. Its surface is artificially aged through vibration polishing, giving it a well-worn look as if it has seen all the battles between your mind and the blank sheet of paper before you. GUN metal, on the other hand, looks a bit more polished thanks to military-grade hard anodizing, but it still has that aura of a powerful weapon in your fingertips.
Most pens are depicted as perfect cylinders with smooth surfaces, but closer inspection will reveal how many barrels actually have edges to them. The HMM Ballpoint embraces this wholeheartedly with a dodecagonal body that carries the designer’s trademark form. Together with the pen’s texture, this shape allows the user to hold the pen with more confidence to help banish doubts from their minds.
That sense of confidence extends to the material chosen for the pen, an aluminum alloy that speaks of longevity. Writers who often find themselves mindlessly clicking their pens won’t have to fear breaking this pen easily. The HMM Ballpoint is built the way it looks, not as a delicate and rarely used instrument but as a sturdy, stable, and powerful companion that will stick with you through thick or thin. Or at least for as long as SCHMIDT P900M refills exist.
Victorinox has long prided itself in creating some of the most useful and compact high-grade multitools the world has seen, but none match up to how compact their SwissCard Lite is. Shaped to look exactly like a credit card (it’s about as thick as one too), the SwissCard fits in any wallet, and comes with as many as 13 different tools all integrated into its slick profile.
The SwissCard Lite (named so because it also has a torch integrated into it) contains everything from grooming equipment to tailoring instruments to stationery and even multitools. It’s got its own ballpoint pen, pocket-knife, scissors, tweezers, straight-pin, magnifying glass, scale (with both metric and imperial units), LED torch, and as many as four different screwdriver-heads. All the elements sit within the SwissCard Lite’s nifty frosted-plastic casing, and can easily be carried in bags, wallets, even pockets, serving both indoors as well as the great outdoors. Just don’t carry it onto an airplane… the TSA won’t be too happy about that!
Good stationery can really change my productivity quotient for the day and I am sure I am not alone. Writing with a new pen brings out the calligraphy artist inside me and looking at the concrete pen, I am so tempted to start journaling again! The studio that designed this beautiful pen, 22Studio, is proud of their contribution to keeping the tradition of writing on paper alive by sparking inspiration through their products.
The stationery created by 22Studio is no less than art, these are made to last lifelong and passed down as family collectibles through generations. Concrete is used to make this pen because it adds the rich look without making it a shiny or fancy – it is simple but makes a bold statement. The solid pen starts as a liquid mixture of different elements and then it allowed to set like stone. The concrete pen is carefully designed and crafted by hand in the studio which gives it its unique personality. Books are considered as best friends, but this concrete stationery is a rock (literally!) we can lean on.
