uni-ball one 3 vs Lincraft 800 Fountain Pen: The UK Professional's Ultimate Writing Pen Guide 2025

Whether you're signing contracts in a boardroom, journalling at your favourite London café, or simply looking for a pen that makes every word feel intentional, choosing the right writing instrument matters more than most people realise. In 2025, two pens stand out for UK professionals and stationery enthusiasts alike: the uni-ball one 3 Multi-Colour Gel Pen and the Lincraft 800 Premium Metal Fountain Pen. In this in-depth review, we compare both side by side so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle and budget.

uni-ball one 3 Multi-Colour Gel Pen: Japan's Most Versatile Compact Pen

The uni-ball one 3 is a marvel of Japanese engineering. This 3-in-1 retractable gel pen combines black, red, and blue ink in a single compact barrel — making it the ideal everyday carry for students, teachers, office workers, and anyone who needs multiple colours without the clutter of three separate pens.

Key Features

• 3-in-1 colour system: Black, red, and blue ink in one pen — switch with a click
• Available in 0.38mm and 0.5mm nib sizes — ultra-fine lines for precise writing
• Vivid, water-resistant gel ink — smooth flow with minimal bleed-through
• Compact retractable design — fits in any pocket, pencil case, or bag
• Japanese craftsmanship — built to the exacting standards of Mitsubishi Pencil Co.

Writing Experience

The uni-ball one 3 glides across paper with the characteristic smoothness that Japanese gel pens are celebrated for. The 0.38mm option is particularly popular among those who prefer fine, precise lines — ideal for annotating documents, taking detailed notes, or filling in planners. The 0.5mm variant offers a slightly bolder line that's perfect for everyday writing tasks.

What sets the uni-ball one 3 apart from other multi-colour pens is the quality of its ink. Each colour is vivid and consistent, with no skipping or blobbing even after extended use. The retractable mechanism is satisfyingly clicky and robust — this is a pen built to last.

Who Is It For?

The uni-ball one 3 is perfect for UK students, teachers, and office professionals who need colour-coded notes without carrying multiple pens. It's also a fantastic gift for anyone who appreciates quality Japanese stationery.

👉 Shop the uni-ball one 3 Multi-Colour Gel Pen at TTPEN UK

Lincraft 800 Premium Metal Fountain Pen: Luxury Writing Redefined

If the uni-ball one 3 is the reliable everyday workhorse, the Lincraft 800 Premium Metal Fountain Pen is the thoroughbred racehorse — a statement piece that transforms the act of writing into a ritual. With its stunning black and gold dot lacquer honeycomb pattern, gold iridium nib, and piston converter, this is a fountain pen that commands attention and respect.

Key Features

• Black and gold honeycomb lacquer finish — a visually striking, premium aesthetic
• Gold iridium nib — smooth, consistent ink flow with a luxurious writing feel
• Piston converter included — use bottled ink for a truly personalised writing experience
• Solid metal construction — weighty, balanced, and built to last a lifetime
• Ideal as a luxury business gift — presented beautifully for gifting occasions

Writing Experience

Writing with the Lincraft 800 is an experience that gel pen users rarely encounter. The gold iridium nib flexes ever so slightly under pressure, creating a line variation that feels organic and expressive. The piston converter allows you to fill directly from a bottle of ink — opening up a world of colour options from brands like Diamine, Pilot Iroshizuku, and Sailor.

The weight and balance of the Lincraft 800 are exceptional. It sits comfortably in the hand during long writing sessions, and the honeycomb lacquer provides just enough grip without being tacky. This is a pen that makes you want to write more.

Who Is It For?

The Lincraft 800 is the ideal choice for UK executives, fountain pen enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a meaningful luxury gift. It's equally at home on a mahogany desk or in a leather pen case.

👉 Shop the Lincraft 800 Premium Metal Fountain Pen at TTPEN UK

Head-to-Head Comparison

Which Pen Should You Choose?

The answer depends entirely on what you need from a pen. If you're looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable everyday writing tool that handles multiple colours with ease, the uni-ball one 3 is an outstanding choice. It's the kind of pen you'll reach for every single day without thinking twice.

If, however, you want to elevate your writing experience — to feel the weight of a beautifully crafted instrument in your hand, to choose your ink colour from a rainbow of bottled options, and to make a statement every time you sign your name — the Lincraft 800 is in a class of its own.

Many UK stationery enthusiasts own both: the uni-ball one 3 for quick notes and colour-coded tasks, and the Lincraft 800 for correspondence, journalling, and special occasions. Together, they cover every writing need imaginable.

Where to Buy the Best Pens in the UK

Both the uni-ball one 3 and the Lincraft 800 are available exclusively at TTPEN UK — the UK's premier destination for premium stationery, Japanese writing instruments, and luxury pens. TTPEN curates only the finest writing tools from around the world, with fast UK delivery and expert customer service.

Whether you're treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift for a writer, professional, or stationery enthusiast, TTPEN has everything you need. Explore the full collection at www.ttpen.co.uk and discover why thousands of UK customers trust TTPEN for their writing needs.

Final Verdict

In 2025, the best pen is the one that fits your life. The uni-ball one 3 wins on versatility, portability, and value. The Lincraft 800 wins on luxury, craftsmanship, and the sheer joy of writing. Both are exceptional — and both are waiting for you at TTPEN UK.

👉 Buy the uni-ball one 3 →
👉 Buy the Lincraft 800 Fountain Pen →