Pens analysis - my picks

Months back I asked what pens do you EDC. Based on the results, I purchased: Rite in The Rain, Space Pen, INKA

RITE IN THE RAIN - BEST - No problems. I touch it whenever and it is smooth and....basically without any cons at all.

SPACE PEN - Runner up. Writes great. But at times it doesn't 'write' right away.

INKA - not too satisfied other than the fact that its on a keychain. I always have to press for the ink to start writing.

Any other picks you all might have? I am still looking for a top notch FINE POINT pen.

I've had the "doesn't write right away" problem with my Rite in the Rain. I recently got a Fisher Bullet and have already used it in pouring rain and 20*F temps. It's head and shoulders above the RITR for me so far.

Fischer space pen refill...

i use the fisher pens for most of my writing.

Stowaway (basically a refill with a plastic coating) in my daypack

military style retractable for work, every day use, etc

bullet pen when i need to just throw a pen in my pocket and go. since its smooth it doesn't poke holes or get caught up in my pocket.

oh, and the rei (rite n the rain) pads for backpacking

and, of course, always have a pencil as a backup <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'm happy with my Inka. Form-factor means it's always with me, and expanded it's large enough for significant use without too much discomfort. I haven't had any problems with it not writing instantly. My "bullet" space pen, in contrast, I find uncomfortable for more than small amounts of writing, and usually but not always starts writing immediately. I don't think I've used it since I got the Inka.

Having said that, I have a load of Pilot G2s for work and anywhere else I actually expect to be writing.

eeph

In my BOB, you will find a soapstone, a medium pt BIC, and a grease pencil. No matter what the surface, I CAN leave a message. If all else fails, I'll leave messages using rocks

The best luck is what you make yourself

thanks wildman, you just reminded me i forgot to put a grease pencil in my kit. and is the soapstone similiar to chalk? where can you buy it?

Soapstone can be used like chalk, but is not as dusty and not quite as fragile. Normally found near welding supplies. Probably can be found in Sears Hardware, Andersons General Store, Tractor Supply, etc. It is normally a flat rectangular stick but can sometimes be found as a round stick similar in diameter to a pencil.

> INKA -[...] I always have to press for the ink to start writing.

I've not had that problem with mine, and I love it. I dislike my Space Pen because it leaves globs of ink.

I love my Fisher bullet, I feel naked without it.