Pens & Pencils: Writing Implements I Recommend

I'm particular about my writing tools and I loathe change, so once I find a brand I love, I stick with it forever.

You probably have your own favorites--a chewed up big blue pencil you've saved since elementary school, the pen you stole from your doctor's office. I completely understand. Actually, my favorite pen/pencil holder is a clay snowman I molded back in kindergarten.

But should you ever decide to try something new, the following brands and models receive my highest and most sincere recommendations.








PENCIL: Dixon Ticonderoga Yellow No. 2

You can always judge a pencil by the quality of its wood shavings. The Dixon Ticonderoga 2 sharpens easily and the wood never cracks. Its graphite is pretty tough, unlike with some pencils that leave you sharpening and sharpening again and again. Plus, the eraser is top notch, and doesn't leave any greasy pink mark.

Made by Prang. Ticonderoga 2 tri-write in image below.
Runner up: Sanford also makes really high quality pencils.

COLORED PENCILS: Prismacolor Professional Quality Soft Thick Lead Pencils

Nothing beats Prismacolor Professional Quality soft thick lead pencils. These soft pencils color like butter spreading over warm bread and the colors are incredibly vibrant. Once you use them you'll never go back to the kiddie stuff.

Prisma pencils are rarely discounted (try Amazon), but they do sell at Michaels, so with a coupon, you can get a good deal. Otherwise, a single Prisma can sell for about a dollar.

Made by Sanford.

CHECKBOOK/WALLET/PURSE PEN: Fisher Bullet Pen

For Christmas, way back in my undergraduate years, my college roommate gave me a blue Fisher bullet pen which I still carry in my wallet. Originally designed for NASA by Paul C. Fisher, the pen can write upside down, under water and in extreme heat. I don't usually do any of those things, but it's sleek and has a sweet cap so the inside of my wallet never gets gross with ink smears. Plus, nowadays, you can get refills at places like Staples, instead of ordering direct from Fisher.

Manufactured in Boulder City, Nevada, USA.

DISPOSABLE DESK PEN: Pilot G2 .07 Retractable Gel Ink Rolling Ball

I reach for the odd Bic or Papermate when I'm forced to, but prefer the feel of words rolling out from under a Pilot G2 .07. I've found that the super fine points are too thin for me, and the .09 is too thick. The .07 seems to be just right.

I'm trying hard to be smart about recycling my office supplies. Most disposable pens like those made by Bic and Papermate do not recycle, and cannot be refilled. At least the Pilot G2 sells refills.

ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL PEN: Tiffany T-Clip Retractable Ball Point Pen in Sterling Silver

I couldn't resist posting an image of the new addition to my writing tool favorites, a Tiffany retractable ball point, given to me as a graduation gift from my brother and sister-in-law.

So many professional pens look bulky and masculine, but the Tiffany is stream-lined and classy. Actual Tiffany refills might be difficult to get a hold of, but I'm certain I can find a suitable generic refill when necessary.

I only intend to use my Tiffany for special occasions: buying our first home, my first book signing, book contracts, witnessing a wedding--stuff like that. I love it, love it, love it and may have even licked the pen, just so it knew who it belonged to.

In the end, I think I'd like to be buried with my Tiffany and Fisher Bullet.

Update: In response to this post, Gordon Warnock, author of The Jiggly Bits, posted his own favorite writing implements. Check it out.