About three months ago Baron Fig released something new into the wild: a brass version of their popular Squire rollerball pen paired with a notebook called Lock & Key. Why this was such unique release is because their Squire pens have traditionally been made from aluminum, so digging into the "heavy stuff" was definitely newsworthy.
This lead us to speculate that there would someday be other metals used in later releases, but never expected it to be so soon!
To my surprise a few weeks ago I got a message from Baron Fig letting me in on a sneak peek of their newest Squire that would also be breaking the mold a bit being made of stainless steel which was exciting news.
They were kind enough to send a sample my way to check out and give my thoughts on, so special thanks to them.
I do enjoy a good weighty pen, but sometimes tend to stray from brass/copper (although they always feel super awesome) due to the smell of using them at times. I've found that for me personally stainless steel is a great alternative when brands offer it to give the "heft" but without the smell of old pennies.
The first thing I noticed when opening the parcel from Baron Fig was that the pen was no longer housed in the tubes/cylinders that they've normally come in, but a box similar in style to their Confidant notebooks. Very minimal with an all dark grey aesthetic and a silver foil profile of the Squire pen design. Inside the pen was nestled in a custom foam insert.
I actually like the shift, and I'm sure they are easier to stack on the shelf!
Upon removing it from the packaging, the pen is definitely hefty! 1.7oz doesn't seem like a lot, but in a somewhat smaller pen it is considerable. And, it feels like a sturdy tank.
One thing I really like about the Squire is it's fluid, teardrop shape. Most pens are either a stick or are usually always more bulbous in the middle, but this shape pushes the majority of the weight down towards the page which makes being top heavy pretty much non-existent. And, the shape feels easy to hold.
The Squire is also a pocket or sleeve carry only pen as it is clipless.
From a branding perspective, the stainless edition shares the same "sword" on one side and "BARON FIG" on the other, but being laser etched against raw, silvery metal it is a bit more subtle when compared to the anodized aluminum versions where it really pops.
This version really is such a striking model. I'll admit, I am a bit of a sucker for very monochrome, metallic design, and love the uniformity and silver bullet, streamlined visual it creates. To some the pen might be just another "boring metal pen", but to me it pushes all the buttons.
As with the other Squire pens it uses the popular Schmidt P8126 rollerball refill (Baron Fig branded) which is super smooth and lays down consistent dark lines. I'm so glad over the last few years more and more pens are using this refill as it really is rock solid and appeals to more people than traditional ballpoints. And, the twist mechanism they use works really, really well and I enjoy how the knock incorporates so nicely with the design.
Without a doubt, this pen is heavy for its size. I would say for people sensitive to weighty pens this one may be a no-go, but if you don't mind a heavier experience this one won't disappoint.
From a price point, the stainless Squire has a $30 price increase over the aluminum versions which is a pretty big hike, but this doesn't feel uncommon with many brands that carry both metals. Just depends on if the extra weight and durability (and the sleek, silver look) is worth the extra ask for you personally.
Special thanks again to Baron Fig for sending the stainless steel Squire for review. What material is next?...
What do you think of the Squire? Have you used one?