Ohto Rollerball CR01 Classic black

The Ohto CR01 Classic is an ink rollerball with a ceramic roller refill – designed and assembled at the Ohto factory in Yuki, Japan. Barrel and cap are made of anodized aluminum, taper and end piece of brass; the grip zone is wrapped in elastomer. The heart of the pen is the C-305 refill with a 0.5 mm silicon carbide roller ball and Ohto's Non-Dry technology. At 33.4 g, the pen sits balanced and cool in the hand.

Special Features

• Silicon Carbide Roller Ball (0.5 mm): SiC ceramic is one of the hardest technical materials – the ball wears minimally, and the line image remains uniform and clean throughout the refill's lifespan.
• Non-Dry Technology: The C-305 refill does not dry out, even if the pen lies open for extended periods. No need to scribble to start writing after a break, no prematurely discarded but still functional refills.
• Aluminum Barrel with Brass Accents: The anodized aluminum barrel is lightweight and impact-resistant; taper and end piece in brass shift the center of gravity slightly forward – a balance that promotes extended writing without fatigue.
• Matte Black Anodizing and Elastomer Grip Zone: The matte surface resists fingerprints; the elastomer grip provides secure hold without sticking.
• Snap Cap with Satisfying Click: The push cap engages with an audible click and won't accidentally open in your pocket or backpack. It can be securely positioned on the rear of the barrel.
• Screw-On Grip Section: The grip section unscrews from the barrel without tools – refill changes take just seconds.
• Steel Clip with Controlled Flex: The clip holds securely to shirt and jacket pockets and flexes in a controlled manner when inserted, without fatiguing.

Application & Tips

• Daily Notes and Planning: The 0.5 mm line is precise enough for tight calendar layouts, bullet journal grids, and marginalia – without scratching or smudging.
• Paper Choice: On smooth, calendered paper, the ceramic roller shows its most uniform ink flow. On very absorbent paper, bleed-through can occur – a weight of at least 80–90 g/m² is recommended.
• Left-Handers: The water-based ink of the C-305 refill dries quickly; on particularly smooth paper, a brief drying period is recommended to avoid smudging.
• Refill Change: The CR01 accepts refills from the Ohto C-300 series. If you want more ink flow or a different line width, you can switch to compatible roller refills from this series.
• EDC (Everyday Carry): Snap-cap closure and robust aluminum body make the CR01 durable for desk, on-the-go, and workshop use – with no risk of accidental opening.

For Rollerball Enthusiasts

Ohto is regarded as one of the early pioneers of water-based rollerballs. The CR series (Ceramic Roller) consistently uses a silicon carbide roller ball instead of metal – a material that reduces wear to a minimum and maintains precise line quality throughout the refill's lifespan. Non-Dry technology is not simply a sealed tip; it's a reservoir system that actively prevents capillary back-drying – relevant for anyone who frequently leaves their pen lying open on the desk. Design and assembly take place exclusively at Ohto's own factory in Yuki, Japan. The ink is water-based and not permanent – for archival-critical documents, a permanent writing solution should be chosen.

Technical Specifications