Saturday, February 26, 2022

Newest Acquisitions (Virtual "Show & Tell") ~ part 333

Today, we'll be featuring a couple of non-fountain pen writing instruments - my Sheaffer 'VFM' rollerball and ballpoint pens...

(~please click on images to enlarge~)


 I actually remember when this line of entry-level rollerballs, ballpoints and fountain pens came out in 2010. 'VFM' stands for "Vibrant, Fun, Modern" and the pens are available in a multitude of colours. It was the white rollerball and ballpoint versions (in Nikaido's clearance section) that caught my eye, though...and I knew I had to have them. They reminded me of something familiar....but what??


                                                        Oh, yeah - these guys ;)



                                                                  A perfect match!



I love the contrast between the shiny pen body and the matte trim, the simple elegance of the black & white, and the clean looking designs. The pens also feel great in the hand--the metal is smooth and cool to the touch--and the ballpoint makes a satisfying 'click'. The clips are rather tight, but I don't clip them to my clothing, so it's a non-factor for me. My only real complaint is that my rollerball's cap doesn't like to stay posted (I found the same issue with my Cross' 'Calais' rollerball). The inner cap liner is the culprit, but I'm not sure how to fix that issue. I tried putting a small strip of tape inside the cap (near the cap lip) but that didn't help.

Although the 'VFM' fountain pen takes international cartridges (which is rare for a Sheaffer fountain pen), the ballpoint and rollerballs only take Sheaffer's proprietary refills. These refills can be found at stores like Staples and London Drugs, in addition to pen shops.


                                              The pen is mightier than the E-11 blaster!


                                       Stormtrooper guarding my goodies from Nikaido
 

Despite the posting issue with the rollerball, I'm very happy with my Sheaffer 'VFM' ballpoint and rollerball. Many thanks to Sara & Joe of Nikaido for the pens, and their excellent customer service!

(photos and review by Maja)

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