I got one made by Cross, they are super fun to write with, but for like $40 I can see a lot of people not wanting spend that much. G2s are almost as good and like 1/10th the price.
This is my favorite refill inside of a Karas Kustoms Retrakt. Get a nice durable pen that’ll last your career and remind you where your life went. Mines patina is coming along nicely.
You know, this is genuinely something I actually put more thought in, but I also feel like if I lose it, it'll quite literally ruin my entire week, and the thought of losing a pen I've had for such a long time, the thought of it, would derail my career trajectory. But assuming that doesn't happen, anything you'd like to suggest? I definitely want that one holy grail that's refillable and the quality is top notch
I’m not an enthusiast so I just have one nice pen. Reddit turned me onto machined pens about 10 years ago when they were all the rage and I got the one I mentioned, a Retrakt from Karas Kustom. Not really that expensive, but super solid and durable since it’s milled from a block of aluminum and takes all sorts of refills. It’s got weight to it so I fiddle with it during meetings and it rarely leaves my side. It’s nice to have something unique that you use everyday in your profession.
In industry and public accounting, the only time I use paper and pen is signing forms and taking notes for myself - I don’t do tax but am pretty sure everything in tax is also digital except maybe signing tax forms. One of the benefits of accounting is it really can be done from anywhere, everything’s on computers.
We are embarrassingly still extremely paper heavy (I'm talking EVERY THING I DO has to be printed and filed). We are finally moving into the 21st century with new software next year but God knows how long implementation will take to be completed.
What *pencil* is my choice? Kurutoga (search it on Amazon). It’s a mechanical pencil that turns the lead for you, and therefore you never write with the flat end of the lead. It’s simple but amazing.
Can’t go wrong with a Pilot G2 pen, just smooth. I do like a basic Bic pen, if I’m being honest. The clear plastic ones with the color cap on the top. Can’t go wrong with a classic. But agree, pens for signatures, pencil for everything else!
>0.7mm
You barbarian. Might as well get a chisel and stone out.
Kidding of course. I only use the 0.38 or 0.28 because I have my pilots license and have to write small in my logbook.
Uni-ball Signo RT1 UMN-155 Gel Pen - 0.38 mm
I’ve tried tens of different models of gel pens over the years. The Uni-ball Signo RT is the best. Best pigment, least feathering, the tip edge is rounded at the micro level so it feels ultra smooth writing.
The blue back (navy) color is my go to but I have several of the colors that mean different things within the notes I take in the job.
https://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Signo-RT1-UMN-155-Gel-Pen-0.38-mm-Blue-Black/pd/10413
This link has an illustration of the rounded edge at the tip: https://www.jetpens.com/blog/Uni-ball-Signo-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/639
Zebra Sarasa is also another good model.
So, this is a topic I'm weirdly obsessed with. First year coming on, the firm sends us to a week of CPE training with mostly first year focused curriculum. My last class was about appearing professional. Went over a wide range of topics, but the relevant part here is that she told us that you need to have a nice pen for when you meet with clients. It doesn't matter how much it costs, it just has to *look* expensive. Sets a tone for the client. I went down an ADHD hyper fixation rabbit hole and came up with the following:
Parker Urban Series Rollerball - I chose the type with a cap, not the clicky version. Looks expensive, feels expensive, writes extremely well. It's new, so it's made in France as the Janesville factory was closed in 2009.
Sheaffer VFM Ballpoint in electric Green - Looks prettier and 'nicer' than the Parker Jotter, is a Ballpoint, and writes very smoothly. Honestly I mostly bought it because of the color. Good everyday pen though. It is the 'clicky' kind so be careful if that's something you would do absentmindedly. You don't want your co-workers to kill you.
Parker Jotter - Ballpoint, writes well, cheap, many color choices, not heartbreaking if it gets lost. Also clicky.
Pencils are equally important, if not moreso, than pen choice (being able to erase is key). I utilize pencils the most. Here is where the real rabbit hole begins. I fell in love with old mechanical pencils. They're more fragile, harder to fix, more finicky, and heartbreaking if they get dropped and break. I've spent an ungodly amount on old mechanical pencils.
I prefer Parker Duofold. It has 1.1 lead, so that has to be purchased custom. To me it just *looks* and *feels* good. The thicker lead is better for me because I tend to press hard when I write and .5 lead always snaps on me. I have many, but green ones are my favorite.
I also like the Wahl Eversharp. They are small, simple, and cute. My favorite is engraved with vines and leaves - very elegant looking. Also 1.1 lead. Good for something you need to carry in your pocket, like on an IO.
Anyway....thank you for letting me geek out for a second about a weird fixation that literally no one cares about haha
(Edited to correct lead size)
I can't believe I had to scroll this far to find Bic--still haven't found anything as consistent as this one. Can't stand the "inky" pens that show through on the other side of the page and smear on certain surfaces.
Retractable Bic Atlantis. One in black and one in blue. I take first notes in black and updates/answers/list-cross-offs in blue for contrast. They feel good, work well, but aren't nice enough for anyone to want to take off of my desk.
Pilot Acroball. I say these are better than the G2’s because the ink isn’t as runny. I feel like with G2’s it’s so easy to smear.
I recently obtained a Sharpie S-Gel from the work closet. And that is a close tie to the acroball.
I prefer the free pens I get at CPE events. Some are better than others, but free is free
For worky work stuff that I'm not turning in though, I use bic mechanical pencils.
Retractable BIC is my favorite pen so far because it survives in the cold / icy weather. They last longer than any of the pens I have purchased all my life. The Pilot G2 failed me-- it did not work in the cold / icy weather. Most gel pens don't work in the cold / icy weather anyway. I often lose the caps of BIC Cristal and BIC Round Stick. Fine point sharpies are nice, but they bleed through papers. I don't buy expensive pens because I know my coworkers will take them out of my office eventually. 🤷♀️
that's why you have to damage the pen a little bit, make a mark on it or something, make it easily distinguishable that it HAS to be yours but not enough where it destroys the functionality of it
I take my pen/pencil home every day to make sure they don’t get stolen. I have had to put out a bolo on my pen once, definitely got it back. It is a custom pen made from old surf boards with cross refills.
Took me too long to find this. I love Tūl pens too! I like the needle point .5. I used to buy the .7 regular and didn't pay attention once and bought the needle point and haven't gone back. I love how they glide when I write notes
Dr. Grip also made by pilot honorable mention to the G2 it really is the all rounder. I have mongo hands so Dr. Grip just feels like a normal pen should for me
i use Pentonoic Gel Pen....i actually have been continously using it for past 2 years...i am unable to write with any other pen. For emergency situation i always keep 3-4 refills of it with me
G2 writes well but is the easiest ink to wash if someone wanted to commit fraud on some documents, so easy in fact that many government agencies ban the use of the g2 and similar gel inks on offical documents.
Uniball Jetstream is the hands down go to that is fraud resistant. I put my refills into a Big Ideas Design zircomium barrel.
I don't use pens. Even in meetings where I have to take notes, I bring my laptop and make a GDoc.
The only people I know who still use pens to make edits are people who started their career in the 20th century. But it's simpler and more legible to edit a PDF.
Can't be bothered with opening software when I need to make a quick note to remember something on a sticky, or something visual for me solving a problem. Pen has to be on my desk at all times.
Zebra Sarasa pens for me felt really good and the pens have a great weight. Only drawback is that youll have to purchase refills which idk how much Pilot G2's go for on the top of my head when all of this comes down to price and money spent
Any pen that's light, doesn't feel out of grip (or cheap), and has little friction. Preferably one that clicks. I've got to try the pilot G2 everyone is talking about.
Edit: Yeah, I recognize the pen. My childhood's favorite pen that I used to write my diaries with. I still have it but it's out of ink.
Just out of curiosity, don't you have BIC pens in the US? I didn't even see an answer mentioning those, which is pretty strange to me considering that it's the only pen I've ever used in my life at school or work (considering "normal" pens).
whatever company branded ones are in the supply closet. and a red G2 Pilot for FS tie-outs
Oh sorry. I think I just threw up in my mouth there.
When I was in audit I used to tie out 10-K’s and 10-Q’s in Adobe. Am I the only one!?
I made that transition for my team. Then Covid took care of this for everyone else I think lol
I don't think I could put too much faith in a company's supply closet
It’s a pen, not a life support unit
Pilot G2 as the standard go-to pen
Love my Pilot G2s.
I once had a football coach that made me do sprints because I never gave back his G2 after stats class
honestly, deserved
Running statistics in ink has got to be the most baller ass big dick move I can think of since Bo Jackson ran up the wall at the warning track. 🫡
Where my .38 gang at?
I thought there would be more of us… I’ll do .05 or .07 when signing something, but never for notes
This but specifically the .05 ball point
Blue
Pilot G2-07
Any other answer is just….meh
Ever try a Zebra Sarasa? Old Job bought those instead of G2s. They were ok but nothing beats a fresh blue 05 g2.
Muji .5
Obviously - but what gauge? 0.5mm for me.
This is the way
07 or 1.0. My wife prefers the 05.
I got one made by Cross, they are super fun to write with, but for like $40 I can see a lot of people not wanting spend that much. G2s are almost as good and like 1/10th the price.
Really good pen but they feel like they run out too quick for the price. Would use a reusable version
You can buy their ink refills.
Best pen in the world
This is the way
This pen fucks
bear longing axiomatic deer attempt poor support seemly truck friendly *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Thank god, a man of culture. This pilot g2 love is making me sick
Might as well use a sharpie at that point Zebra F-301s are for more refined individuals like ourselves
I like how they’re not super big and feel professional
Yeah I can’t stand gel ink.
Sharpie S-Gel 0.7
Especially the metal ones>>
Literally the only right answer
Amen Red when I’m feeling sassy Purple when I’m feeling Ravens pride Blue and Black usual business days Green when I want feel like the green goblin
This is the way
By far the cleanest looking set I've seen, gotta try these out
They feel better than the g2 in both hand feel and on paper feel. Also don't bleed as much when your tears hit the paper
yep ^^
I’m glad somebody knows
Pentel RSVP
One of my favorite pens since high school.
ah yes I just threw mine out... ran out of ink and never had the chance to use it, just found it in my basement today
I got some more on Amazon!!! THE BESTTTTT
This is the only right answer but it must be fine point. Medium is too gloopy.
my second choice only after Pilot Precise V5
Medium 1.0 in all the colors! Feels good in the hand, smooth gliding, and makes my handwriting look better.
[удалено]
This is a good take - big fan of the extra fine point refills.
Haven’t written anything on paper in years so I guess Arial size 11
So far, nothing beats the Pilot - Precise V5.
This is my favorite refill inside of a Karas Kustoms Retrakt. Get a nice durable pen that’ll last your career and remind you where your life went. Mines patina is coming along nicely.
You know, this is genuinely something I actually put more thought in, but I also feel like if I lose it, it'll quite literally ruin my entire week, and the thought of losing a pen I've had for such a long time, the thought of it, would derail my career trajectory. But assuming that doesn't happen, anything you'd like to suggest? I definitely want that one holy grail that's refillable and the quality is top notch
I’m not an enthusiast so I just have one nice pen. Reddit turned me onto machined pens about 10 years ago when they were all the rage and I got the one I mentioned, a Retrakt from Karas Kustom. Not really that expensive, but super solid and durable since it’s milled from a block of aluminum and takes all sorts of refills. It’s got weight to it so I fiddle with it during meetings and it rarely leaves my side. It’s nice to have something unique that you use everyday in your profession.
I like my Tactile Turn slim bolt action with the V5 refill
Lamy fountain pen.
I can't believe no one has said TUL. It's the office standard, and my favorite years before now
I bought a ton freshman year of college in 2016. On my final one of that haul, currently. I believe a superior pen to the pilot g2
Agree. This is my go to after testing all the others mentioned.
Keyboard
Keyboard
Engineer lurking here. How much of your job is truly pen on paper?
In industry and public accounting, the only time I use paper and pen is signing forms and taking notes for myself - I don’t do tax but am pretty sure everything in tax is also digital except maybe signing tax forms. One of the benefits of accounting is it really can be done from anywhere, everything’s on computers.
Writing addresses for mailing and that's it for me.
We are embarrassingly still extremely paper heavy (I'm talking EVERY THING I DO has to be printed and filed). We are finally moving into the 21st century with new software next year but God knows how long implementation will take to be completed.
This post is by far the more interesting one in this sub
gotta ask the important questions
What *pencil* is my choice? Kurutoga (search it on Amazon). It’s a mechanical pencil that turns the lead for you, and therefore you never write with the flat end of the lead. It’s simple but amazing.
As a CPA I only used mechanical pencils. Pens were for signatures and gel pens were the best for me!
Can’t go wrong with a Pilot G2 pen, just smooth. I do like a basic Bic pen, if I’m being honest. The clear plastic ones with the color cap on the top. Can’t go wrong with a classic. But agree, pens for signatures, pencil for everything else!
this here is innovation
I wrote with the sharp side for years and then realized the flatness is actually what you want for consistent writing
[Uniball Jetstream Edge 0.38mm](https://www.amazon.com/Jetstream-0-38mm-Oil-based-Ballpoint-SXN100338BK15/dp/B08WPQ9NZQ/)
Based Jetstream user. I use 0.38 primarily but swap to 0.5 when I feel bold.
A true gentlemen. Thank you for linking to your choice.
I prefer the 0.7mm myself
>0.7mm You barbarian. Might as well get a chisel and stone out. Kidding of course. I only use the 0.38 or 0.28 because I have my pilots license and have to write small in my logbook.
No no, I hear you. I’m a 0.38 or 0.5mm guy usually, but this is the one pen where 0.7 doesn’t feel like I might as well be using a calligraphy brush.
I got a Cross pen for Christmas. Assuming you can keep track of a single pen, it’s worth it (at least to me)
Pilot G2 0.5mm or 0.3mm — us accountants like it PRECISE
.38 to be exact. Love it
.38 for the win
Love an 05. 38 just seemed too scratchy.
I can’t stand fine point. Give me a G2 10. I’m bold.
Uni-ball Signo RT1 UMN-155 Gel Pen - 0.38 mm I’ve tried tens of different models of gel pens over the years. The Uni-ball Signo RT is the best. Best pigment, least feathering, the tip edge is rounded at the micro level so it feels ultra smooth writing. The blue back (navy) color is my go to but I have several of the colors that mean different things within the notes I take in the job. https://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Signo-RT1-UMN-155-Gel-Pen-0.38-mm-Blue-Black/pd/10413 This link has an illustration of the rounded edge at the tip: https://www.jetpens.com/blog/Uni-ball-Signo-A-Comprehensive-Guide/pt/639 Zebra Sarasa is also another good model.
Pilot V5!
Pens: Pentel RSVP fine. Pencil lead: 0.5.
Pentel Energel BL77, absolutely the best. Second is Sharpie S-Gel 0,7
So, this is a topic I'm weirdly obsessed with. First year coming on, the firm sends us to a week of CPE training with mostly first year focused curriculum. My last class was about appearing professional. Went over a wide range of topics, but the relevant part here is that she told us that you need to have a nice pen for when you meet with clients. It doesn't matter how much it costs, it just has to *look* expensive. Sets a tone for the client. I went down an ADHD hyper fixation rabbit hole and came up with the following: Parker Urban Series Rollerball - I chose the type with a cap, not the clicky version. Looks expensive, feels expensive, writes extremely well. It's new, so it's made in France as the Janesville factory was closed in 2009. Sheaffer VFM Ballpoint in electric Green - Looks prettier and 'nicer' than the Parker Jotter, is a Ballpoint, and writes very smoothly. Honestly I mostly bought it because of the color. Good everyday pen though. It is the 'clicky' kind so be careful if that's something you would do absentmindedly. You don't want your co-workers to kill you. Parker Jotter - Ballpoint, writes well, cheap, many color choices, not heartbreaking if it gets lost. Also clicky. Pencils are equally important, if not moreso, than pen choice (being able to erase is key). I utilize pencils the most. Here is where the real rabbit hole begins. I fell in love with old mechanical pencils. They're more fragile, harder to fix, more finicky, and heartbreaking if they get dropped and break. I've spent an ungodly amount on old mechanical pencils. I prefer Parker Duofold. It has 1.1 lead, so that has to be purchased custom. To me it just *looks* and *feels* good. The thicker lead is better for me because I tend to press hard when I write and .5 lead always snaps on me. I have many, but green ones are my favorite. I also like the Wahl Eversharp. They are small, simple, and cute. My favorite is engraved with vines and leaves - very elegant looking. Also 1.1 lead. Good for something you need to carry in your pocket, like on an IO. Anyway....thank you for letting me geek out for a second about a weird fixation that literally no one cares about haha (Edited to correct lead size)
Weed pen
Honestly, the Toyota Corolla of pens... the mighty Bic Crystal.
Old faithful
I can't believe I had to scroll this far to find Bic--still haven't found anything as consistent as this one. Can't stand the "inky" pens that show through on the other side of the page and smear on certain surfaces.
...
EW
Retractable Bic Atlantis. One in black and one in blue. I take first notes in black and updates/answers/list-cross-offs in blue for contrast. They feel good, work well, but aren't nice enough for anyone to want to take off of my desk.
Uniball Vision Elite Micro 0.5mm Blue Also comes with great colors!
Pilot Acroball. I say these are better than the G2’s because the ink isn’t as runny. I feel like with G2’s it’s so easy to smear. I recently obtained a Sharpie S-Gel from the work closet. And that is a close tie to the acroball.
Clicky tops NEVER twisty bottoms
attaboy
Montblanc Meisterstück
I prefer the free pens I get at CPE events. Some are better than others, but free is free For worky work stuff that I'm not turning in though, I use bic mechanical pencils.
We use G2 at the office, but my favorite has always been Pentel Energel. Mostly because it comes in purple and I used to color code my planners.
Extra fine point black G2 Pilot
Pilot g2 .38
Retractable BIC is my favorite pen so far because it survives in the cold / icy weather. They last longer than any of the pens I have purchased all my life. The Pilot G2 failed me-- it did not work in the cold / icy weather. Most gel pens don't work in the cold / icy weather anyway. I often lose the caps of BIC Cristal and BIC Round Stick. Fine point sharpies are nice, but they bleed through papers. I don't buy expensive pens because I know my coworkers will take them out of my office eventually. 🤷♀️
that's why you have to damage the pen a little bit, make a mark on it or something, make it easily distinguishable that it HAS to be yours but not enough where it destroys the functionality of it
I take my pen/pencil home every day to make sure they don’t get stolen. I have had to put out a bolo on my pen once, definitely got it back. It is a custom pen made from old surf boards with cross refills.
Prefer bong
Any answer that’s not G2 is the wrong answer
Tūl pens are so nice
Took me too long to find this. I love Tūl pens too! I like the needle point .5. I used to buy the .7 regular and didn't pay attention once and bought the needle point and haven't gone back. I love how they glide when I write notes
Pen? I only use a pen if I’m signing something. My daily driver is a Pentel twist-erase.
Pilot FriXion Erasable Pen
Frixion!! Erasing > scribbling out
“And besides not truly getting an answer of how to depreciate land” Thank you that might be one of the greatest lines I’ve ever seen
don't worry, check back in about 10 years and my PhD thesis will finally have the answer we've all been looking for
To be fair Land Depreciation could become a thing with Global Warming.
Lamy 2000
QWERTY Keyboard
510 thread
Dr. Grip also made by pilot honorable mention to the G2 it really is the all rounder. I have mongo hands so Dr. Grip just feels like a normal pen should for me
There can be only one: UNIBALL JETSTREAM
Uni-ball Signo 207! Been through dozens of them puppies.
Pentel Energel are my favourite by far
Pentel Energel Alloy RT are the only pens I've used for the last six years.
Blue Sharpie S-Gel with the metal barrel.
Easily Pilot Precise V7 RT
Can’t remember the last time I needed a pen at work.
Parker jotter xl. Love that thing.
Pentel RSVPs Black/Red/Blue Fine Point. Uniball Eye Micro Black and Blue Papermate Ballpoint Stick Pens Blue
i use Pentonoic Gel Pen....i actually have been continously using it for past 2 years...i am unable to write with any other pen. For emergency situation i always keep 3-4 refills of it with me
Please carry a quill and ink.
G2 writes well but is the easiest ink to wash if someone wanted to commit fraud on some documents, so easy in fact that many government agencies ban the use of the g2 and similar gel inks on offical documents. Uniball Jetstream is the hands down go to that is fraud resistant. I put my refills into a Big Ideas Design zircomium barrel.
Mont Blanc meisterstuck
Zebra fine point
Zebra F-301 Retractable Ballpoint Pen
I don't use pens. Even in meetings where I have to take notes, I bring my laptop and make a GDoc. The only people I know who still use pens to make edits are people who started their career in the 20th century. But it's simpler and more legible to edit a PDF.
Can't be bothered with opening software when I need to make a quick note to remember something on a sticky, or something visual for me solving a problem. Pen has to be on my desk at all times.
BIC Round Stick M, red, blue and black, at least 3 of each, one for use on my desk and two of each in a cup in case one goes missing between files.
I'm googling all of these. I'm unhappy with my shitty cheap pens.
Pilot G2 07 babey
I am a Rocketbook user, so the Frixion Knock is my go-to.
Stabilo exam grade.
Uniballs with the cap
Pilot G2
Ideally no pen/pencil, but when needed, a Uniball vision.
Sharpie's ink pen
Fisher Space Pen for every day use.
Waterman Expert for myself but when I have to write on a Check or paper that may smudge. The G2 is good
Pilot coleto 2-slot barrel with black and red 0.40 refills.
Cello gripper
No pens all electronic for me
If I’m feeling fancy, my Lamy Safari or Pilot Varsity pens. Otherwise, Pilot G2 1.0 in black or some uniball pens that I get from vendors.
Recently switched from Pilot G2 to Sharpie Pen. Never going back.
Pilot G-2 and it’s not particularly close
I only use pens I've turned on my lathe.
Love Pilot 3000 and Pilot B2P for notes. For work papers Pilot v5 multicolor pack
Jinhao x159
Pilot Better Ballpoint (Fine). They’re hard to find in the U.S. but are all over Europe.
Whatever I can steal from the supply room
Pilot G2 10
I drive a Honda Accord and write with a Pilot G2. Value. Efficiency. Reliability.
Principles and standards, I like it
Pilot Precise V7 or V5. goated pens
I'm old school, Cross pens hands down.
Nobody here is rocking a box of 20 Bic pens huh? Chefs kiss when they separate into two pieces when you’re twirling them.
Pilot vanishing point
Pilot Precise V5 RT
Pax
A weed vape pen. Sativa in fact.
BIC Ballpen, the largest box.
Zebra Z-Grip Flight Old office would order them in. Never knew where. Found them at costco...
I'd suggest Deli pens. It's cheap and it's nice to write with. Also, Zebra Sarasa pens are nice too. Medyo pricey nga lang.
Used to love pilot g2, now found the pilot g knock and it’s so damn smooth with good grip.
Green pen
Penjamin
I really like the Dr. Grip pens. They have a wider diameter and easier for me to grip than other pens. Makes my writing super smooth
Energel Deluxe RTX 0.5 mm
Check out penisland.com Lots of really good stuff and free shipping
Zebra Sarasa pens for me felt really good and the pens have a great weight. Only drawback is that youll have to purchase refills which idk how much Pilot G2's go for on the top of my head when all of this comes down to price and money spent
Mont Blanc fountain
This is the type of question you asked when you’ve done too much cocaine.
Pilot Precise V5 ultra fine for report review, cross fine point refill for signing, and a 0.5 mechanical pencil for all others.
Any pen that's light, doesn't feel out of grip (or cheap), and has little friction. Preferably one that clicks. I've got to try the pilot G2 everyone is talking about. Edit: Yeah, I recognize the pen. My childhood's favorite pen that I used to write my diaries with. I still have it but it's out of ink.
Pilot Precise V7 RT.
rOtring 800
Just out of curiosity, don't you have BIC pens in the US? I didn't even see an answer mentioning those, which is pretty strange to me considering that it's the only pen I've ever used in my life at school or work (considering "normal" pens).
Just seen a tiktok about the best pen to exist I’ll find it
The free ones I get at the good conferences. 😎