It’s finally time to settle down and find that special someone—and I’m not talking about your love life. I’m talking about the best EDC pen, also known as Everyday Day Carry. If you’re sick of buying the same cheap pens over and over again (or surviving off freebies from the bank) it’s high time you consider something a little more permanent.
Even if you’re not the typical EDC guy, whipping out your own EDC pen to sign a check or a big contract is downright sexy. Not only does a go-to pen keep you from mooching, but it gives you total control over your writing instrument, from looks to feel in your hand. Because you hand-selected it, it’s going to suit the way you hold a pen and have the perfect grip.
A great EDC pen reflects your personal taste, streamlines your work bag, and creates less waste. Soon, everyone will be clamoring to borrow your pen. Just make sure you get it back.
Take a look at the nine best EDC pens your money can buy.
Key Takeaways
Thanks to intelligent, time-tested design and durability, the Fisher Space Pen is the best EDC pen to throw in your favorite messenger bag. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors at an affordable price. For a solid budget pick that has solid construction and sophisticated looks, consider the Zebra F-701 Retractable Ballpoint Pen.
‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ has never rung truer than with Fisher, easily the best EDC pen. It’s virtually unchanged since it was first designed in 1946 but for good reason. The initial 400 series design is about as close to perfection as any pen has ever come.
A bold statement but a true one. Forged in steel and brass with a smooth carbide ballpoint tip, this thing can write upside down in gravity-free zones, underwater, and in extreme temperatures. Why, might you ask? Well, it was the only pen on the first Apollo mission in 1968, and it’s been the only one on every NASA space flight since. Space aside, it’s the only pen iconic enough to warrant its own Seinfeld episode.
If you think a pen with so much solid credibility would be expensive, think again. It’s on the lower end of the price range for the best EDC pens. Choose from a variety of ten colors, including adventurous lime green.
Material: Steel, Brass | Length: 5.25” | Weight: 1oz
It’s kind of wild how cheap this pen is, compared to its looks and quality. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Zebra has amassed a bit of a cult following, as can happen with a seriously sweet pen. No doubt all the clamor is due to excellent construction and a paltry price tag.
Time and again, people mistake this pen for something much fancier. When I first saw the sleek stainless steel barrel that resists corrosion and the knurled grip, I did too. It’s a modern-looking pen with easy glide refillable Zebra Pen F-Refill ink. If you’re interested in a smooth gel insert instead of a ballpoint cartridge, get the G-750 model.
Material: Stainless Steel | Length: 5.2” | Weight: 1.12oz
Another mainstay in the best EDC pen world, the Jotter is solid and sleek. And, like the Fisher, it’s steeped in history. Released in 1954, it was the company’s first ballpoint pen. After enduring iterations in both plastic and chrome, the current model is made from stainless steel and chrome, bearing a truly timeless design.
Probably its most iconic feature is the arrowhead clip and its satisfying retractable click. Even refilling is easy and also done with a simple click. As for the writing experience, expect an elevated one. It’s fitted with beautifully pigmented QUINKflow for optimal ink flow.
Material: Stainless Steel, Chrome | Length: 6.97” | Weight: 0.952oz
I really like the Grafton. It’s a good-looking pen that combines form with function for an all-around solid choice. The heavy-duty bolted clip looks cool, and the deep grooves add to its legit-looking factor while also feeling great in the hand. And it comes in a variety of gorgeous colors, so it makes the perfect gift.
While some EDC pens feel timeless, the Grafton is more modern, with that minimalist look that’s in right now. Plus, it’s versatile when it comes to refills, which is nice. It takes Bic Gel, Pilot G2, Fisher Space, and Parker, among others… For under $50, I say it’s a yes.
Material: Anodized Aluminum | Length: 5.7” | Weight: 1oz
Not everyone can be a beauty. The Bolt Action pen from SmootherPro may not be glamorous, but that’s precisely the point. It’s rugged, durable, and comes with a satisfying bolt clicker that is great for fidgeters.
You’re not going to get many fun colors here, with only gray and black to choose from, but again, this bad boy is all about tactical toughness. And dang, is it tough. Made from aircraft aluminum alloy 6061 with a pressurized design, it’s all about strength and reliability. I don’t think you could break this EDC pen if you tried.
Material: Stainless Steel, Aluminum | Length: 5.6” | Weight: 1.06oz
Even though it’s the tiniest pen on this list, the Ti Pocket Pro can take a beating. Made of titanium, It’s strong and sturdy, yet light as a feather in the hand. Plus, as the name implies, it slides right into your pocket or on-the-go bag.
But the best part about this pen is its ability to telescope in, transforming from one length to another, depending on which refill is inside. And man, is it accommodating. A whopping 80+ refills are compatible with the Pocket Pro. If you’re okay with a shorter-sized pen, it’s easily the most versatile.
Material: Titanium | Length: 4.11- 4.65” | Weight: 0.6oz
At first glance, I thought the Ekloen was an unsharpened pencil. Honestly, it looks more like a Harry Potter wand than a pen. This makes it perfect for the quirky guy who prefers an EDC pen that’s a bit more one-of-a-kind. Or gift it to the guy who has everything already because he probably won’t have this.
I love how clean this pen is when the cap is on. And even though it doesn’t look like it, this pen feels great in the hand. Because it’s made of solid brass, it’s virtually unbreakable. But perhaps my favorite feature occurs with time. The copper surface oxidizes gradually, giving your pen a unique charm.
If I could change one thing, I would make it so the cap fit nicely onto the end so you didn’t have to hold onto it, though that would change the uniform nature of its shape. Fits a standard-length ballpoint refill.
Material: Brass, Copper | Length: 5.63” | Weight: 1.29oz
From a looks perspective, the Café Kitsuné pen is my favorite. I’m really into the classic black and white contrasting resin, ready to pull out for a subway crossword or to finish your afternoon paperwork. It’s as classic as you can get for an EDC, not flashy but smooth and easy to tuck away.
Even though it has a plain appearance, it happens to be an elegant writing instrument with that ever-expected ballpoint feeling. At an affordable price point, it could be a subtle holiday present for that person who always steals your pens.
Material: Resin, Gold Metal | Length: 4.95” | Weight: 1.4oz
Ah, Montblanc. Who knew a pen could be so chic? Even the process of taking this out of your pocket will feel luscious (it truly made me feel R-I-C-H). Owning this stunner of a pen feels special, something you almost want to tie to your pocket with a string, to ensure it always ends up back there.
Based on 110 years of truly memorable writing tools, this pen is based on an original design from 1906. Revolutionary for the time the pen was designed to eliminate the need for an inkwell. Featuring a coiled snake clip and a red Montblanc emblem at the top of the pen, this is unlike anything else.
Material: Resin, Galvanized Metal | Length: 4.9”
Nothing is truly more memorable than the writing legacy of a fountain pen. The ink-to-paper is an experience in itself; if you’re looking for something with a smooth flow and a professional edge a fountain pen is your new favorite friend.
By utilizing an internal reservoir, the fountain pen eliminated the need to be tied to an inkwell constantly, which at the time was a truly revolutionary process (first prototypes appeared in 17th century Europe). So owning this is a close tie to writing history, making this a great gift for the writer or executive in your life. While this particular pen brings a hefty price tag, it’s a pen you could reasonably carry for the rest of your life (regarding the refillable inkwell). Plus space will always be cool.
Material: Palladium-coated brass, tonal-blue, and white enamel | Length: 9.8” | Width: 5.5″
What To Look For In The Best EDC Pens
Price
EDC pens aren’t your average throw-away pens. This is exactly why they’re costly: you’re investing in a durable, well-designed staple. Whether you go bargain or luxe, the best EDC pen should set you back anywhere from $15-100.
Length
If you’re like me, you’ve never given the length of a pen much thought. But if you’re investing in the best EDC pen for you, it matters. Do you have big hands? How do you hold your pen? This will determine the best length for you. Try out your favorite pens at home or work and measure them to get an idea of your best length.
Versatility
Aka, how many types of ink does your pen take? Just one, or one hundred? A versatile pen makes your life easier. Even if your pen doesn’t take dozens of types of ink, it should at least be easy to purchase refills online or at your local store.
Final Verdict
My top pick for the best EDC pen is the Fisher Space pen because of its impeccable design, durability, and affordable price point. Overall, a great EDC pen will fit your budget and reflect your personal taste to become a staple in your computer bag. If a space pen is a staple for space, then it will probably be a good fit in your everyday life.
FAQ
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The best EDC pen is well-balanced, comfortable in the hand, and easily refillable. And it should fit well in your price range.
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Because they have quality, durable designs with refillable ink, EDC pens are more expensive than cheaper ones. These pens are meant to last a lifetime.
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