trouser pocket pen?

[Finnigan]

Hey all. I'm looking for a pen (or a pencil really) to carry around in my trouser pocket. I don't always wear shirts with pockets, and really don't like to carry pens there anyway.

Anyone know of such an animal? I know I've seen some, but I'm having trouble identifying specific ones.

[smkinva]

This is not a joke, try a space pen. They right upside down and on wet paper.

[smoothshaver]

Kaweco makes pens and pencils that fit in trouser pockets. I carry the pens sometimes. Try Swisher Pens (http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=swisher&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=348674952&Count2=265815377&CategoryID=377&Target=products.asp) or Pendemonium (http://www.pendemonium.com/).

[matt_curran]

+1 on the Space Pen

[jmacpix]

+2 on the Space Pen. I've kept one in my trousers pocket for 12 years now. Never leave home without it.

Here's the one I use:

http://www.leevalley.com/gifts/page.aspx?c=2&p=40958&cat=4,104,53210

[kongjie]

If you like Japanese pens and are looking for something small, Jetpens has a mini-size section. (http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/256)

[Austin]

Kaweco makes pens and pencils that fit in trouser pockets. I carry the pens sometimes. Try Swisher Pens (http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=swisher&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=348674952&Count2=265815377&CategoryID=377&Target=products.asp) or Pendemonium (http://www.pendemonium.com/).

This is what I carry. It's available in fountain pen, rollerball, pencil and ballpoint. I have a fountain pen and rollerball.

[TimmyBoston]

This is not a joke, try a space pen. They right upside down and on wet paper.

That or a rollerball with a cap.

[Moose]

+1 on the space pen.

I buy my inks and other assorted stuff from Pendemonium, they're good people to deal with.

[DoubleE]

I carry an Inka pen on my keyring at all times. Here's (http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1250) a link and you can check it out.

They also have a titanium version for around $35.00.

[SilkySmooth]

Bullet Space Pen
They work great!


==Tom

[ouch]

Whew! I thought you guys were just happy to see me.

[dpm802]

Bullet Space Pen
They work great!


==Tom

+5 on the Bullet Space Pen.

I've been carrying one off and on for about 30 years, and they are simply the best. Although the cases are made a little cheaper than they were 30 years ago, the ink cartridge is exactly the same as was developed for NASA. I use them all day, every day in a variety of environments. I've never had a single one that ever ran out of ink.

I just picked up one of the Military Bullets in a gold finish ... it disappears in my pants pocket at work, but its classy enough to wear in my shirt pocket when I dress up. I'm going to buy a few more to keep as spares, and give away as gifts.

I get compliments on it whenever I use it ... Most people are attracted by the way it looks, but users buy them for how well they work.

[falkon]

wow, I was going to chime in my praise for the bullet space pen but I guess I have been beaten to it. Not only is it an engineering marvel, it looks great but isn't gonna break the bank enough that you wont use it.

[Gafer]

Bullet space pens can be had from Writer's Edge for 15% off with the Promotional Code: 0602-1147.
http://thewritersedge.com/visit.cfm?a=fisher.bullet.classic

And if you want the TRUTH about the development of the space pen you can find it here:
http://www.spacepen.com/Public/History/index.cfm
No, it wasn't developed for NASA. No, the government didn't spend millions of taxpayer dollars developing a zero gravity pen while the Russians just used pencils. Urban legends.

[Mr. Gillette]

This is not a joke, try a space pen. They right upside down and on wet paper.

Write! They do. They right upside down, that's write!

[falkon]

I carry an Inka pen on my keyring at all times. Here's (http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1250) a link and you can check it out.

They also have a titanium version for around $35.00.

that looks like a cheap knock off of space pen that's not really so cheap. Why bother?

[DoubleE]

that looks like a cheap knock off of space pen that's not really so cheap. Why bother?

Why bother, lets see.....

I like it because it's smaller in diameter than the space pen and I like the fact it attaches to my keyring and doesn't slip out of my pocket like my space pen did constantly. I personally don't like a pen that's clipped to my pocket and the bullet pen would be in my recliner just about every time I sat in it (at least when I was wearing slacks).

I've owned both and prefer the Inka pen. But, it's just like razors and blades, it comes down to personal preferences.

[jfever311]

Doesn't anyone still use the trusty plastic BIC pen anymore. They are light, dependable, cheap, and have a cap.

[Gafer]

Doesn't anyone still use the trusty plastic BIC pen anymore. They are light, dependable, cheap, and have a cap.

Kinda hard to sit down with a long BIC pen in your pocket isn't it? The point of the bullet space pen is that's about half the length when closed but when you put the cap on the end to write you have a nice full length pen in your hand.

[Mr. Clean]

...

I buy my inks and other assorted stuff from Pendemonium, they're good people to deal with.

Seeing your location...do you join me in lamenting the loss of PenWright formerly of Dallas? A nice selection of pens, refills and other writing tools and accessories. I will check out your recommendation of Pendemonium.

[usqview]

pilot petit1

very small, very inexpensive and very reliable fountain pen.

i dont use the tiny carts that you are suppose to buy. i just dump the ink in the body and grease the threads. holds quite a bit.

neat little knock around fountain pen.

cheers,
ryan

[behrendprof]

+1 on Pendemonium, for lots of stuff. Good prices, generally, and they ship very quickly with a money back guarantee. I bought an ink that didn't perform the way I wanted and they offered to credit me for it, no questions.

If you use bottled ink, check out their Diamine range.

[tsv]

I carry a vintage Cross Century ball point in my pants pocket everyday. I clip it to the outer side of my pocket. I am never uncomfortable while sitting.

[sol92258]

Whew! I thought you guys were just happy to see me.

yeah, I kinda got a bit of a wrong impression also...
but...

to add substance, I'd second the Inka pen

[Moose]

Seeing your location...do you join me in lamenting the loss of PenWright formerly of Dallas? A nice selection of pens, refills and other writing tools and accessories. I will check out your recommendation of Pendemonium.

I've never been there, but I mourn the passing of any good pen store. I stopped into Paradise Pen Co. last time I was in the Galleria. :eek::eek::eek:

[orpheus]

Pencils:

I always carry a pencil with me. Following the example of an old teacher of mine who always seemed to have with him a tiny stub of a pencil, I now make pencil stubs: I buy a Derwent Graphic 2B or 3B for a few dollars, and with a fine-toothed saw, I cut it into a few pieces (about an inch and a half each). I sharpen each one, and I've got my pencil stubs. They fit anywhere; I usually just slip one into my pocket. I sharpen them on-the-go with either a pocket-knife or just my thumbnail. It has a rough-hewn, homemade appeal. I sometimes lose them, but it's no big deal; I just make some more. And I've found that these are surprisingly good conversation starters. People seem delighted with a tiny pencil. (I also occasionally carry a pocket-sized Kerry made by Pentel, which has a cap - nice!, but it's not my favorite.)

I also love fountain pens, and the Kaweco Sports others here have mentioned find their way into my pockets frequently.

My most recent purchase has been this:

http://www.porsche-design.com/live/P3140_ballpoint_pen_en.PorscheDesign?ActiveID=5896 7

Perfect pocket fit, a pleasure to use, beautifully constructed - plus, it's nice to be able to casually say "yeah, I just bought a Porsche." :biggrin:

[kongjie]

I always carry a pencil with me.

I love pencils but they don't work in pockets for me.

I still have a 30-year old graphite scar on my upper thigh to prove it.

[dpm802]

I love pencils but they don't work in pockets for me.

I still have a 30-year old graphite scar on my upper thigh to prove it.

I got stabbed with a pencil (on the inside of my left wrist) when I was in elementary school ... the point broke off and remained visible just under the skin for a long, long time. It didn't get infected, and it wasn't painful ... I couldn't even feel it, but I could push it around with my right hand when I wanted to.

About ten years ago I looked at it again and it was gone ... whether it got absorbed or worked its way further inside my wrist, I don't know.

[dpm802]

Pencils:

I always carry a pencil with me. Following the example of an old teacher of mine who always seemed to have with him a tiny stub of a pencil


+1

At one of my first sales jobs, we had a District Manager who always encouraged us to take notes at his meetings. He would tell us:

"The weakest pencil is more powerful than the strongest memory."

[Mr. Clean]

I've never been there, but I mourn the passing of any good pen store. I stopped into Paradise Pen Co. last time I was in the Galleria. :eek::eek::eek:

Is that a good :eek: or a bad :eek:? I've never been in the store. In fact I've only been in the Galleria a couple of times since it was built. I have something of an aversion to malls, which grows more pronounced during the holiday seasons.

Edit to add: You really missed a gem in PenWright. A very nice store and a great staff.

[Moose]

Is that a good :eek: or a bad :eek:? I've never been in the store. In fact I've only been in the Galleria a couple of times since it was built. I have something of an aversion to malls, which grows more pronounced during the holiday seasons.

Edit to add: You really missed a gem in PenWright. A very nice store and a great staff.

It depends. If you want a large selection of quality pens for under 50 or 75 bucks, then it's bad. If you want to buy a $2500 pen, then this is the place for you.

Sort of on the subject, can anybody recommend a decent travel inkwell? I like the Visconti, but it's kinda pricey and hard to find.

[ScottS]

pilot petit1

very small, very inexpensive and very reliable fountain pen.

i dont use the tiny carts that you are suppose to buy. i just dump the ink in the body and grease the threads. holds quite a bit.

neat little knock around fountain pen.

cheers,
ryan

Gotta be a little on the daring side to routinely carry a fountain pen in a pants pocket, though. I won't even carry a retractable gel pen in a pocket.

[burnwood]

Bullet space pens can be had from Writer's Edge for 15% off with the Promotional Code: 0602-1147.
http://thewritersedge.com/visit.cfm?a=fisher.bullet.classic

And if you want the TRUTH about the development of the space pen you can find it here:
http://www.spacepen.com/Public/History/index.cfm
No, it wasn't developed for NASA. No, the government didn't spend millions of taxpayer dollars developing a zero gravity pen while the Russians just used pencils. Urban legends.

damn you and your deals. more money spent.:mad3: well, really :biggrin:

[ScottS]

In Staples, or one of the other common supply stores, you can get Space Pen refills that come with an adapter to fit Parker Jotter pens, maybe 5 bucks, tops.

[smoothshaver]

Gotta be a little on the daring side to routinely carry a fountain pen in a pants pocket, though. I won't even carry a retractable gel pen in a pocket.

The Kaweco fp I sometimes carry has a cap that screws on securely. I think it's less likely to leak than a retractable gel pen (I've made that mistake already :frown:).

BTW, the Kaweco fountain pen uses an international size cartridge. There are also bp, rb, and pencil models.

[Rexall]

I have one of the space pens, and it is handy, but really prefer my Cross ION. It is much easier to use, and there is no cap to take off and replace.

[SilkySmooth]

I have one of the space pens, and it is handy, but really prefer my Cross ION. It is much easier to use, and there is no cap to take off and replace.

My Cross Ion has a cap. It also runs out of ink quickly compared to the Fisher Space Pen. I still like it though.




==Tom

[ScottS]

I have one of the space pens, and it is handy, but really prefer my Cross ION. It is much easier to use, and there is no cap to take off and replace.

For GOOD pens, the cap is a must. When someone tries to borrow your pen, uncap it, and keep the cap.

[Nancy Boy]

"Trouser pocket pen" -- I'm sooooo not going there.:001_rolle

[Limey]

For GOOD pens, the cap is a must. When someone tries to borrow your pen, uncap it, and keep the cap.

Great thought and effective!

[jfever311]

Speaking of trouser pocket pens, this one time at band camp.............................. :lol:

[burnwood]

Speaking of trouser pocket pens, this one time at band camp.............................. :lol:

what happened?????

[Nancy Boy]

Oh, I don't think we want to go there, really.:eek:

[jfever311]

Oh, I don't think we want to go there, really.:eek:


No.......you don't. But then again, I did not exactly want to either.

[Finnigan]

"No, I'm not really happy to see you. I'm just ready to take notes." :lol:

[Mr. Clean]

It depends. If you want a large selection of quality pens for under 50 or 75 bucks, then it's bad. If you want to buy a $2500 pen, then this is the place for you.

Sort of on the subject, can anybody recommend a decent travel inkwell? I like the Visconti, but it's kinda pricey and hard to find.

I don't have much need for a $2500 pen, so no need for me to drop in. Another nice thing about PenWright; they carried pens to fit most budges.

Sorry, can't help you on the travel inkwell.

[Mr. Clean]

For GOOD pens, the cap is a must. When someone tries to borrow your pen, uncap it, and keep the cap.

Clever :smile:

[usqview]

For GOOD pens, the cap is a must. When someone tries to borrow your pen, uncap it, and keep the cap.

+1

this works so well. people just think you are being extra polite when you remove the cap for them. i uncap and keep it in my left hand while they borrow the pen. the petit1 and kawecos are the exception since you pretty much have to post them.

cheers,
ryan

[Finnigan]

Well, I ended up getting a very small antique mechanical pencil. I'm probably going to get a Petit1 as well. Thanks all!

[smoothshaver]

Well, I ended up getting a very small antique mechanical pencil. I'm probably going to get a Petit1 as well. Thanks all!

Congratulations! :smile: Sounds like an excellent solution for your needs. Any chance we'll see a photo of your find?

[Finnigan]

http://i11.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/f4/77/cd13_1.JPG

Total length is about 2 1/4". I believe I found it by searching "bullet pencil" on eBay.

[Gaz]

Nice find. Like George Constanza, I'm afraid I'll puncture my scrotum by carrying one in my pocket. I tend to clip my pens to my polo shirts if I don't wear a pocket. Classy I know...

[Finnigan]

Hmmm... I have a little problem now. I wanted to stock up on leads for my new pencil, so I ordered .9mm lead, and it's too small. Anyone know what size leads are larger that .9mm and where to get them?

[smoothshaver]

Brian,

That's a nice little pencil. As for leads, there used to be (still is?) a 0.046 inch diameter lead that was common before "clicker pencils" took over the market. That works out to ~1.1 mm. A variety of manufacturers made pencils that used that size lead. There may be larger sizes as well. You might find them at a stationer's or a vintage pen/pencil dealer. Pendemonium (http://www.pendemonium.com/) might sell them.

Hopefully, a pencil aficionado will chime in soon.

[dwestenk]

... That works out to ~1.1 mm. ...

The Retro 51 Mini crossword pencil uses 1.15mm lead. I'm pretty sure Fahrney's pens has that size lead refills available.

[Gafer]

Hmmm... I have a little problem now. I wanted to stock up on leads for my new pencil, so I ordered .9mm lead, and it's too small. Anyone know what size leads are larger that .9mm and where to get them?


The Retro 51 Mini crossword pencil uses 1.15mm lead. I'm pretty sure Fahrney's pens has that size lead refills available.

Hmm, I'm not sure that's even a 1.15mm. I have some older mechanical pencils like that and they take a really fat lead - one I've not been able to find anywhere. It's about the same size lead as a school compass so maybe if you can find one of those that comes with loose leads. Lead holder pencil lead shaved down might work too.

[Finnigan]

Wow! Thanks for recommending that Fahrneys Pen's. They've got quite a selection of led sizes I've never seen before.

1.1mm
1.15mm
1.4mm
2.0mm
3.15mm
5.5mm
5.6mm

I'll dig out my micrometer and see what this measures.

Thanks again all!

EDIT: Here's the link: http://www.fahrneyspens.com/ItemSearch--search-lead--srcin-1

[ancora imparo]

I carry an Inka pen on my keyring at all times. Here's (http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1250) a link and you can check it out.

They also have a titanium version for around $35.00.

I liked the Inka key ring pen. But knowing me--a cheap bastard who is prone to losing things like this--I found one that looked similar to an Inka but at a fraction of the price: Zebra makes a key ring pen that looks like an Inka and for $4 you get two pens!!. Hey, it's a pen and serves a utility, do you really need something fancier than that? (if you do, get an Inka; if you want to embrace your cheap, utilitarian side, go to WalMart and grab a zebra.)

[langod]

Going on the suggestions here regarding Space Pens, I just picked a new one up on Ebay for $12.49 + $3 shipping. It's great. I haven't had a pen that writes so smoothly in years. Plus, it's tiny when capped but a nice size for writing with the cap on the back. I got the chrome one.

[dpm802]

Going on the suggestions here regarding Space Pens, I just picked a new one up on Ebay for $12.49 + $3 shipping. It's great. I haven't had a pen that writes so smoothly in years. Plus, it's tiny when capped but a nice size for writing with the cap on the back. I got the chrome one.

I carry the Gold Military Bullet Pen, I picked up 4 of them recently for half-price each on a clearance sale.

Despite the way they come out of the package, I've found that with the Bullets, the clip fits better on the small barrel (the one with the ink) rather than on the large one (the cap.)

Take the clip off, turn it around, and with the pen closed, turn it around and slide it on to the smaller barrel, and snug it up to where it just meets the larger barrel.

Not only does it fit better, it looks more streamlined, and if makes for a proper length so that the pen comes to rest at the bottom of your shirt pocket, if you like to carry it there.