“Brad, why do you like the Caran d’Ache 849 so much? I just don’t get it.”
I’ve reviewed the 849 before (back in 2019,) had my own Pen Addict Edition made, and yes, I keep bringing it up in conversation, and buy special editions of it. I’m a fan, but why?
For starters, the style. First launched in 1969, the design of the 849 is a stationery classic. Like a LAMY Safari or a Pelikan fountain pen, the design of the 849 is noticeable from across the room. That likely comes from the unique clip design, tailored perfectly to the fit the hexagonal barrel.
The size of the 849 is also an important factor. This is a small pen. Modern pen designs tell us that the market prefers slightly wider and longer pens, but designs like the 849 and Parker Jotter have sustained for decades by keeping their original silhouette. At 5 inches long and 0.5 oz. in weight it may not necessarily seem or feel small, but in comparison to similar pens it does land on that side of the ledger.
Attached to the Traveler’s Passport notebook.
Ballpoint refills sometimes get a bad rap, but the Goliath (yes, that’s what they named theirs,) is excellent. Only standard colors (Black, Blue, Red, Green,) and sizes (Fine, Medium, Broad,) are available, but the ones I’ve tried (Black and Blue, Fine and Medium,) have all been excellent.
I prefer the Fine Blue Goliath refill, but the Fine Black version may make me reconsider. The line is clean, consistent, and mess-free.
The sum of the above reasons I like the 849 brings us to main one: fun. Caran d’Ache makes fun pens. Look no further than this Caran d’Ache 849 Year of the Dragon Ballpoint for one example why these pens are so popular. This Limited Edition features a Red body with Gold trim, and is filled with dragon scales, including a random layout of gilded-edges. The entire package pops, including the Gold slimpack it ships in.
For all of the upside I see in the 849 lineup, the one downside is the price. The base single color models start at $22, with various Limited Editions on up from there. This Year of the Dragon model is $47. I paid over $100 for a chromed-out Keith Haring edition. So yeah, I’m way in on the Cd’A 849 lineup.
Left to right: Kaweco Sport, Cd’A 849, LAMY Safari.
Should you be? I think there is a checklist to run down if you are thinking about making a purchase. As I discussed above, think about how the size fits your hand, if you like ballpoint refills (the 849 is compatible with Parker-style refills,) and does the style match yours. Am I going to tell you that the 849 provides better performance for the price than the Jetstream Lite Touch that I just raved about? No. Am I going to tell you it’s cooler? I might.
I know that the Caran d’Ache 849 is a staple in my lineup, and I always look forward to what the brand will come up with next.
(Goldspot provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
