{"id":194932,"date":"2026-09-29T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one-horizon.ch\/journal\/a-comparison-of-stilform-pens\/"},"modified":"2026-09-30T17:56:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T15:56:40","slug":"a-comparison-of-stilform-pens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one-horizon.ch\/en\/journal\/a-comparison-of-stilform-pens\/","title":{"rendered":"Stilform Pens Explained: A Comparison of AEON, PEN, FLOW, ARC, and INK"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stilform names its pens after series, not after colors or materials: AEON is the pencil with a magnetically interchangeable tip (and, alongside it, a twist-action ballpoint pen), PEN is the ballpoint pen with a magnetic cap, FLOW is the rollerball pen, ARC is the gel pen, and INK is the fountain pen. Each series is available in aluminum; most are also available in titanium, and some in brass, magnesium, or 24-karat gold. This guide explains what distinguishes the five series, which refill fits which pen, and which Stilform<\/a> pen is best suited for which type of writing. <\/p>\n\n

Five Series, One Principle<\/h2>\n\n

All Stilform pens are based on the same concept: a sleek metal body with no visible mechanism, no clip, no click button, and no unnecessary engraving. What sets them apart lies inside: the writing system. A pencil with a metal tip writes differently than a gel pen with a 0.3-millimeter refill, and a fountain pen with a gold nib is a different tool than a ballpoint pen for your back pocket. The confusion arises because the pens look almost identical from the outside and come in the same eight colors, ranging from Comet Grey to Velvet Berry. The table clears things up. <\/p>\n\n

Series<\/th>Writing System<\/th>Latch or Mechanism<\/th>Length<\/th>Weight (aluminum)<\/th>Rock or Paper<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
AEON pencil<\/td>Pencil<\/td>magnetically interchangeable tip<\/td>134.6 mm (Nano 94.9 mm)<\/td>27 g (Nano 23 g)<\/td>Eternal pencil lead (such as 2H) or HB \/ 2B graphite<\/td><\/tr>
AEON ballpoint pen<\/td>Ballpoint pen<\/td>concealed rotating mechanism in the tip<\/td>Not specified<\/td>Not specified<\/td>G2 standard, e.g., Schmidt P900<\/td><\/tr>
PEN<\/td>Ballpoint pen<\/td>self-aligning magnetic cap<\/td>137 mm<\/td>60 g<\/td>G2 standard, e.g., Schmidt P900<\/td><\/tr>
FLOW<\/td>Ballpoint pen<\/td>Magnetic cap<\/td>137 mm<\/td>35 g<\/td>Schmidt P8127 (also P8126, P8120)<\/td><\/tr>
ARC<\/td>Gel pen<\/td>Magnetic cap, anti-roll body<\/td>142.5 mm<\/td>35 g<\/td>Pilot Juice Up LP3RF, 0.3 \/ 0.4 \/ 0.5 mm<\/td><\/tr>
INK<\/td>Fountain pen<\/td>Magnetic cap, converter included<\/td>152 mm<\/td>70 g<\/td>Pen Type 076 by Peter Bock, EF \/ F \/ M \/ B<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Dimensions and weights are from stilform.com and apply to the aluminum version. Titanium and brass weigh more, while magnesium weighs less; more on that below. <\/p>\n\n

AEON Pencil: A tip that doesn’t get shorter<\/h2>\n\n

The AEON pencil<\/a> is the product that made Stilform famous. The tip is held in place magnetically inside the barrel: just pull it out, snap on a new one, and you\u2019re done. There are two types of tips. The Eternal tip is made of a non-toxic metal alloy that leaves a mark on paper similar to a hard 2H pencil and wears down so slowly that Stilform describes it as having a practically unlimited lifespan. The graphite tip is made of real graphite in HB or 2B\u2014softer and darker\u2014and wears down gradually; it can be sharpened with fine sandpaper. If you order the Eternal version, both tips are included. If you choose only the graphite version, you can purchase the Eternal tip<\/a> separately later. <\/p>\n\n

There are three aluminum versions within the series, and this is where the second common source of confusion lies. The AEON<\/a> features a wood veneer accent on the barrel, is 134.6 mm long, and weighs 27 g. The AEON Pure<\/a> is the same pen without the wood\u2014all metal\u2014and has the same dimensions. The AEON Nano<\/a> is the shorter version, measuring 94.9 mm and weighing 23 g, designed to fit in a jacket pocket or a notebook with a pen loop. All three have flattened sides to prevent them from rolling off the table, and all three use the same nibs. <\/p>\n\n

In addition, there are material variations featuring the same mechanism: titanium<\/a> in matte, DLC-coated, or polished finishes; brushed brass<\/a>, which develops a patina over time; magnesium<\/a>, the lightest version; and the AEON 24k Gold<\/a> with a gold-plated body and wood. For a detailed look at how the Eternal pencil performs in everyday use, see the article on the AEON pencil<\/a>. <\/p>\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Stilform\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tAEON Bleistift Aluminium<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Bleistift aus Aluminium mit magnetisch wechselbarer Spitze. Die Eternal-Spitze schreibt jahrelang ohne Nachspitzen, die Graphit-Spitze liefert klassisches HB-Gef\u00fchl. 134,6 mm\u2026<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

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CHF<\/span> 89.00<\/span> –<\/span> CHF<\/span> 125.00<\/span>Price range: CHF 89.00 through CHF 125.00<\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tView product\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Stilform\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tAEON Nano Bleistift Aluminium<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Der kurze AEON: 94,9 mm statt 134,6 mm, damit er in Jackentasche und Notizbuch-Schlaufe passt. 23 g, Aluminium, magnetischer Spitzenwechsel\u2026<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

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CHF<\/span> 59.00<\/span> –<\/span> CHF<\/span> 79.00<\/span>Price range: CHF 59.00 through CHF 79.00<\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tView product\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n
\n\n
\"Stilform<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n
\"Stilform<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n
\"Hand<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n
\"Hand<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n
\"Eternal<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n
\"Stilform<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n
\"Stilform<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n
\"Stilform<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n
\"Stilform<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n
\"Stilform<\/a><\/figure>\n\n<\/figure>\n\n

AEON Ballpoint Pens or PEN: Two ballpoint pens, two mechanisms<\/h2>\n\n

That\u2019s the question we get asked most often. Stilform makes two ballpoint pens, and both use the same G2-standard refill. The difference lies in the mechanism. The AEON ballpoint pen<\/a> has a concealed twist mechanism: You twist the front part of the barrel, and the refill extends; there\u2019s no visible button on the outside. The tip features a guilloch\u00e9 pattern\u2014a finely engraved design that serves as a grip zone. It\u2019s available in aluminum and titanium<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

Instead, the PEN ballpoint pen<\/a> has a cap that closes magnetically and aligns itself as it does so. No threads, no click. When writing, you attach the cap to the back, where it also holds magnetically and shifts the center of gravity backward. Weighing 60 g in aluminum, it\u2019s significantly heavier than the AEON pencil; the titanium version<\/a> weighs 75 g, and the brass one<\/a> even more. If you want a pen that you can open with one hand and slip into your shirt pocket, go for the AEON ballpoint pen. If you like the weight and the gesture of unscrewing the cap, go for the PEN. <\/p>\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Stilform\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tAEON Kugelschreiber Aluminium<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Kugelschreiber aus Aluminium mit verdeckter Drehmechanik: kein sichtbarer Knopf, keine Klemme, nur eine durchgehende Silhouette. Die guillochierte Struktur an der\u2026<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

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CHF<\/span> 99.00<\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tView product\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Stilform\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tPEN Kugelschreiber Aluminium<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Kugelschreiber mit magnetischer Kappe statt Klickmechanik: sie richtet sich beim Schliessen selbst aus und sitzt ohne Spiel. 137 mm, 60\u2026<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

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CHF<\/span> 99.00<\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tView product\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n

FLOW Rollerball Pen: A Cross Between a Ballpoint Pen and a Fountain Pen<\/h2>\n\n

A rollerball pen writes with liquid ink instead of ballpoint ink. The result is a richer, darker line that requires less pressure to write, without the maintenance of a fountain pen. The FLOW<\/a> uses the Schmidt P8127 from the Black Forest, a reservoir-style refill that writes from the very first stroke\u2014even after sitting in a drawer for days. The Schmidt P8126 and P8120 are also compatible, so you\u2019re not limited to a single brand. The barrel is 137 mm long and weighs 35 g in aluminum; the cap closes magnetically. As with the PEN, it\u2019s available in titanium<\/a> and brass<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

One thing you need to know: Always make sure the cap is completely closed after writing. An exposed rollerball refill will dry out at the tip, and that\u2019s the most common reason for skipping in rollerball pens. If you\u2019re the type of person who constantly leaves your pen open on the table, you\u2019re better off with a ballpoint pen. <\/p>\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Stilform\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tFLOW Tintenroller Aluminium<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Tintenroller mit Schmidt P8127 Mine: fliesst williger als ein Kugelschreiber, ohne die Wartung eines F\u00fcllers. 137 mm, 35 g, Aluminium\u2026<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

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CHF<\/span> 109.00<\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tView product\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n

ARC Gel Pen: For Fine Lines<\/h2>\n\n

The ARC<\/a> is the pen for anyone who finds a ballpoint pen\u2019s line too wide. It uses the Japanese Pilot Juice Up LP3RF, a gel refill available in 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 mm, which is permanent and smudge-proof. A 0.3 mm line width ensures that small handwriting, bullet journals, and architectural sketches remain legible. At 142.5 mm, the ARC is the longest of the cap pens; made of aluminum, it weighs 35 g. The barrel features an anti-roll design, so it stays in place even on a slanted tabletop, and the magnetic cap aligns itself automatically when closed. For on-the-go use, there\u2019s the Stilform Clip<\/a>, which fits both the ARC and the AEON pencil. If you prefer titanium, the ARC Titan<\/a> is available in the lineup. <\/p>\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Stilform\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tARC Gelschreiber Aluminium<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Gelschreiber mit japanischer Pilot Juice Up Mine in 0,3, 0,4 oder 0,5 mm. Das Anti-Roll-Design h\u00e4lt ihn auf dem Tisch,\u2026<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

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CHF<\/span> 99.00<\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tView product\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n

INK Fountain Pens: Configure Instead of Buy<\/h2>\n\n

The INK<\/a> is the most complex pen in the lineup because it isn’t finished when you order it. Three body colors in aluminum (or two in titanium<\/a>), four nib materials, and four nib widths result in 48 combinations for the aluminum version alone. The nibs are made by Peter Bock in Germany (Type 076) and can be replaced at any time: Polished steel as a gentle introduction, black steel with the same writing characteristics and a matte finish, titanium with a bit of flex and direct paper contact, and 14-karat gold as the softest and smoothest nib. As for nib widths: Extra Fine for tight handwriting on thin paper, and Broad for signatures. <\/p>\n\n

A converter is included. This allows you to draw ink directly from a glass container\u2014such as the TILT inkwell<\/a>\u2014so you\u2019re not limited to cartridge inks. International standard cartridges also fit. Measuring 152 mm and weighing 70 g, the INK\u2014made of aluminum\u2014is the longest and heaviest pen in the Stilform line; like the PEN, FLOW, and ARC, its magnetic cap closes without a click. Replacement nibs are available individually as the INK Fountain Pen Nib<\/a>, along with the converter<\/a> and a separate clip<\/a>. <\/p>\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Stilform\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tINK F\u00fcllfederhalter Aluminium<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

F\u00fcllfederhalter, den du selbst zusammenstellst: drei Farben, vier Federmaterialien von Edelstahl bis 14 Karat Gold, vier Federbreiten. 152 mm, 70\u2026<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

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CHF<\/span> 129.00<\/span> –<\/span> CHF<\/span> 299.00<\/span>Price range: CHF 129.00 through CHF 299.00<\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tView product\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n

Aluminum, titanium, brass, magnesium, gold: How the material makes a difference<\/h2>\n\n

The material doesn\u2019t change the writing system, but it does make a big difference in how it feels in your hand. Aluminum is anodized, lightweight, and the only version available in all eight colors. Titanium is heavier and harder; it comes in matte, polished, or with a dark DLC coating, and is the material for people who want to keep a pen for twenty years. Brass is even heavier and \u201calive\u201d: its brushed surface darkens over time and develops a patina where your fingers rest. Magnesium is available only for the AEON pencil and is the lightest version, designed for long sketching sessions. And the 24-karat gold AEON features a gold-plated body with a wooden grip\u2014more of a piece of jewelry than a tool\u2014with the same tip mechanism as the aluminum model. <\/p>\n\n

When it comes to choosing a pen, here\u2019s what to consider: If you write a lot and for long periods, stick with aluminum or magnesium. If you consider weight a sign of quality, go for titanium or brass. If you\u2019re giving the pen as a gift, focus on the color, not the material. <\/p>\n\n

Which lead fits in which pencil?<\/h2>\n\n

This is where most people make the wrong purchase, which is why I\u2019m summarizing it in a single paragraph. AEON ballpoint pens and PEN models use the same G2-standard ballpoint refill; Stilform sells a version developed with Schmidt Technology in a 2-pack in black or blue, but any G2 refill from a stationery store will also work. The FLOW requires the Schmidt P8127 rollerball refill or the identical P8126 and P8120 refills; it does not fit in any other Stilform pen. The ARC requires the Pilot Juice Up LP3RF; although it is also G2-format, it is a gel refill and does not write cleanly in ballpoint pens; conversely, the ballpoint refill does not fit in the ARC. The INK uses standard cartridges or the included converter, and its nib is a separate replacement part. Finally, the AEON pencil does not have a refill but rather tips: Eternal or Graphite, both of which fit the AEON, AEON Pure, AEON Nano, and all material variants. <\/p>\n\n