Why Can't Pens Be Held In The Pocket

[Nikhil]

Hello,

I carry my fountain pens to and from class in my pocket. I recently read a post saying you can't do this. Why can't I do this? All I do is put them nib upright in my zipper pocket for a at most 4 minute walk and then either keep them in my pocket while they are sitting dead as a rock or put them in my pencil case, which is also sitting as dead as a rock. What are some cheap or free(homemade) methods to carry my pens. I only where a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, and zippered pants, so I have no shirt pocket. I really don't want to buy a Pelikan, Lamy or Libelle Pen carrying case.

 

Note to Moderators: I wasn't sure where to put this, so I put it here. Sorry if it is the wrong forum!!!! :bonk: :bonk: :bonk:

[limesally]

I put them in my pocket all the time. I don't wear shirts with pockets, being a girl, so I put them in my jeans pocket, either front or back. Or maybe my jacket pocket.

 

It's not necessarily a good thing; I've had them fall out once in a while. But not enough to stop me doing it.

Edited December 5, 2009 by limesally

[Prise]

Likewise, I carry pens in my jacket's inner pocket all the time. Matter of act, many clothes today have inner pen pockets, much like they've adapted to having cell phone pockets.

[welch]

I used to hang my Parker 45 from the neck of my tee-shirt on the summer. The pen fell out once leaving the cap clipped to my shirt, but only once. Incidentally, I was riding my bike, so it was more than a one meter fall -- maybe even four feet -- but the pen was fine.

 

However, "do as I say...not as I did"!! I was lucky, and the old 45 was tough. Risk with pants pocket, unless the pants are very loose, is that you will bend the pen...and crack it. Kaweco makes a nifty "sport" pen that rides inside its cap. That would work in pants.

 

Otherwise, how about pants or light jacket with extra pockets? A photographer's jacket, built with pockets for all the odd widgets that a photographer might suddenly need?

[buffalowings]

I have no issues putting pens in my pocket, I avoid doing that with pencils, the tip can give you quite a (soapy mouth)

[significantpass]

Maybe it's because your legs move more than your upper body when you walk or run, so the effect is like shaking your pen

[NoeticVoyager]

I always carry my pens in my pocket, as I'm using a suit at work the breast pocket is a natural place to put the pen when not in use. A nice fountain pen goes nicely together with my handkerchief –I'm a fan of the traditional Brittish dress code

 

Kind regards,

Karl

[Artie]

Pens have clips for the very reason of putting them in your pocket. If you put them in your jeans and the clip is sturdy enough for the thick seam and the barrel does not tend to unscrew itself and you don't stress the pen when you sit down, there isn't any real reason for not doing that either.

[Namo]

No reason, really, but you have to be carefull: your leg can push on the pen if you hold it in your front pocket, or you can beak it if you forget about it when you sit if you hold it in your rear pocket.

 

By the way, you can find very good deal on the Bay for carrying cases. I bought mine, a four pen 12$, and I also use the pocket for the cell phone that was coming with a bag I bought.

[Ghost Plane]

They're your pens, you can do anything you want with them. Just consider whether they're likely to fall out or get broken by some particular body movement. If not, enjoy!

 

Some folks on here feel compelled to be the arbiters of fashion, others are terrified of the least smudge on their pens. Then there are people who regularly smash or lose their pens. Hopefully you fall somewhere in between on the continuum.

[Randal6393]

Have carried pens in my front pants pocket for many years. Lost a good Montblanc in Dubai that way. But have never had a pen broken. Some do unscrew and have a few colorful pockets. :bonk: Hasn't convinced me to not do it though.

 

Whatever you do, USE your pens. They are not objet d'art. Well, maybe to some of us. But I like to pull a pretty Pelikan out of my old, beat-up pants and write a quick note. Usually gets a few comments from the ball-point crowd. :roflmho:

 

Enjoy,

[Blade Runner]

When you get a new shirt just make sure the fabric is thick enough to hold the pen when you bend over. Could be a problem especially with heavier pens.

Edited December 5, 2009 by jeen

[OcalaFlGuy]

I didn't see anyone else mention this and this ISN'T the way the OP says they normally do things, but I think

the main issue/danger with pens in front pants pockets is if you were to forget and sit down with them there

that the pants then could tighten up and snap the pen.

 

As long as the pen were in a pants pocket where it would stay nib up, I see the above as being the worst case

scenerio.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

[FrankB]

I think the definition of "pocket" needs to be further refined. It covers a lot of territory, from shirts to pants, sport coats, jackets, winter coats and hollow flatbread used to make sandwiches. I assume from your OP that you mean pants pockets. And, as Ghost Plane said, they are your pens and you can carry them as you wish.

 

Whenever I am out and about, I usually carry a backpack or a messenger bag (like a male purse). Even when I have a convenient shirt or jacket pocket, I prefer to carry my pens in a pen pouch inside one of my bags. I feel the pens are safer that way than in any pocket. But, that is what I do with my pens. Just a thought.

[Neill78]

When in danger of being captured by the enemy I put my pen in the first available orifice. I recommend clipless pens when over enemy lines. Trust me.

[Pfhorrest]

I wear not-so-tight pants so it hasn't been an issue.

[tfwall]

Pens have clips for the very reason of putting them in your pocket. If you put them in your jeans and the clip is sturdy enough for the thick seam and the barrel does not tend to unscrew itself and you don't stress the pen when you sit down, there isn't any real reason for not doing that either.

 

Provided that you consider the other contents of your pockets as well. A handful of coins, a keyring or a knife will win over a plastic pen any day. Even sterling silver pens may come out the worse for the experience.

 

I think the main issues are:

*If you wearing jeans, you likely doing physical labour and the damage potential is high to a delicate instrument.

*It is easier for the pen to slip out unnoticed from a pocket.

*The contents of the pocket may do damage to the pen.

*The pen may come unscrewed/undone in your pocket and cause a mess.

*Fashion faux pas.

[Sandy1]

Hi - I've mentioned this a few times, and it only applies to carrying one pen: use a case designed for small flashlights like the mini maglight, with a top closure/flap. If your trousers have a zipper, then I reckon they have belt loops. So wear a belt, and attach the holder to it. It does look a bit 'tactical', but so what. They cost about $10, and are usually available at sporting goods, outdoor recreation and small arms dealers. - Bye, S1

[Ghost Plane]

When in danger of being captured by the enemy I put my pen in the first available orifice. I recommend clipless pens when over enemy lines. Trust me.

Let's stop right there. There are boundaries, far out tho' they are, on this board.

[Thornton]

For me, it all depends on the pen. My Lamy 2000 or Safari I'll put in my pocket. My Visconti Wall Street or Conway Stewart Knightsbridge I would not put in my pocket. However, it really only matters that you do what's most convenient/comfortable for you.