Back in August I was in an E.Leclerc hypermarket in close proximity to Barjouville when back street travelling amongst Excursions and Rouen. Browsing the stationary aisles (there ended up numerous) I spotted this ‘mini stylo-plume’, which came with iridium tipping for the princely sum of €1.43. Yes you read through that properly. So of study course to the large query … is it junk or a fantastic cut price.
Initially off, yes it has taken me just about 6 months to unpack the pen. I was in no hurry in addition I kept transforming my head quite how I was going to do this. I did ponder videoing the unpacking, but then realised that was a little foolish thinking of it would be connected in right here. Second, there is a slight cheat below. The pen was reduced. Think the total cost was around €2-3.00 (at this value place in France, e.g. at E.Leclerc, you can get a reasonable variety of pens, but numerous with folded metal ideas).
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
In contrast to a lot of blister packs with welded edges, opening to take out this pen was just only a scenario of peeling off the plastic. Cartridge pushed in with no troubles and about 5 minutes later with just one downward shake it began to produce.
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778620_516_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
Measurement intelligent, it is about the same size as a Kaweco Activity when capped, a bit shorter when posted. The part is marginally wider and that does make it extra comfortable to me to use. (See comparison images at the close of this report.)
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778630_625_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778641_611_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
Appears wise you could not complain if this was just bland after all it expenditures peanuts, however there are some bits of layout aptitude to it. Just a number of uncomplicated points, one thing the French (and Italians) are so fantastic at. The barrel is translucent and matches the colour of the clip and cap finial. There are 4 diamond/oval styles inside the substance of the cap. These physically do nothing at all but do insert a little character and must have additional to the producing value. I also like the fact you can see not only the feed but also the peg at the leading, allowing for you to check out the initial ink circulation.
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778655_697_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
The cap pushes on and off and does post very well and deeply, which you require as the overall body by yourself is just far too small for at ease writing. If you do the ‘twist when pulling’ trick you will commence to take out the barrel in its place. The cap is held firmly in put and does present a good click on and action when opening and closing, maybe more enjoyable that with a Diplomat Aero. Yes I did say that, even though getting low-cost plastic I suspect the securing clutch will dress in around time.
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778668_652_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
The clip performs surprisingly effectively, nevertheless it is affordable plastic and so I would anticipate it to split in time if typically made use of.
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778676_931_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
In the hand it is reasonably at ease and vast ample that you could likely use the pen for a truthful though. The lengthy portion usually means your grip will additional be dictated by where the back again of the pen sits in your hand than the position of your fingers.
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778682_375_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778683_806_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
I must admit I was stunned at how smooth the pen felt. The nib is nail like, but also it initially wrote like a fine or an excess-wonderful, so that can be predicted. It writes effectively on each easy paper and a rougher shorthand notebook. After a while (that’s why the next part of the writing sample) I seen the move experienced enhanced a fantastic deal and the pen was now composing like a real European good.
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778698_819_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
While the pen arrives with a solitary short international cartridge (can’t seriously count on extra at this cost) it may well just take a small Kaweco or Monteverde squeeze converter, however I do not have one to attempt. Almost undoubtedly this pen can be loaded working with an eye dropper, nevertheless I would use a small silicon grease (not oil) on the threads. I did take a look at with h2o in situation there was an air hole at the bottom, however it appears the French do not have the very same worry around choke dangers as numerous other, additional litigious, countries.
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778703_505_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
Somewhat than going on about regardless of whether I am glad I bought this pen, would I suggest it to many others, and listing pros and disadvantages, all I will say is this exhibits you can get a decent composing encounter for following to no cash. Many of the French supermarkets and hypermarkets promote incredibly inexpensive fountain pens and though some have folded steel nibs, numerous like this have iridium tipping. Additionally, compared with Spain and German, these are not principally specific at college little ones who are compelled to use them (and so the pens can supply a somewhat combined composing experience and also are likely to be dazzling with graphics on them), but are practically there for anyone who wants a fountain pen in a hurry that could get lost or damaged, but at the similar time is instead usable.
Producing Sample:
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778713_982_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
Dimension Comparison Pictures:
Listed here we also have a Gravitas Pocket Pen, a Kaweco Activity, and a Papermate Ninja.
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778726_72_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778738_4_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)
![](https://peachtreeoriginals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1712778757_750_Cheap-French-Supermarket-Pocket-Pen.jpg)