Ohto Rollerball CR02 Classic black
The Ohto CR02 Classic is an ink roller with a fully metal body – barrel and cap made of aluminum, nose cone, end cap and crown ring made of brass, gold-plated fittings on clip, middle ring and ferrule. The black glossy anodized barrel has a sleek, cool feel; the weight of 25 g concentrates pleasantly in the hand without making the pen feel heavy. It comes from the factory equipped with the water-based C-305 rollerball refill (0.5 mm, black) and a ceramic ball made of silicon carbide (SiC). Designed and assembled at the Ohto Yuki factory in Japan.
Special Features
- Ceramic ball made of SiC (silicon carbide): Silicon carbide is harder and more corrosion-resistant than metal. The ball rolls evenly across the paper and maintains its geometry permanently – the ink line remains consistent without smudging.
- Non-Dry Technology: The C-305 refill prevents air from reaching the ink reservoir and the connecting channel directly through an internal closure mechanism. The tip does not dry out even if the cap is accidentally left off.
- All-metal body with gold-plated brass parts: Barrel and cap are made of aluminum; nose cone, end cap and crown ring are made of brass. Clip, middle ring and ferrule are gold-colored – the classic gold-black contrast on glossy anodized aluminum.
- Sleek geometry, balanced weight: 142.6 mm length, 10.6 mm barrel diameter (max 13.5 mm), 25 g – sleek enough for the pen holder of a notebook, heavy enough for a controlled, relaxed line.
- Refillable: The C-305 refill (0.5 mm) is available separately. The pen is designed for long-term use.
Application & Tips
- Paper recommendation: The water-based ink flows particularly saturated and evenly on smooth, calendered paper. On highly absorbent paper, drying time can be slightly longer – allow 5–10 seconds before turning the page.
- Planners and notebooks: With a 10.6 mm diameter, the CR02 fits most pen loops on A5 and B6 notebooks. The sleek silhouette makes it a constant companion for daily planners.
- Extended writing sessions: The aluminum grip lies cool and firm in the hand. Those sensitive to bare metal will write more comfortably with slight pressure – the ball requires minimal pressure, the ink flow comes naturally.
- Cap while writing: The cap can be attached to the rear end of the pen. It sits firmly enough to maintain balance – ensure sufficient friction when attaching so it doesn't slip during writing.
- Document-proof? The water-based ink of the C-305 refill is not document-proof and water-soluble. For archival requirements, choose a pigmented alternative.
For Ink Roller Enthusiasts
The CR02 belongs to Ohto's CR Series (Ceramic Roller) – a line that Ohto, as a pioneer of water-based ballpoint pen ink, has continued to develop for over 100 years. The SiC ceramic ball is the core feature: silicon carbide has a Vickers hardness well above that of conventional steel or tungsten carbide balls, and is chemically inert to the organic acids in ink. The result is a rolling resistance that barely changes over the entire life of the refill. The Non-Dry construction of the C-305 refill works via a capillary retention point between the connecting channel and the ink reservoir – no active mechanism, no moving parts that could wear out. When changing the refill, note that compatibility with Euro Style (international format) often exists, but the Non-Dry property is exclusive to the original C-305 ceramic refill.
Technical Specifications
| Model: | CR02 Classic – Gold Parts Model |
| Color / Design: | Black, glossy anodized, with gold-colored fittings |
| Material Barrel & Cap: | Aluminum |
| Material Nose Cone, End Cap, Crown Ring: | Brass |
| Grip Material: | Aluminum |
| Length: | 142.6 mm |
| Barrel Diameter: | 10.6 mm (max. 13.5 mm) |
| Weight: | 25 g |
| Line Width: | 0.5 mm |
| Rolling Ball: | Silicon Carbide (SiC) – Ceramic |
| Refill: | C-305 (water-based ink, black, not document-proof) |
| Non-Dry Technology: | Yes – tip does not dry out even without cap |
| Origin: | Japan (Ohto Yuki Factory) |
| Scope of Delivery: | 1 ink roller with matching C-305 refill (black) |