[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel Excalibur - Black and Stainless - Vintage
Originally published at Rhonda Eudaly. You can comment here or there.
This week is a slightly unusual pen review. It’s more of a “vintage” review. I’m looking at two versions of the Pentel Excalibur which have been permanently. The numbers are going to be FUN. But there’s an interesting (to me) story of how these came to be.
As many of you know, Jimmy has a blog about Pentel P205s. He’s a serious collector and is seen as a bit of an expert by others who also dig that particular pencil. He now has connections in several countries who “What’s App” him all the time about stuff - especially in Brazil. Well, they have sent stuff back and forth - and in one box from Brazil, these two pieces were in it for fun.
**EDITED FOR A NOTE: Jimmy tells me these are NOT from Brazil - they were extras when Jimmy bought the Pentel Salesman Sample Case on Ebay.**
I love them. They’re beautiful. One is black lacquer with gold accents the other is brushed stainless with gold accents. The black has a rubberized grip for some ergonomic comfort. The stainless is a slim line with no seam until the ink guard. There’s some horizontal ribbing (almost like threading but not) for a grip. Both pens are about 5.25” long capped and 5.5” long posted. The caps post securely and they’re comfortable.
The ink is interesting… it’s also discontinued. It is/was a black “fine point”. It was a “BFL5” which may have been a 0.5 but the refill barrel has a Ø 07 on the barrel - so not sure if that’s a 0.7mm. The thing is that these pens seem to have the original ink in them and they STILL WORK and work pretty well. The stainless feels a bit scratchy, but the ink is dark and the rollerballs are still pretty smooth with little scratching and glopping.
There were some compatibilities with other pens, but I’m not sure what the acceptable refill is now - I will check with Pentel or do some experimenting with the oodles of pens, refills, etc. that I have in my possession.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? - 1 Considering I have no idea how old these pens are or the refills in them and everything has been discontinued, it worked AMAZINGLY WELL. Mostly because they work AT ALL
2. Grip and feel - 0.5 - They’re higher end gift type pen. The black has some ergonomics to the grip, but has ridges to dig in. The stainless has a smooth metal barrel with minimal ribbing. It’s smooth but hard.
3. Material - 1 They’re solid metal - and black lacquer - they’re SOLID. Heavy, refillable with good clips and accents.
4. Overall Design - 1 -They’re good, executive pens with great longevity, great function and design.
5. Price Point - 0 - Everything about them is discontinued. You can only find these on auction or reseller sites - so good luck there. They originally ran for $12 - $15 which would’ve been reasonable but pricey. The refillable quality is a wash since I have no idea what to refill them WITH
4.0 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
