Best (tough) Pocket Pen?

[heath]

I am a punisher of pens and just generally rough on anything I put in my pockets. I'm in the service industry and a normal day could easily include climbing into attics, under desk, into tight spaces, etc. and I can't think twice about what I have in my pockets. For the most part I have been keeping my fountain pens in a roll case or another pen case I have but I am finding that I am needing a dedicated pocket pen. I have done the Metropolitan some and an Al-Star but both, though holding up fine so far, don't give me a peace about just doing anything with them. I tried the Lanbitou (sp?) pocket missile but after a week the cap falls off in my pocket almost immediately.

So, I have looked into two pens and I thought I'd see what your experiences have been or if you would recommend any others for the job.

- Kaweco Liliput
- Schrade Tactical Fountain Pen

Thanks!

[KrazyIvan]

I have/had both those pens. The Liliput was annoying because it took to long to unscrew the cap and screw it to the back of the barrel. Here is my review: http://inktronics.wordpress.com/2012...ed-by-jetpens/


Kaweco Liliput Review by IvanRomero, on Flickr

If you like that size of pen, the AG Spalding & Bros fountain pen is very similar to the Liliput but has a sturdy slip cap and a clip. I own it too and I am discovering that I do not have a review up for it, but I know I wrote one. It may be on FPN and I have not transferred it to my blog yet.
http://www.jetpens.com/A.G.-Spalding...r-Body/pd/2386


20120723_160108.jpg by IvanRomero, on Flickr


The Schrade is a big pen. I have not reviewed this one as of yet. I find it can be cumbersome in a pant pocket because of the size unless used in a cargo pant pocket.


Shrade Tactical Fountain Pen & Rollerball Combo by IvanRomero, on Flickr


Shrade Tactical Fountain Pen & Rollerball Combo by IvanRomero, on Flickr

[heath]

Is the AG Spalding & Bros not postable? The pics show it only unposted and it looks a bit short for me that way. If it is that looks like a solid option.

[KrazyIvan]

Is the AG Spalding & Bros not postable? The pics show it only unposted and it looks a bit short for me that way. If it is that looks like a solid option.

Yes, it is postable. A majority of people would not be able to use it without posting.


20120723_160223.jpg by IvanRomero, on Flickr


20120723_160639.jpg by IvanRomero, on Flickr

[jar]

Fountain pen and pants pocket is just not a good idea, period.

Use a Fisher Space pen.

[AndyT]

If I understand correctly, what's called for is a reasonably inexpensive robust pen, not necessarily a tiny one - is that right? If so, a Platignum Studio No.5 might fit the bill. It comes in two variants: semi-hooded nib and click on cap, and exposed nib with screw on cap - I guess the latter would be preferable.

Build quality is hefty (all metal) and both versions write nicely enough if mine are anything to go by. Current models take international standard cartridges or a converter, contrary to what you might see in older reviews. A couple of the finishes could plausibly be described as high visibility which might be a plus. Nothing particularly special, but you'd have a hard time breaking one. Price is about 2 Preppies.

[kaisnowbird]

+1 for the AG Spalding pocket size pen. It's clip-on cap and and the clip makes it much more practical than the Liliput, not to mention cheaper.

If you are actually looking for something that's larger in size, then the tactical pen is certainly cool and offer you roller ball option.

[MisterBoll]

For what you need I would recommend you forget a fountain pen and go with a Tombow Object roller.

This pen will take a beating and still work like a charm.

[spotted and speckled]

Stick with the fountain pen! Just have to get an appropriate one. While I don't climb in attics at work, I am very mobile. Full sized pens are awkward in pockets, as you have found out. Have you looked at any of the long/short pens that Pilot or Platinum makes/made? They were more popular a few years back, but Pilot still makes the Vortex for $25--(http://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Vortex-...-Blue/pd/10543 ). If you need stainless steel that's more money and you're talking about something from the MYU series.

[ac12]

How about the Ohto Rook
http://www.jetpens.com/Ohto-Rook-Fou...n-Body/pd/6732

I use the Tasche, but I don't think it is a durable as the Rook.

[fountainpenkid]

Many good fountain pens are perfectly capable of being used in a pants pocket, provided you're not stuffing your pocket with keys and a phone as well. I think the previous suggestions have been great if you are going to be really abusing the pen. A metal body is a must for sure, and a cartridge means less possibility of a leak. Slip caps are a bad idea in a situation where dust and grit could get onto the grip, making the slip cap wear out fast and come off in your pocket as you described. I would definitely go with the Lilliput.

[Jeph]

60's-70's Sheaffer school pen. Cheap, slim, light, writes well and is nearly indestructible. I got most of mine for less than $5 and only for one of them did I splurge for condition and go all the way up to $10 to buy.

Sheaffer School Pen Review

[stevekolt]

Kaweco Al-Star works for me. Before that it was a Hinderer Investigator. (Uses theFisher Space Pen cartridge.)

[writingrav]

I've found the Kaweco Sport to be the perfect everyday pocket pen.

[JazzDoc]

For a great pocket pen, i'd recommend one of these:

(1) Kaweco AC Sport Carbon - nearly indestructable and I usually have one in the change pocket of my jeans. I keep any pocket pen I carry inside a Kaweco Liliput Leather Pen Pouch 2 http://www.jetpens.com/Kaweco-Lilipu...-Pouch/pd/7976
(2) Stipula Passaporto - well made, small and really sturdy. Great nibs on Stipulas, too.
(3) Franklin-Christoph model 40p - great pen! Touch longer than #1.
(4) Sailor Sapporo Mini - I really love the pen, but it only takes Sailor cartridges, and no converter is made to fit it.

[fncll]

There's always the old Petit I ... indestructible in my pockets anyway. I just received a Passaporto and can definitely say that it will be my "good" pocket pen for a long while...

[JuicyJones]

I go for either a bulletproof clip like my TWSBI or the old faithful neck lanyard http://www.franklin-christoph.com/ne...-pen-slot.html.

[ransky]

The neck lanyard may be a good option (tuck it inside a shirt). Also, a TWSBI Micarta. It may be a tad big depending on size desires, but it's tough and shows no fear in the face of keys, change, or whatever else may be in your pocket. However, it's a little slow to uncap.

[Mags]

+1 for Kaweco.


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[HarryVanBuren]

I really like the Lamy Safari, realizing you already have an AL-STAR. The plastic bodies really hold up to a beating.