The Suspect: Staedtler Triplus Fineliners

Ever since my partner-in-crime sent me on a hunt (which I whole-heartedly volunteered for) for multi-colored 0.3mm pens, I've been keeping a wide-eye. He had borrowed some from a co-conspirator before and liked how he was able to fit a lot more writing on a small index card.

While wandering around a normal office supplies store on this particular quest, I noticed just how many pens didn't list their point size. So eye-balling it, I purchased a few different brands, thinking if some didn't work out I would at least come away with some new school supplies. 

My eyes caught a stylish package of 10 marker pens, the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners. The almost-unseen 0.3mm size and moderate pricing ($8 at Staples), was enough for me to scoop them up.

Good work.

On the surface, I was intrigued by their long physique. But gave them the benefit of the doubt and wrote it off as extra room for ink— my only fear was that it would make it uncomfortable to write with, but my wariness quickly wore off after I wrote with them for the first time. They were more than comfortable, to say the least.

I have a sneaky suspicion the triangular-shaped barrel wasn’t for visual effect, it was obviously ergonomically-designed for comfort and it doesn’t leave your hand cramping after long periods of writing (or doodling).

The 0.3mm tip was a perfect fit for post-it notes and jotting down appointments in a pocket calendar. The writing is still legible, no bleeding lines, and it has a broad enough stroke that you can still see the difference in colors. It is one of those writing utensils that you think actually improves your handwriting for you; a true treasure.

I should add that the pens are designed to last, the tips wont dry out if you leave the cap off and even the package was designed for long-wear— a durable, semi-transparent plastic with notches for each individual pen and designed so that  the lid can be used to elevate them while on your desk (see photo). I am a fan of keeping them in my own supply cubbies, but it works out great for the real recipient of these pens.

This Sleuth, personally, is holding out for the 20 color-pack and it’s customized roll-out carrying case— neither of which I have seen in any store near me, but defiantly plan to do some checking into for future blog posts.