What Is A Good "carry Pen?"

[lectraplayer]

Been awhile I know, but I am looking for a good "carry in pocket" pen on a "Sheaffer Viewpoint, Platinum Preppy, Lamy Safari" budget. The main problem I keep running into is that most pens I have tried has a weak spot right where the nib, barrel, and cap all comes together, and carrying them in my pocket side loads this weak joint... ...and it snaps... Strangely, many common ballpoints can withstand this treatment but contaminants I work with can quickly ruin those. Not the case with my fountain pens. I'd prefer an international standard cartridge if I can get it but anything will do if it holds up to the punishment of being carried for more than a couple cartridges (read: a month or so being a long life). Anyone have any dealings with this issue?

[Runnin_Ute]

I have used all sorts of pens as an everyday carry. Are you keeping them in a pants pocket or a shirt pocket? I have used everything from a Parker 45 to a Pelikan M200 in a shirt pocket. Pants pockets are not for fountain pens.

[MuddyWaters]

never had issues carrying my kaweco sport in a pant pocket, but it's not the greatest writer...

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

Perhaps the 1st question I have is 'What pocket?' Trousers? Shirt? Blouse? Jacket?

 

A fair bit has ben written on carrying pens in trouser pockets, which seems an odd practice, but metal Kaweko Sport pens seem OK, though exceed your cost constraint.

 

Rarely do I carry a pen in the front pocket of my blouse - it ruins the hang of the garment -and then only in the field when wearing a mannish shirt.

 

I prefer blouses / smocks with pen slots on the upper arm, or a wee [flashlight] case on my waist belt.

 

Though my field pens are full-size, they have become rare/expensive. So robust pens such as the Pilot Metro, and the 'long cap' Japanese pens, such as the Pilot Elite, deserve consideration.

 

I'm sure other Members will contribute more wit and wisdom...

 

Bye,

S1

Edited November 22, 2017 by Sandy1

[lectraplayer]

Thanks. I may have to look into those Sandy.

 

I pretty much have to use a pants pocket to carry pens as my company where I use my pen most has a "nothing above the waist" rule because pens and other items have been known to fall out of shirt pockets into equipment and our food products. Who wants Bic ink in their meal? However, as Runnin-Ute brought up, my only choice is still less than ideal. However simply leaving the pen on the desk is out for our discussion as I am mobile all day and I have no desk or station to keep pens, and clipboards are not well known for keeping pens.

 

Strangely, the pens I tried can withstand the bouncing that is inevitable fairly well, partly because I don't leave them uncapped longer than I need to write. Just the side loads of carrying them are what spells disaster.

[SoulSamurai]

Have you tried a mini-pen like the Kaweco Sport or Ohto Tasche?

[OCArt]

Take a look at the Jinhao 911. It is a flighter style hooded nib pen that seems very robust. The metal cap covers and overlaps the body by a few millimeters and is very resistant to bending in my hands. Only a couple of dollars on the 'bay.

[jekostas]

Been awhile I know, but I am looking for a good "carry in pocket" pen on a "Sheaffer Viewpoint, Platinum Preppy, Lamy Safari" budget. The main problem I keep running into is that most pens I have tried has a weak spot right where the nib, barrel, and cap all comes together, and carrying them in my pocket side loads this weak joint... ...and it snaps... Strangely, many common ballpoints can withstand this treatment but contaminants I work with can quickly ruin those. Not the case with my fountain pens. I'd prefer an international standard cartridge if I can get it but anything will do if it holds up to the punishment of being carried for more than a couple cartridges (read: a month or so being a long life). Anyone have any dealings with this issue?

 

Ohto Tasche. Inexpensive (under $15), made of aluminum, generally decent nibs.

[PS104]

Many years ago (60+) they used to make'holsters' (of real leather) that you wore on your belt that could accommodate either 2 or 3 pens each in their own slot so they wouldn't bang into each other and I used one in elementary school. When I went to high school I migrated to the dark side and used BPs. The holders they make now are only good for when you can put them into an inside jacket pocket or a briefcase. I have searched in vain for the 'old-fashioned' holsters. To no avail so far. Does anyone else who is still alive remember these ? Any leads where to get them ? Thanks.

[SoulSamurai]

Many years ago (60+) they used to make'holsters' (of real leather) that you wore on your belt that could accommodate either 2 or 3 pens each in their own slot so they wouldn't bang into each other and I used one in elementary school. When I went to high school I migrated to the dark side and used BPs. The holders they make now are only good for when you can put them into an inside jacket pocket or a briefcase. I have searched in vain for the 'old-fashioned' holsters. To no avail so far. Does anyone else who is still alive remember these ? Any leads where to get them ? Thanks.

 

 

I've seen that sort of thing for a multitool plus pens and/or flashlights, stuff like this:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/9403148601_5ccbba84dc_b.jpg

http://2ht1mik98ka4dogie28vqc4y.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Spartan-OG-With-Leatherman.jpg

[Runnin_Ute]

A quick google search brought up some attach to the belt options. One at Lanier Pens that holds three pens. So there are options out there.

[PAKMAN]

The only pens I have pants pocket carried are a Lamy Safari and a Kaweco Sport. Both worked fine.

[gryphon1911]

Not in a Preppy budget, but the Karas Kustoms INK is a great writer, robust and can take a beating.

[dogpoet]

Have you tried a mini-pen like the Kaweco Sport or Ohto Tasche?

 

I think this is the right line for you, lectraplayer (though I'd go for an Al-Sport, with it's metal body, rather than the standard plastic one). If what's breaking pens in your pocket is that the bottom of the cap and the barrel connection coincide and it gets stressed enough to break in your trouser pocket, then a pen where the cap extends over the join (like the Sport), or doesn't but there's a very short bit behind it (like the Tasche) might help a lot.

[LizEF]

Also, there are always uniform pants which have pen slots on the outside of the thigh - look for pants designed for EMTs or cops. These are what my brother wears and where he keeps his fountain pens.

 

If price of the pen were not an issue, I too would recommend Karas Kustoms, but the Fountain K or Fountain K Mini - nothing is breaking one of those.

[senzen]

You could get a Lihit Lab Smart Fit Mobile Pouch, in which you could keep a pen, a phone and maybe even a small notebook if you so wish; it can be attached to a belt. I have a bigger Lihit Lab Smart Fit Carrying Pouch which I use with a shoulder belt but can also be used attached to a belt.

 

From jetpens (no relation): https://www.jetpens.com/Lihit-Lab-Smart-Fit-Mobile-Pouch-Orange/pd/14319

Edited November 22, 2017 by pseudo88

[akrohn2010]

Havent tried the Ohto Tasche but sounds like it would fit your bill. Of the pens I own i immediately thought of my Jinhao x750 because its cheap and relatively indestructible. Ive carried it in my pocket with no issue or worry.

 

Others have mentioned the 911, an x750 or x450 can be found in metal which would probably resist the stress well. Plus they have size 6 nibs - if you like it a better replacement nib is cheap and easy to find.

 

~AK

Edited November 22, 2017 by AK-47

[ac12]

I carry the Ohto Tasche in my pants when I wear a shirt without a pocket.

The cap overlaps the barrel by a significant amount, thus not having the weak spot of other pens, of the plastic section just below the cap.

 

But in your case, I suggest a belt holster, something similar to the holster for a AA mini-mag flashlight.

[bongo47]

I’ve carried my TWSBI Eco in jeans front pockets. I also still have a Pilot Petit that use for shorts and the like. Pocket shape is important here, because the heavier pens can sometimes slip out of slacks. And few pens have clips that can handle the thick material there (Conklin nighthawk for example, but more expensive). I go ahead and clip to my buttoned shirt in some of those instances that the pants can’t work and my shirt has no pocket, but try not to do that too much. I used to use my Noodlers pens for front pants pockets, but gave up because they were too inconsistent with ink (often way too messy). A Pelikan pelicano was one I haven’t inked in a while but I recall it going with me to the little league fields while coaching; same with the Lamy safari, but over time the cap seemed to loosen and become prone to popping off in there.

 

Other pens I will put in those pockets are above the price range you’ve set, but if I worry about scratches, don’t trust the cap strength, or could slip out (either from pocket shape, or poor clip capabilities) they are for shirt pockets only.

[Arkanabar]

Alternately, get different pants, something roomy with deep pockets. Pleated-front slacks or Dickies might serve you better.