(Part 2) Best writing & correction supplies according to redditors

Some pens are just better than others. I'd recommend the Zebra F-301. You can pick up a 2-pack at an office supply store or Walmart for about $3.00. These pens will motherfucking write any time you need them. I've used them outdoors for years. It doesn't matter if the paper's soggy (though the ink will bleed), or even hard frozen at -50. It's going to work. Stop wasting a quarter on a crappy pen and get one that's going to last until it runs dry.

I'll interpret "guy stuff" as "EDC stuff".

• A Flowfold Minimalist slim wallet
  
• A Zebra F-701 stainless steel pen with a Fisher Space refill so it can write anywhere. This isn't a "tactical" pen by LE/TSA standards, but is a solid stainless steel tube, if you know what I mean.
  
• If you prefer something smaller, a Fisher Space Bullet Space Pen and/or a Zebra Mini mechanical pencil TS-3.
  
• You might also want something to write on, and a 3-pack of Field Notes, Pitch Black Edition in Dot-Grid isn't a bad choice unless you're into fountain pens, in which case you'd be better served with a Clairefontaine or. Rhodia pocket notebook. (They will feather fountain pen ink less, resulting in finer lines.)
  
  Bonus item: This isn't under $30, but $45 wil buy you a Leatherman Skeletool, which is one of the most universally useful items I own.
  
  Edit: "EDC" stands for Every Day Carry. To paraphrase the /r/EDC sidebar, EDC means the essentials that I carry a daily basis. Things that I either use every day, or want to have with me in case I might need them. Sorry for the confusion, /u/ForgottenEcho and /u/Sanctitas.

I challenge you to find something more permanent (and less potentially dangerous) then your plastic Bic downstem.

Zebra makes a 501 pen that's stainless steel body, in case you want to continue using pens

Edit: it's actually the 301 https://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Ballpoint-Stainless-Retractable-Pen/dp/B001JT1ADW

https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Retractable-Erasable-Assorted-Disappear/dp/B009QYH644/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=54497463965&hvadid=274732654753&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9022290&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7688692750981584876&hvtargid=kwd-296392205640&keywords=pilot+frixion&qid=1555117902&s=gateway&sr=8-3

If you want to do this

List

• 15” MacBook Pro
  
  
• 12” iPad Pro + Apple Pencil
  
  
• Large (plain) Moleskine journal
  
  
• Small (lined) Moleskine journal
  
  
• Parker Jotter
  
  
• 7th Gen iPod classic
  
  
• Apple EarPods
  
  
• Bose SoundTrue Headphones
  
  
• SS Apple Watch w/ leather strap
  
  
• iPhone 6s x2 (one for work)
  
  
• Ray-Ban classic clubmaster
  
  
• LV wallet
  
  
• Piece of gum
  
  ___
  
  Edit: Added the Bose headphone model

I use Zebras.

No, you cant borrow one.

Zebra F301, cheap, no smear, fine point

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JT1ADW/ref=psdc_6156513011_t4_B001CRVUPE

I have a nice selection of fountain pens, and they're lovely. I enjoy using them immensely, and they make great gifts! Perhaps you should show her the price range of higher end fountain pens?! Watch her head explode. Good thing you like fountain pens, and not high-end automatic (mechanical) watches!!

If you haven't used a fountain pen before, you want something inexpensive and disposable to try out, the Pilot Varsity fountain pens are actually quite good (and cheap):

https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Varsity-Fountain-Assorted-90029/dp/B00092PRCA/ref=sr_1_4

For something a little nicer looking (but still really inexpensive), check out the JinHao fountain pens (China). Here's an older review: http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/131552-jinhao-x750-review/

Just keep in mind that you do need to clean out the ink periodically, and you definitely want to clean them out if you're not going to use them for a while.

The JinHao fountain pens are sold on eBay. Here are two examples:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/jinhao-x750-fountain-pen-blue-and-black-Medium-nib-new-free-shipping/312719179069

https://www.ebay.com/itm/JINHAO-X750-FOUNTAIN-PEN-Black-shimmering-sands-Medium-NIB-new-free-shipping/140641723784

Good luck!

buy away

Having both nonned and non-nonned, this is the only right write answer.

Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil Black (PG525A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006HXQXA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_DizSub0157A6N

Novelty Pens. Your friend stole it from someone that expected theft.

Wow, this is such a perfect fit for OPs requests:

​

\> The ink had to dry within five seconds and be guaranteed not to smear or blot. Printed on paper, the ink had to withstand being submerged underwater for 48 hours and two doses of chemical bleach.

\> the pen’s unusually slight size — 5 and 1/8 inches long

Here's the amazon link for the fine point, for the lazy ones: https://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK

I always use a Kuru Toga pencil for anything I can do in pencil. The lead automatically rotates in the barrel as you write so you always have a sharp point. I use the metal version, they make cheaper plastic versions which write just as nicely.

My pen of choice is pretty much any gel ink pen in black. If I can't get that, whatever else the office supply closet has (as someone else said).

That's really cool that you're trying to share the hobby with your co-worker. Unfortunately, I'm not sure about sites for used fountain pens, (maybe check out r/Pen_Swap), but I have a few suggestions for cheaper pens:

• The Pilot Metropolitan is a very nice entry level pen and it's only $11 on Amazon right now. It comes with a black cartridge and a converter if you want to get him a bottle of ink. You could also get him a pack of extra cartridges to go along with it and stay under $20.
  
• The Platinum Preppy, which is about $3-$5 and comes in many different colors. (This is the blue-black version). It comes with one ink cartridge and works with standard converters. (The converter is not included)
  
• Pilot also makes the Varsity, which is a line of disposable fountain pens that come pre-filled with ink. You can get a set of 7 different colors for around $12.
  
  I hope this helps!

A quality mechanical pencil. I recommend the Pentel Sharp Kerry ($14 on amazon). Makes writing so much more pleasant.

Here is an 8-pack of Jinhao 599 fountain pens from Amazon for $12.69 with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Lanxivi-Jinhao-Fountain-Diversity-Transparent/dp/B00L95MIJQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459028586&sr=8-1&keywords=jinhao+599+fountain+pen


And a Platinum Preppy 7-pack (rainbow colors) for $16.99 with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Preppy-Rainbow-Fountain-Point/dp/B00IU3US7O/ref=pd_sim_229_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=51ZXAYCAZOL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR128%2C160_&refRID=1V2M317AXM250K390K8Q

Western's first year computer science courses are pretty easy, there's not much prep you need to do for them. That being said, university-level mathematics can be a pain and since it's a skill that you kinda learn for life, you could start learning university level calculus, algebra, and geometry.

Rather than prepare for academics though, I'd prepare for the challenges that are university as a whole. I'm gonna give a bunch of advice, some questionable, some maaaaybe offensive, and some tame. IMO, they're all good advice though you may have to pick and choose depending on your home situation.

• I'll start with a really questionable one off the bat. If you see yourself drinking at some point in the future (even if it's like one glass of wine for formality at a banquet), I'd recommend figuring out what level of alcohol you can take responsibly even if you're academically rigorous. FWIW, my first year roommate who maintained a high 90 average in medsci had two nights where he let loose between then and now. If your parents are chill or only school-strict, ask them to supervise you (drinking scotch over a nice movie is pretty fun). Otherwise, find a day where you can sneak to a responsible friend's place for 12-14 hours. It's better to know that you can only handle 4 shots/4 beer cans going in than to have a rough surprise of getting knocked out by 7 shots or alcohol poisoned at 9.
  
  
• If your parents don't set you up with an allowance or if they're strict about how they let you spend their money, pick up a part time job over the summer. It sucks to have money as a constraint. If you can put away even $4000, then you can put a bunch of that towards your OSAP loans AND still have some "fun" money left over. Having $500 to do whatever with in first year is amazing, after that it's somewhat marginally-diminishing, but it's better to have than have-not when your friends are haves.
  
  
• If your parents aren't on your case all summer long, then be honest and analyze your habits. Do you wake up at 11 every day? If so, I can make a bet with you that you will hate 8:30/9:30 classes. Just because you had them in high school doesn't mean you'll be disciplined enough to go to them in university. If you're (honestly) a morning person than take morning classes, but otherwise don't set yourself up for pain if you can avoid it. This will also help you figure out when your body enjoys having lunch and dinner, like for me I'm a 2 PM lunch kinda guy so that's when my breaks are nowadays. You could be similar without realizing it.
  
  
• Everyone's university experience is different, but frankly, Hollywood tends to get various aspects about the college life and people-in-general right. Watch 90s-00s acclaimed films and observe how the actors act. I found that my mannerisms were all really adapted for my local area - I was somewhat awkward in this new region-diverse campus at first. It takes most people some time to adapt, but you can get a headstart by watching non-franchise movies starring very high profile actors like George Clooney, Robert De Niro, and Tom Hanks. I believe 90s-00s films were the most honest about how people are and that's why I recommend that time slot specifically.
  
  
• I said it once, I'll say it again. Learn and review some math. It's so damn crucial to computer science and lots of other faculties if you choose to transfer/dual major. The average calculus mark is a mid 60, yet so many degrees/majors are barred if you score under 75% or 85% in calculus. Don't let yourself be in a situation where you're forced to do a 5th year because your calculus mark wasn't good enough.
  
  
• If you had no hobbies in high school, the summer is the best time to pick something up. Your summer is at least 2 months long, 60 days. If you find 2 hours a day to practice/learn some easy hobby, you'll have something to impress people with when you arrive to your dorm and you'll have something to pass the time on days where your bored and your friends all have midterms. Really easy, cheap, and impressive hobbies to pursue can be things like card tricks (and magic in general), sports like basketball or volleyball, photography (okay maybe not impressive AND cheap if your phone is over 3 years old but it's just one idea). Go search on askreddit for easy/cheap hobby threads if none of these are interesting you to you, there's a thousand suggestions on there.
  
  
• This isn't academics, but it's incredibly relevant to you since you're pursuing compsci. If you're trying to become a software engineer, you need to understand that you're going to be a tiny fish in a ginormous pond where everyone will have stuff on their resume. Since you're not at an Ivy league-tier institution nor at Waterloo, just having high grades won't cut it. It's important that you start building your resume yesterday. This is a beautiful post I saw a while ago, I've had it saved even though it's not step-by-step applicable to me. Read it, understand it, and follow it. THIS is how you get a $150K USD software engineering job at Google or Microsoft or Apple:
  
  https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/7mk6z3/guide_so_you_wanna_work_for_google/
  
  
• Develop a thick skin. If you're a libtard, watch FULL videos of Ben Shapiro explaining his points. You don't need to agree with it but you should at least be able to understand where he's coming from so you understand where your opposing peers next year will be coming from. If you're a cuckservative, look for the smart people that give outrageous dumb soundbites (your media exposes you to a lot of them) and watch full talks by those people and understand where they're coming from for the same reason. Outrage culture isn't as bad in Canada as it is in the USA, but there's still a fair number of morons on both sides of the aisle here so you'll want to prepare yourself ahead of time so they're not a surprise to you.
  
  
• Work out. If you're a fat guy, do cardio, lose some weight while building muscle. If you're a skinny guy, do cardio, gain some weight while building muscle. If you're in the middle, I'm jealous of you and still do cardio and build some muscle. If you're a girl, same thing as the last sentence but replace guy with girl. No, you won't look like Jay Cutler or Chyna after one (or even multiple) summers of lifting unless you're taking supplements, probably roids, and spending hundreds of hours a year lifting and researching nutrition/bodybuilding plans. It's good to be healthy, it's good to be fit, and it's a habit that thousands of extraordinarily successful people recommend. A summer is enough time to build a habit, a habit will turn into a discipline, and that discipline will help you spawn discipline in other subjects while making you healthy and good looking at the same time.
  
  
• There's going to be lots of times where you have trouble understanding people. Maybe your technical-writing professor has a super thick Mongolian accent. Maybe you're at a party with loud bumping music and you're trying to talk to a cute guy/girl. Or, maybe you're talking to a guy with the worst case of Scarborough mandem-talk. This won't help as much for that last case, but something that helped me with situations like this is toss on really unintelligible rap-music or soca and try your hardest to follow along with the lyrics. Eventually you'll get good at it, and likewise you'll be able to easier understand people who don't talk like you.
  
  I'll come back later to update this post; got some stuff in runescape I must attend to now. If you've got any questions, ask and I'll respond. If it's case-specific or personal, you can PM me and I'll be helpful, honest, and descriptive. And if anyone has any criticism, I'm more than happy to defend any of my suggestions.
  
  EDIT: More advice!:
  
  
• If you're coming to Western with a friend as your roommate, consider planning to throw a party early into the year. I'm not saying to host Western's next Project X themed party, but it's really easy to make friends if you throw on chill party-vibes music and invite your whole floor to come over to your room/suite. Personally I wouldn't recommend doing much that could break rez rules since you haven't established a relationship with your future RA yet (so don't have a beerpong table out and if you have drinks, be discrete and especially don't share during O-Week). I'm not advocating you do this during O-Week since it is a dry week, but when I was a soph, I did let it slip that that was the best time to meet as many of your floormates as possible ;)
  
  
• This is really a big me thing, but I spent a week in the summer looking for the pencil and now I have a pencil that I've exclusively used for anything writing. Never broken down once! You're gonna do a lot of writing so you might as well find a really comfy pencil :) I recommend the Uni Kuru Toga. They're somewhat pricy, but imo it was a great investment on my part.
  
  
• If you've spent the last 12 years studying at home, schedule 3 consecutive 8-hour day this summer to read an acclaimed college prep book. You're gonna have at least one bad week where you'll have 4 midterms when everyone else is having fun. You should know how to study in a public space since you may have to do that one day.

Here is my December EDC/pocket dump. Look out for a reoccurring theme/brand. Enjoy! (Re-upload after spelling mistake found).

• Item 1:Regular black sharpie
  
• Item 2:Field Notes Pencil
  
• Item 3:Tech 21 phone case and Iphone 6s
  
• Item 4:Expedition field notes
  
• Item 5:Chicago field notes, got this one as a guest pass when going to the HQ
  
• Item 6:Field notes band of rubber
  
• Item 7:Wallet that I received from my aunt with a custom sanic sticker I got.
  
• Item 8:Leatherman style
  
• Item 9:Original chapstick, lable taken off.
  
• Item 10:Staedtler eraser
  
• Item 11:Field notes space pen, matte black
  
• Item 12:Field notes/DDC pocket ruler
  
• Item 13:DDC pocket first aid kit, contents shown
  
• Item 14:Apple earpods, 3.5mm version.
  
• Item 15:Spinner
  
  Edit:spinner link
  

Really good work.

If I can give some suggestions, I know mechanical pencils are kind of ubiquitous in schools, but I would try drawing more with thicker leads. Wooden pencils, woodless pencils, or staedtler mechanical pencils will help you with form and depth. Also using different lead types can help you in the long run. You seem to have a heavy hand (or really dark lead, going to guess it's 2B), playing around with 2H lead might help you save more time of drawing and erasing. (If you want more info let me know, I'm going to stop here because I feel like I'm rambling).

Keep at it, and never fall into the trap of being insecure about your work.

Buy a different pen. You can buy instant dry ink pens.

dries in less than a second

https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Ball-Jetstream-Retractable-Point-3-Count/dp/B002FSZP5A?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAINYWQL7SPW7D7JCA&tag=aboutcom02thebalance-20&linkCode=sp1&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B002FSZP5A&ascsubtag=4156552%7Cn141c936150ab4c4cbc9bc8fee26189d215

or

https://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Sarasa-Retractable-Assorted-14-Count/dp/B00BP3OVJM?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAINYWQL7SPW7D7JCA&tag=aboutcom02thebalance-20&linkCode=sp1&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BP3OVJM&ascsubtag=4156552%7Cn141c936150ab4c4cbc9bc8fee26189d215

• SecureCRT, the chat window feature that allows you to paste and run commands to all sessions is awesome.
  
  
• The Rhino 5200, it rocks. It has a bunch of useful functions like printing labels that wrap around cables and I don't have to beg anyone for their crappy label printer.
  
  
• Crossover Linux to manage the windows applications I need to run on Linux (checkpoint smartconsole and ikeview, visio, ...)
  
  
• I need to get a digital toner and tracer to better deal with undocumented patch panels, the fluke intellitone must be nice but is a bit expensive for something I need only once in a while.
  
  
• I'd like to get the panduit cable comb to make /r/cableporn worthy bundles but it is expensive for a piece of molded plastic .
  
  
• And I need an Air Console, because screw sitting on the floor in the cold aisle of a coloc center.
  
  
• Now that I'm writing a wishlist, I also need one of these to avoid manually switching console port from one device to another, a usb quad serial ports adapter.
  
  Edit :
  
  
• Wolf Wifi Pro, an android wireless survey app, it's basic but a fraction of the cost of more professional tools and still allows me to make signal strength and snr heatmaps over a floor plan. It's good enough for my needs, in fact it's awesome.
  
  
• Wacom Bamboo Graphic Tablet to draw crude diagrams or dicks or dick shaped OSPF areas I can paste in an email.
  
  
• BIC 4 color pens because they blow my mind and are really useful for hand drawn diagrams.

There's also the classic BIC 4-COLOR pen.

Gotta catch 'em all!

Skilcraft U.S. Government

Amazon

Pentel

Office Depot

Staples

I'm a huge fan of the Pentel Sharp Kerry. I have had one for over 20 years (back when it was called the 5) and it has held up and performed beautifully. You won't find another pencil with a cap, either.

These marker/pens are really nice and much cheaper on Amazon than in a store
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007OEE7E?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Also I got a silk pillowcase, it's fantastic
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWWTACZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_bC3knUz3X1ttx

And these boots are pretty nice
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSJYJ75?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Interesting challenge! Of course, EDC depends on your personal needs and I'm going to assume you're in the US since you're making the challenge in Dollars. Unless informed otherwise I'm going to assume I don't need to buy a watch.

Arc lighter - I don't smoke but it's always good to be able to make fire - $10.99
https://www.amazon.com/Windvape-Lighter-Electric-Surface-Scratchproof/dp/B01M71VGBX

Travelambo RFID shielded slim wallet - I insist on RFID shielding these days! - $14.99
https://www.amazon.com/Travelambo-Minimalist-Genuine-Leather-leather/dp/B073D1TYS8

Jackery mini battery bank - I always carry power these days - $11.99
https://www.amazon.com/Smallest-Jackery-3350mAh-Portable-Charger/dp/B00L9F95RO

Now I want a charging cable bracelet but I don't know which phone you have. Either the MicroUSB version or the Lightning version
$1 - $3
https://www.amazon.com/Coromose-Wristband-Micro-Charger-Charging/dp/B013JNX12S

https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Cable-Bracelet-Wristband-iPhone/dp/B01HPPDQO4

Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil - I love these because they have an inbuilt sharpener and a more substantial lead - $9.04
https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Technical-Mechanical-Pencil-780BK/dp/B000YQEFGU

CRKT Journeyer - You have to have a knife and this is a good budget model. I would prefer the straight blade version but this one is cheaper - $26.87
https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-River-Knife-Tool-6531/dp/B00TFYANXG

NiteCore Tube - You can't have an EDC without a lightsource - $9.25
https://www.amazon.com/NiteCore-Keychain-Light-Pocket-Flashlight/dp/B00OZJ79R4

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Soft Cover Pocket Notebook, 3 1/2" x 5" - I know Fieldnotes are the gold standard, but I like a waterproof notebook - $7.40
https://www.amazon.com/Rite-Rain-All-Weather-Notebook-Universal/dp/B00262E6PU


Total = $94 (Roughly)

Apart from the keycaps, this is a pretty budget setup, but I like it!

• Massdrop x NuForce EDC In-Ear Monitors
  
  
• Pilot Preppy Fine
  
  
• Pilot Peacock Green V Pen
  
  
• Gherkin with Godspeed SA set up for stenography
  
  e: formatting

Blowing on the games doesn't really do anything. Best way I have found to clean them is to open them up and rub the contacts with a MARS plastic eraser to clean off corrosion. You can also get a replacement pin set for your NES to replace the default pin set. If you replace the pin set and clean off the contacts of all of your games, everything will work like brand new.

Calm down guys.......

List:

• Watches - Steinhausen Skeleton Automatic, Seiko 5 w/NATO Leather strap, Skagen Aktiv International (no longer made), Luminox Chronograph Colormark Edition, Early Model Wenger Field watch (cannot locate origin of purchase) w/the stock Seiko 5 strap
  
  
• Flashlights - Surefire E2D LED Defender Ultra and a Cheap Ultrafire that I won't miss if it gets lost
  
  
• Phone Cases - iPhone 5 generic Wood pattern case, Red trimmed case, generic blue bumper, Magpul, and an Otter Box Commuter Series
  
  
• Notebook - Moleskine Plain
  
  
• Pens - Frankensteined Zebra 701 with a Zebra 402 and a Fisher Space Pen Refill. There is also a spare Zebra 402 and a your standard Fisher Space Pen
  
  
• Wallet - Obstructures A3 Aluminum
  
  
• Knives - My Pimped Boker Albatros, Kershaw Damascus Skyline w/Wenge scale from u/GoodNightTakeaBite, Kershaw Blur Tanto, Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Benchmade Adamas Auto
  
  
• Flash drive - 8GB Tacdrive (they are no longer made and they've shut down their website :/ )
  
  
• Lighter - Outlaw Zippo
  
  
• Sunglasses - Your standard Walmart Aviators
  
  
• Ring - High School Class Ring

Lamy pens (like your Vista) take only Lamy branded cartridges or converters. If you want to use bottled ink, you'll need to get a Converter or a blunt-tip syringe (to fill used cartridges).

So in my mind, the basics of an EDC are a knife, a flashlight, a pen, and a notebook. Depending on your preference/level of preparedness, though, multitools are great, a gun is convenient if you're in a dangerous place with any regularity, and a first-aid kit can literally be a lifesaver.

So for the basics I'd recommend:
Knife: a Kershaw Leek or Scrambler. The Leek is smaller, more discreet, very light, and razor sharp. The Scrambler is considerably more robust, has a longer blade (3.5" vs. 3"), but weighs more as well. Both can be found in Kershaw's "Blackwash" finish, which I like both for the feel and for the added rust and scratch resistance. Both are also spring-assisted, which is legal in a lot of places, but check your local laws before carrying either in public. If you can't carry them, take a look at the Cold Steel Voyager. It comes in several lengths, is legal in California, and is very durable, if not super comfortable.

Flashlights: Oh my god, the flashlights. LEDs have become so cheap and so bright over the last few years that it's actually pretty hard to go wrong. Nitecore is currently my favorite brand, but Fenix has some options as well. I would urge you not to buy a surefire; they are undeniably great lights, but unless you expect to encounter truly extraordinary circumstances on a regular basis (any chance your light could fall under a tank or a bulldozer? maybe surefire is for you), they tend to be somewhat more pricey per lumen than a number of other companies. For EDC, the Fenix PD35 2014 edition is almost unmatched. Almost a thousand lumens, takes rechargeable batteries, and small enough to drop into the front pocket of your jeans, if you don't want to use the included clip or holster. If you'd like something more keychain sized, the Nitecore SENS series comes in several sizes and battery types, and automatically adjusts the brightness of the beam based on the light's orientation. Aim it at your feet and you get a soft glow; aim it off into the woods and it grows steadily brighter.

Let's be honest, a pen is going to get lost. The best pen is one you like enough to keep track of, but one you won't miss too terribly should some co-worker walk off with it. I like the Zebra F-301. Writes smooth, classic stainless steel good looks, and comes in RGB & Black. Notebooks depend entirely on personal preference too, but the smallest Moleskine is easily pocketable and has 32 lined pages.

In my mind, there is only one name in multitools. Leatherman has a kick-ass reputation, a 25-year warranty, and a plethora of tools to suit any need. For the casual EDC, I'd go with what I believe is the second-lightest full size tool, the Skeletool. 7 functions include a knife that opens while the rest of the tool is closed, the ubiquitous pliers/wirecutters, two double-sided bits and a driver; and it looks so. freakin. cool.

I dunno much about guns except that of all the things I've listed, a pistol should be the one you consider most carefully, especially whether you need it or not. It's a big investment and a bit of a lifestyle adjustment if you decide to go CCW. I've always heard 9mm and up, so use that as a jumping-off point.

First aid kits are useless unless they're both small enough to be carried anywhere and large enough to contain anything you might need. Making your own is a good idea because you have the best knowledge of your environment, but I found a couple on Amazon which seem to have most of the basics without too much fluff or bulk. The first could be stuffed in a jacket pocket, whereas the second would be useful in a car.

I hope I helped. Good luck!

[Kershaw Scrambler] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I04MOIO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Kershaw Leek] (http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1660BLKW-Folding-BlackWash-SpeedSafe/dp/B00J14BOBU/ref=pd_sim_sg_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=1MHD47WR72RJ9HJVWCZN)

[Cold Steel Voyager, 3 inch] (http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Voyager-Tanto-Plain/dp/B00322LQB0/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417535788&sr=1-5&keywords=cold+steel+voyager)

[Fenix PD35 2014] (http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-PD35-Flashlight-EdisonBright-Batteries/dp/B00DR9GWX0/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417536075&sr=1-1&keywords=fenix+pd+35)

[Nitecore SENS AA version]
(http://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-Flashlight-Active-Dimming-Lumens/dp/B008J4CHNW/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417536301&sr=1-2&keywords=nitecore+sens)

Zebra F-301

[Moleskine "Cahier" Notebook, pack of 3] (http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Cahier-Journal-Pocket-Ruled/dp/8883704894/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1417536675&sr=1-1&keywords=moleskine+small)

[Leatherman Skeletool] (http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-830846-Skeletool-Multitool/dp/B000XU9NXW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417536920&sr=8-1&keywords=skeletool)

[Small bag or pocket first aid kit] (http://www.amazon.com/AAA-Piece-Commuter-First-Aid/dp/B000SL0R9K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417537142&sr=8-2&keywords=first+aid+kit)

Larger car first aid kit

EDIT: aspace

Just a few notes:

• Chromebook fits 90% of my needs, and I find myself using it more than my Macbook. It's got Ubuntu running on it for any "real"/offline work. Got it on ebay for a good deal (~$220)
  
  
• I have a Leatherman Juice CS4, but I found it to be too large to fit in my jeans. The dime is a much better fit for me.
  
  
• The flash drive acts as a secondary computer, it's got Liberkey on it.
  
  
• The Skilcraft B3 Aviator multipen is the best pen multi pen i've used yet. Barely any rattling, solid brass, has red & black ink & a pencil (Perfect for any student). Would definitely recommend it over the Zebra Sharbo X.
  
  
• Moleskine's got my school notes, homework, and other random bits throughout the day.
  
  
• I've had the Sansa for a good 3+ years and it still holds a good charge (15+ hours). I've got Rockbox running on it.
  
  

Samsung Galaxy Gear S3 Frontier w/ amazon bands

Amazon Pillcase

Victorinox Climber

Rugged and Dapper chapstick with wrapper pealed off

NiteCore TIP

Amazon Key Organizer

KeySmart MagConnect

Samsung Galaxy S9 w/ Magnetic Phone Case/Wallet

Bose Quiet Comfort 20

Boker Urban Trapper

Juul (only mint)

Skilcraft B3 Aviator

Leuchtturm1917



​

I know you said other than quick-drying ink, but I can't suggest the Uniball Jetstream RT highly enough, they're inexpensive and I've never had any problems with smudging with them.

By far the best pen I have EVER written with is the Uni-Ball Jetstream. So incredibly smooth and comfortable, the first time I used one I literally looked it up and saved it to my Amazon profile so I would always be able to get them. I prefer 0.7 which it surprisingly not that thin but they also sell them in 1.0

Skilcraft ballpoints were my favorite when I was in the Army. Made by the blind! Wrote great, despite being super cheaply made and kinda scratchy.

edit: they not only still make them, you can buy them on amazon. Sweet!

link

If you don't know if you like the triangle grip of the Safari, best bet would be start with the Jinhao 599, same basic shape, much cheaper to try. This link is to a set of hooded fine nib 599s, they also come in exposed nib medium.

> would love to find one that comes with multiple nibs

This is my opinion only, but there are a lot of good pens at the low end of the market price wise that are still very good pens, the Pilot Metro you have is one of them. Find out what the nib variance is using these pens, and as you move to more expensive pens, buy the nib for the task you want the pen for. Forget about many nibs for a single pen, it really is more hassle than having a pen with the nib you want.

Also note if you want to move to pens by someone like Lamy, the M you have on the Metro is more like an F or EF on the Safari, depending on the luck of your grind from Lamy.

Now for some basic recommendations, besides the Wing Sung 698, the Wing Sung 659 and Jinhao 992 might interest you. The links are Amazon, but you might find them cheaper elsewhere like aliexpress.

Hope this helps some, lots of info as you get started, but also lots of fun as you begin this journey and explore.

This beautiful Uni Mechanical pencil with the "Kurutoga engine." This rotates your lead a few degrees each time you lift the pencil off the paper, which results in an awesome consistent line weight and eliminates the "broad-siding" of the lead. Paired with these fantastic leads and I haven't accidentally broken a lead while writing since September.

From left to right

Kurutoga Roulette, Kurutoga Advance, Kurutoga pipe slide, Tombow Mono Graph Shaker, Zebra DelGuard, TUL 0.5mm, rOtring 500 0.5mm, rOtring 500 0.3mm

Lead and erasers

Tombow MONO-WX 3B, Pencil Neox 4B, Sakura Color Foam Eraser, Pentel Hi-polymer Block Eraser

Korutoga by Uni. Metal body, 0.5mm lead, and probably one of the best functioning mechanical pencils around. Sharpens the lead as you write.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004OHNR0A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1427023630&sr=8-1&keywords=koru+toga

http://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-12-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK

Allow me to blow your mind, they now have erasable pens, and yes they do actually erase!

STAEDTLER premium quality vinyl eraser, Mars plastic, white, phthalate & latex free, age-resistant, minimal crumbling, blistercard of 4 erasers, 526 50 BK4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IFAN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_pDMZAbCCEC8YD

Yikes!! You've probably tried different ways of cleaning that up... one suggestion I have, as a last resort and strictly in an experimental sense, is that you get one of those premium, hi-polymer white erasers (see links below) and gently rub the darkened areas with it... in a sense, trying to erase that material off, especially if it turns out to be a residue from your black microfiber cloth.

Those white erasers have been remarkably successful at removing toning, milk spots, and other stains from metallic surfaces (silver, copper, gold) when other cleaners and chemical solutions have failed... so it may work out on Alcantara too, but I don't know. Try at your own risk!

https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Mars-Plastic-Erasers-52650BK4/dp/B00006IFAN/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501042975&sr=8-3&keywords=white+eraser

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Hi-polymer-Block-Eraser-ZEH10BP3-K6/dp/B001Q4HQVU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501042975&sr=8-1&keywords=white+eraser

There are tons of great options, the Parker Jotter I can definitely recommend. I've never had any leakage issues with the stock ink cartridge it came with but I also normally switch it out for a Fisher Space Pen refill.

Other good metal pens that aren't too expensive might be a Cross Click which is my current edc with a Fisher Space Pen refill in it which is great for signing receipts and quick things like that. I use it at work to give to customers to sign their receipts.. I like it because it is skinnier than the Parker Jotter, however, it is easier to accidentally click in your pocket whereas with the Jotter you have to use an intentional amount of force to click it.

Another one (or two) would be the Fisher Bullet Space Pen or the Cap-O-Matic Space Pen. The bullet is really quite compact and the Cap-O-Matic is a regular sized pen.

And if you're really worried about ink leakage in your pocket then you can get something like a Lamy Swift which has a mechanism so that when the tip of the pen is extended, the pocket clip retracts which makes it impossible to clip onto your pocket. One thing to keep in mind with the Lamy Swift is that it comes with a rollerball refill which is incredibly smooth but it puts out more ink than a regular ballpoint so it has a longer drying time and can smear on receipt paper.

Gerber Dime

Nitecore Torch

Parker Jotter

Opinel No 8

You're out 52c of your own money and have a full EDC :)

Leftie here. The best solution I’ve found is Noodler’s Bernanke Blue (or black, I think) ink. It dries almost instantly on every paper I’ve tried.

The Lamy LH nibs don’t seem to work for me because the flow is too heavy for my writing speed (i.e. I write slow and they seem to flood ink), but my leftie SO loves them.

Edit: Noodlers Ink 3 Oz Bernanke Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008YL1466?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Also requires: Lamy Refill Converter (Z24) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DVXWRI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yqxKAbCKKQQ4Z

You actually probably do!

Platinum Preppy $5.67
Pilot Varsity $8.49 per 3 pack
Pilot V-Pen $6.99
Bic Disposable $5.06 per 2 pack
Jinhao X450 $4.54
Zebra V-301 $7.87
Jinhao X450 $4.54
Baoer Silver Cross Line $4.50
Pelikan 4001 Ink 30ml Royal Blue $8.65
Jinhao $5.21 for 15

So you see, you can buy one. Maybe not a Montblanc just yet, but don't worry, these are all still fun.

A few things I would probably get.

• Flash light always comes in handy. I noticed you didn't say anything about one. I streamlight is a great brand with nice seemingly durable lights. You will probably lose it before it shits out on you or breaks. I prefer the stylus pro or the microstream (difference between the two is microstream is shorter. It's penlight size makes it easy to slip in and out of your pocket.
  
  
• Always carry a good pen. Zebra makes decent pens. If you want to stretch your gift card further, you could get the f301 but I really prefer the f701, it's just a nicer pen. There is also the space pen if you ever feel you need to write something in zero gravity. If "tactical pens" are more your thing, you have plenty to choose from
  
  
• saw you were looking at a cheapo fixed blade. If you were to get any "cheapo" fixed blade at all, seriously consider mora. You can read more about mora in this post, but I assure you that you will not find a better fixed blade for the price.
  
  
• You have anything to carry your beverages in? Nalgene bottle or camelbak for water, thermos for hot beverages.
  
  
• Get you a nice rum cake or whiskey fudge

Welcome my friend, my only real advice is don't let it become an obsession, at the end if the day, the lead you choose has a far larger impact on your writing enjoyment. Getting that out of the way, I highly recommend the pentel kerry. It has the unique design of being a capped mechanical pencil which makes it completely pocket safe yet has a fixed sleeve so there is no tip wobble when being used. I find that for everyday use, 0.5 mm lead in grade B (which is slightly softer then the common HB (aka #2) grade) is a solid choice because it puts down a slightly darker line. I have had my Kerry for 11 years now and I had to get it repaired once due to my own fault. Pentel repaired it free of cost in one week.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0006SW6YO?pc_redir=1412262079&robot_redir=1

I also suggest a Lamy Scribble if you prefer 0.7 mm lead size. It has a great feel to it, though is slightly thicker than the Kerry. There is something special about the scribble that just makes you want to pick it up and start writing with it. I will say that I do find lead breakage in the advance mechanism of the scribble more often than the Kerry.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00118Z0BY/ref=pd_aw_sims_4?pi=SL500_SS115&simLd=1

Both are great pencils and you can't go wrong with either of them for everyday use.

Let me know if you have any questions, I would be glad to recommend some others if neither of those fit your fancy.

These are stupidly amazing. I kept seeing them mentioned everywhere, so I decided to pick one up (plus a sharpener which they call 'lead pointer' and some different grade leads). I don't think I'll ever use another pencil again unless I need a specific grade they don't make.

These have a nice weight in your hand, you can sharpen them to a needle tip easily without ever experiencing any breakage, you can turn them on their side to shade large areas, you don't have to deal with wood shavings, and the graphite is super high quality and always constant.

I've purchased 3 more since that first one.

Also a good tip: the lead refills come with differently colored caps (2B is purple, HB black, etc). You can pull the original cap off a pencil and replace it with the color cap of the lead you're going to put in it, so you always know which pencil hosts which grade lead.

• Apple iPod touch for online orders
  
• V-Tech CS6114 DECT 6.0 cordless phone
  
• Motorola MC9000 Hand Scanner with belt holster
  
• Nite Ize Pock-Its XL utility holster
  
• Stanley 6" diagonal pliers
  
• Sharpie King Size permanent marker
  
• Papermate Flair felt tip pen
  
• Zebra F-301 ballpoint pens
  
• SOG SlimJim pocket knife
  
• Pacific Handy Cutter S5R with holster
  

Pens are personal and the aesthetics are more valuable than the BIFL status. https://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK is what the entire government uses and its the only MILSPEC pen on the planet. Its a god damn tank. But the form factor and writing quality may not be to your liking.

There are 98,345 notebook systems out there. /r/Leathercraft/ can custom you one, etsy, ebay, or a popular one is http://www.saddlebackleather.com/leather-notepad-cover

I used to mark my sheet music with pencil, and I use a lot of markings indeed.

Now i use erasable frixion gel pens, and they come in different colors so now I can color code my notes. It’s super handy! Best thing is these pens are erasable so once I don’t need the notes i just erase them and don’t have to worry about marring my books. Best invention ever.

Pilot FriXion Clicker Retractable Erasable Gel Pens Fine Point (.7) Assorted Color Inks 7-pk; Make Mistakes Disappear, No Need For White Out with America’s #1 Selling Pen Brand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009QYH644/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_itBTBb2DX857C

My boyfriend got me a nameplate for my desk and a stamp that says my name (for stamping my classroom library, their assignment notebooks, etc.). He also got me a bunch of stamps for grading. Ones that say wonderful and sign here. I use those all of the time. Special grading pens are nice. I have these friction pens. They're the besssst!!

https://www.amazon.de/MUJI-Aluminum-Body-Fountain-Pen/dp/B00K2T9DGG/ref=sr_1_5?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=1LMMXL2IQE48W&keywords=muji+fountain+pen&qid=1568724486&s=gateway&sprefix=muji+f%2Caps%2C264&sr=8-5

Fellow lefty here - my favorite everyday writing pens are Uniball Jetstream 0.7. They are the only pens I have ever a) not lost and b) used up all they way. I'm obsessed.

meet the true king of disposable pens

Those refills are for Bic 4-color pens, which is what the item name in your link says.

Fred BORROW MY PEN Subversive Pen Set, Set of 8

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OHNR0A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1427023630&sr=8-1&keywords=koru+toga

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

They're not Bic Clic's but they are awesome pens.
https://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478350052&sr=8-1&keywords=skilcraft+pens

It's a Skillcraft US Govnernment Pen. I probably would never buy them (I get them free from work) but having used them for my entire career, I can say they are one of the most reliable pens in existence. They can write almost an entire mile (what a weird metric for a pen, right?), can be used in an emergency tracheotomy, and several of its features are standard lengths for things like measuring nautical map distances.

I use these. They are the best pens ever made.

Skilcraft U.S. Government Retractable Ball Point Pen, Fine Point, Black Ink, Box of 12 (7520-00-935-7135)

In case anyone else wants to do this next year,
these things are super cheap, and all come with a converter!

You can get a set of 8 Jinhaos on Amazon for just $8.30 shipped.

Wait, I think I found it: https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-GraphGear-Automatic-Drafting-PG525A/dp/B0006HXQXA/

In that case it might interest you to know that Pentel Kerries are on sale half off on Amazon right now!

If you don't need a metal body I recommend one of these.

Pentel Sharp Kerry Automatic Pencil, 0.5mm Lead Size, Black Barrel, 1 Each (P1035A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006SW6YO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ReJyCb6PP7DX1

I carry this, a Fisher space pen, and a Kaweco Lilliput. They are all very close in size with the Kerry being a little longer when capped.

I bought this pencil approximately 32 years ago. Still works fine.

http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Mechanical-Pencil-Metallic-P1035A/dp/B0006SW6YO/ref=sr_1_9?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1417376440&sr=1-9&keywords=pentel+mechanical+pencil

Pilot Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen, Black Barrel, Classic Design, Fine Nib, Black Ink (91111) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KRPFD96/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ClLyCbE11EHDE (comes with converter, and personal favorite)

Pilot Kakuno Fine-Nib Fountain Pen, White Body Soft Blue Cap Body (FKA-1SR-SLF) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IOOOBU4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_emLyCbX5CXBY8 (takes con-50 converter)

(25 u.s. dollars) Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen Gift Box, Fine Nib, Gray Barrel, 1-Pack, Black Ink (12271) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KBSLWCZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9mLyCbABH6FRS (get con-40 for this one, or syringe and refill cartridge)

Platinum Fountain Pen, Preppy, Fine Nib, Black (PPQ-200-#1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001H0CEM4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lrLyCbFE357BE (just get an o-ring and eyedropper convert this one)


For all the pilots get the refill cartridges at Staples cheaper than online.

Good (cheap) ink brands are noodlers, waterman's, diamine, and Parker.

Also r/fountainpens is a good resource.

Regular pens

Tombow Airpress 0.7mm Ball Point Pen, Full Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0047Z24IU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-xLyCbH5FAXT9 (pressurized can even write upside down)

Zebra F-701 Stainless Steel Ballpoint Retractable Pen, Black Ink, Fine Point, 2 Pack (29411) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0141DN1CA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SyLyCb6MJMDZ4

Pilot FriXion Ball 0.7mm Erasable Gel Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink, Pack Of 6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019OZVV6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XzLyCb98B993R (erasable)

Pentel EnerGel Deluxe RTX Gel Ink Pens, 0.7 Millimeter Metal Tip, Assorted Colors, 6 Pack (BL77BP6M) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012G9VNS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NALyCbV2QVSTV (disposable cheaper at Staples to)

Parker Jotter Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen, Medium Point, Black Ink https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017D5WXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UBLyCbX0J93DW (Again Staples)

Anyone else can and should add on to this if you want to.

to clarify, I was asking about felt tip pens similar to this paper mate specifically, not pens in general.

but i usually write with [whatever] or, if i have one with me, a Parker Jotter in stainless steel (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017D5WXY) which is not comfortable to write with, but is my favorite pen because it was used by Boris in Goldeneye :)

1: KNIFE OPTIONS
Take a look at some of Ruike's offerings. They're available on Amazon. The P801 is right in line with your budget at $30 and it is a spectacular knife for the price: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06X9S3947/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1519959816&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=keysmart&dpPl=1&dpID=417boF2rKtL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

As far as steels go, 8cr13mov is fine. Clearly if you've been carrying a $4 Walmart knife you aren't one of the few people who really needs a great steel in a knife and 8cr13mov is heaps better than anything on a $4 Walmart knife. If you do want a steel that's a little nicer but still in your price range, 14c28n is great. It's what Ruike uses in their knives.

2: KEYCHAIN RECOMMENDATIONS
You could kill 2 birds with one stone if you pick up a key organizer like this Keysmart Lite: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06X9S3947/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1519959816&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=keysmart&dpPl=1&dpID=417boF2rKtL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

It will hold all of your keys together without jingling around and if you get the red version it will be nice and easy to see.

3: PEN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Parker jotter is a classic and you might be able to put Pilot G2 refills in it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0017D5WXY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519960055&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=parker+jotter&dpPl=1&dpID=21BhP8zNBiL&ref=plSrch

4: ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Pocket clips are the key my friend. I carry 9 items in my 4 jeans pockets. I keep 1-2 items clipped to the outside edge of each pocket (and 1 item down in the pocket. Nothing ever rubs together and each item can be removed with one hand without having to move anything out of the way first.

Some come with cartridges or converters, but you can always buy those separate.

• The Pilot Petit1 would definitely have originally had an in ink cartridge, but if you've lost it you can eyedropper the pen easily by putting silicone grease on the threads and just filling the body of the pen with ink.
  
• Lamy Al-Star uses Lamy cartridges/converters
  
• IIRC, Pelikano Junior & the Rotring Core should both use Standard International, which isn't quite as standard as you'd hope, but I would guess the inexpensive Jinhao converters will work.
  
   
  
  Congrats on a diverse set of nice starter pens :)

Every time anyone asks about writing tools, I recommend fountain pens. The fatter and heavier, the better.

Ballpoint pens absolutely murder my hands. I have to have a deathgrip on them to be able to press hard enough to make them write...it results in a lot of hyperextended fingers and hand cramps. Fountain pens write with little to no pressure so I can pretty much just prop them up with my hand and scoot them across the page without gripping very hard at all. Rollerballs are a good option too...the more liquidy ink in rollerballs seems to flow with less pressure than ballpoints. You can even get rollerballs that take fountain pen ink if you want to take advantage of some of the cool inks without using an actual fountain pen.

For anyone wanting to try an inexpensive fountain pen to see if you like it, I'd recommend the Platinum Preppy, Pilot Varsity/V-Pen, Faber-Castell Loom and Lamy Safari/Vista. TWSBI Eco is also good but can quickly become frustrating if you're the type that has to take everything apart to see how it works (though if you do run into this problem, there are lots of YouTube videos to help you put it back together correctly).

If I have to write with something really skinny, I grip the pen/pencil a little differently. Resting my pen between my index and middle fingers like this relieves some of the pressure on my index finger (the one that hyperextends the most). I'll do this even if I'm wearing my ring splints because my finger is so floppy the splints dig in uncomfortably when I try to grip something tiny.

For drawing and doodling with colored pencils, I'm finding that better brands marketed toward artists are easier to use. I used to buy whatever was cheap because I'm not a "real artist". Cheaper brands like Crayola seem waxier and feel like they need a lot more pressure to put down color evenly. Nicer pencils like Prismacolor feel softer and put down an even layer of color with less pressure. I wish I could find a cushioned grip that could quickly be transferred from one pencil to another to make drawing for longer periods of time more comfortable. If I try to put something on every single pencil then storage becomes a problem. If it's something that's going to take time of effort to put on/off then I probably won't use it. Maybe I can do something with kneaded erasers or Silly Putty or something...I have a couple globs of putty from PT sitting around somewhere. If I find something that works, hopefully it'll work on my drawing pens too.

I've always been a fan of Zebra F-301 pens (and mechanical pencils).

http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-F-301-Stainless-Retractable-Ballpoint/dp/B001JT1ADW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333687997&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Mars-Plastic-Erasers-52650BK4/dp/B00006IFAN

You can get them in any size from 03 to 09.

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-GraphGear-Automatic-Drafting-PG525A/dp/B0006HXQXA

Triplus Fineliner all day erryday. They're even finer - .3 mm. I discovered them when I was taking Japanese classes when I was in college the first time. Beautiful. I got them because they're great for writing kanji in small notebooks, but I use them all the time. And so many colors! I like to color code my notes (and pretty much everything else) so they're perfect.

https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Triplus-Fineliner-Assorted-334SB20BK/dp/B0007OEE7E/ref=sr_1_2?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1502734266&sr=1-2&keywords=staedtler+triplus+fineliner

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0007OEE7E/ref=psdcmw_1069834_t1_B0007OEDYI

They don't pick up any of the paint off the model and any designs you draw on you just go over in ardcoat afterwards and it seals the ink.

You won't find SS the barrel by itself, but a new all-SS Jotter isn't all that expensive, and you can find older ones on eBay in a wide range of prices.

Less than $12 on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/PARKER-Jotter-Ballpoint-Stainless-Chrome/dp/B0017D5WXY/

One that instantly springs to mind is the Parker Jotter in stainless steel. Here's a larger photo for comparison. I don't think it's a perfect match, but it's pretty close.

The Parker Jotter is a classic choice. It looks nice, has a well known name, and hits your price range.

Is this the converter I want?

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001DVXWRI?m=A1HTPHU9JUT66G&ref_=v_sp_detail_page

The skill craft b3 has a 0.5 pencil + 1 black and 1 red pen refill and a stylus. You can get it for $30 or less. You should be able to find a blue refill you can swap with the red part online.

Here are some links:
Pen- https://www.amazon.com/SKILCRAFT-Aviator-Multi-function-Medium-7520-01-564-9906/dp/B001KKPGHQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=skillcraft+b3+blue+ink+refill&qid=1565407687&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Refills- http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/10658

Should be under $50 but not by much. There’s a blue / black + pencil one on amazon for under $30 but I’m not sure if it includes the stylus.

With stylus

Without stylus

From personal military experience, I highly recommend this

Do yourself a favor and get a B3.

Hi! Just took the CA Bar and am about to start packing out of my on campus apartment, so I'm feeling a bit whimsical and some of this may be more directed at her.

Writing, Notetaking, and Organization

If you're particular about writing instruments, which some people are, it will take trial and error to find your right fit. This was my go-to, and it got me through three years of time, four years of credits, and three different employers.

Sharpie Liquid Highlighters, Chisel Tip, 5 Colors


Pros

• Great color, easy grip, chisel tip allows full line highlighting and underlining.
  
• Pen format works well in almost every bag or organizer.
  
• Five colors allows you to book brief (she will know what that means, and probably shouldn't do it until she knows how to craft a good one page case brief) in FIRAC format.
  
  Cons
  
  
• Getting harder and more expensive to find.
  
• Go through ink fairly quickly.
  
  
  uni-ball Jetstream RT Ballpoint Pens, Bold Point (1.0mm)
  
  Pros
  
  
• I mainly used the capped .07mm, but the retractable .07mm work well too.
  
  Cons
  
  
• This is less of a Con and more of a comment. Things like line width, pressure, and paper type make a solid rec hard to make here. There's so much personal preference. My general rule of thumb is it should cost enough that you can rely on it without being expensive enough to make you think too hard about losing one occasionally.
  
  Freeleaf® Yellow Annotation Ruled Pads Letter
  
  Pros
  
  
• Excellent weight, color, and ink retention.
  
• Pre-formatted organization structure, so you know what everything is if it gets mixed up before you file it.
  
  Cons
  
  
• It's $7 a pad. You're not going to find good quality pads for that much cheaper, but you fill find stuff that will get the job done cheaper. I maybe spent $200 during law school on pads, because I hand wrote notes. There's empirical studies that show it helps to write notes, but it was dying out at my school and I'd be surprised if my class would show any correlation between rank and note taking style.
  
  Ticonderoga Pencils, Wood-Cased, Graphite #2 HB Soft, Black
  
  Pros
  
  
• Best quality pencil for the price, hands down.
  
  Cons
  
  
• You could spend more on Blackwing, but the marginal utility is nil outside an artistry context, if then. Save the money for other things.
  
  BIC 4-Color Ballpoint Pen, Medium Point (1.0mm)
  
  Pros
  
  
• Great quality, incredibly durable, great form factor.
  
• Makes grading papers (self grading, or if she becomes a TA) turned in via hard copy a bit simpler. I had my own system that I maintained so that students could understand (Green - Good, Red - Rework, Blue - Style, Black - Final Comments)
  
  
  
  
  Since I am pickiest about those things, I will give more general comments about the rest.
  
  
• Battery phone case, back up laptop charger, extra phone cables all work wonders. Having an extra on hand lets you not stress about the tools you need to succeed.
  
  
• A good padfolio is both useful and a nod to the history of our profession in some circles. I went with Levenger, but everyone has their preferences.
  
  
• The best bookstand on the market, in my humble opinion.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  This is more general, and beyond the scope of what you asked, but I felt like giving unasked for advice so you can take it or leave it.
  Sleeping & Home Life
  
  
• The surliest 2L will casually throw around comments about sleep being for the weak, but there is literally no other way to get the kind of rest your mind and body needs. Invest in the things and habits that make great sleep possible, whatever that may be for her. And do the best you can to never be a barrier to it.
  
• Sundays should be for rest and keeping everying not-school related on track. Need to visit friends or family? A few hours on Sunday is a great time to do that. Pre-plan meals and do bulk cooking to keep work down during the week. Get all the laundry done, get the kitchen clean, make sure you don't run out of toothpaste on Wednesday morning. Sunday evening you can get your reading done for Monday, but finish the night doing something restful so you don't go into Monday feeling you're jumping off a cliff.
  
• Low-effort acts of kindness do a lot of work. Writing a note, leaving a message, suprising her with a small and thoughtful gift are all great ways to show you care without imposing too much on her time and autonomy. Date night is important, and keeping a running list of things you can do at a drop of a hat for different amounts of time and money is helpful, but keeping your relationship strong through what in all likelihood will be a time of incredible change and transformation is about putting in the effort without demanding an equal or greater act of reciprocation. Even when the thank you text gets delayed more than it should, or she snaps at you unfairly, the body of love you show will find its way through to the end. The best way to show you love her is to enable her success and let her respond in ways that make sense while she figures this whole thing out.
  
• This is a very personal area that I will not spend too much time on, but here it goes. You may think you are a good lover now, and I hope you are. Try to be the best version of that for her now, in whatever form that takes. It helps a lot, proportionately to how much it's important to your relationship.
  
  Health & Wellness
  
  
• This is not a gendered comment, even and especially coming from the perspective of a guy who had some bad habits he broke before and took into law school. Any habits you thought were hard to break before law school are going to be multiples harder in law school. Dealing with this may be damage control, or require more work, depending on what it is. A caffiene fiend is going to reach unparalled heights. None of my friends who smoked going into law school found a way to quit. The moderate drinkers became heavy drinkers. Some people took up the gym as a new religion, but most stayed true to form. The only real way to know how to handle this is to either stop it quick or find an adult and productive way to keeps things reasonable.
  
  
• For the love of all that is holy, exercise. It is proven to help brain function whether in cognitive skills or emotional health or stress reduction. If it's nonexistent now, start small and try to build up to some routine of significance while it can become a habit and before the midsemester crunch hits.

1. Caffeine gum
   
   
   
2. High-end stethoscope with laser engraved name (can be a digital vs regular stethoscope, depending on specialty)
   
   
   
3. Box of Luna bars (or builder's bars, or cliff bars, or whatever she's into)
   
   
   
4. 4 color pens
   
   
   
5. [Stethoscope name tag](https://www.etsy.com/market/stethoscope_name_tag] (obviously not needed if you go with #2)
   
   
   
6. Battle armor for her cat
   

https://www.amazon.com/BIC-4-Color-Medium-Assorted-3-Count/dp/B002JFR8Q8

You need these...
https://www.amazon.com/Fred-BORROW-PEN-Subversive-Pen/dp/B003ASXDT4/ref=pd_sbs_229_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003ASXDT4&pd_rd_r=6H6T4B9BKBQQ5H651MYX&pd_rd_w=tl50I&pd_rd_wg=wLlos&psc=1&refRID=6H6T4B9BKBQQ5H651MYX

You need to buy this.

They're also damn good pens, and pretty cheap on Amazon.

This is a very common type of erasable ink that is available in Pilot Friction pens. I have a bunch of them. The pens have a plastic/rubber eraser on the ends, but they don't erase in the usual way. They just rub against the paper such that the friction cause the ink to get warm. I've had notebooks where I left them in a warm car or something and came back to find the notes had disappeared. You can bring back the ink by putting the notes in the fridge or freezer.
https://www.amazon.ca/Pilot-Retractable-Erasable-Assorted-31472/dp/B009QYH644

I was curious about the deal so I checked out Amazon as well. The price is crazy low! Especially since they all come with a converter. I assume that it's being imported directly from China since the estimated delivery is so long.

For the curious: http://www.amazon.com/Jinhao-Fountain-Diversity-Transparent-Unique/dp/B00L95MIJQ?ie=UTF8&keywords=Jinhao%20Fountain%20Pens&qid=1465346477&ref_=sr_1_5&sr=8-5

Now to get ink in all of those colors. Anyone know of any good yellow ink? :P

This is one I've been looking at

If you're adamant on getting a ballpoint, then I would go for the Uniball Jetstream. Unlike regular ballpoints, the Jetstream is extremely smooth and pleasurable to use. The price, although more expensive than a shitty Bic, is still pretty affordable.

If you're willing to break out of the ballpoints, I would suggest a Pilot G2 for a reliable and inexpensive gel pen. They write much better (smoother and with less pressure) than ballpoints and, being gels, put down a darker and much more vivid line.

For when I need a pen I prefer the Uniball Jetstream RT. The 0.7 writes finer than you would think. The thickness is comparable to a 0.38mm Pilot G2 (what I used to use).

Uni-Ball Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens, 0.7 mm, Black Ink.

These are the fucking best pens I've ever owned.

https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Ball-Jetstream-Retractable-Point-3-Count/dp/B002FSZP5A/

Yeah they aren't great but they work fine for people who don't care for their pens.

For personal use I now use the [Uniballs Jetstream (3 for $9)] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FSZP5A/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

My favorite for years was the [Pilot Dr. Grip Limited $6/1] (https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Retractable-Platinum-Metallic-36272/dp/B0000AQOA1/ref=pd_sim_229_17?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0000AQOA1&pd_rd_r=Y9VG2SEYTNGV8PHQKQV5&pd_rd_w=QGWBs&pd_rd_wg=nVAZ8&psc=1&refRID=Y9VG2SEYTNGV8PHQKQV5) but you will never ever get that back when you lend it out, and the refills seemed to be poor quality.

Uniball Jetstream. BEST everyday pen I have ever owned.

http://www.amazon.com/uni-ball-Jetstream-Retractable-Roller-70877/dp/B002FSZP5A

Pilot Jetstream. It's very smooth, very fast writer, dries almost instantly. http://amzn.com/B002FSZP5A

I carry 2 in my bag at all times, for when my Lamy All-Star is not appropriate. :P

Or a revolver pen.

I almost bought those a while back. It's called the "Borrow my pen" collection

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ASXDT4

Orrrrr get some of these! They’re specially for pen snatchers. :)

Just picked this up. The body is plastic but the grip and tip are aluminium, and it seems to write well in the few days that I've used it so far. Tiny little eraser, but I normally carry a mars plastic eraser around.

I'd counter this by suggesting some Skilcraft US Government pens. You'll find these in pretty much any military base, government research facility, or federal office. They last forever, have a good feel to them, and are very durable/dependable. Despite the high quality, they are fairly cheap. I would recommend buying them and you're supporting a good cause by doing so.

http://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK

This company was set up for the government. They make a lot of products the government uses (like all their ballpoint pens).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skilcraft


You can buy their pens, which will write in outer space (yes, in a vacuum), here: http://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-12-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK

Re: Disappearing ink pens: If I can iron it, I buy the retractable Frixion pens (retractable because I keep misplacing things). Granted, I have to re-draw everything if I use fusible interfacing but irons/rubs away with no problem. http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-FriXion-Retractable-Erasable-Assorted/dp/B009QYH644

Re: tailor's chalk: I've got the dritz one with the holder. The holder's lid has a little metal V sharpen. http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Tailors-Chalk-and-Holder/dp/B005571HL4

I have one of these fountain pens. It looks like it may be unavailable now but /r/fountainpens can have you covered.

These kind of pens write very well but the ink erases with heat (that's the point) so I wouldn't get the pages you write in too hot.

Muji Aluminum fountain pen. One of my favorite budget fountain pens out there. Very light weight (which turns some people off of them) but I love it.

https://www.amazon.com/MUJI-Aluminum-Body-Fountain-Pen/dp/B00K2T9DGG

​

Interesting. I'll check it out. In the meantime, links:

http://www.muji.us/store/aluminum-compact-fountain-pen.html
https://www.amazon.com/MUJI-Aluminum-Body-Fountain-Pen/dp/B00K2T9DGG

That's a great fit. I may go with that one. Know of any pens that are a little less shiny than that AL-Star?

Edit: Nevermind, I found the perfect pen.

You might also like the Muji fountain pen It’s as thin as you can get with a cartridge pen and has an aluminum body. It’s as long as a Pilot Metropolitan though.

I bought this 8 pack on Amazon, with 2 day prime shipping for $11:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L95MIJQ/ref=psdcmw_1085704_t2_B00JEVNGC0

The Palomino Blackwing 602 gets my nod. Pair it with a nice Staedler eraser and a Blackwing sharpener.

You're going after the wrong problem.

The problem isn't the pencil so much as it is the erasing.

What you want is the Stadler eraser. Do not substitute or cheap out. They're as cheap as can be and you only need one. I barely used one for three years of grad school.

https://www.amazon.com/STAEDTLER-Plastic-Latex-free-Age-resistant-Crumbling/dp/B00006IFAN/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?keywords=eraser&qid=1555958207&s=gateway&sr=8-15

Buy the four pack and give some out to nerdy paper friends and keep one or two as back up.


Also try to work on easing up on the death grip. It's not a contest to break pencils and you're going to be writing for the next 50 years or so. It's a marathon not a Sprint.

I like 0.7 mm lead and I find that these feel the most comfortable in my hand. The most important thing for me, though, is a clean erase. I tend to have at least one of these on hand all the time.

My SO likes these. They're okay.

Pentel GraphGear 500 Drafting Pencil and Parker Jotter or Zebra F-7401.

Looks to me like Pentel GraphGear 500. It's not too expensive compared to others, but it's entry level for nice drafting pencils.

http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Automatic-Drafting-Brushed-PG1015A/dp/B000GAU2RU/

http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Automatic-Drafting-Pencil-PG525A/dp/B0006HXQXA/

.3 and .5mm models.

Pentel Sharp Kerry

Nice compact pencil that has a cap like a pen so it doesn't pike you. Fairly cheap too.

I can't recommend the Pentel Sharp Kerry enough.

It has a cap so no lead or pointy ends poking you when it's in a front or back pocket. It's shorter in the capped configuration and longer with it open and writing with the cap on the back. It has an eraser in the cap and advances the lead when you push on the end, even with the cap on the back. It writes fantastic, feels nice, and it's the first .05mm I've owned that wasn't snapping leads every five seconds. It's very well designed, all metal construction and surprisingly inexpensive for what you get.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006SW6YO/

FELIZ KAIK DAI!!! Sorry about your sorta depressing birthday, but I hope you make the best of your situation!

1. Beermaking kit for you, http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Equipment-Gallon-Glass-Carboy/dp/B002BU7CVM/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1375659498&sr=1-4&keywords=beer+making+kit
   
   
2. This super cool mechanical pencil Ive been wanting for a while... http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Mechanical-Pencil-Metallic-P1035A/dp/B0006SW6YO/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1375659788&sr=8-17&keywords=mechanical+pencil
   
   
3. welcome home
   
   
4. Funny because I'm also going to move to a boarding school on the other side of the world from where I live now (with my parents) in a month. Its different because I'm still 14, but PM me with tips and I'll be happy to share stories!
   
   

I actually just ordered a pencil with a cap. It's pretty cool that the button on the cap pushes down on the button to advance the lead, so you can use the pencil with or without the cap on.

https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Disposable-Fountain-Assorted-90029/dp/B00092PRCA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484425673&sr=8-1&keywords=varsity+fountain+pen

I'm going to school

pens!

Yes, get a pretty fountain pen or felt tip that makes writing fun! I like le pen, varsity disposable fountain and sharpie's calligraphy pens.

WORK

PowerTank Retractable Pen All-Angle All-Weather Wet Surface… Standard quick draw go-to pen for the last 5 years

Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pen Recently got into fountain pens so I use this when I can to sign stuff or have time to take decent notes

Silver Sharpie for writing on dark surfaces

Pocket Level for leveling anything from pictures to 80” monitors and in between

Retractable Sharpie for permanent marking/writing everywhere else not covered by the previous items

Telescoping Magnetic Retriever

My First Pencil for temporary marking… large size for durability and novelty

House Keys, Personal Truck Keys (98 F150), Work Truck/Van Key (what is this thing), Building Keys

Fitbit Charge HR

Large Rubber Band because you just never know when you might need one… and I pop myself if I get a craving for something I don’t need lol

A little Cash, Our Energy Management Policy (our VP will randomly ask to see it and if you have it on you, you may get to be off the rest of the day, get a meal or gas gift cert, movie tix, etc.)

Vicks Inhaler, Every Man Jack chapstick

1/8” Allen Wrench

ThorFire throwaway LED Flashlight for quick peeks, or if the larger one’s battery dies

BP Rewards Card (Filling the work truck a couple times a week gets me a few cents off my own gas… shhhhh), Work Visa, License, Insurance, Carmike Rewards Card because you never know when you may wanna catch a flick.

Nitecore MH1C Rechargeable LED Flashlight… found this baby up in the ceiling and fell in love (once I read the manual and figured out how to work it.)

Zippo Spectrum Lighter… Don’t smoke but I love fire and Zippo’s even more. I have 16 right now but this is my throw around EDC.

Gerber Superknife

TAC Force Throw away assisted opening knife

RFID Access Badge

Medical ID Bracelet… recently diagnosed with Diabeetus and put on Xarelto after a huge blood clot (PE)

3x5 Index Card Daily Work Order Checklist, needed supplies, random notes/measurements/numbers

/r/KaizenBrotherhood 30 Day Challenge Checklist

Leatherman Rebar MultiTool… work buys these (bless them) and I usually break them enough to need one every 1-2 years. Had one model or another since my 18th birthday (36 now) and just found out they will actually repair them for free so I will have to round up some older ones and send them off. Once they are retired they wind up in a glove box, random tool bag/box, in the recliner, on my desk etc, anywhere I might need one and I am not in my work clothes.

NOT PICTURED

Folding Wood Rule

Motorola XPR-6300 Radio

iPhone 6 in Lifeproof Fre Case with Nite Ize Steelie Magnet on the back and $20 inside... used to take picture

*added phone

The term for them is "lead holder". The one /u/mechtech recommended is the top of the line, but I've had one of these for 10 years now without an issue.

Also, try using a heavier weight of graphite if you're having a lot of problems with breaking - it will give you lighter marks, but if you're just using it as a temporary mark that's probably not an issue.

Every time I post a drawing, I always get a couple of PMs with people asking me what I use to draw. For my le'reddit doodles, I keep it pretty simple:

• Pencil:Straedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil I use HB lead almost exclusively for sketching the layout before I go to inks.
  
  
• Pens: Sakura "Microns" These have been my go to inking pens for years, they're a tried and true champ and they're pretty cheap. There's a lot of milliners out there but these are my favorites by far. For the reddit doodles I really only use the 08, 05, and 01 for the really fine lines.
  
  
• Sharpies and other stuff: I use a lot of Sharpies because they're cheap, typically just to do the thick black lines and fill in the big black spaces. However I also use a Sharpie White Paint Marker for reverse inking and minor corrections as well as Presto Correction Pens.
  
  

1. Leatherman CS
   
   
2. Nautica Men's Slim Passcase
   
   
3. Otterbox Defender for S3
   
   
4. G-Shock
   
   
5. Benchmade Contego 810
   
   
6. Petzl William Locking Carabiner
   
   
   
7. Zebra F-701 with Fischer Space Pen refill
   
   
8. Kingston Digital Traveler 32gb

I use the Zebra F-701 with a Fisher Space Pen refill, and it's fantastic. My pen was actually the old-style with a plastic "clicker," but I replaced it with a steel clicker to get the right look. Now the pens are all-steel out of the packaging!

NOTE: The pen isn't truly all-steel construction. Many of the innards are plastic. However, it's a very sturdy pen which I have carried for years now. It's also cheap enough that I wouldn't be (very) upset if something happened to it. If you try it, I think you'll be pleased.

Obligatory Parker Jotter recommendation. I have both the stainless steel and plastic variants. Although vintage brass thread Parker Jotters are more durable, a store bought new one is also good. Tons of refills and can be had for about 8 usd.

Some goodies arrived from Amazon today:

​

• Olight I3T EOS
  
• Victorinox Cadet, Black Alox
  
• Stainless Steel Parker Jotter
  
• Pentel P205 Mechanical Pencil
  
• TEC P-7 Suspension Clip
  
  ​

I started off with a Lamy Safari and have now bought 3. They are wonderful and last. They aren't a trophy pen but if you are a student and want to take pride in your work then this pen can take the beatings a backpack will give. After you are sure you like the pen I would suggest getting the refill converter so you can use bulk ink instead of the little cartridges. What kind of writing do you want to do with it? There are different nibs (tips) for different thicknesses/feed rates.

amazon has a good selection of starter fountain pens. and are almost always a bit cheaper than what you would find in store or other websites.

some of the ones I have gotten in the past are:
Sheaffer Calligraphy Mini Kit,
X450 Kurve Vanilla Fountain Pen,
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen,
The lamy comes with a cartridge but you can purchase a converter for only 4 dollars (us price)


Also first post here!

https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Fountain-Preppy-Black-PPQ-200/dp/B001H0CEM4

Done.

Hello everyone!

I had been wanting to post my edc for school and felt since the semester is almost over, now would be a great time. I am a computer science major and have been carrying this with me for several months now. Also, pls excuse the obvious line down the middle - i merged two seperate pictures together. So here is my edc from L>R, T>B.

1. [Dell Inspiron 13 5000 2-1 Laptop - upgraded to ssd] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KPJBNK/?coliid=I1GW25Q5H1PRGC&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
2. [Portable 2K Monitor] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GDDG3WJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
   
3. [Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8"] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DXVKQU6/?coliid=I30KIDP5OPIEAJ&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
4. [Samsung Galaxy Tab cover] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013LKLDQ0/?coliid=IBT2WKWKJ8WCV&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
5. Degree deodorant/body spray
   
6. [Five-Star 1-1.2 inch Zipper Binder] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00COHAJQW/?coliid=I3AJVWHYPKUKIP&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
7. [Cliffnotes Statistics book] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764563882/?coliid=I3KQKEY8MUDSYT&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
8. [Weekly Planner] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWF2VS9/?coliid=I3NPS8L0T44MB6&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
9. Snack
   
10. [Maglite Mini LED Flashlight] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HFBR1O/?coliid=IPIZ47DZ3YAQK&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
11. [Dell Power Companion 18000 mAh battery] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PC9HG0Q/?coliid=I3TOCRL4ALQLZB&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
12. Laptop power brick in two parts
    
13. [Samsung 64 GB 3.0 flash drive duo] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013UHK0TK/?coliid=I1GCQN4CLWL20T&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
14. [Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG7MZP0/?coliid=I13DJEPDK4W4K6&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
15. [Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBGU4PY/?coliid=I1Q8LPNTWUYWM9&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
16. [Fisher Space military pen] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NXDFC8/?coliid=I2EJ6P9U4BUWZ4&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
17. [Skilcraft B3 Aviator multifunction pen] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KKPGHQ/?coliid=I2TE4MXP76ML33&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
18. [Portable tablet/phone/switch stand] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZAYH58/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
19. Downy Fabric dewrinkler spray
    
20. Portable Lysol spray
    
21. Work/School ID
    
22. [Portable CPR face shield] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0011MIQX4/?coliid=I1O45DFTMWUHAV&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
23. Various single use medicine
    
24. [C++ Pocket reference] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596004966/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
25. Microfiber towel
    
26. [3 in 1 threaded usb cable] (https://www.walmart.com/ip/3-1-Lightning-Cable-USB-C-Cable-iHaper-Apple-MFi-Certified-chrging-Sync-Cable-1m-Nylon-Braided-Bulletproof-Material-High-Speed-Sync-Quick-chrge-iPhon/102599920?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227256658686&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=304459247725&wl4=aud-566049426705:pla-545878314906&wl5=9026166&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=102599920&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8_PfBRC3ARIsAOzJ2uoI0nzcc7TDGxqiTgIZxVjy0Jibd5ZS05gnXVFp2umPPzJpor5KyjIaAoNxEALw_wcB)
    
27. [Mini usb charging cable - plus the usb transfer cable that came with calculator] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UY57VDK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
28. [Micro usb Cable] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTXZ3U8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
29. [Mini HDMI - HDMI cable] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P2KH178/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
30. [TI-84 PLUS CE Graphing Calculator] (https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-TI-84-Graphing-Calculator/dp/B00TFYYWQA/ref=lp_2530606011_1_4?srs=2530606011&ie=UTF8&qid=1543362147&sr=8-4)
    
31. Sunglasses
    
32. [Vectron charging case for LG Bluetooth headphones] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LF4W9DA/?coliid=I7NGM5OCPFXW7&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
33. [Not pictured - LG Tone Platinum Bluetooth Headphones] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E6K7K02/?coliid=I1N2LPPTGNOIHY&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
34. First Aid Kit
    
35. Lip Balm
    
36. Portable sewing kit
    
37. Tic Tacs
    
38. Purell
    
39. [C# Pocket reference] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1491988533/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
40. [Backpack cover] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01449GWW2/?coliid=I1M6ZTRJINMZ9L&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
41. [Umbrella] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F8APXQM/?coliid=I19IFY33R4OGH8&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
42. [Not pictured - Swiss Digital TSA friendly backpack] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H5CRRPF/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
    I do carry all of this with me. It's not too heavy as I've tried to minimize the weight of the items I did decide I wanted to carry.
    
    Some bonus pics are below:
    
    [Backpack loaded will all the above] (https://imgur.com/XRBubGH)
    
    [Another showing the strip that reflects light - one of the reasons I purchased it] (https://imgur.com/lkirjJf)
    
    [The Headphone case w/ the headphones] (https://imgur.com/UQFNF53)
    
    [Inside of Five-Star Binder for those curious] (https://imgur.com/aVPxA2l)
    
    [Bulit in organization in the backpack] (https://imgur.com/m0KAvOa)
    
    [The reason I carry the extra monitor/keyboard/mouse/etc] (https://imgur.com/n6QRldz)

Skillcraft B3? It's a three in one type deal with black ink, red ink, and a mechanical pencil+eraser. Sounds sort of cheesy but it actually works really well and feels quality. I write quite a bit for my job and it is really handy to have red ink on hand, even if you don't need it often.

Well, here's a list of items you'll find useful if you decide it's something you might like to pursue.

Round pegbar - get one and tape it to your desk, get another and tape it to your scanner and you'll have a very easy time keeping sheets of paper aligned. Shipping on these is expensive but I couldn't find any other place that sells them. You might be able to 3d print a couple if you have 3d printer access.

Three hole punch - anything that punches holes of the right diameter (1/4 inch) reliably with the same spacing of the pegbar is fine. You probably already have one of these.

Scanner - any scanner that fits letter paper is fine. You probably already have one of these, and if you don't you might be able to use one at a library.

Paper - cheap paper is ideal. This is the cheapest that I know of at $2 for 500 sheets but copy paper isn't hard to find for a reasonable price. Get 2 reams or a big old box. You'll go through it faster than you'd think if you want to make an animation of any meaningful length.

Pencils - It'll be easiest if you have two kinds, but the most important kind is a regular old 2B or 4B pencil. Staedtler Mars Lumographs are the best but really you can use whatever pencil you find around the house, lying on the street, and so on for practice. If you really get into it and you need a lot of pencils, you should get these. The other kind you'll want is a light blue or light green colored pencil. You can use the colored pencil to lay down really rough, quick sketches for each frame and do a refined, accurate drawing for each frame with the regular old pencil. Then, when you scan the frames in color, you can remove the colored pencil marks using a technique similar to this. I'd probably use Blender for this because it's easier to remove the blue lineswith the whole image sequence. If you need help figuring out how to do this efficiently you can PM me and I'll give you a comprehensive tutorial. After the non-photo blue is removed you can take it into OpenToonz or Krita to colorize the animation if you wish.

Erasers - it's very important to have a high-quality eraser! I recommend these. They usually erase very cleanly unless you dug really hard into the paper when drawing.

Book - For animation, start with The Animator's Survival Kit. It's got lots of good information in it. Absolutely essential book. If you can't afford it, you can find illegal copies online.

For drawing instruction, visit /r/artfundamentals and do all of the exercises. It's fine to use pencils for the exercises as long as you use them like you'd use a pigment liner, that is, pressing just hard enough to get a reasonably dark line and correcting mistakes by incorporating them into your drawing, rather than with an eraser. For this reason I recommend getting and using up one pigment liner just so you can get used to how it feels to use them. Then you can do the rest of them with pencils if you want, since you know how to use a pencil like a pigment liner, or you can get an inexpensive fountain pen that will let you refill from fountain pen ink in a bottle, which can be extremely cost-effective as long as you don't get into the habit of buying lots of expensive pens and every ink color under the sun.

All in all, including the book and excluding the items that you probably already have (scanner, 3 hole punch) you're probably looking at around
I feel like I should warn you at this point before you spend any money that you'll need to either have or acquire a pathological tolerance for tedium if you want to be successful at animating and drawing. You'll definitely be going through at least a ream of drawings before you're any good. As long as you're OK with that, go for it.

For two pegbars, two reams of paper, a dozen good pencils, 4 good erasers you're looking at around $60. If you have some of this stuff around the house you might only need the pegbars, which is about $24. In any case I'd encourage you to buy the book I recommended if you can afford it. It's really helpful.

Many of my favorites have been discontinued or changed.

The Koh-i-Noor Rapidomatic was my primary pencil for my first 4 college years. I even bought a red and blue colored versions to put red and blue lead in, which was nice for graphs or occasional emphasis. Lovely pencils made in Japan. However, looking at the Amazon reviews they no longer make these, but instead something with the same name and general look, but using all new parts and process in China. You can taste the sadness in the reviews. It looks like people are happy with the Alvin Draftmatic which looks exactly like the Rapidomatic.

The Pilot Vanishing Point has been discontinued. Sad. My favorite pencil, made in Japan. See reviews on Amazon. I introduced a number of people to this, and many of them started using it as their primary pencil. My manager even questioned why I had spent $200 on pencils, when I explained I was ordering a couple of these for myself, asked around, and 10 others in the office said they wanted one or two as well (after trying mine). No drafting grip, and shorter, but really good weight, good feel, quality, and I could write well with them.

The Uni Kuru Toga is nice, but too lightweight and plastic for my taste. The price is hard to argue with. I wonder if the Roulette model would be better as it sounds like it might weigh more.

Dave's review site recommends the Staedtler 925-25. I've tried the 925-05 which is ok (my 11yo uses it) but not the 925-25.

If you have more money, the Rotring 600 and 800+ come highly recommended (lots of metal, high quality, made in Japan). I have never tried one, but I'll buy a 600 sometime soon.

For erasers, I use Staedtler Mars Plastic. They last forever -- I still have one from 1985 with more than half remaining and it works fine. I only bought more so the family can each have one of their own. My tips are (1) don't get oil on them or the paper, and get it off if you do. This means don't run your finger along the eraser part. It causes smearing. (2) erase flat if you can, to save sharp edges for fine work. If you always use the edges, then you won't have a sharp edge to change φ' to φ in the middle of an equation.

There's a lot of art pencil sets like this that you can find online or at art specialty stores like Michael's or Hobby Lobby that are good for beginning. Don't worry about the big pencil sets that have every grade available--you really don't need all that right away, and probably wouldn't use most of them anyway.

For pencils, I'd start with just a 2H, an HB or F, a 2B, and maybe a 4B. This gets you a decent range of light to dark. You can add in a layout or black colored pencil for when you want to go really dark.

Find yourself a white eraser or a kneaded eraser, a good sketchbook with 60 or 70lb paper (or copy paper like a printer uses is a super cheap alternative). I'd personally recommend drawing without an eraser at the ready for a while in order to train yourself to learn from any mistakes and to be more economical and thoughtful with your lines among other things.

When you get more confident using those tools, you can add in other pencil grades, blending tools (like a tortillon, stump, or chamois), or even graduate to charcoals.

I hope that helps with getting you going! Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in what we think we need in order to draw that we forget that the most important thing is to grab whatever you have at the ready along with a piece of paper and start drawing.

(Side note: I'm not selling anything and am unaffiliated with the products linked to-- they're just examples.)

You'd be surprised. I'm a full time college student with depression. I'm still managing to pull off art on the side.

Initial costs are a box of pencils, erasers and a notebook.

Canson Artist Series Universal Sketch Pad, 9"X12" Side Wire https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IXJ7CM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mtWJzbS3BS01W

Palomino 2B Pencils Orange Set Of 12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007P50UTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KuWJzb7MTP1WQ

Staedtler Mars Plastic Erasers,Pack of 4 (52650BK4) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IFAN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZvWJzb48BV8JQ

There's more affordable options but these are my favorites so far.

It's probably best to stop by a superstore and pick up whatever they have on the cheap.

Edit: Tacklebox has been drawing for four years. Think about it. You can do this. You can get the skills you want if you practice.

I dont do too many field-fixes anymore... Im now in startup land where everything is shiny & new, and we get what we need.

 

My things that were stupid-useful that mostly haven't been listed so far:

Klein Tools electrician scissors - Most useful cutters ever. Take-a-finger-off sharp, cuts though thick cables, the top is great for straining phone / ethernet cable. A cable puller had a set, and he sold me on them in 30 seconds when he raked the wobbly cat5 strands across them, and they were perfectly straight. Would have been worth the $$ at twice the cost.

I replaced my mismatched tools in my bag w/ a iFixit toolkit when I needed to start buying new bits for iPads and the tri-lobes for macs. Ended up being about the same cost as those bits alone, and it had them, and a bunch of other stuff that was better then my cobbled together tools. The screwdriver is far-better made then the little plastic ones I had before. They have a new-toolkit, but I haven't used it.

A roll of Velcro ties Far more useful then zips. Use the scissors above to trim as needed.

Mars-eraser. Great for cleaning toner from printers, and cleaning up corroded connectors (first pass).

Melamine Sponge (aka Magic Eraser) - They clean up things nothing else does like the weird tint that macs wrist guards get from skin oil. Also great for getting toner off of the outside of printers. Also good for cleaning up cherry-coke from a $25k piece of sound gear.

Deoxit - You can use the cheap stuff that was like $5 a can at any automotive parts store, and that will work for most things. This is for more sensitive stuff. I used this repairing contacts in audio-control-surfaces, rebuilding DSLRs, etc. Its for when more then a mars-eraser is needed.

In the "IDGAF, so long as it doesn't break" category?

I really like the Zebra M-301. Super classy steel bodies, and at least where I am, they're frequently on sale/clearance. I picked up like 3 2-packs for something like 1.50 each. I figure that'll probably last me the next decade or so, most decent mech pencils don't easily break.

For a bit more, but still under 10 bucks a pencil, I have a bit of nostalgia for the Staedtler Mars Micro 775. Have a red one my mother bought me in the 8th grade (so...2001 ish), and it still perfectly works. This one is also pretty widely available, or in a three sided variety, see this one.

And in Pentel flavours, eh, GraphGear 500. If I lose it, well, my family works on a university campus, the bookstore there carries ten gajillion more. The 1000 is a nice upgrade, along with the .03 Graphlet (which I used in Japanese class a lot for Kanji).

My absolute favorite

http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-GraphGear-Automatic-Drafting-PG525A/dp/B0006HXQXA?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_2&smid=AMRIASJ1A5W2G

I do! I actually use two different kinds, depending on how thin a line I want. There's the GraphGear 500, which is a .7. Then there's the GraphGear 1000 which is a .3. I like both, and use them interchangeably.

I've found that this pencil is by far the best when having to write essays in one period and do drafting in another and then go to math class and write out equations neatly. It's perfect for most usage and it looks stylish too :)

I've had a Graph Gear 500 for almost two years now and it's the only pencil I ever use anymore. They are cheap, but are made for drafting so it's got a sturdy construction and a really nice weight.

You can get them down to .3 mm, which should be good for what you want to do.

In that case. I bought one of these and I love using it. It is a solid chunk of metal with a solid metal tip and an eraser cover. Its .5 lead. I like how solid and sturdy it feels.

Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil Black (PG525A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006HXQXA?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

sketchbook and the pencil. The pencil is really good, has a very solid feel and good balance. You may also want to consider getting a putty eraser if you are going to go beyond sketching, or you are going to go through erasers on this mechanical pencil like crazy.

I use a Pentel Sharp Kerry and absolutely love it! I attached a Leuttchurm pencil loop on the inside flap of my pocket notebook cover so that I can carry it. (Just fyi, my cover is about 3.5" x 5".)

EDIT: This also doubles as my wallet and I carry it in my back pocket. I need to keep the pencil inside the cover so that it's not too wide. As is, I never sit on the pencil. I chose the Kerry for the size and durability. Seriously, one of my best purchases.

Agreed, greatest invention evar. I feel like people who still use non-mechanical pencils are like people who use hotmail in 2012. Or maybe old-skool hipsters. If you want a high quality mechanical pencil, check out something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Mechanical-Pencil-Metallic-P1035A/dp/B0006SW6YO

Personally I am ok with these cheapos:

http://www.amazon.com/BIC-Velcoity-Mechanical-Pencil-MV5P21-Blk/dp/B000GOWAQM

The Pentel Sharp Kerry comes in 0.5 and 0.7 mm and has a cap so it can't stab you through your pocket.

The Pentel Kerry series are very much in line with the budget of a a student, good quality and look quite high-end:

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Mechanical-Pencil-Metallic-P1035A/dp/B0006SW6YO

The Pilot Automac series are also good if you want to just keep writing without worrying about advancing the lead.

https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Kuru-Toga-Pencil-Lead/dp/B00DR6FATK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1535943901&sr=8-3&keywords=kuru+toga+lead

​

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Automatic-Pencil-Barrel-P1035A/dp/B0006SW6YO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1535943958&sr=8-3&keywords=kerry&dpID=41Wzu22I1yL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

available at 0.9 as well, which I prefer because the lead never breaks.

The retracting tip is its main advantage over the p20x line, mainly because deformation in the little barrel at the pencil is the only way you can ruin that pencil. They used to come with a little pick thing that let you ram clear and straight it (it was attached to the eraser!), but now they don't sell them with that piece anymore and when the tip is bent, the whole thing stops working.

Another one I like is the Pentel Sharp Kerry pencil.

http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Mechanical-Pencil-Metallic-P1035A/dp/B0006SW6YO

Pentel Sharp Kerry. In my pocket all day, every day. The cap is a little odd at first but then you realize you're never going to stab your leg again.

Edit: And it's reasonably priced for a student. 4 barrel colors and 2 lead sizes to pick from.

Yeah agree with most people here. I was gifted these staedtler pens and loved them: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens, .3mm, Metal Clad Tip, 20-Pack, Assorted (334SB20BK) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007OEE7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jpOFDbNTXVM7W

Gift card for shoes for places like Clark's (need comfy shoes because we're on our feet all day). Or food- Starbucks, Trader Joe's, etc. Nice headphones.

Honestly though, during those stressful breakdowns just moral support is what's helpful. And.. it sounds like she's doing a lot. Not sure that it's all necessary, she could probably drop some stuff if it's affecting her mental health.

You might try Staedtler technical pens, or Copic Multiliner SP markers. Both are extremely fine points - the Copics can go down to .03mm, but only in black, I think.

This set of Staedtler pens has pretty much every conceivable color you'd ever need to do panel lining: http://www.amazon.com/Triplus-Fineliner-Pens-Metal-Assorted/dp/B0007OEE7E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416452707&sr=8-1&keywords=staedtler+triplus+fineliner&pebp=1416452711877

They also just started selling these precision Q-tips, which when soaked in rubbing alcohol will take care of your excess pigment pen ink. Just run 'em across the line, and if you run into situations like those vents, the end is pointy enough to get in there. http://www.amazon.com/Q-Tips-Cotton-Swabs-Baby-170/dp/B00604MRLA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1416452785&sr=8-4&keywords=precision+q-tip

If you don't wanna sink $10 on a 4-pack and they don't have them next to the Q-tips at your grocery or health and beauty store/drugstore I'll happily send you a package if you cover for the cost.

OH my god, the struggle is real.

This is one I was able to find:

https://www.amazon.com/Smith-Chart-Notebook-Gelding-Publishing/dp/1502718111

However I never bought it. We didn't do a lot on smith charts, I wish I'd had more opportunity.

​

My favorite notebooks:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MP9D5AG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Why:

1.) F-ing graph paper

2.) Thick pages. I like colored markers for notes, like these: https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Triplus-Fineliner-Assorted-334SB20BK/dp/B0007OEE7E/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Staedtler&qid=1570659385&s=office-products&sr=1-2

The thick pages doesn't allow (as much) marker bleed and the notebooks hold up for a long time.

3.) F-ing graph paper and thick pages.

Happy to help! What's your budget? I'm on mobile - let me see if I can grab links to what I would recommend based on what you want to spend


Edit: these are the markers I have and I love them. A bit pricy but worth it if it's in your budget: http://www.amazon.com/STD334SB20A6-Staedtler-Triplus-Fineliner-Pens/dp/B0007OEE7E
(There is actually a bigger set you can get from JetPens.com I think)

For a coloring book, I have a couple I like:
This one (and the other ones by this author/artist) is great: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1780671067/ref=pd_aw_fbt_229_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0C8DWW0SZ6WKWXY2EX4N


This one also looks nice. I don't have it but one of my friends does: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1941325122/ref=pd_aw_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=61DETogR%2BIL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&refRID=1NJH3VAEG30BFHGYWTF4

Staedtler Triplus Pens

Tape

Thanks!

Item to help me accomplish one of these things

Of course, I'd have to post the poems in my blog for 40 days. This would be an accomplishment, as I am a seasoned poet, with 4 self-published chapbooks out, a longtime poetry blog, and have been featured at numerous poetry/writing events. However, I've had a bit of a hard time writing lately...okay, for the last few years since being in school. My mind just isn't in it. And it needs to be, or my gift is wasted.

I will need lots of these

These guys always inspire me!

I have a list of things I wanted to do for 30 days...maybe 40 days won't be so bad?

Some of the things on my 30 days list:

Go 30 days without:

Eating meat

Wearing makeup

Swearing

Wearing shoes

Go 30 Days:

Write a poem every day

Send a letter to a friend via snail mail

Drink more than the recommended amount of water

/u/n_reineke , /u/G0ATLY , /u/Yokuo ...what do you guys think?

Think I could go 40 days with any of those?

https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Varsity-Fountain-Assorted-90029/dp/B00092PRCA

I use these at work. They last forever and write more smoothly than my Metropolitan.

https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Disposable-Fountain-Assorted-90029/dp/B00092PRCA

https://www.jetpens.com/Disposable-Fountain-Pens/ct/2663

https://www.amazon.com/bic-fountain-pens/s?page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abic%20fountain%20pens

Good idea about lending a fountain pen without the cap.

I'm a writer. I take detailed and thorough notes in class as I've found that gets the information in my head best. (Also, that's the way I was trained as a mathematician in undergrad.)

My set up is several cheap fountain pens with a variety of ink colors and a good quality paper notebook. I hate spiral notebooks because the spiral eventually gets damaged. My A5 Clairefountaine notebooks are working out well.

The fountain pens are partly just because I'm older and the ballpoint pens tend to hurt my hands when I write for a long time and partly because they do force me to be a little tidier in my work.

For sketching, I use a Staedtler Mars 780 and to get it to the sharpness I like, I use a Staedtler Rotary

For inking, I mainly use Pigma Microns, but also like using other brands such as Kurutake Zig or Staedtler pigment liners, all of which I'm sure you can find at your local art store

Hope that helps!

If you usually journal with a pencil, can I recommend getting a lead holder instead? They last longer because the lead is thicker, so you don't have to deal with the constant breaking lead of cheap mechanical pencils which means more writing and less clicking. I recommend this one, it has a sharpener built into the cap. And I use a Pentel Clic Eraser.

Also look at a "lead holder" as opposed to a "pencil"

Like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Technical-Mechanical-Pencil-780BK/dp/B000YQEFGU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505172384&sr=8-3&keywords=lead+holder

It is very sharp and no wood.

I just had a similar discussion with a client!

Depending on what you wanna spend There are a number of choices.


For a sketch artist I'd steer clear of brands like Cross(Luxury writing utensils. Great products just not everyday art friendly)

I'd suggest a 2mm lead holder, some lead refills(4b, 2b, hb, 2h, 4h), a lead pointer, and a kneadable eraser or two.


Rotring makes some great products and even the more utilitarian Staedtler is a bifl and a great gift for an aspiring artist.

Edit: Also as a suggestion from an artist-Never anything in white if you can help it and a box of those foil pack Fingerbowl/wet wipes are quite a boon if they're a artist on the go. ;)

The Easy flow 9000 is very good as stated by another redditer, however I personally like the fine space pen refill which comes with an adapter to fit parker pens.

Sure. This pen is amazing ergonomically and hella cheap (shaped much like rotring with knurled grip and stainless steel construction), BUT: it has two drawbacks. One is the awful stock ink that smudges, and the other is the plastic clicky that squeaks. So, several posters took it upon themselves to remedy these problems.


Firstly, everything on the pen is metal except for one part of the pen; the retractable "clicker" - weird, right? The plastic parts make it squeak whenever you bring the pen in or out. Thankfully, another zebra pen DOES have the metal clicker! The rest of the pen's construction is not much to write home about, but that's unimportant. You just need that metal clicker construction.


Secondly, the ink. The stock ink is pretty bad and is prone to smudging. Once again, thankfully, the fisher space pen insert will fit once you remove a small plastic part at the front of the f-701.


An anon that I think posts here made a walkthrough of the mod process here, so if you follow it you will yourself become the very owner of a Space Zebra F-7401!


This will leave you with a great fully metal pen that also has an ergonomic knurled grip and that makes use of the pressurized space ink!

If you're using them in poor conditions: Fisher Space Pen, or a pen that will accept a Fisher refill. I carry this Parker Jotter because it matches my Hero 100 Flighter, equipped with this Fisher refill.

However, just saying you want a ballpoint pen is a pretty big request. Gel, rollerball and ballpoint pens are all... ballpoint pens. Different ones will come with different inks.

Uniball Jetstreams are good, as are Pilot G2s. Personally, though, the Retro 51 Tornado is an absolutely fantastic pen. It's more expensive by a wide margin than the Jotter. It's a much thicker pen, though, so if you have larger hands it's much more comfortable than a Fisher or Parker. And, unlike a lot of pens out there, the refills are both fantastic and affordable.

So. I would say: Get a Jotter and slap a Fisher Space Pen refill in it. Then, if you want to get another nice ballpoint, get yourself a Retro 51 Tornado. Then get a fountain pen. Avoid Zebra. I love my G-301s, but goddamn, those refills are expensive and don't get any mileage at all.

Order a Zebra F-701 and put a Space pen refill it will cost ~$14 so it’s not hard on your pocket. I work outdoors as well and have that combo & keep a space pen in the car with no issues.

I've been using the Parker Jotter with an ink refill for a Fisher Space Pen (which includes an adapter) and I've found it to be a wonderful combination. The fisher space pen is a bit too small and slippery for me to use comfortably, and the Jotter has (in my opinion) a better aesthetic and a very satisfying click. The space pen refill writes very smoothly, the ink is indelible, and is much nicer to use than the standard Parker ink.

If you're really looking for a more minimal aesthetic, check out the pens sold by Muji. They are rather cheap, as well. That store in general tends toward a minimal aesthetic so they are worth checking out for other goods too.
Edit: This pen by Muji seems to be a pretty close fit to what you described. To my recollection, there's no branding on any of their pens.

Looks like a Parker Jotter to me..

PARKER Jotter Ballpoint Pen, Stainless Steel with Chrome Trim, Medium Point (133321) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017D5WXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_3g4Hzb12SKTGR

Parker Stainless Steel Jotter

CRKT Minimalist $22.53

Money Clip $13.99

Parker Jotter $8.49

Timex Expedition $34.39

Micro Streamlight $17.15


Total $96.55 just enough left over for a Sierra Nevada tall boy.

I'm a fan of the Parker Jotter. Pretty inexpensive, simple design, and a classic pen.

Happy birthday!! I'm sorry you're sick, that's gotta suck. I hope things get better by this evening :(

Laugh You! No? Okay something a little lighter then.

Around 5 (most wanted). Under 5 (still awesome).

the Safari uses cartridges you can just buy and plug in or get a refillable insert to take advantage of all the cool inks out there. I rarely have to do maintenance on them. they are very nice LOW cost fountain pen. I also like the varieties of nibs available. I would assign a color pen to each nib so i wouldn't have to change the nib and clean the color out.

I bought this converter: https://www.amazon.com/Lamy-Z24-Refill-Converter/dp/B001DVXWRI/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1541772915&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=lamy+safari+converter&dpPl=1&dpID=313XPcWjxuL&ref=plSrch

It’s really simple to use, but make sure you thoroughly wash the pen and let it dry before putting new ink. All you do is put the converter in the pen, dip the nib so its submerged in the ink, and twist the converter so thag it sucks up the ink. There’s a bunch of videos on YouTube explaining the process.

The Safari does not come with a converter, so if you were going to get a Safari, you would want buy one if you plan on using bottled ink. Safari is a good, modular pen that's easy to take apart and switch out nibs, which are half the price of the pen (!!).

However, personally I prefer the Pilot Metropolitan or the Pilot 78g, which comes with their own converters at a cheaper cost than the Safari itself. Subjectively, I find my Metropolitan writes smoother than my Safari.

If you plan on getting a Safari, understand that Lamy pens tend to run a little on the bold side. I suggest you get a fine nib or below.

Please note the Safari doesn't come with a converter so if you don't plan to use cartridges (it comes with one) you will want to add a Lamy Converter to your order.

As for inks, any quality ink will work fine in your pen. Brands often mentioned in [/r/fountainpens ] include Noodler's, Parker, Daimine, Iroshizuku, Parker, and Sheaffer. Noodler's is generally considered one of the best values as its price per ounce is among the lowest. All of these inks should be available on Amazon. GL with your purchase!

Oh here's an idea for mixed media. Tomoe River makes fountain pen friendly paper that is super thin, and a lot of artsy type people I know of in the community have recommended it.

Incidentally, you don't necessarily need card stock for paper to be good enough for fountain pens. You can use this HP 32 lb Premium Choice Laser paper for fountain pen friendly stuff.

I think the cheaper budget option pen is the Platinum Preppy. If you want to use it on almost any paper, you'll want it in extra fine or fine.

Not trying to get you sucked into the fountain pen hobby (maybe I am) but this pen is under £10. The Pilot Kakuno. It comes in various colors, and a medium or fine point. And it comes with an ink cartridge so it's ready to use right when you get it. Or The Platinum Preppy, I have one of these and it is great.

There wasn't a Sir Steve, but I found a cool looking Sir John pen.

My favorite mechanical pencil was this Pentel Side Fx. I used it every day in high school and some of college. Then one day... I sat on it. He looks fine, the front piece still screws back on. But on the inside, he's cracked and the lead won't come out anymore. Still kept him.

No Zebra yet? Mine is the Zebra F-301 in black for almost everything. Since I sometimes have to take scantron tests or math classes where I can only use pencil, I use the Zebra M-301 mechanical pencil. I don't want anything that's not Zebra now.

My favorite.

It's a fairly hefty feeling pen. My personal favorite is the Zebra F-301. I also like the F-402. I think you can't go wrong with any of them, but the 701 is a weighty pen and a bit thick, but not so much you can't wear it in a breast pocket or waist pocket.

if this is your first delivery job make sure you get a good small flashlight and buy some good pens to keep in your car at all times. I also bought a mini clipboard for a few bucks and had the credit card receipts on it. It increased my tips by a lot because when someone didn't fill in the blanks I handed it back to them and told them "You need to fill out the entire receipt" and 80% of the time would add a tip. Also, countless comments of "Fancy/Convenient!" as it is hard to sign a receipt when you have to find somewhere to do it at.

If you drive a older car MAKE SURE you have:

• a good jack
  
• 1 full sized spare in the trunk (junk yard sells these for under $20)
  
• lug wrench - it makes it much easier
  
• jumper cables
  
• rain coat/poncho
  
  use the maps as much as possible and use google maps in a pinch. This gets you used to learning the lay out of neighborhoods and what not as google maps just tells you where to go.

Get better pens, like a maintainer pen.
https://www.amazon.com/SKILCRAFT-Aviator-Multi-function-Medium-7520-01-564-9906/dp/B001KKPGHQ

Jetstream RT is a gift from the gods.

http://www.amazon.com/uni-ball-Jetstream-Retractable-Roller-70877/dp/B002FSZP5A

Uni-ball jetstream. I’m left handed and smearing ink is an issue. This pens ink dries very fast and writes well on paper, telemetry strips, and the smooth glossy front of the patients folder.

[Uni Ball Jet Stream](Uni-Ball Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens,0.7mm, Black Ink, 3-Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FSZP5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H8VwCb32FQVR5)

I actually change out the ink to my Uniball Jetsream Pens.

https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Ball-Jetstream-Retractable-Point-3-Count/dp/B002FSZP5A/

I keep the first empty "uni SXR-7" empty at my desk.

It gets stuck less.

Uni-Ball Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens,0.7mm, Black Ink, 3-Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FSZP5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.QmWDb2KFVBKB

Lately it's been taking me around a week or so to finish a chapter, and most of my chapters have been between 1500-2000ish words long. I've edited a couple times before publishing the chapter, but usually I'll go into the unpublished chapter to add what I've most recently written about 4 or 5 times before publishing.

I hand-write my chapters in a notebook before typing them up on Wattpad, so I can re-read what I've written and make any corrections before I start typing. I have one of those pens with 4 colors in one so I actually go through with the red ink to make corrections, and use green ink in the margins to make notes of any important plot points I've thought of that I can add in later.

EDIT: Here's the pens that I use :) They're really useful for note-taking and hand-writing drafts, so I thought I'd share them with the rest of you!

Moral of story: In your backpack (or whatever you carry your shit in) keep TWO of those 4-color pens. They may not be the greatest pens, but they'll get your ass through just about any "ink must be this color" shit you may encounter. Use whatever you like day to day, but keep those around for emergencies.

A water-resistant watch. I got this one for nursing school and still using it after graduating. https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Womens-LRW200H-7BVCF-Sport-Watch/dp/B00791QYMQ/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1573177845&refinements=p_89%3ACasio&s=apparel&sr=1-2

As for shoes, I always get Sketchers sneakers. Doesn't have to be expensive to be comfortable. I had a pair of expensive Dansko shoes but I started getting foot problems from it.

Some clinical professors may want you to bring a pocket med book instead of looking up meds on your phone.

A multicolor pens are useful too for clinical if you're into color coding your notes. So many nurses use these exact pens. https://www.amazon.com/BIC-4-Color-Ballpoint-Assorted-3-Count/dp/B002JFR8Q8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32R3Y4SAB7T5N&keywords=4+color+bic+pen&qid=1573178363&s=office-products&sprefix=4+color+bic+%2Cfashion%2C176&sr=1-1

​

Good luck!

Suggestions that are more fun, but actually cost $ -
pens with silly companies on them - Farmer's Proctology - Turn Your Head and Cough

https://www.amazon.com/Fred-Friends-BORROW-PEN-Subversive/dp/B003ASXDT4

Pens by the pound - you won't care about losing them: $10 for 2lbs of pens; about 100 misprinted pens.

https://www.sciplus.com/p/TWO-POUNDS-OF-PENS_46666

Custom pens:

THIS PEN STOLEN FROM /U/STATICTACO BECAUSE I'M A THIEF

Plenty for sale here on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ASXDT4/?tag=amaz98-20

Borrow this pen?

I've found a few but I'm not sure if you'd like any of them but I'll link anyway. This seems more like a gag gift Randomly found this one O_o Mustache pens. eeeeeee Thought these looked nice and probably more practical

Amazon or Jetpens or cheaper from j-subculture.com if you don't mind waiting a few weeks

How do you like the uni kuru toga high grade?
It's even cheaper, mostly metal and has good usability.
The lead rotation is not really that useful but doesn't get in the way either.

I'd highly recommend getting one of the roulette Kuru Toga pencils. You can see them here
I personally recommend getting the black one over silver but it's up to you if you decide to go with these pencils.

I'm a Kuru Toga man myself, but yeah. I take my notes in OneNote, do plebe writing with a Uniball Vision, but take tests in pencil

Skillcraft pens are the best for the price. They last practically forever, comfortable to use, made by the blind. The ink goes on smoothly, but not too smooth like gel pens. The click is satisfying, and the pen feels right in your hand. The inner that holds the ink is made of metal and the plastic outsides are a heavier plastic than most cheap pens. They appear cheap enough so that you don't have to go out of your way to prevent them from being stolen, and they come in a pack of 12 so that if you lose a few it is no big deal. https://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK

Thats a really good point about it being reusable, I am actually pretty picky about my pens. I did 10 years in the Navy, and we were forced to carry a very certain type of pen https://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK

that SUCK at writing. Terrible feel, they drag, smear, splotch randomly... now that I am out, I only use TUL just because the write so wonderfully, I may get a Metropolitan and see how I like them. Next semester, my notes in class will be much more enjoyable to write.

Let me Amazon that for you...

Well, if it's any consolation, I've been looking into picking up a box of US. Government Standard Skilcraft pens. Apparently they're the best goddamn pens on the face of the earth, and anyone who thinks otherwise is a goddamn communist.

Pens. I keep losing/lending them. 2 packs of these.

PENS

> Should you need to make a copy of the back of the campaign guide

You don't have to. You can. Someone once suggested these pens to me and they have been a great tool in war on writing on things for my board games.

> Is there any replay-ability at all

There definitely is. 4 difficulties alone make a lot of replay-ability, new cards and characters make it replay-able. If you don't spoil all the different outcomes, it has replay-ability there. We find that once you've stepped away from the game for a bit... unless your memory is impeccable, it's often hard to remember exactly which outcomes lead to which endings, etc.

> tips

Be prepared for things to go wrong. Like any Lovecraft themed game.

these Pilot Frixion Pens are my favorite.

The Rocketbook Wave is also great for lecture.

You mean just these guys? This could change my life, it’s very humid where I live and my water soluble markers fade like 48 hours after drawing

https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Retractable-Erasable-Assorted-Disappear/dp/B009QYH644/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=54908366046&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuZDtBRDvARIsAPXFx3CcPXS4Su5XSUyXnP9GqY9EZTi-Djtm0J38L2__TjAxDlk1tLEgNPcaAlc4EALw_wcB&hvadid=274694952633&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9025150&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17743519148523550162&hvtargid=aud-647846986441%3Akwd-298861655987&hydadcr=8821_9904421&keywords=frixon+pens&qid=1571080413&sr=8-3

This is a better way do post the link

I got myself a Lamy Al-star a few years ago and it has been absolutely amazing and I think I'm at the stage where I would like to shell out a little bit for something fancier.

I had a look around online for some different styles that I might like and settled on something a bit minimalist and preferably matte black.

Some that have caught my eye are the
Lamy Unic,
Visconti Homo Sapien and the
Custom Bamboo, but obviously these are quite expensive.

At this stage I was going to go with the
MUJI Aluminium or the Lamy CP1 since they are in a realistic price range for me (less than $200AUD).

I would love some advice or recommendations for others since I'm still very new to the scene and still learning about the different brands.

Muji Aluminum body

It's beautiful and slick and sexy and so satisfying to use (plus any other s words I can't think of).

• USB OTG adapter with 8GB flash drive
  
• Eleaf iJust 2 vaporizer
  
• J5 Tactical flashlight
  
• OnePlus One with Diztronic case
  
• MUJI aluminum fountain pen with converter
  
• Pilot FriXion Clicker erasable gel pen
  
• BIC disposable fountain pen
  
• Billabong wallet
  
• Xiaomi Piston 3 earphones
  
  Bonus: The keyboard at the top is a CM Storm Quickfire Rapid with Cherry MX Blue keyswitches.

Try this Muji I found on Amazon, the Canadian version. I feel the exchange rate struggle.

You can get a Parker Urban with a bottle of Quink Black ink, a converter, a polishing cloth, and 4 cartridges (2 Black / 2 Blue) on Amazon.com for $37 USD. It is a pretty solid pen, from my own experience.

The Nemosine Singularity is not a bad option for $14 USD. (It comes in LOTs of colors too.)

The Muji Fountain Pen is also a solid starter pen for $16 USD. It is of a sturdy aluminum make, and writes quite well.

The rest are the Standard starter pens, like the Pilot Metropolitan, Lamy Safari, et cetera.

Ah, sorry. Best I found on amazon.in was an 8-pack for 1155 Rupees:

https://www.amazon.in/Jinhao-Fountain-Diversity-Transparent-Unique/dp/B00L95MIJQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519739251&sr=8-1&keywords=jinhao+599

Awesome picks.

This is also a good collection:

• Fountain Pen Refills $8.70
  
• Fountain Pens $11.89
  
• A book to finish $9.89

This was my initial thought. Safaris are definitely hard to kill, but a little too expensive to be handing to a young child. 599 would hopefully be almost as durable and only a couple bucks each. Get an 8 pack on Amazon right now for under 10 bucks, that should last till middle school.

This is the pack I bought! The price has actually one down a lot since I bought them in August; they were around $15 then.

Lol there was a photo I upload but it got deleted. Well here are the links... https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00L95MIJQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B071W4WNMY/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A7RM57FDIWEJ0&psc=1

I'd rather have one of these, but I can't justify the cost and the pilots aren't really leaving them behind like they used to. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001KKPGHQ/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A101X8HUDF83YG

Edge Eyewear TSK216 Kazbek Polarized Safety Glasses

iPhone 5s w/ Otterbox Case

Coast FX312 Rapid Response

Saddleback Leather Credit Card Wallet

MaxiFlex Endurance Gloves (gloves for office people to pretend they are protected)

Nite-Ize S-Biner

Silicon Power J80 Flash Drive

Truck Keys

Handkerchief

Uni-ball Jetstream RT Fine Point

Black Sharpie

[Coast HP2 Flashlight] (https://www.amazon.com/Coast-Universal-Focusing-Lumen-Penlight/dp/B008QV4E1Q)

Orange Highlighter

Rite in the Rain Memo Book

Stanley FatMax Auto-Lock 25' Tape

On the road I carry a black Uniball Jetstream or black Pilot G2 Mini when size is an issue. The Jetstream writes great and the Mini is small, but mostly they are cheap I will not be upset if I leave them behind. I don't carry a pencil, but if I did it would be a wood #2.

Oh, just see what all the options are. Is that like a 0.7mm pen, a 0.3mm fine pen, and a 0.5mm pencil? Some multi pens you can swap out the refills so it may not match the label. The contents don't matter too much, it's a decent pen you have there in the $30 range. It's not the cheap bics you see with elementary school teachers, heh.

I hate having to switch pens, it gives me flashbacks of primary school where we had to check each others' homework for errors, and everyone started alternating in increasingly convoluted patterns for the little checkmarks we had to put, until our teacher forbade us from using different colors. I use one of these sort of pens for color. Not this exact one, the one I have is a random store-brand, and the quality isn't exactly very good usually, but it means I can swap color really quickly without having to scour through different pens, lose caps and carry around entire sets, since I'm almost always on the move when using my bujo.

Buy these. I am shit at math, but with these I can have a color code so I can tell what step is first, second....

It really helps with being able to take notes and can make it so anyone can look at them and help. I can take some pics of my math notes tomorrow if you want.

Bic still sells [that exact pen](bic 4-color ballpoint pen, medium point (1.0mm), assorted inks, 3-count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JFR8Q8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zIwWBbXS43QNF). Hasn't changed a bit

MORE CAFFEINE IS ALWAYS WELCOME.

You can never go wrong with a BIC Four-Color Pen It's functional AND sexy. Good for hours of notes, from the toes to the throat.

And if you want the world to know you mean business, look no further than the Lisa Frank brand Trapper Keeper brand Binder. A constant reminder that you're a good time finder.

Getting down to the floor plan, you need a Miniature Trash Can to be the suavest of the trash man.

Just buy one:
http://www.amazon.com/BIC-4-Color-Medium-Assorted-3-Count/dp/B002JFR8Q8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452279786&sr=8-1&keywords=four+color+ball+point+pen

Mmm I DEFINITELY know what you mean. I can never write with just one sheet of paper; it needs to be lovingly padded underneath.

I've always loved the way papermate pens felt and how sleek they look. The retractable ones are the nicest in my opinion since I just LOVE making the clicking noise :3

For more novelty/aesthetic looking pens, I'd suggest the retro pens from Kikkerland, or the "Borrow My Pen" set from some other sort of seller. Knock Knock also has these funny pens that are very sturdy and on the inky side, but they come in certain phrases like "The Bitch Pen", "The WTF Pen", "Get Crap Done Pen", and "The Procrastination Pen", though the amazon seller doesn't seem to have it.

ALSO! Nice note pads/to do lists are a MUST in an office! Knock Knock has tons of neat-o looking ones. ;D

Here's the link if you are thinking about buying these.

There are pens you can purchase that are embarrassing to borrow, ostensibly from proctologists, sex-change clinics, hair replacement clubs, etc.

You can get a whole pack of these to raise eyebrows when someone asks to borrow a pen

http://www.amazon.com/Fred-Friends-BORROW-PEN-Subversive/dp/B003ASXDT4

Those are joke pens. Your friend just trolled you.

This pencil will keep your lead sharp.

These are just so cute!

Write on!

I love writing letters!

My suggestion:

http://www.amazon.ca/Uni-Roulette-Rotation-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B004OHNR0A/

Never mind found one more screen accurate than my other reply

it's even Japanese design

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OHNR0A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The only reason I ever found out about Rotring Freeway is because I was looking for a heavy metal pen with a nice color to it.

If you're looking for a really nice mech pencil, I highly recommend a [Uniball Kuru Toga] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OHNR0A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage)

I used this all through mechanical engineering school and I absolutely fell in love with it! It still writes today (4+yrs old) and has been abused most of its life.

I used those Bic mechanical pencils for probably 18 years of school, and I still use Pilot G2s. But I recently got myself a nice mechanical pencil -- Uni Kuru Toga, and dang is it nice. Keeps a super consistent point, feels great to hold. Didn't save me from bombing my last midterm, but I felt way better doing it!

You can actually buy these yourself. They have the US Government stamp on them.

I bought a dozen of these a couple years ago, don't think any have run out yet.

These are amazing and have never failed to not write...

http://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371921249&sr=8-1&keywords=skilcraft+pen

Skilcraft U.S Government Military Pen #B5

https://www.amazon.ca/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK

https://nib.org/sites/default/files/pen/pen-index.html

Skillcraft US Government pens.

They are the pens the US Government buys for all their employees. They're fantastic, nice looking, and cheap.

Try a box out!

12 Pens for $12

Skilcraft U.S. Government Retractable Ball Point Pen, Fine Point, Black Ink, Box of 12 (7520-00-935-7135) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055KSNYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_L8LMxbGYBPM9N

Skilcraft govt pens, they aren't y but they are solid and cheap never broken one before I love them and they are sentimental to me as my dad uses them daily at the post office and he always had one on him I've used them as long as I could write and they haven't failed me. You can get a dozen of them for around 13 bucks on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Skilcraft-Government-Retractable-Point-7520-00-935-7135/dp/B0055KSNYK

Ok!

There's also the option of Frixion erasable pens.

[8-pack of capped ones](
http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-FriXion-Erasable-8-Pack-31569/dp/B004DOMK2U/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1398707317&sr=1-1&keywords=frixion)

7-pack of much nicer clicky ones

Good luck!

You can get them in US

Pilot FriXion Clicker Retractable Erasable Gel Pens Fine Point https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009QYH644/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qQ4YBbEH1BPP0

Here you go these are really fun

See if you can find these. Works for my US charts, at least.

Pilot FriXion Clicker Retractable Erasable Gel Pens, Fine Point, Assorted Color Inks, 7-Pack (31472) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009QYH644/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zYhTyb3JN8S81

For me, I am a big fan of the Frixion retractable erasable gel pens. I always make mistakes when writing but hate the look of pencils in a moleskine and hate the smudging of a standard erasable pen. These hardly smudge, are pretty pigmented ink for an erasable pen, and erase well. The two cons about it are that they are slightly expensive and run out of ink relatively quickly but it's completely worth it for me.

I would suggest a pilot vanishing point as other people have said. Clicky fountain pens.


I may also suggest as an alternative (non fountain pen) using a Pilot Frixion

retractable (well some of them are, some are regular capped), ERASABLE, gel pen. i love them.

Meet Frixion Pens I love them for being able to reorganize stuff, also for sewing. lol.

I totally get where you are coming from though. It's whatever works for you. I love the act of writing it down, it makes it mean more to me. Plus it gives me a good reason to have some solid "me" time in the morning where I check in with it.

The silver one is a Muji link

edit: added link

I’m sorry for your loss, and I hope that remembering him in this way will help you feel like you are passing on a piece of him.

Most of what I ‘build’ is stories and art. The best books for those are these notebooks. They are dotted for the perfect drawing help, but also clean enough so that I can write in them. I also would love a fountain pen to help make the journals look beautiful and formatted. I have a whole art supplies list, which is stock full of things perfect for anyone who wants to start journaling.

I hope that you can find something to alleviate the pain you are going through. You are doing something nice for others, but take care of yourself, and maybe look through everyone’s WL to see if you can find something that might help you make art or write or do whatever it is you need to do to get some feelings off your chest and into the creative world.

Oh, I wasn't aware of its discontinuation, although -- if the only thing that's stopping you is the availability -- it seems some pens are still around on Amazon.

oh man bummer. I was going to buy it sometime this month. Does that mean the seller messed up on the amazon page? (honestly that 3rd pic is a pretty fine line, but cant really tell)

I have the same pen. It is a Mugi fountain pen. Takes standard international cartrages. You also can buy this international ink Converter and use your own fountain pen ink!

Amazon sells many. If you're looking for a starter pen, I really like the Muji fountain pen (https://www.amazon.com/MUJI-Aluminum-Body-Fountain-Pen/dp/B00K2T9DGG). You can buy ink cartridges, or if you want to really get into it, buy a "ink converter" into which you can load your own ink.

Yeah, that's a Muji Fountian Pen

Here are the refills

And a converter if you want bottled ink

I have one in a fine point and it writes wonderfully, good find!

https://www.amazon.com/Jinhao-Fountain-Diversity-Transparent-Unique/dp/B00L95MIJQ

$11 for 8 pens. I absolutely love them, they are so much fun to write with.

What the heck, Are those Jinhao 599s from the 8 piece set?
https://www.amazon.com/Jinhao-Fountain-Diversity-Transparent-Unique/dp/B00L95MIJQ/
Are they any good? OMG they got a set of platinum preppys for $15 too. I might bite on this too.

There's lots of items on Amazon where you get 4 or 5 wing sung or jinhao pens for like $10-15.


These

Or these


Or maybe these..

I purchased an orange 599 with the knockoff Lamy nib and it was alright, but did have skipping problems.

I just bought this 8 pack of 599a pens for $14 shipped prime. If I can get most of these serviceable, I will be set!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L95MIJQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

I haven't thought out a price and won't have pics on hand until after work, but I think this would fit the bill and your price point:

• 5 or so unused and barely used Jinhao 599s
  
  
• 5 packs of 7 different colors international cartridges
  
  
• A nearly full bottle of Waterman Mysterious Blue
  
• A couple of syringes for eyedroppers
  
• A couple of B5 dotted notebooks
  
• A faux leather pen roll

Personally I have found that the Staedtler Mars plastic eraser is best. You want to do it evenly across the length of the book as to not create a "clean" area. Additionally it does not require scrubbing with it, just use it like you would with a pencil mark on paper... there are also youtube videos on this:

https://youtu.be/d399AFqTzVY

STAEDTLER Mars Plastic, Premium Quality Vinyl Eraser, White, Latex-free, Age-resistant, Minimal Crumbling (526 50 BK) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IFAN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oaXACbRK5R447

Read the title and came here to recommend getting a mechanical pencil, and it looks like you were already thinking about it!

My rOtring 600 should be here tomorrow. Pretty psyched about it.

A good eraser is also a life changer.

https://www.amazon.com/STAEDTLER-Plastic-Latex-free-Age-resistant-Crumbling/dp/B00006IFAN

This is what you need bro, way way better erasing than any tiny pencil eraser can do and one eraser will last you more than a year easy

Pencil: Pentel Graph Gear 1000 0.5mm

Eraser: Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser

Calculator: Casio fx-115 MS

They have a grit in them that acts as an abrasive, which makes them great if you're using really heavy drawing paper with a thick tooth & good graphite that you're not jamming into the paper, then you use it very lightly. But I agree, they still smudge and are overly aggressive.

I prefer these, they don't have any abrasives and smudge way less

http://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Latex-Free-Eraser-White-STD52650/dp/B0006IK4BG

But a lot of people like these as well

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kneaded_eraser

These are my preferred mechanical pencils with mars plastic erasers

http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-GraphGear-Automatic-Drafting-PG525A/dp/B0006HXQXA/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1413523441&sr=1-4&keywords=mechanical+pencil

and use good paper

http://www.amazon.com/Canson-400014970-Arches-Sketch-10X14/dp/B008NA891G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1413523545&sr=8-3&keywords=arches+drawing+paper

Pentel GraphGear 1000

I haven't used any of it's direct competitors but I can say that the pencil is very comfortable and enjoyable to use and comes in all the common lead sizes (down to 0.3mm). This would be a very good choice, but I'm sure any of it's direct competitors would be as well since it comes down to preference a lot of times.

It's little brother, the 500 might be worth looking into if you want something cheaper, I've never used it so I can't say much else about it.

This.
http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Mechanical-Pencil-Metallic-P1035A/dp/B0006SW6YO

another way to make sure you don't write on a dull edge

The Pentel Kerry is cool. It has a cap.

I don't write a whole lot, and at work it's usually a whiteboard, but I do have a Pentel Sharp Kerry and it's really satisfying to write with. Great balance and feel.

https://amzn.com/B0006SW6YO

Also. If you really want to start doing this (yay!) I recommend adding these to your wishlist as your starter pens. They are the best for cheaper fine tips, and the colors are so bright. Mix these with a variety of black pens until you find one you like the most... Personally, I am still trying out new black ones, but Pilot G3 makes for a really nice pen for a cheaper end one.

Sorry, I just care a lot about this.

Also, things you can add to your wishlist if you don't want to just go out and buy a bunch of this stuff:

• A compass to draw beautiful circles
  
  
• Rulers - I have two I use the most, and both are cork-backed
  
  
• A protractor!
  
  
  If you do just want to go buy this stuff, everything is on sale right now at walmart and target for back to school, so this is a good time to start :)
  

I'm traveling right now! Currently sitting at my gate in the airport, waiting for boarding to begin. I'm very excited to be heading on vacation!

While studying, I like to have something playing in the background. I like to put something light-hearted on, such as Easy A or Bridesmaids. A funny movie is something that can help you relax if you need a break or is something to use as white noise. In terms of study help... color coding always really helped me. I don't know if there's any science behind it, but it definitely helped me with some anxiety associated with testing.

Idiocracy is an awesome movie. It's hard to describe why because it's just sooo good in all respects. I probably like it so much because I totally agree that we're going in that direction... BRAWNDO!

Who needs revision?! Not me! nervous laughter

I'm actually doing faux calligraphy with the Staedler triplus fineliners . I grabbed myself the 20-pack off amazon

Thanks ^ . ^

I used these - triplus fineliners. They take a while but the quality is always much better than thicker pens.

Well, everyone has different preferences, but I'd suggest getting one with pictures (this is lovely and very popular - she might find her friends have got it also, if they color) and one with patterns, (don't have this one personally, picked it at random) so she can decide which she likes to color more.

Fine tip markers like Staedtler, and a set of decent but not top-of-the-line pencils like Prismacolor would be a good start. If that's more than you wanted to spend, a smaller selection would probably be fine, or a cheaper good brand such as Staedtler Noris colors which I personally love. Oh, and get her a pencil sharpener and eraser as stocking fillers :)

[edit for links] - not linking the Staedtler Noris colour pencils because I'm in the UK and am not sure the Amazon.com ones are exactly the same.

There is a reason those pens are so cheap, they suck for note taking. They are great for comic books sketching but the nib is so weak that if you press too hard it ruins the pen. I found the best pens for annotating First Aid were Staedler Triplus pens

They come in way more colors, don't dry out and are very sturdy

Staedtler Triplus Fineliner are most similar to ultra fine tip sharpies without any bleed through at all. They are superb.

I personally find that I am quickest at writing with shitty old bic sticks. But I do love my red ballpoint ink, wouldn’t create an answer key without one!

Thank you for the reply. I have some questions if you don't mind.

> Staedtler pigment liners ($20)


It looks like there's fiber tipped and metal clad tipped ones. I think the metal ones would hold up better, but I really have no experience.

http://www.amazon.com/Triplus-Fineliner-Pens-Metal-Assorted/dp/B0007OEE7E/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1425349204&sr=8-3-fkmr1&keywords=Staedtler+pigment+liners+%28%2420%29

http://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Triplus-Color-Fiber-323SB20P/dp/B000KJP7HM/ref=pd_sim_op_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0FXXXBGH2Q80QP3C0VXY

What's wrong with spiral pads? I was thinking something I could fold over or just lay flat completely would be better especially since I'm left handed.

Thanks again for your time and help!

The Staedtler Triplus Fineliner is my all time favorite. I'm all about porous point pens because they don't smear and for whatever reason make my handwriting infinitely better than any other pen. I followed a bunch of study blogs on tumblr when I was in school and all the people that had the best handwriting and cutest notes swore by these pens. I especially love how many colors they have and the convenient carry case that turns into a stand.

My wife teaches 4th grade and she likes to use [[Noodler's Dragon's Napalm]] for marking papers. She also keeps a full range of Pilot Varsitys around her classroom for marking papers and whatever else she needs a pen for.

What kind of pen are you using? I found my handwriting went from chicken scratch to legible once I got a fountain pen. They require exactly zero pressure to write with as the ink is drawn via capillary action to the paper. After writing with one for awhile, the few times I still use a ballpoint remains readable

I recommend trying a Pilot Varsity. Individual pens run about $3 from the office supply store. Just keep in mind fountain pen ink is water soluble; if the paper gets wet, the ink gets washed off.

I'm replying to you so people who may be interested have a place to start:

My favorite fountain pens for beginners that are super cheap are Pilot Varsity. They're disposable and you can get a pack of them for pretty cheap on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Disposable-Fountain-Assorted-90029/dp/B00092PRCA

They can also be brought on planes (I know--I just flew with one and it didn't leak). It's seriously a huge difference to write with a fountain pen vs ballpoint or felt or gel or whatever.

You could start with disposable colors. http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Disposable-Fountain-Assorted-90029/dp/B00092PRCA

Then move on to the others mentioned earlier. If ink color is interesting, join ink drop from Goulet pens. 5 new ink color samples every month. But you will need a pen with a converter at that point. I don't always clean my ink completely as it is nice sometimes to see the transition of colors. Careful though, some inks don't play well together. Hope she enjoys it. PM me if you have any questions.

Since there are some fellow fountain pen fans on here... Anyone remember the Pilot Varsity? This was my first fountain pen and though they are disposal, I'd say it's still a great way to try out fountain pen if you're not sure you want to commit to the expensive ones.

I'll just leave all these here

I just bought some basic Spencerian copy books off of Amazon, along with some pilot varsity fountain pens. I think it was less than $25. So far I am really enjoying it!

I've been thinking learning it with someone else would be awesome, to try to stay accountable on practicing. Interested?

Edit: The books and the pens if anyone is interested.

Bask in the glory of the greatest pens ever, The disposable fountain pen that works better and lasts as long as actual fountain pens

I highly recommend the pencil that I use, It's even on a pretty good sale right now!
https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Mars-Technical-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B000YQEFGU

And this is the sharpener:
https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Rotary-Action-Pointer-502BKA6/dp/B002EL9J50/ref=pd_sim_229_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41fnryers5L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR172%2C320_&psc=1&refRID=VPPRN3NGX9HEAQW2XJ0B

The softness of lead is up to you, since that's preference.

You have to try the Staedtler Field Pencil. It's outstanding. Nice and thick and great if you find lead breaking all the time!

http://www.amazon.ca/Staedtler-Technical-Mechanical-Pencil-Product/dp/B000YQEFGU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398141976&sr=8-1&keywords=staedtler+pencil

Clutch pencil (or lead holder) also qualifies I think. Different style of pencil, great for drawing with.

I assume you have not used hand tools much.

The first thing I would learn how to do and invest in is how to get your tools sharp, like really sharp. I mean shiny flat back and edge razor sharp. Without really sharp tools - hand joinery is not fun and much harder than it needs to be.

There is the scary sharp method, I am sure u/Peniceiling's suggestion works great, I use Shapton Stones, there are as many ways to sharpen as there are woodworkers.

But you will need to research and invest time in some way of sharpening and get good at it.

A simple Honing Guide can make things easier when you start.

This Small Rip Dozuki B. was recommended by the instructor I had for a hand joinery class last year as the best bang for the buck they knew of - I found it works great.

I'd get a 1/2in Chisel. When you get the chisel, it will not be sharp. You will have to spend time tuning it up.

A Mallet to hit the chisel.

I personally prefer a round marking gauge. This has to be sharpened just like your chisel so it cuts the wood fibers evenly and cleanly.

Small Sliding Bevel gauge to mark your dovetails.

A good quality double square is invaluable. Best $ value I have found for one of these is here.

A 2.0mm lead holder with sharpener is very helpful. Lets you mark into areas a regular pencil will not fit.

That would be everything I can think of to do all half blind and through dovetails, finger-joints etc.

A drill(press) and a couple more chisels sizes will get you mortise and tenons with standard 4/4 6/4 and 8/4 stock.

Good Luck.

here you go

Yeah no prob. I'll put them in this order: Lead Holder (very dark), sharpener (needs special sharpener, trust me you really need it), GraphGear, Copics, Chameleon, fine liners (I'll put the ones I use, but Micron's are a little more expensive option for better quality).

Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil, 2mm. 780BK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YQEFGU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9mS6CbSFJAYEC

Staedtler 502 BK A6 Mars Rotary Action Lead Pointer and Tub for 2mm Leads, 502BKA6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002EL9J50/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mqS6CbVQD8F47

Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil, 0.7mm Lead Size, Blue Barrel, 1 Each (PG1017C) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GAXKGU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IqS6CbS16A0FB

Copic Markers 6-Piece Sketch Set, Bold Primaries (SKST6-BOLD) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XR7XZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ctS6CbR4M2RF0

Copic Markers 6-Piece Sketch Set, Skin Tones I https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XR92EG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YtS6Cb6Z6HZWJ

Chameleon Art Products, Chameleon 5-Pen, Primary Tones Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJ97KXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6uS6CbVHJ0THK

Sakura 50203 8-Piece Pigma Manga Comic Pro Drawing Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N98UIS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8vS6Cb3D5HZBS

There’s 2mm mechanical pencils.

Not sure about best, but I use Sakura/Sharpie Ultra Fine, Stabilo, Staedler drafting pencils, and Paperchase pens.

I'm using the Staedtler Mars lead holder. It's terrific. Comes with a HB lead, but also bought the 2B. They have all different types of carbon lead. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YQEFGU/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486330127&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=staedtler+lead+holder

Just replace the ink in the existing pen. Super simple and highly worth while. link to the refill

Fisher Space Pen refill is nice.

I love the way the flamed titanium wears! All the little snail trails give it a ton of character. Yeah, I lost the pen and a sebenza at the same time. They were both in a pocket slip I made, and the slip slipped right out of my pocket without me knowing. Bad day lol. Here is a link to a fine point black refill

https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Pen-SPR4F-Pressurized/dp/B000Z7WVZK

sweet! Fisher Space Pen SPR4F Black Fine Point Pressurized Refill https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Z7WVZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BxVACb0Q9KC8B

i love the idea of having my bullet-style space pen for EDC, but I’m really excited to make it actually happen with the fine point refill.

Any idea what kind of pen he carries? I don't know about others, but one main aspect that draws my attention to a pen is the size; I avoid anything that feels like large Crayola or sidewalk chalk.

One suggestion would be this A.G. Spalding & Bros. if he doesn't mind the lack of a pocket clip. Otherwise, the rotring Rapid Pro is just as nice - especially with a Fisher refill.

Watches

• Timex Miami Chronograph
  
  
• Seiko Solar Chronograph
  
  Wallets
  
  
• House of Jack Co. Leather Bifold Double ID Wallet
  
  
• Dango 007 Limited Edition Wallet
  
  Pens
  
  
• Fisher Click-o-matic Brass
  
  
• Parker Jotter w/ Fisher Fine Refill
  
  
• Zebra Z-701 (Not Pictured)
  
  Knives/Multi-Tools
  
  
• Kershaw Leek
  
  
• Benchmade Mini Freek 565 Serrated
  
  
• Leatherman Juice S2
  
  
• Gerber Dime (Not Pictured)
  
  
• Gerber Shard (On Nite-Ize #2 Carabiner)
  
  Other
  
  
• Smith and Wesson M&P Shield w/ Tyrant Designs Extended Mag Release, and Tyrant Designs +2 Mag Extension
  
  
• Extra 8-Round Magazine
  
  
• Vedder Magtuck, Vedder Lighttuck, Vedder Rapidtuck Holster
  
  
• Olight M2R Warrior (Carried in Holster)
  
  
• Burts Bees Lip Balm
  
  
• Zippo Venetian Brass Lighter
  
  
• Samsung Galaxy S9+ w/Otterbox Commuter
  
  
• Hipster Men's Handkerchiefs
  
  
• Jewelry
  
  
• Wood Comb
  
  
• Field Notes Pitch Black
  
  
• Trayvax Keyton Clip (Not Pictured)
  
  
• Beltman 1.5" Elephant Hide Belt, Beltman 1.5 Horsehide Belt w/ Stiffener (Not Pictured)
  

1. Benchmade 771 - out of production, 154CM blade - aluminum handle w/ Axis lock
   
   
2. Kenneth Cole wallet - very slim and usable for a front pocket wallet.
   
   
3. Tissot PR-50 - also out of production but similar watches are available for the same price. Check for a "sapphire" crystal. It is much more scratch resistant than the "mineral" glass crystals out there.
   
   
4. Leatherman Squirt P4 - a handy multi-tool with: blade/file/pliers/screwdrivers/bottle opener/reamer/etc.
   
   
5. United Defense Pen - a solid and affordable aluminum "defense" pen. When paired with a Fisher Space Pen refill - it writes everywhere: upside down, in freezing conditions, under water, always moves smoothly, etc.
   
   
6. Illuminati Titanium AAA light - because titanium is cool and 115 lumens is bright from a single "AAA" light. This one is using an Energizer lithium battery for extra run time (over an hour on high - way longer on lower settings). For comparison, a regular 2D Maglite is only about 50 lumen.
   
   
7. Zippo lighter - it's a "Zippo". If you need one they are time honored and reliable.
   
   
8. Titanium rings - 40% lighter than steel, just as strong, and 100% more unique.
   
   
9. Titanium clips - Looks like they are out of the Ti McGizmo's.
   
   
10. Custom engraved tag: $25.00 total, I had to have 5 tags made (to make the minimum) so I gave out a few gifts since I only wanted two (I added friends' numbers for their tags). I don't remember the name of the engraving company unfortunately. Some pet stores (Petco) have machines that do single engravings for "pet tags" that would work perfect for a keychain i.d. and only cost around $5.
    
    
    Edit: If anyone is curious, everything looks pretty much the same after three years except the Squirt's anodizing is a little chipped up. Black leather dye, Lexol leather conditioner, and polishing compound helps to maintain the shiny look. Also maybe don't put your Benchmade in the washer/dryer - that is hard on the bead blast finishing and also really aggravating when you realize it is not just a metal button from your jeans making the noise.

Quite honestly I've never found the data I've accumulated to be concrete enough to warrant further analysis. My gym's V5 is not yours, for instance. Even a V5 at my crag isn't the same as yours.

I really like the Leuchtturnm1917. It's pricey, but it:

• Has a table of contents. I use this to track the page numbers for a given week.
  
• Has a string to mark your current position
  
• Has a (sadly) optional pen loop to keep my favourite pen close by
  
• Nice feeling paper. This is just one of those things that bugs the hell out of me. A notebook with crappy paper just irritates me at a spiritual level.
  
  Outside of this I keep a Google spreadsheet tracking general numbers. E.g. records for certain exercises, how many problems of certain grades I do (rough indicator of progress for certain goals).

$9 at the moment but I've seen them go even lower:

https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Jotter-Stainless-Ballpoint-133321/dp/B0017D5WXY/

I picked it up on Amazon.

all links on amazon, there are probbably other places to get things but i'm lazy.

space pen:
https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Original-Astronaut-Pen/dp/B0015ZP2AC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1492305866&sr=8-4&keywords=space+pen

parker pen:
https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Jotter-Stainless-Ballpoint-133321/dp/B0017D5WXY/ref=sr_1_2?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1492305273&sr=1-2&keywords=parker+pen

robot arm:
https://www.amazon.com/OWI-OWI-535-Robotic-Arm-Edge/dp/B0017OFRCY/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1492305677&sr=1-1&keywords=robot+arm+kit

> I carried a parker for decades... I kept the parkers long enough to be worth buying refill cartridges

This guy Parkers. Only pen I've ever put a refill cartridge in myself, by the way.

As for your question /u/TheRealChrisIrvine the basic, low end stainless steel Parker Jotter ballpoint pen is currently $9.97 on Amazon Prime and uses the same refill cartridges as Parkers costing 10x as much

Any will work! Right now I'm using a Lamy Safari pen. You can buy green ink cartridges or you can get converters to refill with any ink you'd wish. Lamy sells their own green ink but there are plenty of other options on amazon.

ALTERNATIVELY: I find that the converters don't hold enough ink, so once I've used up the default cartridge that comes with the pen, I wash it out and refill ink myself with a narrow-nosed syringe. Any kind will work as long as the tip is smaller than the opening of the ink cartridge opening, though you may spill some ink on your hands. I use this because no pokey-bleedy.


just remembered UK... so:
Lamy safari - amazon UK
green ink cartridges
converter
Green ink (Waterman, not Lamy, works fine)
syringe

Happy hunting!

Starter: Lamy Safari with some cartridges.

I have this pen at work and use cartridges rather than a converter to save time and prevent potential catastrophes of filling them. If you like the fountain pen in the GIF, TWSBI Vac 700, should be a great second starter or you can get a converter; just know you'll need bottled ink.

My favorite ink right now is Pilot Iroshizuku, lines are clean for most of my foutain pens, it dries decently fast and is easy to clean out of the pen aswell.

Noodler's Ink Heart Of Darkness with Pen, 4.5 Oz (19808) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015VB4EE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oha6yb0MAD777

Lamy Refill Converter (Z24) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DVXWRI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_qJueLSwM8GTKc

what is the difference between the Z24 and the Z26. when i look on amazon it looks like both will fit in my Lamy Studio, the Z26 looks more similar to the cartridges that i have in terms of shape....but they still look mostly the same. (also the amazon picture shows the z26 inside a studio)

Amazon link to the Z26

amazon link to the Z24

Thanks for the reply!

I do have a Lamy pen but I was in the market for a fancy looking one. So for my Lamy, does that mean I can just get this one and one of those eye dropper things?

I was looking into getting the same pen. Which converter did you buy for the Al-Star, this one, or this one? I was thinking it was the Z24. Thanks in advance :D

Here's the Converter for this pen: http://amzn.com/B001DVXWRI

Ahh allright, dude, that's even worse what I did there :D

I think I'd go with the Pilot Metropolitan which I mentioned in this comment already :)

Or the fine Preppy black


Or of course, any other suggestions? ;)

platinum preppy is a good starter (less than $5USD) it's clear, refillable, good quality. Or Pilot Metro for about $15USD


[Preppy] (https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Fountain-Preppy-Black-PPQ-200-/dp/B001H0CEM4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474462189&sr=8-1&keywords=platinum+preppy)

What do you mean by 0.3? Is this the right one?

Pilot G2 is always a good pen. I also like the pilot precise V5. It is a roller ball pen, so it feels a little smoother than other ball point pens. I use fountain pens. Pilot Metropolitan or Lamy Safari is a great place to start out, but if you want to spend even less money the Platinum Preppy is a popular starter pen. In the long run a bottle of ink will be cheaper than a ton of disposable pens.

It is, but I've had issues with the nib. Try this

https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Fountain-Preppy-Black-PPQ-200/dp/B001H0CEM4

That one? I can't see where I would get a converter for it. I don't want to be buying refills.

http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Retractable-Ballpoint-Pen-27112/dp/B001JT1ADW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1393986698&sr=8-3&keywords=zebra+pen

> My interest in tactical pens was short lived. I found that my interest was more for machined pens. I have several machined pens now. I was obsessed with heavy pens, but after getting that Tuff Writer, I found my preferred weight is around 2 oz.

Fair enough.

> Everyone talks about the Zebra so I'm going to get one. Most of my machined pens are from smaller manufactures, like Tactile turn and Urban Survival.

They're cheap enough to not worry about it, but I haven't really touched mine since I got it. I do like the Zebra F-301 for it's lightweight nature and compactness, but if I'm going to carry a heavy pen, it may as well be a nice fountain pen with some fancy ink in it. ;-)

These days, that means a Noodler's Nib Creaper Flex if I want something light or a TWSBI Eco if I want something fun.

I can do that!
I use three pens primarily.
Lamy Safari fountain w/Lamy ink--practicing or formal letters
UniBall Micro--work/journal
Zebra F301 gel if you can find it--work/journal

I feel like regular pens get a bad rap, but I love the uniBall and the F301 for a lot of reasons. The primary one is that they write very well!

I tend to shoot for $2.50/pen. A Sharpie pen stays on my person at all times—great for sketching and writing. A Zebra F-301 stays in my bag for client meetings, although I'm ready to make the upgrade to an F-701.

I've found that These pens write amazingly for me. YMMV, but they've got a great solid lines.

I prefer the F301 but second any Zebra pen.

Yeah, haha. I've found the perfect one for me in these pens. I know people who don't like them so much. But I love them.

There are so many ways to answer this one.

When I was younger my favorite pens were gel pens and mechanical pencils.

For YEARS from High school - post college I was partial to zebra's F-301.

In the past 2 years I was fixated on [Sharpie's Ultra Fine Point] (http://static1.jetpens.com/images/a/000/054/54716.jpg) when I needed to fill out documents for work because it was a solid black. Which morphed into me wanting an even finer point Micron.

I then swung back to pens instead of markers after grabbing a Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pen. It was amazing and I've bought about 10 more since then just for filling out timesheets for work.

Most recently I got a Pilot Metropolitan fine for Christmas which is fantastic, but has only gotten about 25 minutes of use out if it so far.

I also want a brush pen, but haven't taken the time to pick one up at hobby lobby or Michaels yet.

https://www.amazon.com/SKILCRAFT-Aviator-Multi-function-Medium-7520-01-564-9906/dp/B001KKPGHQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510108574&sr=8-3&keywords=b3+aviator&dpID=31i7NxSHHwL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I really like these pens.

Black and Red Pen + Pencil.

SKILCRAFT B3 Aviator Multi-function Pen Black/Red Ink, Medium Point with Pencil (7520-01-564-9906) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KKPGHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Lyzkzb91G6BDB

THIS ONE is on my Amazon wish list. If it's good enough for pilots, should be good enough for us!

You can find it on Amazon. The price tends to fluctuate around $20 from the looks of it. I got mine when the price dropped to $17.

As far as multi-pens go, I'm really impressed by how slim the Skilcraft is. The rotate-to-change component mechanism is fun to play with, and it's solidly built with a metal construction (weight is comparable to rOtring) and very nice matte black finish. Overall though, I would say it's a bit of a jack of all trades that doesn't fully excel at anything except being very convenient and portable. The pen components write pretty well, but nothing mind-blowing. I definitely prefer my EnerGels. The mechanical pencil experience is average, though the click is very unsatisfying because of how unsteady it is. However, the component is retractable (since it's a multipen), so that's a nice bonus.


You can also check out the Clutch Situation review on YouTube.

I found the mechanical pencil somewhere in Qatar before I got my end destination, turns out it's a rather expensive one so I hung on to it.

http://www.amazon.com/rOtring-Mechanical-Pencil-0-7mm-502607/dp/B001A1POWC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452463618&sr=8-1&keywords=rotring+600+.7mm

The other is a Skillcraft Aviator pen...I get them issued but here is an amazon link. http://www.amazon.com/SKILCRAFT-Aviator-Multi-function-Medium-7520-01-564-9906/dp/B001KKPGHQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452463657&sr=8-1&keywords=skillcraft+aviator+pen

You could easily make your own. Buy a cheap Platinum Preppy fountain pen. They are about $5 US. Or you can get a J Herbin rollerball for about $14. Then fill it with a mixture of lemon juice and water. This link can give you some ideas.

I got mine from amazon.


SKILCRAFT B3 Aviator... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KKPGHQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

http://www.amazon.com/SKILCRAFT-7520-01-564-9906-Medium-Point-Aviator/dp/B001KKPGHQ

Black, sturdy, thin; pencil, black, and red ink in one.

Absolutely. I always have an uni-ball Jetstream RT pen on me.

I don't think you can remove the refill from just any BIC Stic type ball point. They're not refillable. For the BIC Stic ball points it seems like the tip is jammed into end of the pen and the ink tube would come out without the ball point if you tried to remove it. You need a retractable pen that's specifically refillable. And are those going to be $4 for a pack of 60? This is the product page for the image you linked, and this is the pen that type of refill works with.

Otherwise, if you could find the right spring for that particular refill and a long enough metal pen, then maybe you'd have a lot of options to work with, but generally it seems like a pen refill and a non-refillable pen are not interchangeable.

This is a very fun idea.

I remember playing with fountain pens as a kid - my mom getting some old ink out that hadn't quite dried up yet, and dipping the nib in and messing about. That was decades ago.

About a month ago I bought my son a Uni Kuru Toga Roulette, for a gift as he is in Industrial Design. In order to get free shipping, I needed something more, and I noticed a Platinum Plaisir fountain pen, and my curiosity about fountain pens was re-triggered.

I've been using it at work for the last couple of weeks, to the curiosity or puzzlement of a few. While wanting to learn more about fountain pens, I found this subreddit, which has been very helpful. Just yesterday I ordered a Lamy Safari, a converter and Diamine blue/black ink after doing some starter pen research. An early birthday gift to myself.

Last weekend, I was at my parents, and I asked my mom about the fountain pens that I had played with years ago. She pulled out three old Yardley Soap boxes that contained many pens and bits of pens. They are a mix of hers, her father's and some from a neighbour that was a school teacher from the 30's to the 60's. I thought that, over time, I would photograph each of them and post them to this subreddit to both share and learn. I doubt any of them are particularly valuable, but they may be interesting to the group. There weren't any ink bottles, and all of the pens look like they need a good cleaning or some care. Before doing anything, I'll post pics and ask for suggestions on what to do with them.

My choice would be the Waterman Phileas - Medium pen and the Caran d'Ache Chromatics Vibrant Green ink. I know less about inks, so any green or orange would be fascinating.

I am hooked. This type of thing fits my personality, and the hobby isn't necessarily an expensive one, but it could be ;)

Best.

These:

http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Disposable-Fountain-Assorted-90029/dp/B00092PRCA

Are a great way to get into fountain pens. They're disposable, cheap enough to throw away, but good enough (as long as you don't let them dry out) to write comfortably until they're empty. They do have a larger/looser stroke than she may prefer, though.

http://www.amazon.com/uni-ball-KuruToga-Mechanical-Starter-1751934/dp/B0026ICM1E

Hands down one of the best mechanical pencils you can get. You won't see too much a difference writing in cursive, but it's a whole 'nother world for block/print script.

Rhodia and Leuchtturm make some of the best notebooks. If you've got cash and aren't averse to leather, Levenger makes a great disc-binding system that costs maybe $150 to get into. Staples has the Arc system which is compatible, and is maybe $20-$40 to get into.

Good luck!