Pocket Pencil

[Mike Goetzke]

I found a nice little journal that I can keep in my back pocket so I can fill it with ideas/notes/shopping lists... Guess officially I’m able to sit on my brains now.

It doesn’t hold a pencil so I have been using a half long pencil with a BIC pen cap and keeping it in my pocket. Any more elegant solutions out there?

Thanks
Mike

 

[Duckler]

I do like those flat carpenter pencils. Not easy to get a sharp point, but lead is quite hard.
Don’t say “sit on my brain”, unless you mean your head is up your …

 

[Michael Kellough]

Fisher bullet space pen.

 

[PaulMarcel]

+1 to Michael's suggestion; it's what I have in mine: write well, small, but comfortable in hand

 

[hdv]

Yep, I agree on the Fisher pen. I have had one in my EDC for years now (I posted a photo of it in the thread on EDCs a while ago) and I am always glad to have it available when I need it. It has never failed me. The only thing to watch out for is that the little nib that can be used as a pointer on touch surfaces can sometimes get loose. So you might want to check that regularly just be sure. Or do what I did and use a drop of thread locker. Make sure to use the non-permanent version, because you will need to remove it to replace the refill.

 

[rmwarren]

And the Fisher pens are survivable for repeated trips thru the washing machine.    [embarassed]

Still haven't managed to get mine to write in zero gravity however.

RMW

 

[Cheese]

Over 40+ years ago I smeared some butter on a piece of paper and the short chrome bullet wrote through the butter.  [cool]

 

[Packard]

I used to carry a Fisher Space pen in my pocket.  I now carry a Zebra F701 conventional pen with a Fisher refill.

Fisher makes conventional pens too, but they cost more and are not as nice.

The video below shows the conversion.  The F701 has a resin bushing to keep the point of the pen from wobbling.  That bushing is slightly too small for the Fisher refill.

Various methods are recommended for opening up the bushing.  Some show using a drill bit to open it up.  The video below shows trimming with a knife.

My approach was simpler.  For the first month or so, I would click the pen to present the ball point, and it would have some resistance.  But it would not retract without pressing the point back on the paper (or other hard surface).  Eventually the bushing opened enough for smooth operation. 

If you are patient, then use my technique.  Otherwise the video shows the process of trimming the bushing. 

Either way, the Fisher refill is an upgrade.  The original refill is decent, so use that up first, and switch.  I didn’t do that.  I switched as soon as the Fisher refill arrived (from Amazon).  The part number is shown in the video.

The F701 is all stainless steel, and with the Fisher refill, possibly the most likely to survive in a rough environment.



While we are on the subject.  My favorite mechanical pencil (I’ve had expensive ones, but I like this one best) is STAEDTLER-MARS LTD Pencils, AKN as “Riptide” pencils.  Amazon sells these for just over $7.00 for a package of 6 pencils plus extra erasers.

I see that same package offered online for $5.00, shipping extra.  It might be cheaper to just walk into Staples.

The best pencil eraser, regardless of price is the Pentel ClicEraser.  About $5.00 for a package of 3.

 

[WillAdams]

A Rotring Quattro is the only pen (or pencil, or pen/pencil combination) I've lost since I was a junior in high school. Two of them (and yes, I'm salty about it).

I finally managed to find a replacement at a reasonable price, so it, along w/ a HMP 57 POWERS MECHA 357 Multi Mechanical Pencil Metal 3 in 1 0.3mm 0.5mm 0.7mm Japan
https://www.amazon.com/POWERS-MECHA...071KN8P1G/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

stay in my sling bag long w/ my Circa (Arc) notebook.

For my pocket I have a Fisher Bullet Space Pen in a nice leather holder (regretting not stocking up on those when I saw them available cheaply --- need to fabricate a replacement) and for day-to-day (everyday carry) usage I have a Skilcraft B3 Aviator Multifunction Pen:
https://www.abilityone.com/b3-aviator-multifunction-pen/product/1710

which pencil w/ a good quality lead refill is quite nice.

Another option to consider would be:
https://www.fabercastell.com/collections/perfect-pencil

(which I'd be more inclined to carry if it weren't for the tacky gold)

 

[Cheese]

I found a nice little journal that I can keep in my back pocket so I can fill it with ideas/notes/shopping lists... Guess officially I’m able to sit on my brains now.

It doesn’t hold a pencil so I have been using a half long pencil with a BIC pen cap and keeping it in my pocket. Any more elegant solutions out there?

Mike, I prefer using a pen to write in a journal/notebook but since the subject of pencils came up, here are 2 previous threads on pencils.
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/mechanical-pencils/msg689088/#msg689088
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...-do-you-use-to-mark-wood/msg558519/#msg558519

 

[Packard]

You could hand saddle stitch a leather case in about 5 minutes.  It would take longer to design the pattern than it would to stitch it.  Hand saddle stitching is stronger and more durable than machine stitching and it is a very simple skill to master. Very handy skill to have over the years.  Equipment needed is an awl, two hand stitching needles and some waxed linen thread. 

I imagine I could make a wood case using my self-centering dowel jig.  It would be much bulkier than the leather one would be.

 

[rvieceli]

on the subject of writing instruments. Here's a great website for pen and pencil folks. Wonderful selection, lots of imports and stuff you won't see everyday.
https://www.jetpens.com/

Ron

 

[Duckler]

Ron
Thanks for that suggestion.
In high school I enjoyed visiting office supply stores.
This was early 1970s. Your advice is just perfect.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Thanks for all the replies. I picked up one of the Fisher Bullet pens (with a stylus) and it seems to be perfect for my use.

 

[Chainring]

Another one that's a very classy design, not very big and just feels darned good in the hand is a Pentel Kerry. Fanfreakingtastic all round pencil.
https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Sharp-Kerry-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B0013NE3VA

 

[FestitaMakool]

I couldn’t resist, so included what might be 90% of my most used and beloved marking and writing tools:
Staedtler carpenters pencil/BIC multicolor with mechanical pencil/BIC regular ball point/Faber Castell 9000 “Perfect Pencil”.
The Pica sheath serves as docking, extension and sometimes sharpener for the carpenter pencils (When I’m without a knife)
[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

For a notebook, the “Perfect Pencil” stands out with the cap, pocket hook and sharpener in the cap; eraser at the end. I have 8 (4-in-use) left of a display case I bought many years ago on eBay. Many have been gifts, and all have expressed this pencil as favourite or one of their favourites to use.
It has also become my favourite for my notebooks - they stays attached all places where I’ve spread them out.

 

[mcfal12]

I’m guess it depends on the type of pants and pocket size as to whether this is a ‘pocket pencil’ but I like this mechanical pencil. The lead is durable and the pencil includes a built in sharpener.

Hiboom Solid Carpenter Pencil:
https://a.co/d/5LK9dRb