Pilot Frixion Retractable 0.7mm

Pilot is one of the biggest stationery companies, based in Japan and is well known for its wonderful fountain pens – both affordable and extremely high end, and its non-fountain pen stationery like the Pilot Juice, G2 and Hi-Tec-C.

Like all of the big Japanese Stationery companies, Pilot produces a line of erasable pens – the Frixion. The Pilot Frixion is hands down the most popular erasable pen on the market. One reason is their large range of models and types of pens available with erasable ink. At the time of writing, the Frixion line includes a basic stick pen, this retractable model, a higher ink professional range, highlighters, “colouring pencils” and stamps. All of these models are available in various colours and the pens are also available in various widths.

In general, my preferred width for a gel pen is the 0.7mm size and I find this wider size helps with the visibility of the ink when using the Frixion. The erasable ink has a slightly muted/dusky colour compared to normal inks, so it can be harder to see in finer tip sizes.

I think the other reason for the Pilot Frixion’s popularity is that it erases extremely cleanly. Unlike other brands, the Pilot erases completely from the page with gentle rubbing with the provided eraser. For larger surface areas you can purchase a dedicated Frixion eraser, but I’ve never needed it. The other erasable pens I’ve used usually leave a bit of residue, which is annoying.

Keep in mind that the erasable feature of this ink is thermosensitive, so if you dramatically change the temperature of a sheet of paper that has been erased (for example putting it in the freezer), I believe the erased portion will reappear. I’ve not tested this and its not cold enough for this to be an issue in Australia, but I would suggest not using this for anything important or permanent.

I normally use this for schedule planning – specifically for meetings. Its great because you can update your schedule neatly if meetings or deadlines get changed. Although the erasing motion isn’t great on 52gsm Tomoe River Paper (my go to!) very gentle motions will ensure that your paper doesn’t tear. On thicker, less crinkly paper, its like erasing a pencil,

I think this is a great product with many uses in anyone’s life, stationery enthusiast or not. Its so handy to have and so easy to use. Yes, you could just use a pencil, but this is less smudgy (in my experience) and comes in great colours to help you organise.