A ballpoint pen with an aluminium barrel in a matte metallic finish, 145 mm long with an 11 mm diameter, fitted with a blue refill. The distinguishing feature is the clip, which uses a special movement rather than a fixed rigid arm, so it opens to grip a thick notebook cover or a jacket pocket without bending out of shape.

Aluminium gives the pen weight in the hand, which is what makes an inexpensive pen feel substantial, and the matte finish resists fingerprints and gives grip. Metal barrels are also the requirement for laser engraving, which produces a permanent mark rather than a printed one that wears off the surface within months.

Metal pens are ordered where the pen is handed over during a transaction and often kept: bank and insurance branches, notaries and law offices, car dealerships, hotel reception desks and conference delegate packs. Sales teams use them as a leave-behind after a client visit, since a pen that stays on a desk keeps the name in view.

Available in black, blue, dark grey, green and silver. MerchRepublic engraves or prints your logo and ships in bulk across the EU.