This Apogee Black Lacqer roller ball could have been a great pen... ideal weight and balance, pull-off cap fits nicely and snug on rear barrel when writing, Cross medium roller ball is excellent and retro art deco design is unique, elegant and very visually appealing... but the spring-activated clip broke after less than a week's use primarily at work. While I lost the clip when it broke free from my shirt pocket, luckily the pen stayed in my pocket so I still have it, albeit "clipless." I enjoyed using this pen at work while it still had a clip, but now it's been retired to serve as my go-to everyday pen for use only at my desk. I've wrapped the remaining stub of the clip holder on the cap with a small piece of aluminum foil and the pen still looks attractive, although a bit odd. Apparently, based on reports from other Amazon purchasers of this pen, the clip must have some sort of design flaw making it's opening mechanism to attach to a shirt pocket exceptionally delicate and fragile. This is probably why Cross has sunset what could have been a great writing instrument. Even "clipless" the Apogee roller ball is a pleasure to use, plus I now have a somewhat interesting "conversation piece." Nevertheless, I cannot honestly recommend this pen. But I can recommend Cross' roller ball refills, and if you want a better quality pen with a more solid build and equally high-quality feel, try either the Cross Townsend or Cross Century II models, the pens that US presidents have used for over 30 years. Their clips don't break!A wonderful looking pen. Not slippery in my hands. It changes color density depending on the light. The most disappointing thing for me is the "Made in China" part. I thought these were U.S.A made but not this pen. Leaves me wondering what brand to go to next. If that means nothing to you, then I recommend this pen, especially since it has a lifetime warranty.I love Cross pens. This pen has a nice feel and weight to it so it helps me write smoothly. However, I don't know if its me or maybe the pen refill has an issue but sometimes as I'm writing, the ink stops flowing. I'll have to change the refill and test it. Also everytime I open the cap, the ink has leaked. I hope its an issue with a bad refill so changing it would solve all these issues. It does have a lifetime warranty so I'm more relaxed.I really enjoy the finish, dimensions, and heft of this pen. I later bought a section from the fountain pen version and used it on the rollerball body. The only difference is a spring on the rollerball body that slightly rubs the converter internally. Since this uses a standard refill it won't write any better or worse than any other cross rollerball. I would suggest if you're going to spend this much to go ahead and get the fountain pen version.This is the best overall pen I've ever owned. Looks good, fits well in my hand and writes/functions well. I quickly came to prefer it to other pens I own that cost a lot, lot more. I bought this one, my second, as insurance after learning Cross appears to have discontinued the Apogee seriesBeautiful pen, used but without a scratch. The ink cartridge leaked inside, unusual for Cross, and the body required a good soaking, and I'm waiting for the refills.I am fairly large, 6'4" with correspondingly large hands, and the weight and size of this pen is great for me. Also, with the rollerball ink, it is a very smooth writing pen.Personally, I have experienced no issues with cutting. I have had several of these pens, and the workmanship is excellent; the caps have never loosened over time, and the finish has stayed smooth.For replacements, I use Cross Gel Ink Rolling Ball Dual-Pack Refills.This is a splendid pen. I would have given it 5 stars but I also bought the Rose Gold Executive version of the Apogee series. While it is shaped the same, the weight of the precious metal makes that pen a perfect 5, so this one receives 4 because it's just a little light.I am so disappointed in this product. I am very careful with my possessions and only used the pen sparingly (the original refill is still in situ) The black cover started to degrade and it turned out to be a cheap thin plastic materialI tried to contact the seller direct but was told this wasn't possible so I tried again through Amazon which only resulted in a generic response which was completely irrelevant to my complaintI take no pleasure in leaving negative feedback but I am left with no alternativeI should be obliged if anyone out there knows how to make Amazon sellers accountable and Amazon themselvesI may try Trading Standards to regarding the fact that this product was not of merchantable qualityThe Sellers were K. DirectThe pen itself is very good. Its weighty without being heavy which lets you know that you have it in your hand.After at least 6 months of constant use there are the obvious minor scratches associated with usage.BUT. the biggest problem with the pen is the cheap and frankly nasty way the pen lid is secured to the body.After approx. 6 weeks the lid comes off due to my hand movement. if I had a pound for every time I have had to push the lid down before it flies off or retrieved the lid from various parts of my desk I would be a VERY rich man!!Ive given up now and ordered a Parker which I hope will cure this irritant.Graham C.Overall, a really nice weight to the pen and a pleasure to write with. There are a couple of niggles. Firstly the presentation box it came in has a sleeve. Either Cross or Amazon taped the side of the sleeve to make sure that it didn't slip out. Removing this tape will tear facia of the presentation box, whether you are careful or not! It's not a major issue - the product is the pen, but if this kind of thing matters to you, I thought it would be worth the warning.I really like this pen. Is Apogee Rolling Ball which is the special edition of Cross differentiating totally form the Century and all the other categories. Is very balanced and the colour is light blue a bit darker than the photo but definitely nice. I am using it already and it really makes a difference writing with itLoved this pen. Beautiful packaging. Feels great in the hand and writes really well. Has quality written all over it. I wrote loved this pen because my wife confiscated it for herself. Looks like I will be getting a 2nd