How to do a Pen Test (the right way)

[@RachelleinTheory]

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[@Katiedora122]

As a lefty, I've just abandoned intentional smear tests. Some pens can be immediately bad on some paper, so I've just culled down my stash to ones I really like and accepted that it is simply beyond my control🤣 I think my go to pen is a Pilot G-2 0.38 because it is the most consistent across the planner papers I have, but I have some Zebra Sarasa pens that are also really good. I also like to use Marvy LePen or PaperMate Flairs for color on thicker paper because I'd have to be writing wild for that to smudge. I also dabble in fountain pens on Tomoe River paper, but I do find that using a medium or bigger nib prevents scratching and makes me write slow enough to avoid unnecessary smudges.

[@kariannefimland1475]

Yes. Smudges and such happens a lot asxa leftie 😂. I finally found a pen I love. The Curvapen. It has this weird nib and works great for everyone. But when I switch it up with other pens, patience is key. 😅

[@snowhibiscus]

I do these tests on all planners and notebooks I start. Other than doing ballpoint and gel pens I also write a long line of words and test out different highlighters on them to determine which set of stationary should be paired with the notebook. Also using dot highlighters for tasks. I started a new ink swatch book for my new fountain pen obsession and use whole 2 page (front and back) for each ink as the color looks slightly different depending on nib sizes and different pens. Everytime I change to different fountain pen I go back to make new pen test. This was very helpful when I had a bottle of Kaweco smoky grey. Most pens made it barely visible, only good on my Kaweco sport m nib and Twsbi F, M, B nibs.

[@KendallW]

No fountain pens?! j/k, but seriously, no fountain pens?!

[@PlanYourOneLife]

😆I love them too, but not everyone does.😉

[@toryevanss4512]

What's making me nuts is that the Zebra Mildliners don't have a simple number system like the Tombow dual-brush pens. I have pages of pen tests where I'm not exactly sure which ones I was using! Specifically I have like 5 shades of gray in Zebra mildliners and they aren't labeled in a consistent way.

[@PiNCHiJaY]

FYI: the “US” versions of mildliners do have the color names on them. I have a mix of US and Japanese mildliners so I started my own color number system and I always assign a number to my mildliners and keep track on an Excel sheet. It’s an extra step, but I don’t mind lol.

[@ccpippin307]

The press-through effect is one of my favorite parts of the whole thing. But I do have to be careful if I'm using the little tool I have for making curcles, I press too hard and there's an impression on the next page. Not a fan of that. I also test out my favorite inktense colors with and without water since the hobonichi paper isn't stark, bright white.

[@RebecaServinL]

Loved this video! A breakdown of things to look at when testing any writing tool, where and how.

[@HeidiRaatz]

Most reliable pen for all my different notebooks and planners is the Zebra Sarasa MarkOn 0.4. 🙌

[@kariannefimland1475]

My go to pen is the Curvapen! Best pen ever!❤

[@ChantelleArts]

such a fantastic tip, I love it ☺☺☺

[@PiNCHiJaY]

I’m a huge fan of the Pentel Energel pen (in 0.4 or 0.5). It’s on my desk ready to use for my personal planner, everyday writing, and when I WFH. BUT for my work planner and when I’m in the office I have to have a Uni Jetstream 4&1 (Peanuts edition). And I always have a “soda blue” Mildliner nearby.

[@ccss9707]

What planner is tour taking noteplanner? The brand please

[@ccss9707]

What planner is the week planner?

[@katismith]

I like the Uniball Signo .38 RT in blue/black. I have written 3 dry and I'm days away from writing the 4th dry.

[@nzmnisam]

Pen testing before Kali Linux