John M. Setzler, Jr.

There are certain things that have been around so long that no one ever really considers opportunities for improvement.  During recent years, the standard ball-point and other ink pens that we use on a daily basis have started a transformation to ergonomically correct formats that have included wider and softer grips.  In more recent history, I have started seeing the PenAgain by Pacific Writing Instruments line of ink pens on the shelves at our favorite shopping places. 

I am one of the nerds who never really learned to hold a pen or pencil correctly.  My grip on a writing utensil includes my right thumb and every other finger on my hand except the pinkie.  It’s an odd habit that my parents even heckled me about.  I had to make a stop by my local office supply store this afternoon to pick up a few things, and I saw this pen again, so I decided to buy one.  Knowing that my unorthodox grip on a pen or pencil would make using this pen difficult, I decided I would give it a try anyway. 

When I got home with my goods, I cut open the package and tried to write with this pen.  This pen forces me to hold it correctly.  The shape and size of the pen won’t let me hold it my way.  When I started to write with it, I was pleasantly surprised.  It wasn’t uncomfortable at all.  I think I might be able to make the adjustment and actually use this new design :)

In the future, I would love to see a model of this pen with the finger loop closed so it could possibly be attached to a neck lanyard…