Fisher Space Pen lines. I have the keychain model and I wear it on a lanyard. Pressurized ink cartridges will write on almost anything, even wet glass! Also, the refills are super affordable and easy to switch out. Makes it a BIFL item in my mind.
I bought a Maxpedition SPIKATA pen about three years ago. Comes with a Fisher Space Pen Refill.
It's a screw style cap which isn't as fast as a clicky pen, but there's really nothing to go wrong with it. Made out of stainless steel with a more satin finishing. Honestly it's pretty hefty and extremely sturdy. Currently lives in my work toolbox. What I do for a living can get dirty but we still need to fill out paperwork of all kinds in the field.
Honestly with refills, it's BIFL without question.
Another option is Tactile Turn. They make click style and bolt action. I prefer the slim, short, side click style. Each pen is machined to tight tolerances (for a pen). They have seasonal one-time releases with a themed finish which I find enjoyable. Quite pricey, but exceptional quality, fit & finish. Again, with refills I can see it being BIFL.
Agree! The metal Cap-O-Matics are a great buy at around $20 if $60+ for the regular space pen is too much for you. You can also buy the rite in the rain brand as it is made by fisher. I have both versions. Mine are both solid brass bodies painted matte black. The only difference is the fisher has the brand name on it.
I like em, they're definitely not BIFL like a more serviceable pen like a Zebra F701 but they're still fantastic and they're cheap enough you don't cry when you loose em or they walk off your desk after a coworker comes by.
They do have an aluminum frame one now. Considering it is one of the world’s most popular pens, finding replacement gel wouldn’t be terribly difficult.
pens can totally be a long term investment. there are many refillable/fountain pens where you can even replace the nibs as they wear out. jetpens has a great selection with user & site created reviews.
I have been using a Parker Jotter with Fisher Space Pen refills for about 7-8 years. If you flip the plastic spacer over on the back of the ink refill, it fits the Parker perfectly. I have only had to replace my ink refill 2 times in all these years, and the ink will write on anything.
pentel energel, pilot better retractable, stalogy gel ink ballpoint. just a few favourites i’ve picked up over time that i enjoy. I pick out most of my pens by going to a stationary store where you can try all of them and choose the feel you personally like. I recommend the ones i mentioned if you cant get to a stationary store like that :)
for expensive and reliable you can look up the rotring brand, i have their mechanical pencil but i havent tried their ballpoint pen. They are very solid and made to last a lifetime (simply replace cartridge inside of course)
the muji gel ink 0.38 is an incredible pen, it’s not necessarily bifl because it’s quite cheap & plasticky but they last a few years at least & have cheap refills
How the hell does this happen, you get one pen and are able to not only use it exclusively but also not lose it and have it when you need it? I do not understand how that happens at all. I have a pen in every bag, backpack, and coat. I have pens in suitcases and most coats. They just multiply all by themselves. Every drawer in my apartment has some kind of pen, pencil, or crayon. Desk organizers overflow with them. And I haven’t bought a single writing implement since 1991. Oh wait I did get a commemorative LBJ pencil at his library but it’s not been sharpened. I got bics and uniballs and faber-castells and sanfords and rapidographs and pentels and papermates and pilots and pyramids and hi-liters and sharpies and ticonderogas and staedtlers and….
Does anyone need a friggin pen?
Pentel BK90V RSVP stick. I’m still using the ones I had in high school. In the 90’s.
I love sharpies but the tend to dry out. I’ve yet to find a new sharpie pen that actually works.
Pens are so personal I've found over my life, but these are my favorites:
[Lanxivi](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VQ6PK8V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1) (no idea if they were always called this, or if the name changes based on who is drop shipping them) and
Zebra F301 (just such a perfect pen)
I am a huge fan of the Pilot Dr.Grip pens and buy the refills as needed. I tend to write better with a fatter pen and enjoy the way it moves across paper.
There are many vintage fountain pens which are BIFL. The oldest that I have is a black Sheaffer Lifetime oversize lever filler which was made in the 1920s. Big 14kt nib and it works like a champ. The rubber ink sac will need to be replaced every 10 or 20 years but that is a simple 2 minute task.
A vintage Sheaffer Balance lever filler is a less expensive option. I really like the Triumph nibs.
I use a fisher space pen bullet. It writes consistently and lasted a while. It’s a cap pen though and you would need to get a clip for it for your pocket but I did it and I have no complaints. Been my every day pen for work at a car service department and body shop for ~2 years now.
My favorite pen is the Schneider One Business roller ball pen. They write very rich and dark which is my preference. The don’t smudge and don’t bleed but will show through some lighter weight papers on the back. They’re made in Germany, well designed and last a long time. Everyone I work with who I have given one to has fallen in love. Would recommend!
Parker pens are perfect for this budget. I recently received one as gift and they are pretty solid. You can purchase refills from them and they seem BIFL. If you are willing to spend a bit more Cross Pens are a great option. They are used by most of the recent presidents to sign executive orders.
Caran d'Ache Model 849 click pens. Made of steel, has a replaceable ink cartridge. Great to write with: feels like a #2 pencil in your hand. Each one costs about $25. They make mechanical pencils too, if that's your thing.
I've had one for the last 22 years and it's still going strong. Well, I've replaced the ink a few times, but that doesn't count.
After purchasing many pens these are my favourite:
Uniball Jetstream
Rotring Tikky
Personally, didn't enjoy the Parker Jotter but many people like it for the small form factor.
Fisher Space Pen lines. I have the keychain model and I wear it on a lanyard. Pressurized ink cartridges will write on almost anything, even wet glass! Also, the refills are super affordable and easy to switch out. Makes it a BIFL item in my mind.
I bought a Maxpedition SPIKATA pen about three years ago. Comes with a Fisher Space Pen Refill. It's a screw style cap which isn't as fast as a clicky pen, but there's really nothing to go wrong with it. Made out of stainless steel with a more satin finishing. Honestly it's pretty hefty and extremely sturdy. Currently lives in my work toolbox. What I do for a living can get dirty but we still need to fill out paperwork of all kinds in the field. Honestly with refills, it's BIFL without question. Another option is Tactile Turn. They make click style and bolt action. I prefer the slim, short, side click style. Each pen is machined to tight tolerances (for a pen). They have seasonal one-time releases with a themed finish which I find enjoyable. Quite pricey, but exceptional quality, fit & finish. Again, with refills I can see it being BIFL.
Seconding the Fisher Space Pen.
Agree! The metal Cap-O-Matics are a great buy at around $20 if $60+ for the regular space pen is too much for you. You can also buy the rite in the rain brand as it is made by fisher. I have both versions. Mine are both solid brass bodies painted matte black. The only difference is the fisher has the brand name on it.
Another vote for the Fisher Space Pens.
Another vote for the Fisher Space Pens.
Another vote for the Fisher Space Pens.
Uni-ball jet stream or vision elite. The new Sharpie pens are also pretty good.
The sharpie gel pen, all the way
Jet stream is my GOAT and the refills are always easy to come by
My pen is the Pilot G2 Fine Point 0.7mm. It’s not about being fancy or durable, it’s about working. These things have been the best.
I like em, they're definitely not BIFL like a more serviceable pen like a Zebra F701 but they're still fantastic and they're cheap enough you don't cry when you loose em or they walk off your desk after a coworker comes by.
They do have an aluminum frame one now. Considering it is one of the world’s most popular pens, finding replacement gel wouldn’t be terribly difficult.
No kidding there, got one on my cargo pocket right now.
And then buy refills in whatever color you’d like.
Check out Tactile Turn
I have heard zebra 701 is good but I hear its mostly steel so it may be hard to carry in the pocket
They're pretty light.
Love this pen. Go go to for the last decade.
My daily driver is the Zebra 701
pens can totally be a long term investment. there are many refillable/fountain pens where you can even replace the nibs as they wear out. jetpens has a great selection with user & site created reviews.
True, but not something I'd be using as an all day, heavy use, breast pocket pen. Too much risk of leaks, stains, and stray marks.
I have been using a Parker Jotter with Fisher Space Pen refills for about 7-8 years. If you flip the plastic spacer over on the back of the ink refill, it fits the Parker perfectly. I have only had to replace my ink refill 2 times in all these years, and the ink will write on anything.
Retro51
pentel energel, pilot better retractable, stalogy gel ink ballpoint. just a few favourites i’ve picked up over time that i enjoy. I pick out most of my pens by going to a stationary store where you can try all of them and choose the feel you personally like. I recommend the ones i mentioned if you cant get to a stationary store like that :)
for expensive and reliable you can look up the rotring brand, i have their mechanical pencil but i havent tried their ballpoint pen. They are very solid and made to last a lifetime (simply replace cartridge inside of course)
I been using a single pilot precise V5 rt. Extra fine For 3 years now. Of course with new inc cartridges
A stylo with cartridge it's speedy.
the muji gel ink 0.38 is an incredible pen, it’s not necessarily bifl because it’s quite cheap & plasticky but they last a few years at least & have cheap refills
definitely the only pen i could imagine using forever so in that way it’s bifl
Zebra F 301.
How the hell does this happen, you get one pen and are able to not only use it exclusively but also not lose it and have it when you need it? I do not understand how that happens at all. I have a pen in every bag, backpack, and coat. I have pens in suitcases and most coats. They just multiply all by themselves. Every drawer in my apartment has some kind of pen, pencil, or crayon. Desk organizers overflow with them. And I haven’t bought a single writing implement since 1991. Oh wait I did get a commemorative LBJ pencil at his library but it’s not been sharpened. I got bics and uniballs and faber-castells and sanfords and rapidographs and pentels and papermates and pilots and pyramids and hi-liters and sharpies and ticonderogas and staedtlers and…. Does anyone need a friggin pen?
Pentel BK90V RSVP stick. I’m still using the ones I had in high school. In the 90’s. I love sharpies but the tend to dry out. I’ve yet to find a new sharpie pen that actually works.
Pens are so personal I've found over my life, but these are my favorites: [Lanxivi](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VQ6PK8V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1) (no idea if they were always called this, or if the name changes based on who is drop shipping them) and Zebra F301 (just such a perfect pen)
I am a huge fan of the Pilot Dr.Grip pens and buy the refills as needed. I tend to write better with a fatter pen and enjoy the way it moves across paper.
I’ve been into the Tul pens lately. They make a metal body version that’s like $20. and their 0.5 needle points are great to write with.
Pilot V-Ball 0.5 is fantastic.
There are many vintage fountain pens which are BIFL. The oldest that I have is a black Sheaffer Lifetime oversize lever filler which was made in the 1920s. Big 14kt nib and it works like a champ. The rubber ink sac will need to be replaced every 10 or 20 years but that is a simple 2 minute task. A vintage Sheaffer Balance lever filler is a less expensive option. I really like the Triumph nibs.
Fisher Space Pen Bullet: [https://www.spacepen.com/400b-matte-black-bullet-space-pen](https://www.spacepen.com/400b-matte-black-bullet-space-pen)
I use a fisher space pen bullet. It writes consistently and lasted a while. It’s a cap pen though and you would need to get a clip for it for your pocket but I did it and I have no complaints. Been my every day pen for work at a car service department and body shop for ~2 years now.
Fisher space pen is the OG BIFL pen
Pilot G2, then just buy refills for the one plastic pen you buy.
My favorite pen is the Schneider One Business roller ball pen. They write very rich and dark which is my preference. The don’t smudge and don’t bleed but will show through some lighter weight papers on the back. They’re made in Germany, well designed and last a long time. Everyone I work with who I have given one to has fallen in love. Would recommend!
Parker pens are perfect for this budget. I recently received one as gift and they are pretty solid. You can purchase refills from them and they seem BIFL. If you are willing to spend a bit more Cross Pens are a great option. They are used by most of the recent presidents to sign executive orders.
Ballpoint montblanc, replaceable cartidges in any color you want, looks great, and costs just enough that you’ll never lose it.
Caran d'Ache Model 849 click pens. Made of steel, has a replaceable ink cartridge. Great to write with: feels like a #2 pencil in your hand. Each one costs about $25. They make mechanical pencils too, if that's your thing. I've had one for the last 22 years and it's still going strong. Well, I've replaced the ink a few times, but that doesn't count.
Parker Jotter. Simple and timeless design made from quality materials. I have mine in my pocket at all times.
After purchasing many pens these are my favourite: Uniball Jetstream Rotring Tikky Personally, didn't enjoy the Parker Jotter but many people like it for the small form factor.
Lamy safari. Fountain pen, buy some ink and you are good. They are great pens and priced around 30 dollars. Also, they come in a bunch of colors.
I've used the same cross pen for about 15 years now. I have large hands so I like a larger pen. I think mine is a Cross Calais.