A while back, I wrote about the “knockabout” pen — something simple, relatively inexpensive, and easy to put your hands on, something that makes you sad but not grief-stricken to lose.
Soon after writing the post, I retrieved an old tote bag from my closet and made an intriguing rediscovery: the Pilot Varsity, a “disposable” fountain pen that can actually be refilled, but that doesn’t cost more than a few dollars.
Given how long it takes me to ink up some of my nicer pens when they run dry, it seemed like a natural next step to allow it to audition for a part as my de facto purse pen, used for in-person work sessions and other on-the-go applications. Lo and behold, it’s worked perfectly: a welcome break from rollerballs that I nonetheless won’t mind misplacing or lending to a co-worker, which is the eventual but inevitable point of departure for all such pens in that position.
It is a great pen. I wish they would change up the graphics a bit so it doesn’t scream DISPOSABLE CHEAP PEN so loud but that’s a minor nit pick for a great writer.
Aw, I kind of like the graphics… I’ll grant you that the whole thing comes off looking a little low-budget, but it also reminds me of those Mead composition books.
The first time I got one of these, I had never played with a fountain pen and I could not work with it. So, I gave them away. After I won a Lamy Vista and then bought four Pilot 78Gs and some Petit’s…and then.. well I decided to try them again and found they are pretty good for the price.
I now have four that I use for handwritten anchor charts at school. Good nib, good feel, and also I do not have to go into a conniption if a student touches it.