Space Pen Black Grid Design Shuttle Space Pen, Ballpoint, Black Ink, Pocket Clip, Gift Box

I carried a Fisher AG7 with me for years because of it's reliability, but never liked that it was poorly balanced, with the top of the pen being substantially heavier that the tip. This one (B4 Black Grid Shuttle Pen), is not only perfectly balanced, but the precision of the grid pattern combined with its classical design elements gives the aesthetic an architectural quality that perfectly evokes the spirit of the Apollo program's engineering excellence. Be warned, you may be tempted to create technical drawings, use a slide rule, or annotate engineering schematics every time you look at it. The only consideration I feel the need to mention when choosing which design of the shuttle pen to purchase is that the striations on the barrel of standard edition pen are deeper, and more effective for grip in adverse conditions. The Black Grid edition, with the relief of the grid patterning, is by no means slippery, but if I were using one for outdoor work I would certainly prefer the utility of the standard design. I'm not sure if the matte black variant includes the standard milling of the striations on the barrel, but if so, that may be a nice compromise between aesthetic & functionality to consider.

What a great gift this will make in its attractive box. The pen, itself, is unusual in several respects. First of all, it's slimmer and lighter weight than I expected, which makes it nice for carrying in briefcase or purse as well as shirt or jacket pocket. The hatched grid design is not only handsome, it allows for a good grip even in a large hand, although some men might prefer more girth. The pen is standard length and has a good clip for security. The clip, too, is low profile and will allow the pen to fit in tight places. Its operation is entirely one-handed with an easy push down button on top to extend the tip and small separate side button to retract it. The ball is very smooth writing--better than my other space pen--even when held at an angle. Of course I love the instant writing ability of the space pens and am now spoiled about expecting that instant gratification so my other ball pens have fallen out of favor when they require some scribbling to get the ink flow started. These space pens never do need that. Because the packaging is a step up--a good-looking cardboard sleeve over a box which includes a little info booklet with refill ordering form--it will make a nice gift presentation. The packaging isn't excessive so as to seem wasteful, but is nicely wrappable and offers a moment of anticipation to the recipient as it's opened. Bottom line--this is a very practical pen and is meant first and foremost for that, but looking nice doesn't hurt so although I bought this one for myself, I'll be purchasing others as gifts.

Just a lovely piece of history and American craftsmanship and design. As easy as it is satisfying to use, only slight negative is the barrel size but have become accustomed to it and added a small piece of heat shrink tubing to prevent my fingers from slipping when wet or sweaty. Very smooth action and has been abused by me playing with it constantly. Ink is one of my favorite feelings but can definitely smear if not let to dry for a short few seconds on regular paper or a little bit longer on standard waterproof style paper. I ordered a finer black and blue ink cartridge as I prefer those over the medium or thick style tips for more compact note taking etc. so you have a variety of colors and line thickness to choose from if required or wanted.

This is a really nice pen. It fits in the hand nicely, and has decent grip with the grid design. The ink flows smoothly, even outside in the winter. i can see why police officers favor them. The refills are not overly expensive. Make sure you get the right ones. they're these: Refills for Bullet Fisher Space Pen 3 Pack Black SPR4 . I don't think anyone wouldn't like this pen. I haven't had it long enough to rate the life of the refills. I'll update when this one runs out of ink if I don't lose it first. That isn't likely given how much I like it.

I've used Fisher pens for years both in the military and while Orienteering/Trekking; you can't beat them.

Grasping the pen, you immediately notice that it's surprisingly slim and has just the right weight and balance. The black "grid" styling gives a better grip than a sleek pen, especially considering the pen's narrowness (if you like fat pens, this may not be for you, but personally I quite like the elegance). Rather than a normal retractable mechanism, the plunger on the end deploys the writing tip with a single motion and a small button on the side retracts it again with a solid and satisfying spring-powered thunk. Neat. Despite all the mystique of a "thixotropic" space pen, writing with it is completely ordinary -- the ink goes down smoothly and evenly just like any other quality medium ballpoint pen. Here is my only disappointment: the ink takes several seconds to dry and during that time it is subject to very minor smearing (still, it is better than other pens I have used, especially gel pens). For a right-handed user, this will probably never be a problem but may be annoying for a lefty. The pen comes in a presentation case suitable for a gift.

Really, if you are serious about writing this pen is wonderful. It is super well made of nearly all brass which is a welcome change from even some very high end pens. It has enough weight to feel solid and balanced without being heavy. The ballpoint is super smooth, never misses, and lasts FOR EVER! Under heavy use I replace the ink cartridges once every ~1.5 years. The ink is also very nice as it is fast drying (never really noticed that it smears at all for me) and very stable over time. Again, this is the best pen along with the 'orgional' model that I have ever owned and outperforms many that I have owned and/or used costing hundreds of dollars.

love this! very reminiscent of a chiseled pen, but with SpacePens ball points refills. love it!