We talk a lot about how a pen or pencil writes,
but today, we’ll be focusing on the different types of grips they have.
From knurled to ergonomic grip sections, keep watching to see which one best suits you!
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Let’s get started!
Our favorite type of grip is the cushioned grip,
which is usually made of silicone.
It’s comfortable to hold and helps reduce physical strain during long periods of writing.
The Pilot Dr. Grip series incorporates even more thoughtful features with its double layer grip design
the outer layer is firm
while the inner layer is soft,
resulting in a balanced softness.
It’s so comfortable to use that it received an “Ease-of-Use” Commendation from the American Arthritis Foundation!
Some Dr. Grip pencils let you customize your writing experience,
like the CL Play Balance Shaker.
Each pencil comes with two types of inner grip section parts:
silicone ones for cushioning and reducing weight,
and metal ones for firmness and adding weight.
You can configure the grip in any order with eight possible weight and center of gravity combinations!
The Uni Alpha Gel series is also well-known for its ergonomic benefits,
boasting its trademark squishy “gel” grip.
Because of how cushy it is, it helps prevent calluses from forming or worsening.
The mechanical pencils come in Firm, Medium Firm, and Soft grip versions.
If wide barrels aren’t your style, slim Alpha Gel pencils are also available.
The squishy grips may attract dust more quickly than others,
so we suggest storing the pen or pencil in a dust-free environment like a pen case or desk drawer.
Triangular grips are designed to encourage a traditional tripod grasp and help prevent hand fatigue.
They’re often found on beginner writing tools like student pencils or novice fountain pens.
Wooden pencils usually have triangular bodies, while pens may limit the shape to just the grip section.
The LAMY Safari makes its chiseled triangular grip part of its iconic design,
with its recessed grooves guiding your thumb, index finger, and middle finger into a tripod position.
Within the series, the fountain pens have more obvious indentations than the rollerballs, ballpoints, and mechanical pencils,
since the nib needs to be at a specific angle for writing.
Like its name suggests, the Staedtler Triplus Jumbo Learner’s Pencil has an oversized design.
The thick triangular body is ideal for teaching the tripod grip to children.
It’s also a great choice for adults who find standard pencils too slim.
However, since it’s wider, it does require a larger sharpener.
While not entirely triangular, the Kokuyo ME Gel Pen features a uniquely flattened and textured surface on one side.
This flat surface promotes a proper grasp by providing a comfortable place to rest your thumb whether you’re right- or left-handed.
Today, most pens come with some sort of rubber grip for cushioning,
but some add their own twist for extra comfort and stability.
To ensure it won’t slip out of your fingers, the Pentel Calme Ballpoint Pen boasts a long, leather-like grip section.
It takes inspiration from camera grips, and its texture resembles them as well.
Because the grip covers so much of the pen body,
you’re sure to have a stable grasp no matter where you hold your pen.
Designed to accommodate writers with thinner fingers,
the Zebra Airfit LT Mechanical Pencil has a slim, translucent grip with a diameter of 10.4 mm.
A layer of air between the grip and pen body provides extra cushioning.
We had to give a mention to natural grips made of wood or cork, even though they’re not as common.
Wood grips are typically found on higher quality pens and pencils.
They provide a luxurious look without being overly heavy.
The Pilot S30 Drafting Pencil is made with resin-infused birch wood that’s polished to have a smooth, velvety feel.
It offers a low center of gravity and curved body shape to maximize comfort and stability.
Since the wood has been treated with resin, it’s more resistant to moisture than untreated wood.
The Pilot FriXion Ball 4 Wood Multi Pen also features resin-infused wood,
although it’s limited to the grip section only.
The distinct accent has a subtle wood grain pattern, giving the pen a sophisticated look and feel.
And since the barrel is wider, it’s more comfortable to write with.
Grips made of cork are less common, but they have several advantages.
Cork is very lightweight, retains heat fairly well, and is slightly textured which allows for a better grip, so your fingers won’t slip.
The E+M Gemini Nib Holder may appear humble, but artists and calligraphers can reap the benefits of using its cork grip section.
However, because natural cork is absorbent, any ink stains will be difficult to remove.
Metal blend grips provide weight, stability, and oftentimes a lower center of gravity.
They’re generally found on technical pens and pencils for added precision in writing or drawing.
The Uni Jetstream Edge Ballpoint Pen offers a lightly ridged metal grip section
and a hexagonal plastic barrel that widens gradually from top to tip, giving the pen a comfortably wide grip.
It also has a low center of gravity and satisfying weight for improved control.
The Pentel Orenz Nero Mechanical Pencil is made with a special metal resin-blend.
Unlike other pens and pencils, its barrel and grip section are made of one seamless piece,
adding stability and eliminating the annoyance of rattling or loose parts.
And despite being made of firm metal, the grip is comfortable to hold–
thanks to its slightly rounded texture, you don’t need to apply much pressure to keep it steady.
Lastly, there’s the knurled grip.
Also made of metal, it features a textured pattern of straight, angled or crossed lines.
Smooth, metal grip sections can be slippery, and knurled surfaces help you get a better grip on your pen.
They’re commonly found on professional drafting pencils like the Pentel GraphGear 1000,
which also has raised rubber sections for extra cushioning.
The Rotring 600 Series also uses knurled grips, offering all-metal brass bodies, solid construction, and a distinct hexagonal shape.
Although knurled grips provide a reliable, slip resistant experience, they accumulate dust easily and can be difficult to clean.
We recommend using an old toothbrush with a bit of water to remove debris!
Let us know which type of grip section you prefer to write with!
You can find all the pens and pencils linked in the description below
and at JetPens.com, the place for pen and stationery lovers.
So you can- [sound effects]
[laughing]
You couldn't see it but I also was making a trippod grip while making the sounds.
However- oh lemme test, lemme just test. However since it's wider it does require a larger sharpener. [laughing]
However, since its wider it does require- [laughing]
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching fam!