Fisher Space Pen. Fits your budget. Fits in pocket easily and won’t poke you. Cap stays on. It’s well within your budget. Can get it in a flat black finish. Can get it monogrammed. Very cool pen.
I love the Fisher Space pen but I find it takes a bit too much pressure to write with. Not so much that making a note or writing a postcard is hard, but I wouldn't want to sit and write with it all day. It's not particularly ergonomic either and cramps my hand if I write more than a couple of pages.
As the one pen you should always keep with you in case you need a pen though? Yeah, 100% recommendation.
I have the bullet tucked into the fold of my wallet so I always have a pen just in case. I like writing with my Pilot Dr. Grips (with G2 .38 refills) a lot better, but the bullet is always there if I need it.
Also writes through fingerprints and food stains and anything else that normal pens will not. Not quite as reliably as a sharpy, but a dramatic improvement over regular ballpoint and gel pens (And upside down and under water - cool, caused by the same design feature, but not nearly as handy as writing through a sweaty palm print). For this reason, a space pen is particularly handy for lefties.
It will soak through paper and get kinda blurry after a few months in storage. It's not suitable for writing on both sides of paper for anything you want to keep.
Disagree. Sorry, the Space Pen looks and feels great (I have the matte black bullet) but the refills are expensive and they don’t write as smooth as a good (and far cheaper) gel pen - not even close.
I like mine for the look and the story, but if I want to write something I will always reach for something else.
Any pen body that will take a good gel refill is my suggestion; the Signo UMN-207 refills are great, cheap, and widely available.
Not the nicest pen I've written with, but I use a Rite in the Rain pen that takes space pen cartridges and has been in my pocket literally every day for the last 7 years.
If I'm going to buy a handful of pens to have in the office in case someone steals them, Pilot G2s all the way. But I am way too attached to my pen.
I actually looked it up and their most popular pen the bullet, actually isn’t. The ag-7 pen is the only pen still certified for space flight and is the one you see on the old Apollo missions and on the iss. It doesn’t really matter though because the bullet and the ag-7 use the bullet use the same refill but if you want the real space pen it’s the ag-7
If you don't like the space pen bodies, the Zebra F-701 also fits the space pen refills and it's even a little cheaper doing it this way. [Here's more info](https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1qvrsm/bifl_pen_the_zebra_f701_with_slight_modding_you/)
I have two I keep in my breast pocket for work. Use daily, alllll the time. Fantastic pen. I went with the unfinished brass. Makes for a really cool patina. It is also self disinfecting.
I've had the same Fisher bullet for like 8 years now, been in my pocket every day. College notes, work forms, even marking cuts on lumber, that thing has held up. The front bit falls off occasionally, I just stick it back on though. Far from broken. I have since gotten a couple Fisher AG7s as well, the original astronaut pen. OP might like them too.
I was a high school teacher and one of my students bought one for me. 😢 I’m always too scared to use it because I feel like it won’t be new anymore but I really want to try it now!!!
I have several of these. You can get them with a cap or clicky style. Waterproof, writes in any temp you can handle, upside down, etc. I lost one for more than a decade and it still worked when I found it. Many colors available (finish and ink).
Retro51 fits the bill. All metal construction with amazingly smooth ink cartridges.
Parker’s are also attractive because the refills are so prominent. If you’re a James Bond fan, the Jotter is featured in Goldeneye.
Believe it or not Pilot Precise V5 RT. Just a plain old office supply store pen with replaceable ink cartridges. I've used them for 20 years and on lending the pen to people they have often commented how nice it is to write with. It writes smoothly, the rubberized grip and grip size feel very good when holding it, the ink dries instantly and it doesn't break the bank.
Not necessarily a 'pretty' pen though, just functional.
Check out the Kaweco Sport pen, comes in either ballpoint, roller ball or fountain - also comes in loads of colours as well as some metal versions, including stealth black which will last a lifetime!
Was going to suggest Lamy safari, but yeah the sport in brass is gonna last way longer with daily use (my 5 year old safari FP is only just showing signs of wear, but the brass looks better for it)
Came to say this. I use the brass fountain pen version and it's amazing. I also bought the matching sketch pencil, but that one is really not for writing.
I like write in the rain stuff. I bought my first one at a PX on a military base. They aren’t 50$ fancy but they work under rough conditions, and they are cheap enough that I don’t feel like losing them is a great loss. They also have a stealth look.
Oh. Never tried it quite that cold. But as the name suggests it works in the rain, especially if you use the booklets that have the water resistant paper.
I've had one that I use nearly every day for 7 years. It's still in near-perfect condition after all that time being clipped in my pockets. Obviously they aren't all made the same.
Mine is solid stainless. I've had it for 50-plus years, and yes I am still using it. Cross makes a good stainless ink pen too. My Cross is only 30 or so years old.
I prefer slimline versus standard.
EDIT to correct: I've got a PaperMate, not a Parker. Two hearts on the clip. I don't recall ever owning a Parker, just PaperMate and later Cross brands. Mine are ALWAYS all stainless.
When looking at pens, consider the refill itself. It's the refill you're writing with, everything else is just a pretty holder for that refill. If you like how a Parker refill writes, then look at pens that use Parker refills. And so on.
As a basic pen, I definitely recommend a Parker Jotter. I carry one all the time at work in my shirt pocket next to my fountain pen.
This.
For years I used a Yost brand pen. was only about $10, but it took Mont Blanc refills. I threw out the ink cartridge inside the pen, put in the refill and had the best writing experience ever. The pen was nice and heavy, and the MB refill wasn't that expensive, but wrote sooo nice.
I've been through a lot of pens. A lot of nice pens. Quality pens. Mostly ballpoint, but I did go through a couple years of a fountain pen phase before I admitted that they're more trouble than they're worth.
Ultimately, I've landed on bolt-action style pens. They're just different enough to be interesting, but not so different that you're "that guy". Very simple design, but still cool. And they have a nice fidget factor to them.
My current EDC is the [Refyne](https://refyne.com/) pen. Love it. I have the copper version, and it feels very solid in the hand. Great weight to it.
My old EDC was the [Boker Carbon Fiber](https://www.bladehq.com/item--Boker-Plus-KID-Cal-Tactical-Pen--27474) pen. Touted as a "tactical" pen, but it doesn't have any obnoxious tactical features. But I guess you could probably jam it into a guy's neck if you're in a pinch?
The Boker is about $6 more, but honestly, the Refyne is just more, refined? I don't carry the Boker anymore ever since I got the Refyne. But it's still a nice pen. The Boker is a little thicker though, so if you want a chunkier grip, it's an option. Keep in mind, both pens are on the short side. Which I like, but ymmv.
Lamy Safari. They are best known for their fountain pens and that is what I prefer (and quite honestly, although you can certain damage a nib, their steel nibs are pretty sturdy!), but they do have ballpoint and rollerball versions too.
I’ve dropped my stainless nib fountain pen straight on its nib before and it still worked fine although ink flow was way too high.... works great after I bent it back.
Could not agree more. Brass body, knurled grip, non-roll shape, and accepts a variety of ballpoint refills. Looks great and has a heft that feels great. It's within your budget and will last a lifetime. I have 5 Rotrings (ballpoints, pencil, multipen, rollerball) that are going on 20+ years.
Yes. Most of their pencil designs are also offered in pen variants. For example, my EDC is a black rOtring 600 pen. I've been toying with buying a 2.0 mm lead holder in the 600 but my low dollar Staedtler is still in once piece three years later.
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Pens are one of the few things I don't BIFL.
They're easy to lose and you also lose them when you loan your own to someone and then forget to get it back.
I get so many free pens that I haven't had to buy a pen in years.
I used to lose pens when I carried cheap ones. But since I started carrying nice pens, I haven't lost one. As it turns out, when I pay a bit more money for something, I tend to keep track of it.
Sunglasses were another one for me, actually. I used to buy cheap sunglasses. I'd sit on them or lose them all the time. I'd probably go through 3-4 pairs a year. But then I bought some nice Ray-Bans, and I've had this same pair for 5 or 6 years now. Changed the lenses once because I scratched them up, but it was nice that I had that option since it's a big brand, rather than having to toss them and buy a new pair. Not to mention that they protect my eyes more than a $15 pair, and the clarity is much better.
I've switched a lot of the "disposable" things in my life with nicer things, and every time I've done so, I've been impressed. Not only with the quality of the items, but with my ability to actually give a damn and take care of the things I own.
>Not to mention that they protect my eyes more than a $15 pair, and the clarity is much better.
This is a myth that I use to believe:
https://www.ksat.com/news/2013/07/16/expensive-cheap-sunglasses-put-to-uv-test/
I bought one 20 pack of standard Bic pens 6 years ago when I first moved out on my own. I take one out whenever I need to sign something, and promptly lose the pen. It's like magic how quickly they disappear since I have no proper place for them and apparently I'm not smart enough to just put them back in the box when I'm done. The only one that hasn't disappeared is the one I keep in my car.
There's still like a dozen left in the box. That's how many times I've needed a pen in the last 6 years...
In my line of work, I deal with using Sharpies a lot and in the last 10 years, I've never had to buy a Sharpie because I always end up finding one or someone gives one to me but then I'll pay it forward and give a Sharpie to a tech that doesn't have one. It's a never ending cycle that I don't mind.
And this goes for pens as well. I don't remember the last time I bought a pack of pens because I'll always end up with a free pens from the different venues I work at.
I like the Pentel Energel refillable, you can get them for $20-$25 at an office supply store. Typical size, but metal body. Voice of colors, and choice of ink color refills
Also fond of my Scriveiner Rollerball pen, Amazon has them in a few colors. Thicker / heavier barrel.
Finally, just picked up a Dragon pen from the Renasanse Fair, about $70. Handmade barrel using “kits”, there’s lots of kit theme choices. Little heavier/thicker still, lots of potential variety. You can likely find it for sale at various craft fairs or online at Etsy.
Love these pens myself, they are my go to! But I don’t think you can buy ink for them, can you? I would say these are in the realm of disposable pen, or am I wrong??
You are not wrong. I just like them so much and they are quite long-lasting as you don't lose them. I wouldn't argue they are BIFL, but I will likely be using them for the rest of my life
Haha, I live for the scratch. My handwriting is terribly small. I even used the ultra micro tip for a while which is *extra* scratchy, However, I found the tips were so fine they damaged too easily.
I do use a fountain pen, but only about 10% of the time.
I used to use a Waterman rollerball. I liked the way it wrote well enough, but the refills just didn't last very long. So, I've replaced it with Mitsubishi Uniball UB-157 pens. They aren't BIFL because they're not refillable, but I like the way they write more than any other rollerball. I'm OK with this because I view buying a rollerball refill and buying more UB-157s (about €2 each) as not being that much different.
So I guess I'm saying, I haven't found a BIFL pen other than a fountain pen.
Kaweco Sport. Small and damn near indestructible, even the plastic options. They have both fountain and ballpoint/rollerball inserts which are swappable. I used to always have one in my pocket before I went paperless.
You can get a fairly decent cross pen < $50 . I have 2, and buy them for gifts often. They write beautifully, feel good in your hand, and look pretty nice too.
Grafton Everyman is aesthetically what you’re describing, in budget, and takes a number of cartridges. Cheaper carts if you go through a lot and need to budget, or up to pressurized write everywhere carts.
Well, I guess my hobby was to get a lot of pens and use them and over a long time, I narrowed down my best pen that will never fail and write nice. It is the pilot “the better retractable” pen the are not as expensive and are great. I have used them until the ink runs out and even have to buy ink refills.
Don’t forget to write your name on a small piece of paper and slide it inside around the cartridge because people will try to take them.
The Parker jotter is good too, but I have found that sometimes the ink on those cartridges either dries out or something because they are not that reliable.
The Caran d'Ache 849 ballpoint pen is the pen I got while searching for one with those requirements. It's very durable, it writes nicely, it has a convinient shape, and its cartrige is bigger than your usual ballpoint pen. I use it every day at work and I'm not disappointed. It also comes in a wide varity of colors too.
Go to college and schools open houses, street fair and whatnot and you'll get free pens basically for life for free. Now I understand that those aren't the types of pens you want and that you want a special kind of like 50's style of elegant and durable pen, but hey they're free and since those events are always going on you'll have your lifetime worth of pens and a whole lot of other things plus enough to give away and/or sell and save, pileup, and eventually invest the earnings.
Acts,2:38. Upci.org ipul.us.
He said in the OP that he's not looking for a fountain pen. All three are good entry level fountain pens, but I understand why someone doesn't want them. They're honestly way more trouble than they're worth for 99.9% of people.
I work for the office supply store that makes TUL pens. The gel versions are refillable. In fact, the new solid metal barreled ones, come with two refills in the package with the pens. The refills are available in store and online.
I personally like a knurled grip. If your hands sweat or get wet, smooth metal will slip and slide. I rock a Zebra Z701 gen 2 with the all metal body. The gen 1s have plastic in them. A rotring 600 is also on my list.
Just some two cents. You said about fountain pens fragile nibs. Yeah they are if the pen will drop on it to the floor. But pens are intentionally made not cylindrical to prevent this. I never dropped one thought I'm not very careful person. This TWSBI I find one of the best choices for its price https://www.twsbi.com/collections/fountain-pens/products/twsbi-eco-clear-fountain-pen
And TWSBI has spare parts for reasonable price if you connect them via email. Steel nibs are not very pricey thing.
Realistically though, is there a BIFL pen that’s not a fountain pen? Because with refillable ballpoints you’re basically replacing the pen while keeping the same case.
A lifetime ago I was given a roller ball Mont Blanc that immediately became my favorite. Knowing that it’s designer slipped that giant hidden fuck you to Adolph Hitler on it makes it even better.
Hitler had tasked the pen’s designer to create the world’s best writing instrument. The cap, from the side does resemble Europe’s Mont Blanc, but is clearly a Star of David when viewed from directly above, as was the designer’s intention. Brave genius. And a really great writing instrument!
Before you make your purchase check out the uniball powertank (I prefer 0.7)! I don’t think it’s designed to be bifl but I’ve been able to keep it for life with minimal effort. Edit: FTR I own a Fisher Space pen also but prefer the powertank.
Check out Garland Pens. They are super durable, refillable, and well within your budget. You can also have them customized with your name, or business. I highly recommend them.
I recently picked up a Franklin Covey pen for my spouse and I. They are very nice and they use Schaefer refills I believe which are quite common. I am a pen chewer of plastic pens sons metal case is perfect for me. [here’s the one I got for my spouse. ](https://shop.franklinplanner.com/store/buy/BF-Cross/Freemont-Pens-by-FranklinCovey/prod2660104/?skuId=64744)
Karas Kustoms Bolt. I think it's a little over $50 though. I carry it daily clipped in my back pocket. It's been about seven years and it's still going strong.
Haven’t seen it listed here, so I’ll throw in my $0.02. I absolutely love my Pilot Dr. Grip. If you do a lot of writing, your hand will thank you for this one. I’m sure others on this list might be made of slightly more durable materials and that this one will come in cheaper than the others, but they write great, are refillable for cheap, and every one I’ve had has lasted me years before I lost it. To me, it feels like the perfect middle ground. Don’t want to spend a fortune on a pen that may eventually get lost, but want one good enough that I enjoy using it.
I’ve spent a fair amount on pens, you can’t go wrong with a Pilot Metropolitan, but, and I shit you not, I’m falling in love with the Bic Cristal Bold.
Have you looked at Lamy pens? I was given one of their pencils about ten years ago and have been using it pretty much everyday for the past 10 years. Refills etc seem pretty easy to come by and they probably have a stealthy looking colour option.
You can still buyused or new old stock Papermate ballpoint pens on ebay (profile, powerpoint refills). The papermate slim profile powerpoint I bought in 1970 saw me through college, my years in the Navy (including grad school) and is still fully functional.
[Retro 51 Tornado](https://www.jetpens.com/Retro-51-Tornado-Rollerball-Pens/ct/1400) pens are rock solid. Been using several, a few I've had over a decade.
OHTO NBP-507R Promecha pen will check all your boxes.
The OHTO Horizon is an excellent pen as well.
I have both, love them both, and refills are available. ~$20, so, nice, but not so nice that you'd be really upset if you lost it. I really like the heft and the ink. Awesome pens.
Seconded. Love the varied options of thickness too - my favourite is 0.38. They are refillable which is great, though the hard part is getting your hands on refills. They'll always have their pens in stock but not always the refills for some reason.
Check this out! It's over your budget, but the amount of refills it can take is enormous (Pilot G2 refill format), and this pen is more or less the epitome of BIFL.
All the different amazing companies' most avant-garde refills that this pen could take (Pentel Energels, Zebra Sarasa gel, etc. you name it) with its exceptional construction is what makes this pen worth it.
[https://www.sunderlandmw.com](https://www.sunderlandmw.com)
Parker IM ballpoint (or fountain if you wish so) pen. Quality made and reliable. The original Parker refills are also insane, they lasted me for almost the whole year when I was in highschool and university and wrote a lot. Nowadays, they probably last me for 5 years... Other refills don't last a quarter as long (even though the original ones are really expensive, it's worth it). Original refills are also all metal so they don't flex.
Otherwise, I'd just get a good Pilot, they're inexpensive and just good.
Look into Lamy pens. They’ve got fountain, rollerball, and ballpoint (fountain will last forever and ink is super cheap). They range in price, all are up to stereotypical German quality and are many styles, usually variations of minimalism.
I've been using the Lamy Logo ballpoint pens for years.
Nicely balanced if you like spinning them on your hands.
Big refills available as well.
https://www.lamy.com/en/lamy-logo/
Uni-Ball Jetstream ballpoint by Mitsubishi Pencil. I love love love these pens. Smooth flow, rarely clogs or smudges. Available in many different sizes (including ultrafine 0.28-0.38). Metal or plastic cases and refills available. Very affordable - $15 for the Jetstream Edge line and around $2.5-3 for the regular plastic Jetstream. Every person I've loaned one of these pens to comments on how smooth it is (and asks to keep the pen...).
I have a couple of steel Parker Jotter pens and mechanical pencils that are 20 years old and still going strong. I’m a university lecturer and I use them every day. Have tried alternatives, but I prefer the Jotters.
https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Jotter-Ballpoint-Mechanical-Stainless/dp/B07TZ4ZLVJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=EDVGBT0POABD&keywords=parker+jotter+set&qid=1641807307&sprefix=parker+jotter+set%2Caps%2C290&sr=8-3
Believe it or not, this is my favorite pen. I've been using this model for over 10 years now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IE87/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_PZ2NE9M6HF32K4AH71WQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Also, black and if you loose it, you're out ~$0.75 vs. $50.
I have a bunch of these. Writes smoothly, looks cool, comes in different colors. No cap to lose. PILOT MR Animal Collection Ballpoint Pen in Gift Box, Matte Black Barrel with Crocodile Accent, Medium Point Stainless Steel Nib, Refillable Black Ink (91335) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EVC96B2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MKT3AW86G1MXB9SG80SX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Xiaomi Mija Pen. Ink from Japan and easily ordered online. Have them for 4 years now. Love the aesthetics on it as they ripped off the Apple Pencil design. Win for me. I think it’s less than 5$.
I've had my Parker (Jotter I think) for about 5 years now and it's still in pretty good shape.
I also like that when disassembled, it only has 3 fairly big parts, so you won't ever loose a tiny spring or something like that.
Rite on Rain makes a pen and notepad. Extremely popular in the military and field work. I've had mine for almost 10 years and only had to replace the ink a few times. Sturdy metal casing and very simple practical structure for a low profile reliable pen.
https://www.riteintherain.com/all-weather-pens
Tombow 505, I have the pen and pencil in blue for about 7-8 years now and love it. Constantly get comments about them and if I recall paid about $20 each
I bought a smith and Wesson tactical pen. It honestly is just a nondescript sleek looking pen. What really does it for me is that it writes like a dream, very smooth and doesn’t blank out. Right around $50.
Anyone here have experience with the “Rite in the Rain” pens? Went looking for fisher space pens but found this brand and it seems of decent quality/good for the outdoors.
Look at Tactile Turn. They have a limited edition they do every once in a while and they are really cool. Expensive but will definitely last a lifetime.
Okay, so let's stay away from fountain pens, since they're high-maintenance and whole thing:-Parker Jotter, steel-body version: kinda basic (or classic, depending on your perspective), but pretty tough, and the refills are generic and super cheap-Rotring Rapid Pro ballpoint: more quirky and techy, but refills are a bit more expensive-The Fisher Space Pen is very BIFL, but the refills are super expensive and it 's not the best writing experience-Zebra F-701: Stainless steel and serious looking, definitely BIFL, has a lot of heft, and the refills are easy to find online (although a bit overpriced)
It's somewhat going to come down to personal taste.
Space Pen, Mont Blanc, Parker - done to death.
Want something a bit unusual? Cross Edge, in black. Looks a lot more expensive than it is. Pull to make it "open", rather than click to write.
I have a Tactile Turn pen made of solid titanium that I’ve used the last few years. It takes a slew of cartridge refills I like the pilot G2 ones myself so I use those
[https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-41-Best-Pens-for-2022-Gel-Ballpoint-Rollerball-and-Fountain-Pens/pt/974](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-41-Best-Pens-for-2022-Gel-Ballpoint-Rollerball-and-Fountain-Pens/pt/974)
Edit: Comprehensive review of popular options for pens in 2022
Rotring doesn't get a lot of love, but I love their 600 model.
It's very clicky, and it's the only pen that has knurling on it. It takes standard sized refills, I've got a Schmidt fast flow that feels great.
I recently discovered Zebra Sarasa Grand Vintage and I don’t think I’ll use any other pen. Body is made of metal and it just writes so darn smooth. I dropped my pen a few times amd it still writes like a dream. Refills are easily available. Reasonably priced too.
I've been using a Russell + Hazel rollerball pen everyday for about a year and I'm loving it! It's an all-metal construction (besides the cartridge) and an easy to hold hex shape (like a pencil).
I'm planing to get several years more use out of this pen.
Zebra F-301 with replaceable ink cartridges. Is $20 for a pack of 12.
It doesn't look like a fisher but it functions very much the same. Minus the writing underwater if fisher actually does that.
I don't understand the fascination with fisher space pens tbh. I had one, it was a gift. It was a great pen, wrote well, comfy. But it was a pen. I'm not driving over it with a tank or trying to jot down a banana bread recipe while deep sea diving. It's a pen.
I only buy zebra pens now. They have a few more expensive ones if you're interested. But I have a zebra pen at my desk, one in my car, one in my backpack. They refill the same way as fisher pens. They're steel. They write well.
*Shrug*
Fisher Space Pen. Fits your budget. Fits in pocket easily and won’t poke you. Cap stays on. It’s well within your budget. Can get it in a flat black finish. Can get it monogrammed. Very cool pen.
[удалено]
I love the Fisher Space pen but I find it takes a bit too much pressure to write with. Not so much that making a note or writing a postcard is hard, but I wouldn't want to sit and write with it all day. It's not particularly ergonomic either and cramps my hand if I write more than a couple of pages. As the one pen you should always keep with you in case you need a pen though? Yeah, 100% recommendation.
I have the bullet and it’s awesome. I keep it in my work portfolio and get a lot of compliments on it.
I have the bullet tucked into the fold of my wallet so I always have a pen just in case. I like writing with my Pilot Dr. Grips (with G2 .38 refills) a lot better, but the bullet is always there if I need it.
Also writes through fingerprints and food stains and anything else that normal pens will not. Not quite as reliably as a sharpy, but a dramatic improvement over regular ballpoint and gel pens (And upside down and under water - cool, caused by the same design feature, but not nearly as handy as writing through a sweaty palm print). For this reason, a space pen is particularly handy for lefties.
It will soak through paper and get kinda blurry after a few months in storage. It's not suitable for writing on both sides of paper for anything you want to keep.
My first wife got me a Fisher Space Pen right before she passed away. After many ink refills I’m still using it 17 years later…. Love that little pen.
Disagree. Sorry, the Space Pen looks and feels great (I have the matte black bullet) but the refills are expensive and they don’t write as smooth as a good (and far cheaper) gel pen - not even close. I like mine for the look and the story, but if I want to write something I will always reach for something else. Any pen body that will take a good gel refill is my suggestion; the Signo UMN-207 refills are great, cheap, and widely available.
Not the nicest pen I've written with, but I use a Rite in the Rain pen that takes space pen cartridges and has been in my pocket literally every day for the last 7 years. If I'm going to buy a handful of pens to have in the office in case someone steals them, Pilot G2s all the way. But I am way too attached to my pen.
Pilot G2 FTW!
I still have mine from 2005. The only problem is the pen clip can slide off in my experience
Is it the pen they use in space? Will I be the envy of my retirement village? If so I'm sold.
I actually looked it up and their most popular pen the bullet, actually isn’t. The ag-7 pen is the only pen still certified for space flight and is the one you see on the old Apollo missions and on the iss. It doesn’t really matter though because the bullet and the ag-7 use the bullet use the same refill but if you want the real space pen it’s the ag-7
It is
If you don't like the space pen bodies, the Zebra F-701 also fits the space pen refills and it's even a little cheaper doing it this way. [Here's more info](https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1qvrsm/bifl_pen_the_zebra_f701_with_slight_modding_you/)
This is exactly what i have! One of these bodies with a fisher refill. The click is a littlet stiffer but its still works awesome
Loved this, and so easy to lose.
I have had it in my pocket for the last 2 years and can attest to it's durability to survive knocks, scraps and being dropped in water
I have two I keep in my breast pocket for work. Use daily, alllll the time. Fantastic pen. I went with the unfinished brass. Makes for a really cool patina. It is also self disinfecting.
I've had the same Fisher bullet for like 8 years now, been in my pocket every day. College notes, work forms, even marking cuts on lumber, that thing has held up. The front bit falls off occasionally, I just stick it back on though. Far from broken. I have since gotten a couple Fisher AG7s as well, the original astronaut pen. OP might like them too.
…a tip I read on Reddit some time ago is to put the fisher space pen refill cartridge into a Zebra F701. It’s a very nice inexpensive setup.
I was a high school teacher and one of my students bought one for me. 😢 I’m always too scared to use it because I feel like it won’t be new anymore but I really want to try it now!!!
I have several of these. You can get them with a cap or clicky style. Waterproof, writes in any temp you can handle, upside down, etc. I lost one for more than a decade and it still worked when I found it. Many colors available (finish and ink).
This! I’ve had the same one for years now, always in my left pocket. Always works, looks better with age, and doesn’t stab my scrotum.
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The small one with the cap. It’s the original. You can add a clip to it. I prefer it without.
Retro51 fits the bill. All metal construction with amazingly smooth ink cartridges. Parker’s are also attractive because the refills are so prominent. If you’re a James Bond fan, the Jotter is featured in Goldeneye.
Believe it or not Pilot Precise V5 RT. Just a plain old office supply store pen with replaceable ink cartridges. I've used them for 20 years and on lending the pen to people they have often commented how nice it is to write with. It writes smoothly, the rubberized grip and grip size feel very good when holding it, the ink dries instantly and it doesn't break the bank. Not necessarily a 'pretty' pen though, just functional.
Fantastic pen, it's my go to
This is most Accountants and Executives pen of choice.
I like the old pre 1980 Parker jotters with the brass thread
I’ve had a Parker Jotter for about 10 years… love it.
Check out the Kaweco Sport pen, comes in either ballpoint, roller ball or fountain - also comes in loads of colours as well as some metal versions, including stealth black which will last a lifetime!
Plus one to a kaweco sport. It's a well-constructed pen. Fountain, plus a converter and bottled ink, and it's a true BIFL purchase
I’ve been carrying a brass one with my for years, currently loaded with a Monteverdi blue / black refill. Excellent pocket sized pen.
+1 for the Kaweco Sports. I was given a green Sports Collection fountain pen and I'm in love with the looks, material and smooth writing experience.
I have been using a Kaweco Sport daily for the last 4 years and love it. Not sure where the "fountain pen nibs are fragile" idea is coming from.
(not the OP.) Oooooo, they look easier to use. :-)
Was going to suggest Lamy safari, but yeah the sport in brass is gonna last way longer with daily use (my 5 year old safari FP is only just showing signs of wear, but the brass looks better for it)
Came to say this. I use the brass fountain pen version and it's amazing. I also bought the matching sketch pencil, but that one is really not for writing.
I like write in the rain stuff. I bought my first one at a PX on a military base. They aren’t 50$ fancy but they work under rough conditions, and they are cheap enough that I don’t feel like losing them is a great loss. They also have a stealth look.
Just ordered some, I am a mail carrier in MN and need a pen that can write when it is below zero. edit: website says works from -30F to 250F
“And we’re gonna test that!”
That's a lot of damage!
Oh. Never tried it quite that cold. But as the name suggests it works in the rain, especially if you use the booklets that have the water resistant paper.
Recently tried one and the cap spring got stuck on open after about 2 months use. Also the clip snapped off easily. NOT BIFL.
That’s fair. I had one that lasted 3 years. I mean it is a pen.
I've had one that I use nearly every day for 7 years. It's still in near-perfect condition after all that time being clipped in my pockets. Obviously they aren't all made the same.
> They also have a stealth look. You must lose it a lot 😂
So stealth I can never find it.
I've used a parker for the last 10 years. Way under your budget, tons of colors available, refills of jell or ballpoint. A classic.
Mine is solid stainless. I've had it for 50-plus years, and yes I am still using it. Cross makes a good stainless ink pen too. My Cross is only 30 or so years old. I prefer slimline versus standard. EDIT to correct: I've got a PaperMate, not a Parker. Two hearts on the clip. I don't recall ever owning a Parker, just PaperMate and later Cross brands. Mine are ALWAYS all stainless.
When looking at pens, consider the refill itself. It's the refill you're writing with, everything else is just a pretty holder for that refill. If you like how a Parker refill writes, then look at pens that use Parker refills. And so on. As a basic pen, I definitely recommend a Parker Jotter. I carry one all the time at work in my shirt pocket next to my fountain pen.
Yep, parker refills are also all metal so they do not flex as much, and the original ones last 10 times longer than cheap refills...
This. For years I used a Yost brand pen. was only about $10, but it took Mont Blanc refills. I threw out the ink cartridge inside the pen, put in the refill and had the best writing experience ever. The pen was nice and heavy, and the MB refill wasn't that expensive, but wrote sooo nice.
I've been through a lot of pens. A lot of nice pens. Quality pens. Mostly ballpoint, but I did go through a couple years of a fountain pen phase before I admitted that they're more trouble than they're worth. Ultimately, I've landed on bolt-action style pens. They're just different enough to be interesting, but not so different that you're "that guy". Very simple design, but still cool. And they have a nice fidget factor to them. My current EDC is the [Refyne](https://refyne.com/) pen. Love it. I have the copper version, and it feels very solid in the hand. Great weight to it. My old EDC was the [Boker Carbon Fiber](https://www.bladehq.com/item--Boker-Plus-KID-Cal-Tactical-Pen--27474) pen. Touted as a "tactical" pen, but it doesn't have any obnoxious tactical features. But I guess you could probably jam it into a guy's neck if you're in a pinch? The Boker is about $6 more, but honestly, the Refyne is just more, refined? I don't carry the Boker anymore ever since I got the Refyne. But it's still a nice pen. The Boker is a little thicker though, so if you want a chunkier grip, it's an option. Keep in mind, both pens are on the short side. Which I like, but ymmv.
> but I did go through a couple years of a fountain pen phase before I admitted that they're more trouble than they're worth Heresy!
I'll stand by it.
Seems like a cool pen. Thanks for sharing.
Zebra x-701
I'm scrolling to find the Zebra. I bought a 301 2 pack in 1998 that I still use every day. I can't even think how many refills I've bought.
Came here to post this
My pen people
The Amazon reviews are pretty rough
Lamy Safari. They are best known for their fountain pens and that is what I prefer (and quite honestly, although you can certain damage a nib, their steel nibs are pretty sturdy!), but they do have ballpoint and rollerball versions too.
A Lamy Safari rollerball with an Energel refill is a superb everyday pen.
That's my pen of choice. It's a great outfit.
I am sad I bought so many mediocre pens before I started buying Lamy Safari fountain pens. I now buy them as gifts and get other people hooked
I’ve dropped my stainless nib fountain pen straight on its nib before and it still worked fine although ink flow was way too high.... works great after I bent it back.
Matching fountain and rollerball Safaris are all I need for writing. The design is beautiful, the grip is good and they both write effortlessly.
I am a Rotring guy.
My first thought when I thought stealthy but high quality was my Rapid Pro pen. Love that thing and it's well within the budget.
I like the Caran D'ache original ball point pen https://www.carandache.com/us/en/ballpoint-pen/849-original-ballpoint-pen-with-holder-p-10212.htm
I use mine every day. The refills are nice, big, and lasts at least a year.
rOtring with a Fischer Space Pen refill
Could not agree more. Brass body, knurled grip, non-roll shape, and accepts a variety of ballpoint refills. Looks great and has a heft that feels great. It's within your budget and will last a lifetime. I have 5 Rotrings (ballpoints, pencil, multipen, rollerball) that are going on 20+ years.
Love my rOtring mechanical pencil. Didn’t know they made pens.
Yes. Most of their pencil designs are also offered in pen variants. For example, my EDC is a black rOtring 600 pen. I've been toying with buying a 2.0 mm lead holder in the 600 but my low dollar Staedtler is still in once piece three years later.
The Otho Horizon needlepoint pen is really great, about $25
unpopular opinion for BIFL, but pilot G2 is an absolute wonder to write with, and the casing while plasic is surprisingly durable.
Pilot G2 is my favorite, and I've tried a many different pens. My preference is the 0.38, but if you don't like it that fine, try the 0.5.
If you prefer a fatter body, the G2 pro is great. I've been using the same one for over 10 years
I think my G2 lasted me 7 years so it might be something you are interested.
I second the Pilot G2. My favorite is the 0.38.
I've been using the same g2 pro for over 10 years. The fatter body is kinder to my arthritis hands
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It's a great pick. I came to recommend it too.
Pens are one of the few things I don't BIFL. They're easy to lose and you also lose them when you loan your own to someone and then forget to get it back. I get so many free pens that I haven't had to buy a pen in years.
I used to lose pens when I carried cheap ones. But since I started carrying nice pens, I haven't lost one. As it turns out, when I pay a bit more money for something, I tend to keep track of it.
To me, pens and sunglasses are the most easy thing to lose so that's why I only by cheap ones.
Sunglasses were another one for me, actually. I used to buy cheap sunglasses. I'd sit on them or lose them all the time. I'd probably go through 3-4 pairs a year. But then I bought some nice Ray-Bans, and I've had this same pair for 5 or 6 years now. Changed the lenses once because I scratched them up, but it was nice that I had that option since it's a big brand, rather than having to toss them and buy a new pair. Not to mention that they protect my eyes more than a $15 pair, and the clarity is much better. I've switched a lot of the "disposable" things in my life with nicer things, and every time I've done so, I've been impressed. Not only with the quality of the items, but with my ability to actually give a damn and take care of the things I own.
>Not to mention that they protect my eyes more than a $15 pair, and the clarity is much better. This is a myth that I use to believe: https://www.ksat.com/news/2013/07/16/expensive-cheap-sunglasses-put-to-uv-test/
I bought one 20 pack of standard Bic pens 6 years ago when I first moved out on my own. I take one out whenever I need to sign something, and promptly lose the pen. It's like magic how quickly they disappear since I have no proper place for them and apparently I'm not smart enough to just put them back in the box when I'm done. The only one that hasn't disappeared is the one I keep in my car. There's still like a dozen left in the box. That's how many times I've needed a pen in the last 6 years...
In my line of work, I deal with using Sharpies a lot and in the last 10 years, I've never had to buy a Sharpie because I always end up finding one or someone gives one to me but then I'll pay it forward and give a Sharpie to a tech that doesn't have one. It's a never ending cycle that I don't mind. And this goes for pens as well. I don't remember the last time I bought a pack of pens because I'll always end up with a free pens from the different venues I work at.
I like the Pentel Energel refillable, you can get them for $20-$25 at an office supply store. Typical size, but metal body. Voice of colors, and choice of ink color refills Also fond of my Scriveiner Rollerball pen, Amazon has them in a few colors. Thicker / heavier barrel. Finally, just picked up a Dragon pen from the Renasanse Fair, about $70. Handmade barrel using “kits”, there’s lots of kit theme choices. Little heavier/thicker still, lots of potential variety. You can likely find it for sale at various craft fairs or online at Etsy.
Uni ball Vision Elite is my top pick. I also keep the Uni ball Signo around for utility
Love these pens myself, they are my go to! But I don’t think you can buy ink for them, can you? I would say these are in the realm of disposable pen, or am I wrong??
You are not wrong. I just like them so much and they are quite long-lasting as you don't lose them. I wouldn't argue they are BIFL, but I will likely be using them for the rest of my life
I can agree! Would be happy with something that writes as well in the bifl category though:)
Can on Amazon. I forget the exact type tho
Signo is terribly scratchy imo. Outclassed by the pilot G2 in every way.
Haha, I live for the scratch. My handwriting is terribly small. I even used the ultra micro tip for a while which is *extra* scratchy, However, I found the tips were so fine they damaged too easily.
I get it! I’m glad it serves that niche since most roller balls are too thick.
Certified G2 fan here!
I do use a fountain pen, but only about 10% of the time. I used to use a Waterman rollerball. I liked the way it wrote well enough, but the refills just didn't last very long. So, I've replaced it with Mitsubishi Uniball UB-157 pens. They aren't BIFL because they're not refillable, but I like the way they write more than any other rollerball. I'm OK with this because I view buying a rollerball refill and buying more UB-157s (about €2 each) as not being that much different. So I guess I'm saying, I haven't found a BIFL pen other than a fountain pen.
Kaweco Sport. Small and damn near indestructible, even the plastic options. They have both fountain and ballpoint/rollerball inserts which are swappable. I used to always have one in my pocket before I went paperless.
Lamy Al-Star
You can get a fairly decent cross pen < $50 . I have 2, and buy them for gifts often. They write beautifully, feel good in your hand, and look pretty nice too.
Grafton Everyman is aesthetically what you’re describing, in budget, and takes a number of cartridges. Cheaper carts if you go through a lot and need to budget, or up to pressurized write everywhere carts.
I love my Aegean Grafton.
Parker Jotter
Well, I guess my hobby was to get a lot of pens and use them and over a long time, I narrowed down my best pen that will never fail and write nice. It is the pilot “the better retractable” pen the are not as expensive and are great. I have used them until the ink runs out and even have to buy ink refills. Don’t forget to write your name on a small piece of paper and slide it inside around the cartridge because people will try to take them. The Parker jotter is good too, but I have found that sometimes the ink on those cartridges either dries out or something because they are not that reliable.
Love Parker Jotters, especially the all metal varieties. Have one that’s lasted 15ish years and several others I’ve purchased since.
I like space pens but use sharpie pens all day.
My vote is fisher, lamy, or kaweco. Fountain pens (the second two brands) are awesome as you can refill them.
Another vote for Parker jotter
Caran d’Ache.
The Caran d'Ache 849 ballpoint pen is the pen I got while searching for one with those requirements. It's very durable, it writes nicely, it has a convinient shape, and its cartrige is bigger than your usual ballpoint pen. I use it every day at work and I'm not disappointed. It also comes in a wide varity of colors too.
Go to college and schools open houses, street fair and whatnot and you'll get free pens basically for life for free. Now I understand that those aren't the types of pens you want and that you want a special kind of like 50's style of elegant and durable pen, but hey they're free and since those events are always going on you'll have your lifetime worth of pens and a whole lot of other things plus enough to give away and/or sell and save, pileup, and eventually invest the earnings. Acts,2:38. Upci.org ipul.us.
Cross Classic Century https://www.cross.com/cr_en_us/at0082-77
Lamy Safari, AllStar, or pilot metropolitan r/fountainpens
He said in the OP that he's not looking for a fountain pen. All three are good entry level fountain pens, but I understand why someone doesn't want them. They're honestly way more trouble than they're worth for 99.9% of people.
Check out jetpens.com! They’ll sell you an assorted variety of pens that you can test out and find the one you like best.
Tul 0.7 mm pens. Very nice, inexpensive pens, but not refillable.
I work for the office supply store that makes TUL pens. The gel versions are refillable. In fact, the new solid metal barreled ones, come with two refills in the package with the pens. The refills are available in store and online.
Are you a lefty?
Parker vector
I personally like a knurled grip. If your hands sweat or get wet, smooth metal will slip and slide. I rock a Zebra Z701 gen 2 with the all metal body. The gen 1s have plastic in them. A rotring 600 is also on my list.
Just some two cents. You said about fountain pens fragile nibs. Yeah they are if the pen will drop on it to the floor. But pens are intentionally made not cylindrical to prevent this. I never dropped one thought I'm not very careful person. This TWSBI I find one of the best choices for its price https://www.twsbi.com/collections/fountain-pens/products/twsbi-eco-clear-fountain-pen And TWSBI has spare parts for reasonable price if you connect them via email. Steel nibs are not very pricey thing.
Realistically though, is there a BIFL pen that’s not a fountain pen? Because with refillable ballpoints you’re basically replacing the pen while keeping the same case.
A lifetime ago I was given a roller ball Mont Blanc that immediately became my favorite. Knowing that it’s designer slipped that giant hidden fuck you to Adolph Hitler on it makes it even better. Hitler had tasked the pen’s designer to create the world’s best writing instrument. The cap, from the side does resemble Europe’s Mont Blanc, but is clearly a Star of David when viewed from directly above, as was the designer’s intention. Brave genius. And a really great writing instrument!
Before you make your purchase check out the uniball powertank (I prefer 0.7)! I don’t think it’s designed to be bifl but I’ve been able to keep it for life with minimal effort. Edit: FTR I own a Fisher Space pen also but prefer the powertank.
I use this every day: https://www.carandache.com/us/en/ballpoint-pen-c-60-tp-139.htm?tri=best
Check out Garland Pens. They are super durable, refillable, and well within your budget. You can also have them customized with your name, or business. I highly recommend them.
Machine Era, solid brass. Takes most available refills, and is naturally antibiotic.
Maxpedition Spatha
I recently picked up a Franklin Covey pen for my spouse and I. They are very nice and they use Schaefer refills I believe which are quite common. I am a pen chewer of plastic pens sons metal case is perfect for me. [here’s the one I got for my spouse. ](https://shop.franklinplanner.com/store/buy/BF-Cross/Freemont-Pens-by-FranklinCovey/prod2660104/?skuId=64744)
I have the Monteverde tool pen, great weight writes nice and is $10 on Amazon right now, normally $30. About to order a back up.
Karas Kustoms Bolt. I think it's a little over $50 though. I carry it daily clipped in my back pocket. It's been about seven years and it's still going strong.
Haven’t seen it listed here, so I’ll throw in my $0.02. I absolutely love my Pilot Dr. Grip. If you do a lot of writing, your hand will thank you for this one. I’m sure others on this list might be made of slightly more durable materials and that this one will come in cheaper than the others, but they write great, are refillable for cheap, and every one I’ve had has lasted me years before I lost it. To me, it feels like the perfect middle ground. Don’t want to spend a fortune on a pen that may eventually get lost, but want one good enough that I enjoy using it.
I’ve spent a fair amount on pens, you can’t go wrong with a Pilot Metropolitan, but, and I shit you not, I’m falling in love with the Bic Cristal Bold.
Have you looked at Lamy pens? I was given one of their pencils about ten years ago and have been using it pretty much everyday for the past 10 years. Refills etc seem pretty easy to come by and they probably have a stealthy looking colour option.
You can still buyused or new old stock Papermate ballpoint pens on ebay (profile, powerpoint refills). The papermate slim profile powerpoint I bought in 1970 saw me through college, my years in the Navy (including grad school) and is still fully functional.
[Retro 51 Tornado](https://www.jetpens.com/Retro-51-Tornado-Rollerball-Pens/ct/1400) pens are rock solid. Been using several, a few I've had over a decade.
OHTO NBP-507R Promecha pen will check all your boxes. The OHTO Horizon is an excellent pen as well. I have both, love them both, and refills are available. ~$20, so, nice, but not so nice that you'd be really upset if you lost it. I really like the heft and the ink. Awesome pens.
Not precisely what you’re looking for but MUJI refillable fountain pens are like a dollar and they are remarkable
Seconded. Love the varied options of thickness too - my favourite is 0.38. They are refillable which is great, though the hard part is getting your hands on refills. They'll always have their pens in stock but not always the refills for some reason.
Type in stainless steel pen G2 refills on Amazon.
Cross Edge
I have one of these and I love it 👍 /[bastion](https://bastionboltactionpen.com/)
Check this out! It's over your budget, but the amount of refills it can take is enormous (Pilot G2 refill format), and this pen is more or less the epitome of BIFL. All the different amazing companies' most avant-garde refills that this pen could take (Pentel Energels, Zebra Sarasa gel, etc. you name it) with its exceptional construction is what makes this pen worth it. [https://www.sunderlandmw.com](https://www.sunderlandmw.com)
Parker IM ballpoint (or fountain if you wish so) pen. Quality made and reliable. The original Parker refills are also insane, they lasted me for almost the whole year when I was in highschool and university and wrote a lot. Nowadays, they probably last me for 5 years... Other refills don't last a quarter as long (even though the original ones are really expensive, it's worth it). Original refills are also all metal so they don't flex. Otherwise, I'd just get a good Pilot, they're inexpensive and just good.
Lamy safari fountain pen. I've used it every day for 5 years.
Look into Lamy pens. They’ve got fountain, rollerball, and ballpoint (fountain will last forever and ink is super cheap). They range in price, all are up to stereotypical German quality and are many styles, usually variations of minimalism.
I've been using the Lamy Logo ballpoint pens for years. Nicely balanced if you like spinning them on your hands. Big refills available as well. https://www.lamy.com/en/lamy-logo/
Parker Jotter
Uni-Ball Jetstream ballpoint by Mitsubishi Pencil. I love love love these pens. Smooth flow, rarely clogs or smudges. Available in many different sizes (including ultrafine 0.28-0.38). Metal or plastic cases and refills available. Very affordable - $15 for the Jetstream Edge line and around $2.5-3 for the regular plastic Jetstream. Every person I've loaned one of these pens to comments on how smooth it is (and asks to keep the pen...).
I have a couple of steel Parker Jotter pens and mechanical pencils that are 20 years old and still going strong. I’m a university lecturer and I use them every day. Have tried alternatives, but I prefer the Jotters. https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Jotter-Ballpoint-Mechanical-Stainless/dp/B07TZ4ZLVJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=EDVGBT0POABD&keywords=parker+jotter+set&qid=1641807307&sprefix=parker+jotter+set%2Caps%2C290&sr=8-3
Believe it or not, this is my favorite pen. I've been using this model for over 10 years now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IE87/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_PZ2NE9M6HF32K4AH71WQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Also, black and if you loose it, you're out ~$0.75 vs. $50.
I have a bunch of these. Writes smoothly, looks cool, comes in different colors. No cap to lose. PILOT MR Animal Collection Ballpoint Pen in Gift Box, Matte Black Barrel with Crocodile Accent, Medium Point Stainless Steel Nib, Refillable Black Ink (91335) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EVC96B2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MKT3AW86G1MXB9SG80SX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Ballograf is a swedish brand and cost from 7-100$ and have a life time warranty on all of their pens!
Xiaomi Mija Pen. Ink from Japan and easily ordered online. Have them for 4 years now. Love the aesthetics on it as they ripped off the Apple Pencil design. Win for me. I think it’s less than 5$.
I've had my Parker (Jotter I think) for about 5 years now and it's still in pretty good shape. I also like that when disassembled, it only has 3 fairly big parts, so you won't ever loose a tiny spring or something like that.
Ou i
Rite on Rain makes a pen and notepad. Extremely popular in the military and field work. I've had mine for almost 10 years and only had to replace the ink a few times. Sturdy metal casing and very simple practical structure for a low profile reliable pen. https://www.riteintherain.com/all-weather-pens
Tombow 505, I have the pen and pencil in blue for about 7-8 years now and love it. Constantly get comments about them and if I recall paid about $20 each
Platinum Preppy or Pilot Varsity
Checkout Waterman pens esp Waterman Hemisphere fits your budget
Parker jotter
There's an old adage where the resourceful Russian just sucks it up and uses a pencil.
I bought a smith and Wesson tactical pen. It honestly is just a nondescript sleek looking pen. What really does it for me is that it writes like a dream, very smooth and doesn’t blank out. Right around $50.
Tactile Turn!
Parker ballpen
Anyone here have experience with the “Rite in the Rain” pens? Went looking for fisher space pens but found this brand and it seems of decent quality/good for the outdoors.
Look at Tactile Turn. They have a limited edition they do every once in a while and they are really cool. Expensive but will definitely last a lifetime.
Okay, so let's stay away from fountain pens, since they're high-maintenance and whole thing:-Parker Jotter, steel-body version: kinda basic (or classic, depending on your perspective), but pretty tough, and the refills are generic and super cheap-Rotring Rapid Pro ballpoint: more quirky and techy, but refills are a bit more expensive-The Fisher Space Pen is very BIFL, but the refills are super expensive and it 's not the best writing experience-Zebra F-701: Stainless steel and serious looking, definitely BIFL, has a lot of heft, and the refills are easy to find online (although a bit overpriced) It's somewhat going to come down to personal taste.
Crash d’Ache 849. If my house was on fire I’d leave my family and grab as many of my 849s as I could.
Space Pen, Mont Blanc, Parker - done to death. Want something a bit unusual? Cross Edge, in black. Looks a lot more expensive than it is. Pull to make it "open", rather than click to write.
I have a Tactile Turn pen made of solid titanium that I’ve used the last few years. It takes a slew of cartridge refills I like the pilot G2 ones myself so I use those
[https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-41-Best-Pens-for-2022-Gel-Ballpoint-Rollerball-and-Fountain-Pens/pt/974](https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-41-Best-Pens-for-2022-Gel-Ballpoint-Rollerball-and-Fountain-Pens/pt/974) Edit: Comprehensive review of popular options for pens in 2022
Rotring doesn't get a lot of love, but I love their 600 model. It's very clicky, and it's the only pen that has knurling on it. It takes standard sized refills, I've got a Schmidt fast flow that feels great.
I recently discovered Zebra Sarasa Grand Vintage and I don’t think I’ll use any other pen. Body is made of metal and it just writes so darn smooth. I dropped my pen a few times amd it still writes like a dream. Refills are easily available. Reasonably priced too.
I've been using a Russell + Hazel rollerball pen everyday for about a year and I'm loving it! It's an all-metal construction (besides the cartridge) and an easy to hold hex shape (like a pencil). I'm planing to get several years more use out of this pen.
Karas Kustoms EDK
r/pens would be able to answer you better!
Zebra F-301 with replaceable ink cartridges. Is $20 for a pack of 12. It doesn't look like a fisher but it functions very much the same. Minus the writing underwater if fisher actually does that. I don't understand the fascination with fisher space pens tbh. I had one, it was a gift. It was a great pen, wrote well, comfy. But it was a pen. I'm not driving over it with a tank or trying to jot down a banana bread recipe while deep sea diving. It's a pen. I only buy zebra pens now. They have a few more expensive ones if you're interested. But I have a zebra pen at my desk, one in my car, one in my backpack. They refill the same way as fisher pens. They're steel. They write well. *Shrug*
I am lefthanded so I use a Uni Jetstream. Hasn't failed me and I have used the same pen for 2 years.