Everyman Grafton Mini Pen

Name: Unsharpen
Item: Everyman Grafton Mini Pen
Rating: 4
Author: Unsharpen.com Staff

11/21/19 Check Price Video

The Grafton Mini pen (sometimes called the Grafton Mini Click) is a member of the Grafton line of writing instruments from Everyman. It is simply a shorter, more pocketable version of the flagship Grafton EDC pen.

The Grafton Mini features an anodized aluminum body and grip, a machine grooved grip, strong clip, and anodized aluminum knock in this mini version of the full-sized Grafton pen.

It is available in the same black, silver, and gunmetal colors however Everyman chose not to release a gold version. The pen’s street price is $35. The Mini is also sold in a twist version.

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Everyman launched this model Mini via Kickstarter alongside a twist-actuated version and was so highly anticipated that they were able to reach their campaign goal in 7 hours and gain well over 1,000 backers by then end of the campaign. The Grafton Mini began shipping in late July 2019.

Everyman Grafton Mini EDC Pen Review

The Grafton Mini EDC Pen was the first pen I found out about and bought from Everyman. After seeing ads for it on social media and considering myself a member of the “EDC” crowd, I found the pen intriguing and its stealthy all-black design incredibly attractive. I also found the idea of having several compatible refills interesting. Everyman did an excellent job of marketing the pen to people like me who are always looking for the best everyday carry gear.

After some contemplation and very little research, I decided to purchase the pen. It arrived in a molded foam package wraps in a black card stock sleeve emblazoned only with the Everyman logo. Removing the sleeve revealed the pen resting in foam and a small metal cap that I had no idea what purpose it served.

The design of the Mini pen is identical to its larger counterpart with its sleek, minimalist, industrial design. The primary differences are the shorter overall length and redesigned clip. The Mini is 124mm, compared to the full-size version’s 145 mm length. While the clip shares the “E” logo and general shape, the attachment to the pen body is different. Now the clip has a ring at the top that sits around the body held in place by a threaded collar similar to how the Zebra F-701 and Sarasa Grand have their clip attached.

I much prefer the smaller length of the Mini — I don’t particularly like long pens that sit high above my hand. I tend to grip pens relatively low and longer pens increase hand fatigue. I feel like I don’t have as much tip control. The Grafton Mini suits me very well in this regard. The shorter length offers better balance than the Grafton Pen does. I also like that its length allows you to carry it in both shirt and pants pockets more comfortably.

Everyman Grafton Mini Refills

After inspecting the pen’s design and get a feel for it in my hand, of course I decided to take it apart. The grip separated from the body by unscrewing and the seam hid in the last groove of the grip. Inside was a Grafton Parker-style G2 refill with its typical plastic cap missing and a small metal cap identical to the one in the packaging in its place.

I then went to the internet to try to figure out what this was all about and get a better idea of what refills the pen was capable of using. All I was able to discover was that Fisher Space Pen refills work and that the cap was for shortening other refills… but no information about which those were. I even emailed Everyman’s customer service in an attempt to find out and all they said was Fisher Space Pen refills work.

At this point, I know Parker-style G2 refills will work after removing the stock plastic cap and using the supplied one instead. The means you can use the Uni-ball Jetstream SXR-600, Schmidt EasyFlow 9000, Premec gel refills, Monteverde Gel, as well as many others. The Grafton mini does offer a more compact, pocket-able size but at the cost of refill variety. I’m fine with this since my favorite refills are offered in a Parker G2 style. I use a Jetstream SXR-600-7 in mine.

It is difficult to review pen’s writing quality when it uses Parker-style refills — there are so many good ones on the market. With any of the aforementioned refills, you are going to get a good writing experience. The Grafton Mini just enhances it by being an excellent size and weight.

What’s Great, What’s Not

The Grafton pen’s selling point is the ability to use many different refills — both Pilot G2 and Parker-style G2 refills are compatible. The Mini’s selling point is its size. It is a great pen to throw in a pocket or a bag so you always have it close. The aluminum body is also a plus — light but sturdy — and so far seems to hold up well. The all-black finish is a plus for me as well, and it seems to be a popular option with buyers.

The downsides? Its limited to modified Parker G2 refills or Fisher Space Pen refills, both of which are great but a little more variety like its larger counterpart would be nice. This is by no means a deal breaker, at least for me. The knock mechanism is still plastic just like the Grafton Pen and the knock button may not always sit straight. Mine actually suffers from this. Yes, I find it bothersome but the pen still works and works well.

Lastly, the grip is the same and may not be great for sweaty hands. Again, not a big deal for me. While I do suffer from very “perspirey” hands, (I know it’s not a word, just laugh) I don’t have any problem. Just something to keep in mind.

Everyman Grafton Mini Alternatives

Overall, the Grafton Mini is a good pen. I like using it and enjoy having it my collection. However, the Mini would not be my pen of choice at its price point.

A Parker Jotter is the same length, uses the same refills, and is under half the price for an all-metal version. The Mini’s only advantage in the increased grip diameter since the Jotter is a bit narrow.

A Zebra F-701 is another all-metal pen that can use Parker G2 refills with a similar modification and has a better grip for a third of the price. The F-701 is not a large pen, but it is a tad longer than the Mini.

If you really want to be frugal about it then get a Zebra G-301. While it has more plastic parts than the Grafton, the metal body holds up very well and I’ve never had one break.

A Fisher Cap-O-Matic is the best alternative if you plan to use the Fisher Space pen refills and is only $12.

If you want a cool looking aluminum pocket pen to use Parker refills in and don’t mind the $35 price tag, go for it, but there are many good alternatives.