Many of us like retractable fountain pens. Not all are based around a bolt or knock, some are twist, and in reality not all can be opened one handed despite that being an often used excuse behind the purchase.

None are perfect, the designs used to bypass the need for a cap all have compromises, primarily resulting in ink evaporation though also the comfort factor in the hand as well as the position often used for the clip. Still we buy more and that leads me to this post.

Above you see the retractable fountain pens presently in my possession. Three have been leant to me by United Inkdom for review (a fourth I have already reviewed). Two you may have seen for sale on the table I had at a couple of London Pen Shows (the Storm Trooper VP and the Lamy Dialog 3). One is kept in my drawer, one is in my daily use set, and one is missing as it is not due to arrive till mid to late March (a Kickstarter purchase).

The following are presently inked, and from there you will be able to guess the upcoming reviews (and which pen is in my daily use collection).

• Pilot Decimo – Pilot Iroshizuku Momiji
• Ensso Bolt – Diamine Apple Glory
• Endless Stationary Creative – Diamine Teal
• Platinum Curidas – Platinum Mixables, Kumpō recipe

As said, there is an additional pen coming, an Endless Stationary Phantom. The hope was for the end of this month but should now be mid to late March. Also note I previously reviewed a loaned Luoshi 3859 as part of my piece on cheap Chinese pens of original design.