Pens Similar To Skilcraft?

[FilthyFrank]

Was wondering if you guys know any pens similar to the skilcraft retractable ballpoint pen. I like the style but the build is a bit too cheap for my liking..I've included a picture right here: skilcraft

[jcm499]

I'm also a Skilcraft fan. Try the Parker Jotter if you haven't already.

Edited June 17, 2017 by jcm499

[tonydent84]

I second the Jotter. Not too expensive, very sturdy build, and there are countless brands that make refills for the pen, though Parker's own QuinkFlow refills are smooth as butter.

 

I also like the Parker Classic. You can get the ones sold on the Indian market for about $10 or less. They're similar to the Jotters but taller and thinner, and they typically come in more flashy finishes like the flighter style ones or the brushed gold.

 

And I love the look of the Sheaffer Sentinel pens, but I don't like Sheaffer refills that much personally. They're smooth, but I find the lines to be rather pale-ish relative to other brands like Cross.

 

I can't think of a disposable pen that writes nice and has a good body (both in looks and strength). The only disposable ballpoints I ever use these days are from Papermate - the Grip and the Ultraflex Grip comfort or something along those lines. They both write very smooth and dark though the build on the Flex Grip Ultra used to be better in the 90s, I think - the modern ones feel cheap.

Edited June 17, 2017 by tonydent84

[jcm499]

 

I also like the Parker Classic.

 

Wow, I actually wasn't familiar with this one, but I looked it up and just ordered one. It isn't on Parker's USA website, so I guess it isn't intended for the US market. According to https://parkerpens.net/classic.html it was introduced in 1967 as a "rich man's Jotter." The way the clip attaches to the body resembles the Skilcraft more than the Jotter, and the stamped fletching on the clip looks much nicer than on the Jotter.

[Mike 59]

Hi, Have a look at the Sheaffer VFM ballpoint. A solid design, heavier than many of similar type, and very well made, really seems like it will last.

The refill is smooth and reiliable, in the ballpoint style, I'd say it's close to the best writer I've used, hard to fault.

It's made in quite a few colours too.

https://www.staples.ca/sheaffer+vfm+ballpoint/directory_sheaffer%2520vfm%2520ballpoint_20051_1_20001

[Dragonmaster Lou]

I'm also a fan of the Parker Jotter. Here is the one I have, and I think it's pretty sharp looking, if I do say so myself. Also only cost about $10:

 

https://imgur.com/a/Y7aNx

[Sasha Royale]

Check Ebay and The National Pen Company.

I remember the Skilcraft stick pen. It was too narrow, and the faceted barrel hurts. The very sharp pen point wrote poorly and often tears the paper, if the writing surface is not hard and flat. Later, I learned that Skilcraft is manufacturing by blind people. Makes sense. Blind people don't use ballpoint pens. They don't concern themselves with smoothness, feedback, of grip comfort. However, the Skilcraft stick pen, with its faceted barrel, does one thing that is important to unsighted persons. It stays where you put it !

 

Anyway, the Parker Jotter is a very sturdy pen. The large capacity refill usually writes smoothly, especially the "gel" version. It certainly has a "quality" feel. I recommend the brushed stainless steel model.

[TranquilTrout]

I'm amazed anyone actually likes these pens. Being in the military, my workspaces are absolutely infested with these things. I can't stand how they look, write or even feel so I will go out of my way to avoid ever using them for anything.

[Dragonmaster Lou]

Anyway, the Parker Jotter is a very sturdy pen. The large capacity refill usually writes smoothly, especially the "gel" version. It certainly has a "quality" feel. I recommend the brushed stainless steel model.

Agreed. That's the model I have, with gold-colored trim.

[Orpilorp]

I look for old advertising ballpoint pens in antique stores, where a handful usually sells for around $5. Those from the 1960s are easy to spot because the ballpoint itself is very narrow. Luckily the Papermate PhD refills fit perfectly, and those refills cost less than $4 for two.

 

The advertising lettering comes off easily enough with a squirt of Goof Off and a Mr Clean Magic Eraser. If the plastic should dull a bit it will hardly be noticeable, but Renaissance wax bit bring back the luster.

 

Here are a few I have cleaned up. Expand the picture for a better view.

Edited June 23, 2017 by Orpilorp

[TranquilTrout]

I look for old advertising ballpoint pens in antique stores, where a handful usually sells for around $5. Those from the 1960s are easy to spot because the ballpoint itself is very narrow. Luckily the Papermate PhD refills fit perfectly, and those refills cost less than $4 for two.

 

The advertising lettering comes off easily enough with a squirt of Goof Off and a Mr Clean Magic Eraser. If the plastic should dull a bit it will hardly be noticeable, but Renaissance wax bit bring back the luster.

 

Here are a few I have cleaned up. Expand the picture for a better view.

 

Wow, that one second from the right looks almost exactly like a blue Skilcraft. I do kinda like the fact that the design of this pen hasn't changed for decades.