After acquiring a new wilderness PSK container that is quite a bit smaller than my old one, I'm again looking to save space. I thought I would replace my pencil stub with a cut-down core from a ballpoint pen. I might seal it up with something to prevent leaks. Anyone ever try this, and how did it work out?

Regards, Vince

How about just dipping the whole metal tip into warm wax? You could just chip it off if you needed it. Just an idea.

Sue

There are plenty of ball point or roller-ball refills which come with a plastic cap over the tip. Most roller-balls will dry out if not sealed, so I would suggest you get a regular ball point refill anyway. And they don't have to be sealed. Consider some of the tiny refills: I have the ultra small Fisher refill. Smaller than the pencil in the Ritter PSC. But in actuality I think the pencil is more worthy of the space than the pen refill.

Thanks, I'll try the wax on the tip and a drop of super glue on the butt end. If it doesn't work I'll try Naro's suggestion of the refill.

Regards, Vince

Pick up a Victorinox refill for any one of their knife/pens. Cut a piece of heat shrink tubing to fit the length and heat it up. Makes a great mini field pen...

M

I use the inner from a cheap ballpoint pen that you get from a Catalogue shopping store (in the UK Maplins, Argos or Index!), you know, the kinda place where you mark your selection on a form & give it to the assistant to get it for you. Theyre about half the length of a standard pen, I wrap mine with about 3ft of duct tape.
That said, a pencil is also useful, I rather like golf pencils or the very slim ones that you often get in the spine of pocket diaries!

(Like the idea of dipping the tip in wax, though!)

"super glue on the butt end.?

Even the dreaded "E Procedure" couldn't help that condition.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes, well, in a survival situation you don't want anything leaking out and ruining your gear <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Vince

I agree that the Victorinox refill is small and useful. They say that the cartridge is pressurized; so, it should write on greasy surfaces. Are these refills as well made as Fisher Space Pen refills?--I do not know. I found mine at a local camping store that has replacement parts for SAKs. Some of the pen types can be seen at http://www.swiss-knife.com/EN/sk/accessories/replacement.html. The one I found did not have the gray plastic part that holds the pen in a knife--just a small brass plug.

Before you spend any time in pen modification, I would suggest that you write with it on your prefered paper and dip the note in water. If the ink runs, find another pen.

If you really need your PSK, it wil probably be raining, snowing, sleeting or you will be neck deep in a swamp.

Definition: Pessimist - An optimist with experience.
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Or maybe just a pencil? As long as you've got a knife, you can sharpen it. If you don't need a pencil, use it for kindling! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Sue

Pete,

I believe the refills are made by Fisher.

M

Good idea. I wrote on some regular paper and then soaked it for about 10 minutes. I had to rub pretty hard to get it to begin to run, so I think it will be ok. I have Rite-in-the Rain paper in my kit so maybe I will try it with that just to be sure. The pen core sure saves a lot of space over the pencil.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

Regards, Vince

Mike
They do seem like the logical choice to make such a refill; but, I never knew. Thanks for the info!
Pete

Yes, Fisher makes refills... Most Staples or Office Depots carry them.

Me, I just use an original Fisher Space "bullet" pen in my PSK.

Pencils are great, the cheapest way to get a pencil fit for a PSK, go by IKEA and grab a bunch. At least here in Sweden they have small containers around the store with free pencils. About 7 cms long will do in most cases.

/Jonas

I use a piece of thick pencil lead about one inch long, I took a normal pencil and stripped the wood off. Normal pencil (No. 2 or HB) lead is too brittle and can snap very easily. The harder types of lead are better. The amount of space it takes up is very small.