Ohto Ballpoint Pen TL01-B5 navy

The Ohto TL01-B5 is a ballpoint in business card format – exactly 91 mm long, crafted from anodised aluminium and fitted with a brass push button. The navy blue of the barrel strikes a calm, precise note, almost nautically cool to the touch. The TL01-B5 is the revised evolution of the legendary Ohto Minimo: same length, simplified push mechanism, significantly slimmer profile with just 3.7 mm grip diameter.

Features

• Two-button mechanism: The upper button extends the tip, a side button on the clip retracts it – allowing one-handed operation without removing or unscrewing a cap.
• Aluminium barrel, brass mechanics: The anodised aluminium barrel is lightweight and pleasantly cool; the push button and tip holder in brass give the mechanism precision and durability.
• Low-viscosity oil-based ink: The 0.5 mm needle-point system writes more fluidly than classic oil ballpoints, with clean, even lines even under light pressure.
• Refillable with D1 refills: The standard D1 refill socket (compatible with the Ohto R-4C5NP) enables long-term use – replacement refills available in various ink colours.
• Card case included: The supplied card holder (85.6 × 60 mm) protects the pen in your wallet, notebook cover or organiser and keeps it within reach without rolling.
• Weight 2.8 g: Despite the metal body, the TL01-B5 is featherlight – barely noticeable in daily carry, yet present enough for stable writing feel.

Use & Tips

• Wallet and card case: At 91 mm, the pen matches the exact length of a business card and fits any card slot – ideal as an always-available note-taking pen.
• Planners and bullet journals: The fine 0.5 mm needle point suits tight grid fields, small handwriting in weekly overviews and precise margin notes without smudging.
• On the go and EDC: For those wanting a pen at hand without burdening jacket or shirt pocket, simply carry the TL01-B5 in your card slot – the clip also secures it to notebook covers or thin pockets.
• Refill swapping: D1 refills come in black, blue or red. Those preferring faster-drying ink can experiment with a different oil-based refill – the D1 standard is widely available.
• Paper recommendation: On smooth, calendered paper, the low-viscosity oil refill shows its best line quality; on rough paper, the needle point may hesitate slightly.

For Miniaturists and EDC Enthusiasts

The TL01-B5 is the direct successor to the Ohto Minimo, one of Japan's first serious metal micro-ballpoints. Compared to its predecessor, the flip mechanism has been refined: an upper push button extends the tip, a side button on the clip retracts it – preventing accidental extension in tight pockets. With a 3.7 mm grip diameter, the pen writes differently from a standard ballpoint: the grip concentrates on two or three fingertips, making it precise for short notes but potentially unusual for longer text. The low-viscosity oil-based ink is not archival.

Technical Specifications