Midori Brass Ballpoint Pen
MidoriA compact, solid brass pen with a hexagonal body that develops a unique patina over time. Minimalist Japanese design meets lasting craftsmanship.
Best for: Stationery enthusiasts, EDC fans, gift giving, patina lovers
- Solid brass construction with natural patina development
- Hexagonal body inspired by traditional pencil shape
- Compact pocket-friendly size (100mm capped)
- Accepts D1-type refills (upgradeable to Jetstream D1)
- Made in Japan with precision machining
There’s a special category of stationery that transcends utility and enters the territory of craftsmanship: tools that become more beautiful with use rather than worn out by it. Midori’s Brass product line occupies this category. Each piece is machined from solid brass that arrives shiny and golden, then gradually develops a unique patina — a warm, darkened surface pattern created by the oils in your hands, exposure to air, and the simple passage of time.
Living in Japan, we’ve been using Midori Brass products daily for over two years. Our brass pen has developed a rich, dark patina on the grip area where our fingers rest, while the less-touched sections retain their original gold. It’s become genuinely personal in a way no plastic pen ever could.
Quick Verdict: Midori Brass products are beautifully crafted tools that combine Japanese minimalist design with the living material of solid brass. They write well, feel substantial, and become more distinctive over time. Not for everyone — brass is heavy and requires some care — but for stationery enthusiasts who value material quality and patina, these are treasures. Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
The Brass Collection
Midori Brass Ballpoint Pen
Price: ~$30 | Weight: 32g | Length: 100mm (capped), 128mm (posted)
The signature piece of the collection. This compact pen is shorter than a standard ballpoint, which makes it pocket-friendly but may require posting the cap to reach a comfortable writing length. The solid brass body is hexagonal — a reference to traditional pencil shapes — and the machining is precise with no rough edges.
The pen accepts D1-type refills, which means you can use the included Midori refill or swap in alternatives from other brands. The included refill is a standard ballpoint that writes adequately but isn’t exceptional. Many owners immediately replace it with a Uni Jetstream or Pilot Acro Ink D1 refill for smoother writing.
Writing experience: With the stock refill, the pen writes like a standard ballpoint — functional but not remarkable. The weight (32g) is noticeable and provides stability during writing, though it may cause fatigue for marathon writing sessions. With an upgraded refill, the writing experience improves dramatically. The pen body itself adds satisfying heft and control.
Patina development: After 2 months of daily use, you’ll see noticeable darkening on the grip area. After 6 months, the patina is rich and personal. After a year, each pen looks completely unique. The patina process is entirely natural — no chemicals needed.
Midori Brass Ruler (15cm)
Price: ~$10 | Weight: 20g | Length: 15cm
The brass ruler is 15cm of solid brass with etched millimeter markings. It’s thin enough to serve as a bookmark yet heavy enough to hold paper flat while drawing lines. The weight is the key advantage over aluminum rulers — it stays put without being held.
The markings are sharp and accurate. There’s no non-slip backing (unlike the Midori Aluminum Ruler), but the brass’s weight compensates — it doesn’t slide easily under its own mass.
Like the pen, the ruler develops patina beautifully. Ours has darkened where fingers grip it during use and maintained a lighter color along the measurement edge. The effect is a visual record of how you hold and use the tool.
Midori Brass Pencil
Price: ~$25 | Weight: 28g | Length: Similar to ballpoint
The brass pencil holds a standard wooden pencil stub (included) inside a brass sleeve. When the pencil wears down, you sharpen it normally — or replace it with any standard-diameter pencil. The extender mechanism is simple: push the pencil in until it grips, pull to extend.
This is a charming product for pencil users who want the heft and patina of brass. It transforms a disposable pencil into a lasting tool with character. The best Japanese pencils — Tombow Mono, Mitsubishi Hi-Uni — fit the sleeve perfectly.
Midori Brass Pen Stand
Price: ~$35 | Weight: 40g (heavy for its size)
A small, solid brass stand that holds 1-2 pens upright on your desk. The base is weighted to prevent tipping, and the tube opening is sized for the Midori Brass Pen but accommodates most standard pen diameters.
This is a desk accessory rather than a practical organizer. It holds your daily pen in a place of honor. For practical pen storage needs, see our desk organizer guide. For a beautiful desk accent that showcases your favorite pen, this stand is elegant.
Midori Brass Pen Case (Bullet Shape)
Price: ~$25 | Material: Solid brass
A cylindrical brass case shaped like a bullet cartridge that holds a single pen. It protects your pen during carry and looks distinctive. The threaded cap screws on securely. Over time, the case develops patina alongside the pen inside it, creating a matched set.
This is unapologetically a luxury item — a single-pen case for people who carry one special pen daily. It’s heavy, it’s brass, and it’s beautiful.
Living with Brass: Patina Guide
The Patina Process
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. When exposed to air and skin oils, the copper oxidizes and develops a dark, warm surface coating. This is the patina — and unlike rust on iron, brass patina is stable, protective, and valued aesthetically.
Month 1: Subtle darkening where you grip the product most. The rest remains shiny.
Month 3: Clear contrast between touched and untouched areas. The grip area takes on a warm brown tone.
Month 6: Rich, established patina on high-contact areas. The overall tone shifts from bright gold toward warm antique brass.
Year 1+: Fully developed patina. Each product looks uniquely yours — a fingerprint of your usage patterns.
Maintaining vs. Polishing
If you love patina (our recommendation): Do nothing. Use the product daily and let it evolve naturally. An occasional wipe with a dry cloth removes surface oils and dirt without affecting the patina.
If you prefer shiny brass: Polish with a brass cleaning cloth or Brasso periodically. This removes the patina and restores the original bright finish. You can also selectively polish — keep the body patinated but polish the edges, for example.
Hybrid approach: Let the patina develop for 6-12 months, then decide. You can always polish back to shiny. You can’t accelerate genuine patina without chemicals (which produce unnatural results).
Care Tips
- Avoid prolonged water exposure (causes green verdigris spots rather than smooth patina)
- Don’t store in sealed plastic bags (moisture trapping causes uneven discoloration)
- If verdigris develops (green spots), remove with a vinegar-dampened cloth and dry immediately
- Brass will not stain your hands under normal use, though very sweaty hands may see temporary mild discoloration
Pros & Cons
What We Love:
- Solid brass construction — genuinely premium material
- Unique patina development makes each piece personal
- Minimalist Japanese design
- Compact and pocket-friendly
- Hexagonal pen body references traditional pencil shape
- Made in Japan with high machining quality
- Ages beautifully over years of use
Room for Improvement:
- Stock ballpoint refill is mediocre (upgrade to Jetstream D1)
- Heavy — may cause fatigue during long writing sessions
- Pen is short — posting the cap is necessary for most hands
- Brass patina is not for everyone (some prefer consistent appearance)
- Premium price for relatively simple tools
- No clip on the pen (can roll off desks)
Who Should Buy Midori Brass Products?
- Stationery enthusiasts who appreciate materials and craftsmanship
- Everyday carry (EDC) fans who enjoy pocket-friendly, durable tools
- Gift shoppers looking for a memorable, unique stationery gift
- Minimalists who prefer one quality tool over many disposable ones
- Patina lovers who enjoy objects that evolve with use
Skip if: You prioritize writing performance above all else (get a Pilot Vanishing Point instead), you need a lightweight pen for long writing sessions, or you prefer consistent appearance over changing patina.
Where to Buy
Also available at specialty stationery retailers and directly from Japanese stationery shops. See our where to buy Japanese stationery guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Midori Brass Pen comfortable for daily writing?
For short writing tasks (notes, signatures, lists), yes — the weight and hexagonal shape are pleasant. For extended writing (45+ minutes continuous), the 32g weight can cause hand fatigue. It’s best as an everyday-carry pen for normal daily writing tasks, not as a marathon writing tool.
What refill should I put in the Midori Brass Pen?
Replace the stock refill immediately with a Uni Jetstream D1 refill for the smoothest ballpoint experience, or a Pilot Acro Ink D1 for a slightly wetter, bolder line. Both dramatically improve the writing quality over the included Midori refill.
Does brass stain skin or clothing?
Under normal use, no. Brass may leave very faint marks on extremely sweaty skin, but these wash off easily with soap and water. The brass won’t stain fabric unless it’s wet.
Is Midori Brass worth the price?
If you value craftsmanship, material quality, and objects that develop character over time, yes. The brass pen at $30 is more expensive than any gel pen but far cheaper than most fountain pens, and it will last decades. Consider it a long-term investment in a daily-use object.
Can I engrave the brass products?
Yes, brass engraves beautifully. Some owners have their initials or a short message engraved on the pen barrel. This is a popular personalization option and makes the brass products excellent gifts.
Final Verdict
Midori Brass products are for people who understand that the best tools are the ones you use every day for years. They’re not the highest-performing pens (upgrade the refill), they’re not the lightest tools, and they require acceptance of natural material evolution. But they offer something no plastic pen can: a physical object that becomes uniquely yours through the simple act of using it. In a world of disposable stationery, that’s genuinely special.
Rating: 4.5 / 5.0