A ballpoint pen with a recycled aluminium barrel, a black rubberised body and coloured metallic finish parts at the tip and clip. It carries a blue refill and measures 142 mm with a 10 mm barrel. The metal parts have a special coating designed for mirror engraving, so the engraved mark comes up bright and matches the metallic trim.

That engraving coating is the technical detail worth knowing. On most metal pens laser engraving produces a dull grey line; here the mark reflects, which makes a fine logo legible on a small surface. The rubberised body gives grip and stops the pen rolling off a sloped desk, and the recycled aluminium keeps the weight balanced towards the hand.

Pens are still the highest-volume promotional item because they get lent, borrowed and carried, spreading a logo beyond the original recipient. This one is a step above a plastic giveaway, so it fits hotel and conference room supplies, bank and insurance branches, notary and legal offices, and delegate packs where a decent pen is expected.

Colours include black, blue, red, gold, green, rose and silver. MerchRepublic engraves or prints your logo, packs and ships in bulk across the EU. Send artwork and quantity for a quote.