Reviews Written by trw52

  This multi-pen leaves..., December 2, 2008

This multi-pen leaves me with mixed emotions. The overall look of the wood with a champagne metallic plastic body is attractive and color-coordinated. The pen is well proportioned and artistically shaped. The "2-pens plus 1 pencil" design of this instrument seems like a sensible approach for an executive or business multi-pen.

The problem for me was apparently also a problem for the previous reviewer. I expected a metal or mostly metal body instead of the metallic looking plastic. This was a surprise based upon the JetPens description. I'm afraid that the plastic may also tend to make the "real wood" portion of the pen suspect -- why would you marry an exotic wood with such an obviously plastic body (the wood sleeve is real).

I had this item about two weeks when it slipped out of my shirt pocket and fell 3 feet to the pavement when I was getting into my car. The "Pure Malt" did not take the fall well -- the plastic cracked in one place and was scratched in three or four others. Oh well...

A decent looking multi-pen, but you should be clear that you are paying for mostly plastic construction. I would have preferred something closer to the construction of the Pentel S20 series of mechanical pencils in terms of marrying wood, metal and plastic to perfection.

  For me, the key to this..., December 2, 2008

For me, the key to this pencil is the front or lead-end weight distribution. It's kind of like going from a rear or all-wheel drive vehicle to a front wheel drive vehicle. The bulk of the weight of this metal pencil resides near the lead-end in the thick, rubber sheathed grip area. The weight of the remaining 2/3 of the pencil's length becomes almost negligible by comparison. IMO, this lead-end weighting tends to favor very close-in, detail work as opposed to broader sketching. The grip is comfortable and non-slip.

In any case, this is certainly a high quality professional instrument.

The flat black, stealth look of this model marries well with such other products as the Pentel Smash mechanical pencil, the black Pilot Dr. Grip multi-pen and the Mitsubishi Boxy eraser.

  The attraction of the..., December 1, 2008

The attraction of the Smash is a bit perplexing. It is certainly not a flashy or especially beautiful pencil -- some might call it nondescript! I guess it has a sort of stealth technology, paramilitary, "Hummer" look to it which appeals to some.

And it does have a warmer and more comfortable feel to it than some of high-end metal pencils on this site. The rubberized skin of this pencil is strangely satisfying.

In the end, though, it may be the smug satisfaction of quietly owning a pencil with a bit of history, uniqueness and collectibility.

  The previous 5-star review..., December 1, 2008

The previous 5-star review is complete and accurate. The S20 pencils are gems resulting from the unique melding of high tech precision with the traditional look and feel of wood -- space ship meets wooden ship. The wood finish is especially fine and delightful! A piece of the highest quality -- you could stamp Mont Blanc, Pelikan, Porsche Design, etc on this product without missing a beat.

  This mechanical pencil..., November 21, 2008

This mechanical pencil line exudes quality and precision. It is a work of art...the "Porsche Design" or "Mercedes" of drafting tools. Love the heavy duty feel of the locking clasp mechanism which extends and retracts the lead point. Feels like a German product -- heavy and a bit over-engineered -- built to last! A mechanical jewel which is a delight to admire and hold.

  There are many fine mechanical..., November 21, 2008

There are many fine mechanical pencils offered on this website and I have used a number of them. Ounce for ounce, the Pilot S3 offers the best value. An extremely reasonable price for a durable, attractive and comfortable drafting and writing tool. Highly recommended!

  Clearly a very unusual..., November 21, 2008

Clearly a very unusual and specialized writing tool! Build quality is good but not spectacular, and it rattles a bit like a pocket full of change due to the three mechanical pencil barrels. No eraser.

I have found it most appealing as a gift to some young nephews (aged 9 to 14), who are fascinated with the see-through construction and the multiple size mechanical pencils -- they seem to love the "works" of the device. Beyond the "curiosity" factor, this multi-pencil seems best suited as a travel companion -- take the 357 together with a good multi-pen and you will be ready for anything!

At home at my desk, however, I would much prefer to use 3 separate mechanical pencils.

  I agree completely with..., November 21, 2008

I agree completely with both the strong praise and the minor criticism contained in the first review above. The pen is wonderfully constructed and radiates an aura of quality, precision, balance and heft. The flat black pen is especially attractive and unusual. I have given this versatile pen as a gift several times and it has always been received enthusiastically -- by pre-teens as well as elderly adults.

I also found the ink refills to be a bit inconsistent at times -- apparently a quality control problem -- but I can live with it. A very satisfying purchase.