Best EDC pen?

[rbmcmjr]

I've used this same Cross for 50 years now. I don't like the standard refill, so I used the blue bold filler. About 2 years ago, the twist mechanism failed, and Cross fixed it for free. I told them the pen had sentimental value, and I didn't want it replaced. They did good by me. The worn off chrome and dents all are part of it's history.

Those Cross pens are elegant but I find them tiring to use for extended writing sessions due to their small (narrow) size. I have one that is slightly half the age of yours (it was a prize for being the best ship-handler in my Surface Warfare Officer class in 1989) and it just sits on my desk for occasional use only.

I also prefer to have a click mechanism for one-handed use. When I got to my first ship, I started using a Parker Jotter for log taking and general use. They are nice but have the same issues with narrowness at the working end. Eventually, I ended up with the Zebra F-701 as my perfect working pen. They aren't tacticool but they have nice weight, ergonomics, and ink. And if you lose one, it isn't too devastating to your bank account (~$10).

 

[turtle13]

For inexpensive pens, you really cannot beat a Zebra F-701 or the F-301. I don't like the way Fisher pens glob up, every single pen I've had does that and it is messy.

I second this, outside of the flimsy clip, a 701 with a 301 clicker is my perfect daily pen.

 

[BlackHills]

As far as the writing quality mentioned, I have noticed a trend. With the stock inserts, which are the medium refills, I have 'blobby' writing when I first start, after it has sat. The fine refills that I've used seem to remedy this, as I have had three of them now with no issues. They are actually my favorite ink to utilize.

I agree, I've not had the 'blob' problem with the fine refills.

 

[VA27]

My latest is Fisher's Telescoping Pen. Its larger diameter is more comfotable to write with and there's no pesky cap so it's one handed. It's slightly larger than the standard bullet pen but it still fits my Mission Wallet.

 

[DAVE_M]

I carry a Fisher Bullet Space Pen everywhere. Typically with a medium blue refill. It's globby at first and I wouldn't recommend it if you write a lot daily. It's mostly for signatures. I also keep a Fisher Bullet with a black refill and a notepad in my jacket pocket, for little notes and lists.

If I'm going to do a lot of writing, I'm using one of these. I have a whole box of them at my desk right now.