When it comes to ballpoint pens, I have an interest in luxury pens. Especially pens from PARKER.
I grew up using PARKER pens, known for its arrow shaped pen clips, and they do make inexpensive pens but they are also known for their high-end luxury pens.
For those not familiar with PARKER, back in 1888, George Safford Parker (who was based in Janesville, Wisconsin) applied for his first pen patent and his philosophy was “It will always be possible to make a better pen”.
And in 1884, Parker would invent an anti-leak system know as “Lucky Curve” and was a break-through in ballpoint pens.
Create quality pens, Parker catered to a high-end crowd and inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, Parker would launch his gold and sterling silver Parker Snake pens. In fact, they are still sold as limited editions and a Parker 18K Gold and Silver Snake Limited Edition Fountain Pen (limited to 500 pieces in gold and 5000 pieces in silver) is sold for $13,250.
The company would develop a Parker Trench pen for soldiers in 1914 and sales would surpass $1 million in 1918.
Fast forward to 1993, PARKER releases the first version of their Sonnet pen, utilizing the use of the Cisele pattern from the original Parker 75. And in 2015, Parker announced enhancements to their Duofold and Sonnet collections encouraging people to slow down, organize their thoughts and embrace better thinking.
Parker was bought by the Gillette Company in 1993 and in 2000, and is currently owned by Sanford (who also acquired Parker’s longtime competition, Waterman).
And now I am review the PARKER Sonnet Ballpoint Pen which is available as a fountain pen, a rollerball pen and a ballpoint pen.
According to PARKER, the PARKER Sonnet pen is handcrafted in France and is individually checked for flawless quality and is full of meticulous details. The pens are engineered for precision and is perfectly weighted and balanced to optimize the twin channel feed and collector system ensuring even supply of ink to the nib.
The version I am reviewing has a premium metal, blue satin varnish barrel witch palladium chrome finish trim and an etched silver cap highlights with an intricate diamond pattern. It has a medium point with black ink refill and comes in a gift box.
The pen is just smooth. Using this pen is just smooth and leaves no mess and the overall pen is elegant.
I love the fact that the chrome arrow clip stands out but I do like the diamond shape patterns of this pen. But it’s a pen that will last a life and the good news for those investing in a PARKER pen, will be happy that the refills are inexpensive. In fact the Parker Quink flow’s are only $12.99 for a set of two packages (each with three refills) or $16.99 for a set of 10 refills.
The PARKER Sonnet pen is offered in four types. The black version features a black opaque lacquer barrel and goes for $106.63, while the blue satin varnish barrel and the other two versions go for $164.
Overall, PARKER makes high quality pens and for those who are looking for a high end business/office ballpoint pen, the PARKER Sonnet pen is recommended!
