I really like this pen. When in use, the cap fits onto the back of the pen, making for a full size pen. When shut, the body of the pen (the part with the ink) collapses into the cap, almost cutting the size in half. When collapsed, I'd say the size is about the same length as a woman's lipstick, and just a little larger than half that diameter. The pen writes pretty smoothly, but more impressive, always seems to write. It will write in any position without skipping, as well as on things a ball point pen normally wouldn't write on, like dirty or greasy paper, cardboard, packing tape, etc. Never had I had to scribble on a 'clean' spot on the paper, to re-establish ink flow. The cap seals the ink from the elements with an O-ring, which also is what keeps the cap in place. The friction between the O-ring and the metal body is all that is holding the cap on. It is enough to keep the cap from falling off the pen when in your pocket or purse, but not much more. I believe this is by design, as there is no pocket clip or projection of any kind on the pen, closed or open. When closed, there is a barely detectable ridge, where the cap meets the body of the pen. To use, just pull both ends apart, and put the cap on the backside of the body. This is the most compact pen, when closed, I have ever had, that is truly comfortable to use. If you want the smallest pen you can get, that is comfortable to use and 100% reliable, this is the one for you. Not only that, but it is strongly built of metal, with the only non-metal part you can see would be the O-ring that keeps the lid on and that is only visible when open.
My only complaint is that being round (well, bullet-shaped) with no projections is that it will roll away when placed on a flat object, whether open or closed. I believe Fisher makes pens with a clip that would solve this problem, but by design I don't believe that those would be as compact. I do believe they use the same pressurized ink cartridge as this one.
The ink itself writes smoothly, makes a nice, dark, easy to read line, and seems quite smudge resistant.
I also have a Nite-Ize Inka pen, which uses a similar pressurized cartridge, has a screw-on cap, and a pocket clip. I like the clip because it keeps the pen from rolling around (when in use, you remove the cap, and attach it to the back of the pen body, much like this one) and gives you a way to keep it at the top of your pocket or purse. I think that having the cap be screw-on is a good idea for a pen designed with a clip. However, it does not collapse as small as the Fisher, and it is primarily made of plastic. It seems plenty sturdy, but does not quite have the 'forever' feel of the metal Fisher. On the other hand, it costs 1/3 less, and also has a tablet stylus built into the back end.
Owning both, I can say the Fisher has a more 'executive' look, and is smaller to pack around (both shorter, and smaller in diameter).
The Inka pen has a more 'utility' look, and has a clip to hold it to your pocket or purse, and a stylus on the back side. Also, some of the Inkas come with a little clip that attatches to a little loop at the top of the pocket clip, to attach to a zipper pull, backpack, or whatever.
Lastly, the Fisher has written on everything I have ever tried it on, but the Inka has skipped just a little on some of the really tough stuff. Also, the Fisher seems to make a slightly bolder line, easier to read, but the Inka's finer line may be more precise.
I hope this review was helpful.
| Manufacturer | Fisher Space Pen |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fisher |
| Item Weight | 1 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3.75 x 0.32 x 0.32 inches |
| Item model number | 400B |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Black |
| Closure | Snap |
| Grade | 0.32 |
| Pencil Lead Degree (Hardness) | B |
| Material Type | Aluminum, Brass |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Point Type | Medium |
| Ink Color | Black |
| Tip Type | Tungsten Carbide Ball |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 400B |
