When you already make one of the best pocket ballpoint pens on the market, what is your next move? Making a pocket fountain pen, of course!
That’s nowhere as easy as it sounds, but if anyone can pull it off it is Ian Schon of Schon DSGN.
The Pocket Six Fountain Pen has been a labor of love for Ian - emphasis on labor. When you have a reputation for making perfectly engineered pens, adding a new product line at an equally high quality is always a challenge. And he accepted this challenge head-on.
There are many selling points to the Pocket Six which I will get to, but the main feature this design is based around is the #6 fountain pen nib found once the pen is uncapped. Most pocket fountain pens (see: Kaweco) use a smaller #5 sized nib for fit and functionality purposes. The narrower diameter of the feed and collar help keep the barrel diameter in a comfortable range. Can a pocket fountain pen remain comfortable - and remain visually appealing - when adding the larger hardware of the #6 nib?
The Pocket Six says yes.
Make no bones about it, this is a small, lightweight pen. But don’t let those things fool you into thinking it feels cheap. Far from it. Making quality, durable pens is in Schon’s DNA. The aluminum barrel feels strong enough to withstand any pocket or bag carry and not miss a beat. And at only 0.50 oz and just over three and half inches, it is slim and subtle enough to go unnoticed. Just remember not to send it through the washing machine, which I have done with my Schon DSGN ballpoint pens. Twice.
When posted - via screwing the cap onto the back of the pen - the Pocket Six extends to 5.2 inches, giving it a full-length writing experience. The grip section is slightly concave, allowing your fingers to grip and write comfortably. Everything about this pen says it is full size, except when you go to cap it closed and put it away.
I’d say that is where the beauty lies, but, as with other Schon DSGN pens, there are a huge range of anodization options available. This model is called Deep Space, and I’m all about the pink, blue, and purple swirls flying through the galaxy, and around this barrel. There are a dozen or so other choices that look equally as spectacular. You can also choose a brass grip section for added style, and nearly an ounce of added weight.
There are two considerations that you should be aware of if you are thinking about purchasing this pen. One, it uses short international cartridges only, as you might have imagined due to its size. That’s no issue for me, especially when I can get cool colors like Caran d’Ache Chromatics Hypnotic Turquoise, despite the greater price per ml. Syringe refilling an empty cartridge is also an option.
Two, the Pocket Six is built around Bock nibs and feeds. If I had my choice, I’d prefer Jowo nibs for their firmness and quality out the box - not to mention the slew of modified Jowo nibs I already own that would swap right in - but I can work with Bock. Ian tunes each nib before shipping it out, and my extra fine steel nib has been perfect.
You’ll notice I didn’t mention price as a consideration. If you are shopping in this price range for this type of pen, then the price is a non-factor. Ranging from $114 to $148 depending on your configuration (for example, this Deep Space is $120,) they are priced perfectly for a pocket pen party.
Sorry I couldn’t help myself with that last sentence. This pen is fun, and I love using it and sharing it. Big thanks to Ian at Schon DSGN for sending me this pen at no charge for me to use and review.
(Schon DSGN provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
