While not flashy, Tombow ballpoint pens are well-made and exceptionally solid writers. I can’t tell you how many times these ballpoints have been recommended to me by pen enthusiast friends as an under-the-radar workhorse.

What makes this particular ballpoint pen unique - in addition to the D1 refill adapter that makes it incredibly versatile - is the shape. The barrel does not taper at all until just near the tip, and the cylindrical shape and coated metal construction lend this pen excellent balance. To extend and retract the refill, twist the back end of the pen.

As I mentioned, this ballpoint uses a D1 refill, so in addition to the included Tombow .5mm D1 refill, you can use the excellent Uniball Jetstream D1 or any other gel or ballpoint ink that uses this particular format.

Additional refills from Tombow are available for purchase separately.