Schon Design “Pocket Six” Fountain Pen Review
- Review Ink: Included cartridge
- Review Paper: Field Notes
Specs:
- Description: A pocket-sized fountain pen with a full-sized nib
- Nib: Bock #6 in broad
- Filling Mechanism: International short cartridge
- Weight: .5oz
- Measurements: ½ inch (12.7mm) in diameter and 3.55” (90.2mm) long when capped. When the cap is posted on the back it is a full 5.2” (132mm) long.
- Color Options: Several – take a look!
Intro/About:
Today we’re taking a look at the “Pocket Six” – a pocket sized fountain pen with a big ol’ #6 nib. I wonder where Ian at Schon Design got the name for this thing anyway? The model we’re taking a look at features an aluminum body with some seriously crazy anodizing with a brass grip and steel nib. Each pen is machined in Ian’s Philadelphia-based workshop and is entirely made in the USA (with the exception of the German nib). Let’s dive in and break down the Pocket Six.
Appearance & Packaging:
The Pocket Six fits in well with Ian’s other pen designs — largely cylindrical with a few design flairs throughout. Made to post, the grip and body are quite small, but when the cap is screwed onto the back (by way of a beefy set of threads), the pen transforms into a full-sized writing machine. The cap has a dome shape to it, while the tail on the body features a flat threaded plateau. All sides of the pen are anodized, which both protects the raw aluminum underneath and makes the pen look straight up wild. I mean, do you see this thing?
Ian calls this finish “Amphibian” – it’s a gold yellow base with a green splotchy overlay that just looks incredible. If you scroll through the rest of his offerings, you’ll see just how intricate and unique all of the anodized patterns are. The finish is smooth and even — a seamless experience throughout.
Back to the pen itself. The Pocket Six is a straight cylinder from cap to grip. The transition from body to grip does have some threads, but they don’t really get in the way while writing. A slim grip that’s tapered on both sides (no inky fingers here) results in a break in the otherwise straight lines of the pen while providing a comfortable writing experience. At the end of the pen, you’ll find the namesake #6 nib – something I’ve only seen on this pen and the Kaweco Supra. It’s not often that you see a pocket pen with a full sized nib. Now, about that nib…
Nib Performance & Filling System:
Like the rest of my pens from recent years, I opted for a broad nib. Ian checks each one before he sends them out the door, ensuring that you get the best possible writing experience you can from a Bock #6. I don’t have any beef with the Bock nib. They’re used a lot throughout the industry. I’ve found them to be smooth enough, middle of the road flow, and reliable – excellent for both beginners and the seasoned fountain pen veteran.
To fill the pen, you have to use an international short cartridge. Kind of a pain in the neck if you like bottled ink. You can refill the cartridge with a syringe or just use some pre-loaded cartridges. For me, I’ll probably just continue to use the cartridges. I’ve yet to find a worthy converter that’s the exact size of an international short cartridge. If you happen to know one that works, sound off in the comments below!
Feel:
In the hand, the Pocket Six feels good. Once capped, it’s a nice size, especially for a pocket pen. The grip is comfortable and I enjoy the extra heft provided by the brass option. Ian’s construction and machining are both top-notch. Threads throughout are smooth and easy to turn, the cap is sealed with an o-ring to prevent inky pocket catastrophes, and it feels tight overall. If you try writing without the cap posted, you’re going to have a bad time. Unless you have the world’s smallest hands.
Pros:
- Beautiful anodizing pattern
- Solid construction throughout
- Full sized nib in a pocket sized pen
Cons:
- Only accepts international short cartridges
- Slightly pricy for a pocket pen at $120
Conclusion:
I’ve been enjoying the Pocket Six quite a bit. It’s large enough so that it’s not strictly a pocket pen when posted, so it’s been spending a lot of its life on my desk. The solid construction, US-made origin, slick design, and unique anodizing make it an excellent option for those out there looking for a smaller pen. I get Kaweco vibes (which is a good thing), but the pen totally stands on its own. It fits in great with the rest of Schon Design’s offerings, and I’m excited to see where he takes it in the future. You can snag your own Pocket Six at the link below.
I bought this sucker with my own hard-earned cash. Please compare this review to others where the pen was given to me for consideration – I think you’ll find they’re largely similar. I value integrity, and I hope you do too. Thanks for reading!
Gallery:
