you can modify the 701 to take a parker refill, and most folks do the mod and use Space Pen refills.....As the title says please recommend to me a cheap but hard working pen. I need a replacement for my pocket pen. It'll live in my pants pocket with my keys and pocket knife. It'll be used for taking quick notes, filling out forms, signing papers etc. I don't need fancy. I need durable because it will see rough use and cheap because I'm a miserable bastard as the Scots would say.
I finally ran out of my cheap plastic Papermates. They're the kind that you used to see everywhere---white body with a black press on cap. About 17 years ago WalMart clearanced them out for 15 cents for a package of 20 pens, so I bought all they had. I found that they were the most durable because the plastic flexed instead of breaking.
In college I carried Zebra click pens, but I kept breaking them in my pocket. The stainless Zebra F-701 looks promising. I'm looking for any suggestions, but realize I'm asking about a sow's ear in the silk purse department.
Thanks
Refills are proprietary for that one i think, and the other model too, and wayyyyyy to little ink
I have the fine and medium and on blue the line is darker on fine than medium. Black, both fine and medium are good.
Fascinating indeed. It is refreshing to see the Government doing some good for deserving people. Thanks for the info,I have the fine and medium and on blue the line is darker on fine than medium. Black, both fine and medium are good.
You have to look around a bit, but they should all be less than 20 for a dozen.
I like them because they are small and perfect for pocket or coat or just about anywhere. No they aren't as smooth as the Uniball Jetstream, but they are better than many ball points.
Here is a great article on the company and employees and the pens
Spotlight on the SKILCRAFT U.S. Government Pen | Supply Chimp Blog
www.supplychimp.com
Some very cool key points
The spec sheet for the US Government Pen is a whopping 16 pages long and includes features that would make James Bond proud.
- Must lay down no less than one mile of ink
- Must write in extreme temps ranging from 160 degrees to -40 degrees
- Ink must survive two applications of bleach
- Ink must have 5 second dry time with no smudging
Anything in use for five decades is bound to have its fair share of off-label uses, and this pen is no exception.
- Military MacGyvers have used the tube of this pen for emergency tracheotomies out in the field.
- The metal nose-tip is equal to the regulation length fingernails can be in the military, so it’s been used as a standard for measurement there.
- When the two barrels of the pen are unscrewed, the center ring is revealed, and this has been used as a makeshift wire-holder.
- Lay the pen on a flight map, and you’re looking at 150 nautical miles.
- The bottom of the barrel is the exact length of a two-minute fuse.
Pilot makes some good pens. I really love their V5. I know the OP was looking for an inexpensive, durable pen that can handle being carried around in a pocket. I used to carry the V5 in my pocket my pocket all the time when I was in high school and the only time I ever had an issue was when I accidentally forgot to put the cap on one time
