Review : PENTEL Black Colors Collection [20th anniversary Limited Edition]

 To celebrate 20 years of ENERGEL pens, Pentel has launched a new limited edition collection.

Black Colors Collection

"The black ink with a hint of colors"

They are sold both separately and individually.

Available in both 0.5mm and 0.7mm.

Refills are also available and sold separately.

A known ENERGEL fanatic, I've picked up both sets to review. 

The pens are retractable and write with the ease that we know of ENERGEL pens. They are also fast drying just like all ENERGEL pens. Simply perfect for lefties like me. 

Here are the swatches

Though new to ENERGEL, the varied black ink colors is not a new concept. I previously reviewed SAKURA Craypas version here

Here's a comparison of the colors between the two. I've tried to pick colors as close as possible but there was no comparable color for the mocha black.

As I previously mentioned, I'm a total ENERGEL fanatic so there was never any possible way I would dislike these pens but in all honesty, the colors are really usable and since its Limited Edition, I'm going to buy a stash of the refills too.

What about you?

Pentel Official Site : https://www.pentel.co.jp/special/12495/

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REVIEW : DAISO Vertical Masking Tape Holder

 DAISO has introduced a new way to store our beloved Masking Tapes! 

Introducing the Vertical Masking Tape holder :

It comes in 2 sizes. 

Compatible with tape up to 18mm [0.7inches] OR with wider tape up to 30mm [1.18inches]

To "load" the tape, simply open up the entire box and insert accordingly. Left handers like myself can rejoice as their are blades on both sides, making it possible for left or right handed cutting. Each holds up to 3 rolls of tape. Or you can fit more if they are narrower. I was able to fit 2 narrow rolls into one space for the wide tape.

To cut, you just have to open the little slot and tear it off at the edge of the blades. So easy!

The holders are perfect for travel as they are a pleasing simple clear design reminiscent of MUJI. You can also store them more easily by lining them up vertically for a clean look. The slim design also means you can slot them into narrow spaces.

Have you tried them out? What did you think?

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Review : DAISO Air Kaku bulldog clips

 Do you use bulldog clips? It is always useful to have around but the lever can be a little painful to use at times. To alleviate this issue, DAISO has collaborated with Japanese stationery brand PLUS to produce AIR KAKU; clips that open painlessly. 

This product is amongst the BEST 100 : 2018 Good Design award!

The clips can be found in 3 sizes (small, medium and large) and I purchased it in the above configuration: 2 Small and 1 large clip.

As you can tell from the photos, it is indeed a little different from the usual clip. The tip of the lever is straight and not rounded. This increases the contact with the fingers so you can get a better grip. 

The length of the lever is also longer than usual and they have included a groove on the main black body to help shift the fulcrum. All these changes are supposed to help reduce the amount of strength needed to open the clip and hence reduce the amount of pain associated.

So is it really painless?

Yes it is! It is not as obvious with the smaller clips but when you use the big clip you can definitely sense the lower resistance. As a matter of fact, I was able to clip together well over 100 pages of paper effortlessly. 

I highly recommend these clips!

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３６５日ノート (365 Days NoteBook)

One of my absolute favorite purchases of 2018 was my ３６５日ノート (365 Days NoteBook). There are many sizes available and as a trial, I purchased it in A6 size. The notebook is fairly thick with 380 sheets of tear off paper and a thick piece of cardboard with a grid print that serves as a writing guide. Each sheet of paper is translucent Japanese paper called, Junpakushi. (which makes the writing guide provided usable simply by placing it under the sheet of paper you want to use.) Despite how thin and delicate the paper might appear to be, it is actually extremely durable. One can use fountain ink or even markers on it without worrying about it seeping through.

I had bought the notebook on advice from someone that I could use it to stamp on and cut the images later. Since the paper is thin, it looks almost invisible when I stick it in my journal. A particularly useful feature when I bring a few pages with me on a road trip to collect any stamps I encounter. (In Japan many areas of interest provide a commemorative stamp one can use.)

Needless to say I recommend this notebook highly and will be looking to buy more from this range soon!

http://www.365series.net/en/index.html

What about you? Have you tried them out??

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MOOK REVIEW : Mizutama's How to make a cute diary

Following the success of her MOOK [magazine book] last year, popular Japanese illustrator Mizutama has launched another for 2019. As before, the MOOK comes with her trademark whimsical illustrations alongside many tips on how to decorate one’s diary or journal.

A set of foam stamps featuring her drawings are also included. If you had bought the previous MOOK, you will find that they coordinate perfectly!

Considering how useful the previous stamps have been, I’m certain the current issue’s will be just as good.

Highly recommended!

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Posta Collect Pens (Japanpost)

Have you ever visited a post office in Japan?

If you haven’t, I highly recommend you drop by next time you see one. Other than the usual mail services/products, Japan’s post offices also carry a range of products called Posta Collect.

This range includes the usual mail supplies such as envelopes, stickers, tape but they also carry postcards that might be exclusive to the area, limited edition or collaboration stationery such as washi tape and glue tape and of course, pens!

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I picked up 2 pens on a recent trip, the postcard pen for thin lettering in black and the postcard sign pen in black. I liked how the black white yellow packaging was simple yet attractive.

The postcard pen for thin lettering has a thickness of 0.35mm and is closest to a pigment liner. The ink dries fast but it isn’t as black as other pens.

The postcard sign pen looks exactly like the pentel sign pen and it is in fact, pentel branded, however the pen tip is a lot stiffer than the touch sign pen which you can see below. The ink is similar to the postcard pen.

As an example, I’ve compared the 2 pens with some other common writing/drawing pens below.

I used a postcard from muji and I found that some of the other pens bled a bit into the paper but the Posta Collect pens did not.

To sum up, I found them enjoyable to write with, they’re perfectly suited for postcards and the ink looks like it would fade-proof. However those qualities mean that the ink is not as black which might bother some people so definitely take that into account.

Have you seen the merchandise from Japan Post before? Would you go have a look next time?

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DAISO Letter Seal Sticker Tape

Here at TN5C, we love DAISO! Recently they launched a new roll of sticky tape meant for sealing envelopes. Available in several designs, we picked up two to try.

Simply stick it over the closure of your envelope and the recipient will be able to open it by merely tearing along the (already perforated) lines.

We don’t deny its a bit of a novelty item but isnt that what a lot of stationery/stickers are? Something to brighten your mail/day.

Have you tried them?

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KING JIM Masurie : DIY masking tape stickers

Japanese stationery brand King Jim launched a new range of stickers a while ago where the difference is you get to customize it with your own washi tape! Named Masurie, there are several styles available and each includes a clear sheet of stickers with raised black outlines. To use, you simply lay your desired tape over it [see video below] and cut away the access from the outline. Lift the completed sticker from the release plastic sheet and your sticker is ready for use!

[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJjnhGwI8Zk&w=640&h=480]

Initially, its a little tricky to get the edges clean (unless you are a whiz with your xacto knife which sadly i am not) but the results are quite lovely. Once you get the hang of it, you can layer lots of different tapes to create your own one of a kind sticker which coordinates perfectly with whatever color theme you want.

Have you tried these out?

Official website: https://www.kingjim.co.jp/sp/masurie/

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Introduction to Multi-Colour Pen Systems

If you’ve been looking at purchasing a multi colour pen but your eyes are glazing over with all the options, I’ve put together this simple overview to help you choose.

In this list are the Zebra Prefill/Sarasa Select, Pentel Sliccies, Mitsubishi Uni Style Fit and the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Colleto.

Zebra Prefill/Sarasa Select

• Available in 3 or 5 colour pen holders. Collaborations are commonly 5 colour pen holders.

• 23 gel ink colours in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm pen thickness (Sarasa select)

• 8 emulsion ink colours in 03mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm (Surari prefill emulsion)

• 4 oil based ink colours in 0.7mm (Jim-Knock oil)

• 5 metallic colours in 0.5mm (Sarasa select shine)

• Mechanical pencil refills in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm lead thicknesses

• Previous collaborations include Mister Donut, Peanuts, Baskin Robbins and Sanrio

The Sarasa clip line of pens from Zebra are one of my favourites for everyday use and the prefill/select line of multi colour pens just as good. The collaborations are always adorable and colourful, like the Mister Donut collaboration pictured above.

Besides the pen holder, each collaboration collection usually includes 5 ink colours with the collaboration design printed on the refill.

Overall, a good everyday multi colour pen, 23 colours means it’s perfect for sketching and the pen holder also includes a place for you to hook onto a lanyard or hang a charm from.

Pentel Sliccies

• Available in 3 or 5 colour pen holders

• 15 gel ink colours in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm thicknesses (Sliccies)

• 3 oil based colours in 0.5mm only (Vicuna)

• 3 gel ink colours in 0.5mm only (Energel).

• Mechnical pencil refill in 0.3mm and 0.5mm lead thicknesses

• Previous collaborations include Kanahei and Liz Lisa.

Even though I like the Sarasa line, the Pentel Sliccies multi colour pen is the pen I use with my bullet journal. The designs tend to be more muted and suited to a neutral palette.

The pink pen holder pictured above has been discontinued unfortunately but the new holder is improved, even featuring a slot on the top for you to attach an earphone jack accessory.

Mitsubishi Pen Uni Style Fit

• Available in single, 3, 4 or 5 colour pen holders

• 16 gel ink colours in 0.28mm, 0.38mm and 0.5mm pen thicknesses

• 3 oil based ink colours in 0.7mm and 1.0mm pen thicknesses

• Mechanical pencil refill in 0.5mm lead thickness

• All pen holders are push down type except the 3 colour, which also comes in a twist version

• Previous collaborations include Sanrio, Sesame street and Disney

The Uni Style Fit and the Hi-Tec-C Coletto (below) are probably the more popular multi colour pen systems. The uni style fit is unique in that the pen tip thicknesses can’t be found in other systems, but this might not suit everyone.

The Uni Style Fit releases mainstream collaborations regularly so if you’re looking for a limited edition design, this might the system for you.

Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coletto

• Available in 2, 3, 4 or 5 colours pen bodies

• 15 gel ink colours in 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm thicknesses.

• Mechanical pencil in 0.3mm and 0.5mm lead thickness),

• Eraser refill

• Handheld game console touchscreen pen refill

• Previous collaborations include Mary Quant, Peanuts, Sailor Moon and Music Earth Ecology

The Pilot Hi-Tec-C Colleto tends to lean towards a fashion inspired vibe. Each collaboration release has a few penholders as well as 10 inks in a hardcase printed with the collaboration design.

This system places an emphasis on customisation. Each refill carries it’s own push down button and every collaboration comes with it’s own special button design (for example, the button on the Mary Quant collaboration featured in the picture uses the brand’s signature flower as a button), you can combine different refills to create a pen unique to you.

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I hope you found the guide useful! Let us know what else we can add to guide!

Note: The limited edition designs featured above may not be available anymore. However, new designs/collections are being released all the time, please visit the corresponding brand websites for more information.

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A5 Notebook Recommendations For Bullet Journalling

It’s that time of year! Diary/Journal buying, my favourite time of the year to be honest.
If you are not sure what a Bullet Journal is, please see this page.

1. Leuchtturm 1917 Bullet Journal

I’ve been using the Leuchtturm official bullet journal notebook as my bullet journal this year. You don’t really have to buy the official version, any of the other Leuchtturm dot grid notebooks would work, but if you’re a beginner, the official version makes navigating the system easy.

I like the Leuchtturm because of its hardcover, it also has a pocket in the back, and an elastic to hold the notebook closed when it’s in your bag. You can also pair it with a matching pen loop, which I’m a big fan of.

2. Midori MD Paper 

I started using a Bullet Journal in 2017 and that year I used a Midori A5 Blank page notebook. At the time, Midori did not do a dot grid notebook but they have recently released a limited edition range that includes dotgrid. If you can still find it, I would recommend dotgrid for Bujo.

MD paper is legendary, it’s really nice to write on and supports a wide range of writing media. My only complaint is that you will have to buy a cover because they are cream coloured soft covered notebooks. The good news is that Midori do sell a range of covers, or any standard A5 cover (Hobonichi cousin if you want extra pockets) will fit as well.

3. Filofax Clipbook

The Clipbook is one of my newer notebooks. I’m not using it for Bujo but I think it would be perfect for someone who prefers to add/remove pages.

You can also add in dividers/pockets and loose dot grid pages are easily available so that makes this system pretty flexible. It also comes in a variety of colours/materials.

However, my favourite thing about the clipbook is that opens flat comfortably, making it easy to write on all pages.

4. Muji Easy-Open Notebook with Recycled Paper 

Muji carries good quality notebooks for budget conscious bullet journal users. The paper may be recycled, but it’s very smooth and great for writing.

This is just one in a range of A5 dot grid notebooks so there are many choices, but I recommend this one because of the PP cover.

5. Transparent Clear Vinyl 6 Ring Binder 

The 6 ring format of this binder is similar to the Filofax Clipbook.

Plastic means your notes will be protected and transparent means you can customise it. Perfect for those who like to stamp their own personality on their notebooks.

Honorable Mention

Travelers Notebook

The TN, which is more of a slim A5 size is also one of the more popular options for Bullet Journalling. You can assign different notebooks to different things, making it quite a flexible system.

Have you picked a notebook for 2019? Share what it is with us in the comments! :)

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MACO - The Pen sized masking tape holder

Japanese stationery brand Kanmeido has launched a brand new product: A pen sized masking tape holder!

They come in 4 different colors : Yellow, Pink , White and Navy.

Each set comes with the following : A holder, 5 refill cases and 1 winder.

How it works.

Using the winder, you are able to wind up to 1m of tape you want to use onto the refill.

Once the refill is ready, you can slot it into the holder.

Up to 4 different masking tapes can be added at each time.

There are refills available for sale separately as well!

I think this is a great system and extremely handy to bring masking tape on the go. A wonderful addition to my traveling stationery kit.

What do you think?

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Letter Pen 'Cocoiro'

There are a lot of letter/sign/brush pens out there. The Cocoiro by Zig has been around for a number of years but I feel that it is maybe a bit underrated. If you haven’t heard of this pen, I hope you’ll find this post useful.

The Cocoiro is a letter pen system which comes in 2 parts, a writing component and an interchangeable pen body. The pen body (pen sleeve and cap) is available in 16 different colours, limited edition designs are also available periodically. The writing component (ink and brush/pen) comes in extra fine brush, available in 12 colours, Rollerball, 0.3mm black and Brush, black only.

You can purchase a set, which consists of pen body plus extra fine in black ink, everything you need to get started OR you can buy the pen body and writing component separately. It’s a pretty flexible system, swap colours and pen bodies as and when you please.

I’ve only purchased 3 colours from the ink range; black, sepia and dark green but my favourite is the sepia, I just feel that it’s really special and unique and it’s one of the things that drew me to these pens.

The extra fine brush tip is the most common refill. It is not as soft or long as say, the tombow brush pen which makes is perfect for lettering and drawing. It might take a while to get used to using but it’s a great pen to work with. I’ve not tried the ballpen and I’m not as fond of the brush refill as much as other brush pens so I cannot recommend them.

Have you used this before? What do you think about it?

More links

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