In an era where communication is done through email, novels are written in word processors and bright ideas are dictated on your cell phone, you’d think there’s no more use for pens in the office world. While you may rarely need a pen these days, there’s something to be said about using them in favor of typing digitally. Taking notes on pen and pad in a meeting looks miles more professional than tapping them into Evernote, signatures always look better in ink than scribbled on a tablet and even the briefest handwritten letter looks more meaningful than any email could ever aspire to be.
In short, writing with a pen shows that you’re distinguished and give a damn about good taste, so take your handwriting seriously, and use a solid pen. From affordable disposables to luxurious fine writing utensils, these are some of the best pens for carrying out your daily office tasks, from note-taking to working on the Penske File.
For the Supply Closet
Staedtler Pigment Liner
Though their intended application is for sketching, Staedler Pigment Liners make great writing pens because of the bold, crisp lines they make on the page and their smooth writing action. Staedler also advertises an 18-hour cap-off time, meaning if you’re the forgetful type, you won’t be out a pen if you accidentally leave off the cap.
At 0.3mm, the Ohto Slim Line is one of the finest-point ballpoints around. Besides being handsome, the Slim Line’s thin aluminum body is small enough to tuck away in smaller notebooks, and Ohto’s longstanding Japanese craftsmanship means it can hold up to a lot of abuse.
Designed by Japanese stationary company Craft Design Technologies, the Tradio Fountain Pen is based on Pentel’s plastic-nib Tradio fountain pen but puts it in a cleaner, simpler and more elegant package. The CDT Tradio has the same kind of smooth writing action as a traditional fountain pen, but the plastic construction it makes it a lot easier to stomach if it becomes lost or broken.
With a 0.7mm tip, the Delfonics Wooden Ballpoint Pen has a smooth writing point that makes taking notes a pleasure. A pen’s lackluster clicking mechanism can be a dealbreaker for some pen aficionados, but this Delfonics pen has a satisfying click, perfect for writers, maybe less so for office mates. The pen’s wooden body is incredibly light, making it a perfect travel companion, and the natural finish is beautiful when sticking out of a chest pocket, especially with the silver accents.
Skilcraft’s line of pens are a surefire upgrade from your standard pack of throwaway BICs. These pens were designed and made for the US government, with the specification that they write continuously for a mile without fail between a temperature range of -40°F and 160°F. Additionally, a majority of Skilcraft’s employees are visually impaired or have a disability, so besides buying a quality writing product, purchases support a worthy cause.
Other Notables (left to right) Marvy Uchida Le Pen ($2): Le Pen’s superfine point makes for an incredibly writing tool that is stylish and sensible. Uni-ball Jetstream 12-Pack ($19): The Uni-ball Jetstream combines the thick, vivid lines of a gel pen with the quick-drying abilities of a ballpoint pen to create the ideal writing instrument for left-handed people, who are prone to smudged handwriting. Zebra F-701 ($5): This sleek steel pen has the look of a pen three times its price, but with the standard reliability of a pen that you’d buy as a 50-pack. Monami 153 12-Pack ($7): A staple in Korean offices, the Monami 153 is a workhorse made to get the job done, and it’s one pen you won’t mind losing now and again.
For Everyday Carry
Pilot Metropolitan
If you aren’t so keen on plastic nibs and don’t want to spring for a more expensive fountain pen, the Pilot Metropolitan is one of, if not the best entry fountain pens. The Metropolitan has a hefty but streamlined body reminiscent of fountain pens 20 times its price and has a smooth writing action.
The Kaweco Classic Sport lives up to its name: it’s based on a design from 1935, but is compact and sleek, perfect for everyday use. The gold-plated steel nib is a step up in quality for new fountain pen users, and the Kaweco’s iconic hexagonal shape will keep it from rolling off any uneven surfaces.
Designed in the ’40s and eventually used in NASA’s Apollo missions, the Fisher Space Pen is without a doubt one of the most iconic writing utensils of all time. Thanks to a pressurized ink cartridge, the Fisher can be used at any angle in extreme temperatures.
“Chic” and “trendy” tend to get thrown around a lot when a Popline is whipped out. While the pen is decidedly attractive, the pen has functionality to match — a refillable Goliath ink cartridge is good for filling in up to 600 A4-sized pages. Get a color for every outfit, because the Popline is a fashion accessory as much as it is a writing tool.
For under $100, Grovemade’s brass pens, also available in aluminum ($80) or titanium ($120) make a great future heirloom. The body is weighty because of the brass, and the pen’s facets feel good in the hand and prevent the pen from rolling off the desk. The brass will patina like a quality leather good, and it writes damn well, too.
Though we admire almost all luxury fountain pens, they sometimes have a tendency to look a little bit stuffy. Waterman’s Carene is a perfect example of what a contemporary fountain pen should look like. Most notably, the 18-carat solid gold nib of the Carene is integrated into the pen body, making for a sleek, attractive writing instrument.
Montblancs are synonymous with fine writing instruments, but if you’re looking for the top-of-the-line pen from the Hamburg brand, you’ll want the Meisterstück 149. The Meisterstück Series has been Montblanc’s flagship range for over 90 years and the 149 was introduced in 1952 as the very top of the range. If nothing but the absolute finest writing instruments will do, this is your pen.
Writing with a fountain pen just makes you feel like you should write as legibly as possible. The Lamy 2000 has been around since 1966 and for good reason; Lamy’s pens are made in Germany and provide the same amount of luxury as a fountain pen worth triple the price.
Other Notables (left to right) Ystudio Desk Fountain Pen ($198): For the craftsmen behind ystudio, the art of making a pen is as invaluable as the pen’s ability to convey messages and feelings through ink. Dunhill Sidecar ($750): Inspired by a 1930s Steib sidecar, this Dunhill pen is smooth and curved like an elongated bullet, and makes writing feel like a luxury. Graf von Faber-Castell Ballpoint Pen ($390): The use of mixed materials in a Graf von Faber-Castell elevates this pen from disposable ballpoint to family heirloom. Chopard 1860 Rollerball ($685): If the intricately designed cap doesn’t scream “high-quality pen,” then feeling the smooth resin barrel in your hands will do it.
Goldwin's Mac Coat is made from Gore-Tex Paclite – which is lightweight, waterproof, breathable, packable and doesn't compromise on a soft handfeel. Get 15 percent off one of your own by signing up for the brand's newsletter.
Staub's enameled cast iron is versatile, distributes heat evenly, and works with any heat source, including induction. This is one of our favorite pieces of cookware.
Anthony Bourdain always said you really only needed one good knife in the kitchen. This one could be it. It is made with a fiberglass handle and a three-layer blade construction that will stand the test of time.
Huckberry and Timex threw it back to the 70s and 80s with this collaboration. Starting with a blank slate, the brands led with the iconic cola colorway, added a military-inspired dial and finished it off with a woven stainless steel bracelet and aluminum timing bezel.
Using half bison fiber and half wool, the Bison Ultralight weighs less than a pound and offers extremely well insulation. It also sports a recycled ripstop shell with a PFC-free DWR coating and compactly folds into its own pocket.
Best Made is back and we're grateful because it means we have access to its thoughtfully made goods that are always high quality. This pocket knife is forged by a fifth-generation Japanese blade maker and will develop a patina over time that is unique to you.
When it comes to keeping temperature, ThermoWorks is elite. The brand is a leader in humidity trackers, pH monitors and meat probes, but its marquee product is the humble Thermapen. If you don't believe us, ask chefs and grillmasters everywhere.
Huckberry teamed up with the squad at GORUCK to make a pared-back version of GORUCK's flagship GR1 backpack that still packs a solid punch. Made with 500D Cordura, it is tough but not overdoing it with super thick fabric. One of its coolest features is the laptop compartment, which sits higher against your back so that it is protected if the bag gets dropped.
Solo Stove took the 360 Airflow Design that made its fire pit so exceptional and turned it into a charcoal grill that is perfect for backyard hangs. This bundle comes with the grill, a grill stand, a cover, a carry case, plus briquettes and starters to get you going.
This is your new go-to for spring. Whether you're headed to the gym, lounging around the house or pairing it with a button-down shirt, this heather crewneck will get the job done. Todd Snyder sure knows how to outfit the American man.
If you want a mask with more protection and versatility than a simple cloth mask, check out this one from Outdoor Research. It has adjustable straps to keep your fit dialed and comes with three replaceable filters that block out 95 percent of particles.
Casio's legendary G-Shock line is not only a utilitarian achievement but is also just super stylish. You can find G-Shocks everywhere, from space to the street. This one is a bit pared back compared to others, which makes it an excellent addition to any fit any time.
With a not-too-short-but-not-too-long 8-inch inseam, these versatile shorts are excellent for going out for a run but won't show too much skin when you head to the gym. Plus, they have four pockets. Who doesn't love pockets?
This desk lamp is packed with features that will make you wonder how you lived without it. Aside from its lighting, it utilizes RavPower's groundbreaking HyperAir technology for ultra-fast wireless charging and has a USB port for any other devices you might have.
Hydro Flask really needs no introduction at this point, so when you can get a 32-ounce wide mouth with its Temp-Shield insulation at 31 percent off, you do it.
Making more coffee from home now? So are we. Ditch the Mr. Coffee and unlock all the flavor your freshly roasted beans have to offer with a french press. It is super simple to use and really does make exceptional coffee.
Stasher bags are one of our favorite alternatives to single-use plastic wrap and bags. They keep your food fresh, contain no BPA and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Plus, you can also use them for marinades or sous vide thanks to their Pinch-Loc seal.
This is our pick for the best big and tall office chair, but that doesn't mean it won't work for those of us that are more vertically challenged. The ergonomics on this chair are excellent, ensuring that you stay comfortable for the long haul.
A midweight insulated jacket is a must-have in every outdoor enthusiast's wardrobe. This one from The North Face is packed with features, including a DWR finish to fend off light rain, post-consumer recycled insulation and is packable for easy stowing (or for use as a travel pillow).
Four-way stretch, seamless construction, and extreme breathability make this our pick for the best premium workout shirt. It is simple, and simply good.
This smart vacuum senses when it is full, locks itself back into its port and empties without any work on your end. It also keeps a record of its ventures into your home, making for more efficient journeys in the future. This combo includes an Echo Dot for only $10, which is a valuable add-on that has many more benefits than just the vacuum connectivity.
If you have trouble waking up, especially in the winter, getting an artificial light to simulate sunrise is a great option. This alarm clock features nature sounds to wake you up, tap snooze and an auto-dimming display.
This is one of The North Face's most iconic silhouettes. Supremely warm, this jacket comes in four retro colorways and has a relaxed cut that is both street-ready and mountain-ready.
Gear PatrolA daily magazine of immersive stories, deals, buying advice, product-forward editorial, and reports from far-flung places.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
