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I am quite open about the abuse the pen attached to my Midori Traveller Passport journal takes, Much is the bouncing around in a large cargo pants pocket, bouncing with every step I take. It is now time to consider a change, either from within my existing collection or some thing new.
I have been using my Gravitas Pocket Pen in this role for over a year now and it has been a solid performer, however the vibrations occasionally cause the barrel to unscrew from the cap, resulting in it dropping out. This leaves the nib resting against the cloth in the pocket, absorbing all the ink from the pen. Fortunately it’s been winter and the trousers I wear have been black, so the staining has not been visible. Unfortunately this is starting to happen more. Might just be me not tightening the cap enough or it might be the cap threads wearing slightly.
Regardless of the reason, the pen has been a good trooper and perhaps now is as a good time to change as any, after all variation is part of our hobby. The catch is it either has to fit in a Midori 016 pen loop (about 14mm in my stretched one) else have a suitable clip which will fit in a Midori 015 clip loop (though this is getting soft and the is no longer sold). Additionally the pen should not be longer than ~13cm in length.
So far (part grabbed from the Gravitas review linked above) I have used:
- Lamy Dialog 3 – the inner unit used to regularly start to unscrew. Additionally it is a bit heavy, large and slow to use.
- Pilot E95S – the converter came loose and while bouncing around started to act like a piston so when I took the cap off it was full of ink. Without posting this can be a little small, plus there is the potential the converter to come loose again.
- Pilot Vanishing Point – ink was forced out of the nib/converter and collected behind the trap door. After a while I would go to write and find a drop of ink falling on to the paper.
- Platinum Curidas – as with the Pilot VP, ink was forced out of the nib/converter and collected behind the trap door and would drip when clicking to open.
- Kaweco Sport – when was eye dropper filled it would routinely dump half its ink in the cap and when using a cartridge it was too dry. Additionally, like the Gravitas Pocket Pen, the barrel would occasionally unscrew from the cap.
- Gravitas Pocket Pen – detailed above.
What ever I go for will not be eye dropper filled, learnt my lesson with the Kaweco Sport. Options within my collection include:
- Lamy 2000 – except mine has a medium nib and for this use I would really need a fine.
- Papermate Ninja – a pen from my Fountain Pens for a Fiver articles one and two, though I am not sure it is strong enough and suspect the cap may crack over time.
- Pelikan M200 Cafe Creme – not sure the plastic on plastic threads will keep the cap on with all the bouncing around.
- Platinum 3776 Jade – barrel feels more secure than with the Pelikan, but not much more.
- Platinum 3776 Kumpō – same as above, plus considering the present value of this pen …
Interested to hear any recommendations, just remember the restrictions on length, width, plus any clip must be able to slip over the softened leather edge of the 015 loop.
dapprman 
A Karas Pen Fountain K V2 would seem to fit the bill. The internal o-ring prevents the cap from unscrewing and the dimensions seem to fill the requirements.
It’s a little too thin and short for extended use but seems to fulfill the pocket pen needs quite nicely.
Cheers – might have to look out for second hand ones – no one in the UK has sold them for a while now.
FYI, I’ve frequently carried Pelikan M200s in my planner, and they seem to come unscrewed very easily. In my experience, this is very common with those pens. I don’t have any experience with carrying any of your other pens. Wondering if you might want to consider a fountain pen with a cap that snaps on firmly? That way there’s no chance of a cap unscrewing. Unfortunately, I can’t think of one to recommend right now, but if you can find one with a very firm “snap,” that might work.
I have similar issues. I’ve given up trying to clip my Kaweco sport onto the pen loop (I think I have the larger one) and instead slot it into the loop but clip it on the elastic. Two fasteners help a little and don’t put as much stress on the clip. But it doesnt prevent ink in the cap, or converters wriggling loose.
Ironically, I have just published a pocket pen review on my blog. It is the Elbwood PocketMaster – it might not be perfect for you, but I adore using it myself! https://kraftycats.wixsite.com/kraftycats
Reading now 🙂
I should have added in the review that the cap will not come off unless you want it too. It’s light, but solid!
*To. I hate autocorrect 😆
Seconding the Fountain K. It’s very rugged.
I think the key with the gravitas and Kaweco from unscrewing is to put them in a small pen sleeve.
“It is now time to consider a change, either from within my existing collection or some thing new.”
Couldn’t agree more if you’re referring to your pants. No one over 20 should wear cargo pants.
Based on your pen list I’d try the Kaweco again with a different ink and/or converter. If that fails,it’s not that hard to increase the ink flow a bit.
Ahh, but I pull my cargo pants right up to wear them properly, not exposing half my underwear 😉
By coincidence I am presently using a couple of Kaweco Sports I’ve been leant, as may be properly revealed this or next Friday.
Use a good rollerball pen—no leaks, secure cap, handy refill