Tom’s Studio Wren Review: The Best Refillable Everyday Pen for Journaling

If you’re looking for a refillable everyday pen for journaling, note-taking, or sketching, the Tom’s Studio The Wren Pen might be exactly what you need. In this Tom’s Studio Wren review, I’ll share how it writes, who it’s best for, how it compares to the Lumos Duo, and whether it’s worth the $45 price tag.

I’m always on the hunt for writing tools that make everyday moments feel more intentional, the kind of pen you reach for without thinking. The Wren fits beautifully into that category.

Small, thoughtfully designed, and refillable with fountain pen ink, this is a pocket pen you’ll actually use.

Note from Izza: This pen was kindly gifted by Tom’s Studio. This review reflects my honest opinions and was not paid or sponsored although I make a commission if you purchase a pen. For a discount on this beauty and other Tom’s Studio writing instruments, you can use the promo code: IZZAWEIHAAS to receive 10% off all products, with a minimum purchase of £30.00 or more.

Tom’s Studio Wren Design & Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about the Tom’s Studio Wren pen is that it’s small yet substantial.

The anodized aluminum body has a satisfying weight without feeling heavy. When capped, it’s compact enough to slip into a notebook cover or pen loop. Once you post the cap on the back, it transforms into a comfortable, full-length pen that feels balanced in the hand.

Tom’s Studio The Wren Pen drawing sample

The capping on and off experience is beyond satisfying. It glides on and is seals securely. It’s minimal, functional, and beautifully engineered, very on-brand for Tom’s Studio.

How the Tom’s Studio Wren Pen Writes

Unlike a typical ballpoint or rollerball, the Wren uses a Japanese-made fiber tip.

The tip has a subtle bounce and produces a 0.3–0.5 mm line width, depending on your writing pressure. It feels smooth and controlled. This pen is ideal for journaling, planning, and everyday notes.

One of the standout features of the Tom’s Studio Wren is that it is refillable with most standard dye-based fountain pen inks.

A few notes on ink performance:

  • Avoid shimmer or pigment-heavy inks to prevent clogging.

  • Some inks may appear slightly lighter if the pen hasn’t been used in a while.

  • I haven’t experienced skipping, hard starts, or the tip drying out completely.

Once you get used to the fiber tip feel, it’s very comfortable for longer writing sessions.


Pros and Cons of the Tom’s Studio The Wren

Pros

  • Refillable with fountain pen ink

  • Compact and travel-friendly

  • Balanced and comfortable when posted

  • Sustainable alternative to disposable pens

  • Beautiful minimalist design

Cons

  • Not compatible with shimmer inks

  • Ink can appear lighter if unused for a while

  • Premium price compared to standard rollerballs


Is the Tom’s Studio Wren Worth It?

At $45 USD, the Tom’s Studio Wren sits in the premium pen category. However, because it’s refillable and compatible with bottled fountain pen ink, it can replace countless disposable pens over time.

Whether you are journaling, sketching quick ideas, or writing real letters, the Wren feels like the kind of pen you naturally reach for. It is thoughtfully designed and invites you to slow down and enjoy the act of writing, even when it is just a to-do list or a quick note.

If you love thoughtful stationery and refillable tools that are meant to last, the Wren is an easy recommendation. You can use my promocode: IZZAWEIHAAS to receive 10% off all products, with a minimum purchase of £30.00 or more.

💬 Custom tip: you can also add a Kaweco clip so the wren can clip easily onto a notebook. 


Not Sponsored — Just Obsessed:

While this post contains affiliate links (which help support the blog at no extra cost to you), this review is not sponsored. Huge thanks to Tom’s Studio for sending me this pen and for making tools that feel like an extension of your hand while looking beautiful on any desk.

Izza Wei-Haas

A boutique design studio by Wei-Haasome LLC, specializing in thoughtful websites for small businesses, graphic design, and botanical goods.

http://www.Nestingzone.com
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