Survival writing utensil?

Pencil - it doesn't wash out when the paper is wetted. First thing they teach you in field camp. Second thing is to buy waterproof paper. I also like to keep a black sharpie handy. They are good for things like doodling on your friend while they sleep.
 
jackknife said:
Can't beat a plain old pencil. I carry a short golf pencil in my pocket as part of my edc gear. I make a small note pad the size of a business card by folding a sheet of computer paper 3 times, staple the top and trim with sissors to card size. That way I always have paper and pencil.

A pencil has unlimited shelf life, no leaks, does not dry up if not used for years, and can be scraped with a knife for dry graphite lube in emergency. I once watched my dad take apart a gummed up fishing reel on a rivver bank and use pencil dust to lube it. Worked like a charm.

Love pencils.
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I carry a small Miquelrius notebook (2.5"X 4.5" X .25" thick). I keep a very small, thin pencil clipped to the inside front cover and there is a flap pocket on the back cover where I keep a book of matches (just in case). I've tried little pens, but they dry out.

I refer to it as my "Luddite PDA." My students call it "the dork book." :D
 
I use a small write in the rain notebook and take out about half the pages (they can be be added back when needed)

I use a ultrafine point Sharpie- I was surprised to find out how light they were 8 grams!

they also have a very nice writing point and the ink is very smudgeproof- I also use them to UTM grid my USGS quads- very nice instrument for that
 
I carry a small space pen but maybe I should switch to a pencil. Are there any problems associated with the space pens?
 
How about the pen in many SAKs, always with me and works fine. I also carry the mini-mech pencil I got 20 years ago with a Swiss Champ SOS system.
 
Fisher space pens. They make different models, some have key rings which are a little more handy for hikers than the bullet design.
 
I tend to have at least one mechanical pencil with a few dozen spare leads, several Pilot Precise pens in various colors, an assortment of sketching pencils in various lead hardnesses and plain ole wood pencils in and around my kits and my person at all times. This does make me consider pulling out my old drafting pencils just to add to kits however. They have full size lead but are held in good solid mechanical pencils.
 
Foilist said:
I refer to it as my "Luddite PDA."
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See, now that's funny. Tell your students to get a sense of humor. And quiz them as to the history and meaning of the word 'Luddite.' Ingrate little basterds.

Oh. I carry about a 1.5" pencil. Sharpened of course.
 
Talfuchre said:
I have a few loops that need clips to hold my writing utensils on my BOB. Recommendation for clipping a pencil to my bag?

TF
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cheap pen with the semi circle snap on clips.

OH, and here's a link for clips made for pencils!
http://www.pencilthings.com/faultless-pencil-clips-for-2-pencil-inc.html

I carry white sidewalk chalk in the vehicles, just in case I run a flat, makes it faster to get the tire patched up, good for marking on buildings and clothes as well.
 
I just usually carry a pen in my pack left over from deer hunting to fill out the tag. I never thought about all this before, good post. I suppose a sharpe would be good to draw attention to your message on a piece of bark or paper on a trail etc. Won't wash off as easily. I like the idea of a pencil with duct tape around it.
 
The extra big kids pencils ( I use these at work as well since the don't break as easy as regular pencils)
Fisher Space Pen
Extra Fine Sharpie
Riteintherain notebook
 
I just ordered the clicking version of this pen. It is a space pen derivative. The Clicker version is half the price, works one handed (no cap) and is silver so I can find it if I drop it - AND it has a clip.

I also ordered a Rite in the Rain journal for my BOB.

TF
 
Rite in the rain notebook, Rite in the rain pen (made by fischer space pen but less expensive, Pencils.

The fischer space pens write for about forever. Last indefinitely and still write when it is below zero. I went to usinfg them when working in industrial refrigeration and everything else would freeze up in the cold rooms. Writing under water and through grease etc. is a nice bonus.

Pencil will not wash off the paper but it can be rubbed nearly away over time with movement of the pages, Dont carry the notebook in your rear pocket.
 
Bushman5 said:
wooden construction pencil. It lasts for ever and works. I dont see the need for using a tacticool titanium clad steel core heavily armoured fighting pen in the woods.
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We carry the same thing.

Nice, dark lines, easy to sharpen, writes on just about anything.

Construction pencils is the shite.
 
Dannyboy Leather said:
I have used a 'porta crayon' (heavy-duty brass mechanical pencil) for a number of years for all of my journal entries, drawings, etc. Very sturdy pencil that doesn't break when battered around in the pack. Almost any abrasive will sharpen the thick lead. Will last many lifetimes.

portecrayon1.jpg
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Where could one find a monster like this?
 
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