Most Durable Pen?

[dappledawndrawn]

Lamy Safari for me. It's the only FP I dare to fling into my bag, filled as it is with my computer, books, gym gear, Moleskines, and work stuff.

[Djehuty]

The Pura is lovely, but it's too bright and shiny to go in a field journal. It would look out of place, I think.

 

I don't know, maybe it will come down to a coin-flip after all.

 

[mike1]

It is my understanding that Ike liked Parkler 51's and that pen is the WWII pen of the moment. I don't think it was an issued item, however.

[georges zaslavsky]

waterman forum and kultur, parker vektor, inoxcrom, parker vacumatic and sheaffer award

[Ray-Vigo]

I read somewhere (I don't recall now) that Eisenhower carried a Parker 51? That's got to show something.

 

For modern "tough" pens I like:

Waterman Phileas

Pilot 78G

Pilot Knight

Waterman Hemisphere Metal Body

 

I suppose pens with nibs that retract are also friendly to tough purposes, since you can retract the nib and be on your way.

 

 

 

But for toughness on the whole- I think I like some of those old Watermans and Mabie Todds that were used back in 1917-18. If it can take the mud and rigors of trench warfare in rotten conditions, it has my vote. Though I'm not totally sure of the convenience of ink tablets and water...

[mvnsnd]

Seems like the Lamy Al-Star should be on your list as well. Metal body, light, really good clip and replacement parts available through Lamy if you should damage something.

 

Jeff

[mikeyp]

I would say stick with a cheap cartridge filler that rights good so you dont feel bad if you lose it.

[sonia_simone]

I'd vote for a Safari or a Pelikano. They're indestructible and cheap, and they are also very good.

[OldGriz]

QUOTE (mike1 @ Mar 1 2007, 12:33 PM)

It is my understanding that Ike liked Parkler 51's and that pen is the WWII pen of the moment. I don't think it was an issued item, however.

Ike's 51s and MacArthur's Duofolds were gifted directly from George Parker....

In fact, I believe that MacArthur got his with the agreement to use it for signing the peace treaty.....

Parker was nothing if not a shrewd businessman.....

I believe that after the war, Ike received gifts of 51s on a regular basis, which is why they were used while he was President...

 

 

Now as for a pen to take while hiking, I would definitely recommend an Esterbrook... the jeep of fountain pens and if you loose it, you are not out a bundle of cash...

[vacuumkid3]

I vote for the Lamy Safari. Definitely cheap, definitely good. I have a baby-skin smooth medium nib on mine, and I LOVE it! Although I stick with writing with vintage pens, this one would be great for traveling while filled.

 

~~K~~

[Chris_PA]

I'd probably second the Safari suggestion. In addition to being generally breakproof, the clip would fit well against most hiking attire

 

Anyway, where in PA are you at? I'm from western PA, and do a lot of trailrunning/hiking in this area. I also do that Bald Eagle Megatransect out in Lock Haven every year too, so we might just pass each other someday in the woods

Edited March 1, 2007 by Chris_PA

[mikeyp]

I don't know if you meant me but I am in northeast PA.

 

I have the clear one (the Vista I think, can't remember the name)

[futhark]

Do the Sheaffers with "military clips" date to WWII? As for field-strength pens, I would go with metal body pens with well-fitting caps, simple feed designs, and international cartridge capabilities.

[Chris_PA]

QUOTE (mikeyp @ Mar 1 2007, 10:26 PM)

I don't know if you meant me but I am in northeast PA. I have the clear one (the Vista I think, can't remember the name)

Actually, I was replying to djehuty as he referenced hiking the trails in PA. But nice to see another Keystone State'er.

[mikeyp]

Ooooh! My bad

[Lloyd]

I'd opt away from a Safari because my wife cracked my Safari's section and broke the clip off and I've read of others here with broken sections.

I'd get either an Estie or a user grade P51 Aero; these are what I carry when out & about.

[Philly Rider]

As a fellow Keystone State'er (Philadelphia) let me add my two cents.

 

If you are worried about loss or damage and are looking for a solid FP you can't beat the Pilot Varsity. At $2.80 each who cares what happens to it!

 

I would also second an earlier plug for the Hero 100. At under $30 you get a very good out of the box pen that is attractive and has a hooded nib.

[mikeyp]

QUOTE (Philly Rider @ Mar 1 2007, 07:20 PM)

As a fellow Keystone State'er (Philadelphia) let me add my two cents. If you are worried about loss or damage and are looking for a solid FP you can't beat the Pilot Varsity. At $2.80 each who cares what happens to it! I would also second an earlier plug for the Hero 100. At under $30 you get a very good out of the box pen that is attractive and has a hooded nib.

You can refill the Varsity if you can get the feed out without any damage!

[sleek_lover]

Kaweco Sport. While the argument could be made they are plastic, when combined with the pencil in the plastic sport pouch, one has a compact package that is highly functional, fun to use and writes like a dream. Uses int'l short carts and you HAVE to post...but that is okay because, like the ???? Short and Long, it is what gives the pen its writing length...

 

The KS is my jeans pants pocket pen. The pencil is cool enough to use for rough carpentry...

 

Bill

[mikeyp]

QUOTE (paircon01 @ Mar 1 2007, 07:48 PM)

Kaweco Sport. While the argument could be made they are plastic, when combined with the pencil in the plastic sport pouch, one has a compact package that is highly functional, fun to use and writes like a dream. Uses int'l short carts and you HAVE to post...but that is okay because, like the ???? Short and Long, it is what gives the pen its writing length... The KS is my jeans pants pocket pen. The pencil is cool enough to use for rough carpentry... Bill

Isn't there a Noodler's eye dropper version?