The trouble with dollar stores is that each kind carries different stuff. The best chain around here went out of business -- they had a GREAT buyer.

Sue

There is a model of the SAK Classic that incorporates a ballpoint pen. I prefer to EDC that model and the pen has come in handy fairly often.

I say get some thick mechanical pencil refiles and throw a coat of enamel spray paint on um.

Or wrap some glued paper round and round the lead refill. Papier mache pencils! Sharpen with an emery board.

Sue

Genius!

I sell these for $12 a piece, plus $5 shipping and handling. There's a small wait time, 3 weeks right now due to the survival holidays.

Umm, dumb question here. What about buying a box of #2 wood pencils (5-10 cents each) and cutting them short? For a more robust implement, use "contractors pencils" (10-60 cents each)from the hardware store.

If you have to have a neato toy, buy one of these.
http://www.penagain.com/index.html

Good idea, but those aren't survival pencils. Do you reall want to bet your life on a regular pencil? I don't think so.

Now, THAT'S funny!

Mark, regular yellow pencils, even cut down, take up too much room in an Altoids tin. We want the hard-to-find stuff.

Sue

This also doubles as being able to decorate your survival retreat. Keeps the tarp from being as drab.

Glad I wasn't drinking anything when I read this, Sue!