Penco Multi Pen Review: A Retro Metal Multi-Pen Made for Your Notebook

Introduction

The Penco Multi Pen is the kind of stationery that wins you over before you even unscrew anything. It looks like a plain metal rod, carries a subtle pocket clip logo, and skips every color label and flourish you would expect from a multi pen. The design comes from Penco, the main brand of Hightide, a stationery company founded in 1994 and based in Fukuoka, Japan. Much of the Penco line leans into an American retro feel, and this pen is a textbook example of that aesthetic.

The version reviewed here is the silver finish, priced at 3,080 yen including tax. It packs a 0.5mm black ballpoint, a red ballpoint, and a pencil mechanism into one slim twist-action body. After spending real writing time with it, the honest summary is this: it is more refined than expected, with a size and feel that make it an excellent planner companion.

First Impressions and Design

Out of the package, the first thing that stands out is how unadorned the pen is. The only branding is a small logo on the clip, and there are no color markings anywhere on the barrel. The body is brass with a matte coating over it, and the silver finish has a glossy, shine-style paint rather than a rough texture. It is not a tough-looking finish, but it catches light nicely.

The retro, understated look is the appeal. It genuinely reads as “almost just a metal rod,” which is exactly the charm this design is going for. Available colors include silver, charcoal, ivory, and bronze, so there is a finish for most tastes.

In the hand, the surface feels smooth with a slight grab to it, so even writers with dry hands should not find it slippery. The clip is stiff and secure, though because it sits thin against the barrel, resting a finger on it while writing is noticeable but not a real annoyance.

Size and Everyday Carry

This is a compact, slim multi pen, especially for a twist-action design. For comparison, it is close in girth to the Autohut Ohto needle-point style slim pens and noticeably thinner than chunky four-color multi pens like the Jetstream 4&1. Total length is 130mm, weight is 19.8g, and the barrel diameter is 8.5mm.

The size really earns its keep next to a planner. Next to a Bible-size planner it fits comfortably, and next to an M5 planner it is only slightly larger than the book itself. If you carry a paper planner daily, this pairing is one of the strongest reasons to consider it.

Mechanism and Usability

The pen is a twist-extension design: rotate the ring in the middle of the barrel to deploy either ballpoint refill. The center ring has knurling so you can grip it confidently, and the twist keeps spinning freely in either direction. It operates with a soft mechanical sound rather than a loud ratchet click, so using it around other people should not draw attention.

For the pencil, you extend the lead by knocking the pen the way you would with a regular mechanical pencil. Tip wobble on the pencil is minimal, which bodes well for the writing feel. Refills are replaced by pulling the barrel apart, and the included D1-size refills can be swapped for alternatives in the same format, such as Acro Ink or Jetstream refills. That flexibility is a big deal for dialing in the writing experience.

The pen also includes a small built-in eraser, and the weight sits high in the body, giving it a balanced, substantial feel despite the light overall weight.

How It Writes

The black ballpoint lays down a dark, confident line with a pleasant, slightly textured feel. It is not glassy-smooth, but the feedback is the good kind, and the ink density is satisfying.

The red refill is the weaker of the two: the line is a touch lighter and occasional skipping shows up. If red writing matters to you, swapping in a D1 alternative refill is an easy fix.

The pencil writes with a soft, slightly airy feel and surprisingly dark output, around the darkness of a 2B lead. Among the three modes, the pencil mechanism shows the most tip wobble, but it remains perfectly usable for margin notes and quick lists.

Who This Product Is For

This pen makes the most sense for two overlapping groups: stationery fans who love quiet, retro metal design, and planner users who want a pen that genuinely matches the size of their notebook. The high-quality finish, pleasant weight balance, non-slip grip, and planner-friendly dimensions are the standout strengths, and the ability to upgrade to Jetstream or Acro Ink refills sweetens the deal considerably.

If you prefer thick-barreled pens, this is not your pen. The slim profile is deliberate, and writers who want a chunky grip should look elsewhere. Everyone else, especially notebook-first users, will find the proportions a genuine highlight.

Things to Consider Before Buying

There is little to complain about here, but two points deserve a mention. First, the slim barrel will not suit fans of wider pens. Second, the clip is thin, so you will feel it under your writing hand at times, though it never caused real discomfort during testing.

Overall, this turned out to be a more polished multi pen than expected. The texture and design are the main draws, the writing experience is solid rather than spectacular, and the refill upgrade path meaningfully raises its ceiling. For anyone drawn to understated metal barrels, it is an easy recommendation.

Buying Advice

Buy the Penco Multi Pen if you want a retro-styled, slim metal multi pen and you carry a paper planner. Match the finish to your planner and, if the stock refills do not suit your taste, drop in a D1 Jetstream or Acro Ink refill to tailor the writing feel. If you prefer thick pens or need a heavyweight writer, look at wider multi pens instead.

Conclusion

The Penco Multi Pen is a quietly confident tool: brass body, matte finish, twist-action multi-function layout, and a size that slots neatly beside a planner. The black refill writes well, the pencil is pleasantly dark, and the red refill is the only soft spot, easily remedied with an aftermarket refill. For planner lovers and fans of unpretentious metal stationery, it is well worth a look.