One of my favorite product review categories is products I’ve used for years and have never reviewed. Many times, I’m simply too busy enjoying the product to spill a few hundred words on it. But I clearly love a product if it has lasted that long in my writing rotation, so I may as well share my thoughts now, right?
The CW&T Pen Type-C is one of those pens that is perfect for me, but is not for everyone. One look at its design will tell you that. This is a thin pen - so thin that it can be used as a bookmark - with just enough space on the short sides of the rectangular shape to make it work for my traditional tripod grip. I’d almost say it is comfortable to hold, although it wouldn’t be my longform writing implement of choice.
When I’ve discussed this pen in the past on the podcast or in my newsletter, I always bring up the fact that this design reminds me of those old wire-flip ballpoint pens. You know, the kind found in baskets on the counter in the unskippable gift shop at the end of the museum. Or like this one I recently found on eBay:
Comparing the Pen Type-C to a swag pen is unfair, given the over-engineering CW&T puts into every product they make. That’s why this pen is always handy, and frequently in use. In fact, I emptied out its current refill while copying a few lyrics for this post in my Field Notes.
That’s where this pen sits most of the time, clipped inside the front cover. It is so thin I can throw it in my pocket, bag, or backpack, and not have to worry about any additional bulk added by a more traditional cylindrical pen or pencil. On top of that, it uses a great refill in the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto, and in a unique way.
Wrote it dry - oops!
Most pens of this stature use a D1 type refill, but CW&T, as they do, went a different direction. Their Pen Type-A was purpose built for the traditional Pilot Hi-Tec-C refill, and the Pen Type-B followed suit. How could they keep the feel of this great refill, and make a slim pen like the Pen Type-C? They popped the end off the Coleto refill.
This refill is designed to fit Pilot’s popular multi pen lineup, and each refill has a plastic attachment designed to be used as the knock when inserted into a Coleto barrel. Pull off that knock and -BOOM- perfect refill length and diameter for the Pen Type-C.
“But Brad, isn’t this too fidgety for a pen?” Yes! I refer you back to my original comment that this is not a pen for everyone. It can be uncomfortable to hold. You can stab yourself if you aren’t paying attention when “uncapping” the pen. The refill is extra fine. The refill is also exposed. It’s protected by the wire so it won’t ink places it shouldn’t be inking, but, oddly enough, it never dries out. That is not something I can explain. Not once I have ever snapped this pen into use and had it not write. It’s uncanny.
Uncanny is a good descriptor for this pen. Who in their right mind would make this? CW&T, that’s who. And not just this titanium version I have been using since launch. They have expanded their barrel materials, color range, and finish type greatly, and are always experimenting, so different models do move in and out of stock frequently.
At $60 for the base version, I have gotten my money’s worth out of it. Depending on the factors listed above, the price can go up to $80 for special finishes, and higher for limited collaborations.
Given how much I use mine, I need to buy a few extra refills because I am currently out. Or, I could just open up the new Neon Green Cerakote Pen Type-C I added during their recent 55 66 88 Kickstarter campaign, which, in typical CW&T fashion, went absolutely sideways on them, but completed successfully. Sometimes I don’t know how they do it, but I’m glad they do.
(This product was purchased by me as part of the original CW&T Pen Type-C Kickstarter campaign in 2019.)
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!
