Sakura Craft Lab 004 Review: The Series' Only Multi-Pen

Introduction

The Sakura Craft Lab series has built a loyal following with its yearly releases, each numbered pen bringing its own character and finish. The Sakura Craft Lab 004 holds a special place in that lineup: it is the series’ only multi-pen. Priced at 8,800 yen, it sits firmly in premium territory, combining a 0.4mm black gel ballpoint, a 0.4mm red gel ballpoint, and a 0.5mm mechanical pencil in one compact body.

This pen had been on the wishlist for a long time before this review, and after extended handling and writing, it is easy to see both why it appeals and where its quirks lie.

First Impressions and Design

The packaging follows the familiar Craft Lab format, a box with the Sakura emblem pressed at the center, this time in a reddish tint. Past editions have leaned green or blue, so the series has always varied its box colors. The usual triangular clip ornament is included as well.

The design is clearly based on the Craft Lab 001, so it feels entirely at home within the series. The ash grey finish chosen here is a calm, muted anodized aluminum with a fine linear texture. Color options are Bottle Green, Ebony, Ash Grey, and Garnet Red, with black also available.

The grip section uses a copper and brass alloy containing more than 50 percent copper, with a slightly rough, textured feel that delivers real grip. That distinctive surface character is easy to warm to. The barrel diameter is neither too thick nor too thin and sits comfortably in the hand. The nose cone is small and straight-lined, and the clip features a hole at its center with a wide contact surface, making it very easy to clip onto a pocket or cover.

At 133mm long, 27g in weight, and 10mm at the grip, the pen is slightly shorter than typical multi-pens, giving it a composed, compact presence that suits planners and smaller notebooks well.

The Twist Mechanism

Instead of a knock mechanism, the 004 uses a twist action: rotating the barrel extends and retracts the refills. A knurled ring at the center gives purchase for turning, though in practice it is not the part you naturally grip.

The knock feel when a refill extends is clear and satisfying, without the rattly character of some multi-pens. The twist action has a defined stop rather than spinning endlessly. The mechanical pencil is knock-operated, with a slightly firm but solid knock feel, and refills are swapped by rotating the tip section. Rotating the side dial reveals a small built-in eraser.

Writing Performance

The stock refills are 0.4mm pigment gel cartridges in black and red, in a D1 format. Because the D1 standard is widely shared, swapping to other refills is straightforward if you prefer a different ink character.

The Sakura refill has a distinctive slightly scratchy, toothy writing feel, but it is not unpleasant, and the red ink writes smoothly as well. The mechanical pencil is arguably the most natural of the three to use, with a comfortable, easy stroke.

There is a slight wobble at the tip on both the pencil and the ballpoint, but within what most people would consider acceptable tolerance.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The main caveat is weight balance. The center of gravity sits near the middle of the barrel, which is unusual for a multi-pen, but the pen leans rear-heavy. Shift your grip slightly and writing becomes harder, and when knocking the pencil the pull toward the rear is noticeable enough to require attention.

The second point is the scratchy stock refill feel, which will not suit everyone. That said, the D1 format makes it simple to swap in a smoother alternative, so this is more a matter of preference than a flaw.

Buying Advice

The 004 suits readers who want a compact, understated multi-pen that pairs naturally with planners and smaller notebooks, and who value fine finishing details like the textured grip and easy-clip design. If you prefer front-weighted pens or a completely smooth stock refill, weigh the rear-heavy balance and the possibility of swapping refills before committing. At 8,800 yen it is a considered purchase, but the build quality and the uniqueness within the series give it real appeal.

Conclusion

The Sakura Craft Lab 004 is a handsome, well-built multi-pen with a satisfying twist action, a comfortable compact size, and versatile D1 refills. Its rear-heavy balance and slightly scratchy stock ink are the only real reservations, and both are manageable. For anyone already fond of the Craft Lab series, the only multi-pen in the lineup is well worth a look.