I got a Fisher Space Pen for Christmas (military version, a whopping $8). I think that a survival situation I imagine would be more urban in nature and temporary. Writing could be neccessary for something...what? I don't know.

For a long term scenario, I would think you could find enough writing instruments around for your needs.

When I'm backpacking (the only time I ever anticipate the chance of a wilderness survival situation), I use a pen a great deal for navigation off trail and note taking.

I suspect note taking is also critical for a medical emergency.

Perhaps it is a convienienc, but I feel naked without a pen. Not really, but hey.

Im reminded of that old joke, NASA spent a million dollars to develop a pen that would write in space, the Russians gave their cosmonaughts a pencile. I'd just keep it as simple as possible. In my kit I keep a sharpie black marker and a sliver one, they can write on just about anything and the silver is reflective.

Always have a writing instrument & paper to leave a note at a your breakdown/crash site to tell SAR where you're headed. They don't read minds.

Sue

Nic,

That's an urban legend actually. Pencils emit graphite particles, or leads break, which float around in zero-G get into electronics and peoples lungs. Someone at Fischer pen company realized this, and developed it on their own, and sold it to NASA at the same price we buy it at. The Russians use it too now.

http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp

Sorry about that dchinell,
I’m the maker, it has a 3-inch single edge, .75 inch wide at the hilt. Similar in design to a skean dhu but with a more modern handle. The sheath is kydex. It started life as a piece of coil spring.

For me right now:

On Belt: Leatherman Wave
In Pockets: Camera Phone
Clie PDA
Key ring with Lifeadventure Mountain Survival Whistle and Cyberlight LED light

In Wallet:
FAK: 2 Antisceptic wipes
6 Adhesive bandages (plasters) ashorted sizes
1 Non Adhesive Dressing
Mini-PSK
1 Large Oven Bag (best watercarryer I have found so far)
1 Sheet Aluminium Foil
1 Length Snare Wire
1 Length Fishing Wire
1 Wire Saw
10 BCB Wind / Water proof Matches and Striker
1 Needle
4 Fishing Hooks
1 Button Compass
8 Water purification tablets
1 Swis Card with:
Magnifying Glass
Pen
Scissors
Twissers
LED Light
Mini Scredrivers
Letter Opener

I thought forums rules required that if you're the maker you must also supply a picture? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

On my person right now:


LF pocket:
LG GSM/Analog cell phone

RF pocket:
Benchmade 941 Osborne AXIS 3.4" Blade / 2.6oz
Keys Ring (car / house / office)

Neck lanyard:
2.5' Black 7 Strand 550# Paracord
Inova coin cell red LED
2" length x 0.3" diameter ferrocerium rod w/ small striker

LR pocket:
Thin leather wallet (CC / DL / cash / business cards)

RR pocket:
Cotton Bandanna

if no pix available, I guess some free samples would do ..... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Handcuff picks?????
Aren't those prohibited?