The Zebra F701 Pen: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we'll take a look at a pen which is pretty metallic, but not that interesting, the Zebra F701.

[@VladimirLadev]

Rocking the Zebra F-xMD, Jotter used to drive me crazy writing with it as it clicked and clanked every time the pen met paper. The Zebra has a plastic bushing that eliminates that plus that pen takes a 0.38 needle gel refill like no other and it becomes a beast.

[@robertmorano2372]

I have the "all metal" f701 as well. I've been carrying this pen everyday for about 2 years now. It's an awesome pen. I run kitchens for a living, So the knurling is just the way to go. For this exact reason, the parker jotter stays at home in the pen cup in the kitchen. As far as refills go, If you're ordering online, Zebra makes all kinds of refills for this pen, different thicknesses, gel, etc. And, if you remove the plastic end cap from the jotter refill, it'll fit too. But the real winner is this pen with the parker space pen refill in it. It will write under all conditions, it's much more robust and durable than the parker (and gives you one handed operation, which a cap is a deal breaker in my line of work.) and for a kitchen lifestyle, this pen is just it. Wet, slippery hands, people telling me things all day that I have to write down immediately or else it's gone forever, signing invoices at wacky angles or in the rain. This f701 with the space pen refill is just perfect for me. Perfect. I will say the weak point of the pen is the pocket clip, but it's easily bent back, or hell, just buy a new one. I don't expect this sub $5 pen to not have a little "character". It's not as if its as useless as the wire clip on my manix 2 lightweight, but that is for another day, so I digress.

[@ericday604]

Im in the kitchen as well and agree totally. I even bought a couple extras. I find when i start relying on something I like, it usually gets discontinued.

[@robertmorano2372]

@@ericday604 agreed! I'm still carrying the exact f701 and have since added at least a few extra. Between all of the places I keep one, it's pretty much become the only writing utensil I use.

[@alexwong7460]

How long does the ink last?

[@robertmorano2372]

@@alexwong7460 just depends on how much you use it. I now have 2 f701's. One lives in my pocket with the space pen refill for work and the other I use for daily journaling and just use whatever ballpoint refills I buy in bulk. The space pen refill (work pen) writes menus, ordering, random notes, business sort of jotting/ideas. And lasts probably 7/8 months to a year at most. The other pen (journaling) with basic ballpoint refill, lasts maybe 4-6 months.

[@alexwong7460]

@@robertmorano2372 I appreciate the descriptive response, thanks

[@limited40]

F-701 combined with a Fisher space pen refill, there is no substitute.

[@StuartRedman]

That's what I rock at work all day long. Love that combination.

[@robertmorano2372]

Yes, exactly this.

[@DavidV4444]

Thomas Moore Yes! I added the Fisher to mine and it’s fantastic!

[@nathanbruce1992]

@Thomas Moore is it the SPR4F fisher space pen refill?

[@donttrip4228]

What kind of fisher space pen refill? I love the f701 but would love a better write :( please reply thank you

[@billyjacobs965]

I have two new ones that are completely metal however it came with a cheap Chinese refill. Swapped it out with the good zebra ones and I couldn’t be happier for 6 a piece. Glad I didn’t rush out and spend 80 for a pen as I just am getting into pens.

[@theessentialguideforblokes7960]

Hi Nick, fun review, I have both these pens in my bedside organiser and I always grab the Zebra, it’s easier to write with as the barrel is parallel and not tapered and the knurling makes it so much easier to grip in my opinion. Keep up the good work, as the guys above say, there is a new version out that dispenses with the plastic cap, still you’d need to do a side by side to tell if the click is any better.

[@BetaBuxDelux]

One of my favorite pens. I like the jotter also, but I feel like they used to be better built 15 or so years ago.

[@jandlp14]

Nick, have you checked out the Rotring pens? I know you reviewed the pencils. The 600 pen I have seems to be all metal and takes Parker style refills.

[@wickrider]

I always loved my Zebra F701. I gave a bunch to people I work with. I always mention that they have more that one use being metal, pointy and easy to carry around. Cheers,

[@Northman937]

Had a few of these over the years. They don't break in the pocket, but mine always end up just slightly bent. The bend is barley perceptible but causes drag in the mechanism/refill and ruins the action.

[@jonhoffm]

I agree completely with your review Nick, thanks! The best thing is that I learned from the comments that they replaced the terrible plastic collar with a metal one. Finally! The plastic one would strip eventually and make the pen unusable.

[@psps6623]

Forgive me for crushing your dreams...but the entire pen's internal structure is still connected by a plastic tube...with plastic threads. Now I'm depressed all over again for reminding myself of this fact.

[@therealweenis]

Any planned review for the LionSteel Nyala?

[@jlspellman1977]

Thanks for the review Nick! You must’ve gotten ahold of an older model. I have the all metal version and use a fisher space pen refill (like others here have stated). Tried the Parker jotter and I prefer a thicker pen even though I have thin female hands (long fingers). I enjoy more heft and thickness than the Jotter. Personal preference. I just wish the F701 had a gel refill. Haven’t been able to find one that fits or that I can modify and I would rather not have to modify. Cheers Nick!

[@0zmose]

This was my daily pen for the better part of a decade. Clicked it so many times I wore the chrome plating off of the clicker. I've retired it, but it still works great.

[@Richard_Barnes]

😂 just had me cracking up on this one. Great humour Nick, love the review 😀👍🏻

[@joostbakker9687]

Hey Nick! In your last live video you answered my question of you'd ever try to design a knife yourself with the answer that it would need to be a collaboration between you and a real designer who can work out your ideas. Now my follow-up question for you is; if a designer could work out all the things you want. What would your knife look like? What would be your dream knife? I think it would make for a very interesting video. Anyway, thanks for all your awesome video's again! I'm looking forward to all of the future ones!

[@Stran303]

Nick any interest in reviewing an Occidental belt? Their tool bags are incredible, wondering how their every day belt compares.

[@darthblade2016]

I just purchased both the Parker Jotter and a Zebra F701...to me, they both are very nice pens and have their positives/negatives. Considering the Parker goes for about $15 normally and the Zebra I got for $8, this is a wash for me, i like them both. They have an "all metal" version of the F701 now and im wondering if that would alter the great Shabazz's opinion on the Zebra if he tried this version. Just some thoughts, lol.

[@rong.9130]

I may have been watching too many Nick Shabazz reviews, because I'm anticipating your posts. Yesterday I bought two pens in search of a good, cheap edc--I picked up a Zebra 701 and a Parker Jotter (based on an earlier review--thank you). So far the Zebra gets the nod just for feel (my hands are bigger than yours, but I promise not to bring it up if we're ever in a televised debate). The Jotter is a little thin and slippery, but I agree, I wish the Zebra had the Parker's authoritative click and refill choices. As others have noted, my Zebra is all-steel. I found it with refills at two stores in town. It's a common brand with widely available refills, although it would be cool if it were compatible with others (aside from the space pen).

[@stalwart263]

This has been replaced by an all metal version called the F-xMD I believe.

[@bradleyh8044]

Oh, interesting. At first I thought you were referring to the x-701 which is hot garbage spray painted tactical black.

[@teedee3879]

Actually, the new F701's are made with all metal construction now.

[@ranman1959]

@@teedee3879 Yes, these are all metal now and I think the clicker action is better. Now all they need to do is make a gel refill for it.

[@coryholden89]

@@teedee3879 the 401 series refills work in the 701 all metal. I believe the 401 has a gel refill too i prefer rollerball myself

[@Frip36]

@@coryholden89 Do you mean 301? I don't see a Zebra 401 on their site.

[@mackgmoney1515]

I had an "all metal" 701 for a while....but the tip threads into a plastic insert. The plastic threads stripped on me....im gonna try the bastion.

[@rustyknifelover4463]

Interesting, my Zebra F-701 has a metal coler. I like it, but will give the Parker Jotter a try.

[@Michael-ry8ew]

Along with everything you stated that is good about this pen, i like that you can pop in a Fisher Space Pen, and now you have an all metal pen, that writes anywhere, writes smoothly and in a pinch you can use it to push or prod, it's solid. It won't break in your pocket or when it drops. It's not for everyone. But I like it. Makes me happy and my wallet likes it too. 🤣 Great review!

[@paulrayl9470]

Looks like you got one of the older ones that was still using the plastic collar around the clicker. The newer ones are all metal.

[@oliver6able]

I’ve found fine and medium refills in black and blue ink at my local Walmart.

[@oliver6able]

I carry that model with black ink and the newer model with blue ink. I use the black plastic top do designate which color ink.

[@tremerefury]

You're reviewing an old model. All newer F-701s are all metal (for the same price).

[@dustingaddis2423]

No they're not. The actual click mechanism is all plastic. There's plastic inside the body, and inside the tip. See this pic of one I took apart :: i.imgur.com/4sVoQ2Z.jpg

[@jouwenlee7829]

@@dustingaddis2423 I have the all metal F-xmd including the clicking part. I understand the clicking mechanism inside could be plastic.

[@dustingaddis2423]

@@jouwenlee7829 Easy enough to take it apart and find out.

[@Hamilkar32]

I have all metal. Jotter is too narrow, feels uncomfortable to write.

[@louiel8569]

I have a all metal and didn't notice a X moniker on the package when I bought it.

[@blackadder1966]

Ordered the fx md the all metal version, its coming from Japan to Australia

[@snakedude61]

The proprietary refills won't take a drop very well. Most of the time if you drop it it writes like crap and you need a new refill.

[@herbcraven7146]

Same experience. I dropped my brand new F-701 on its tip, and it was toast. I pulled an old F-301 out of my drawer and cannibalized it for the insert.

[@christamu2]

What's a Paaka Joda?

[@25hztolife86]

It's a solid build. Get you one.

[@crj5106]

I have had one for three or four years. I traded the guts for the guts from the gel one so I can use a gel refill that I like and its my favorite pen. I've tried to do the same mod to a newer version of it and no dice so I have one and I always know where that sucker is before bed.

[@BuffaloNickel9]

Check again looks like you went to bed not knowing where it was because it's at my house now😂

[@crj5106]

@@BuffaloNickel9 thats how you end up getting a call from Liam Neeson. XD

[@BuffaloNickel9]

@@crj5106 😂

[@NicholasCFranklin]

I use these in my travel bags al lthe time because if I lose it, it isn't a big deal.

[@johnd48]

"It's pokey." "congratulations." Ha! So good

[@FrogFishLeezerd]

I LOVED carrying the F-701 for nearly a decade, and then it finally broke. Guess what, it was the plastic part that was one of your Nick-picks. So I replaced the broken pen with the newer version (ALL METAL) F-xMD. I think this new model is practically indestructible. It's my most used EDC pen. The Jotter is in the EDC rotation too, but the F-xMD is definitely my preference. You won't be sorry...thanks for the great review!!!

[@jorge23483]

I have a Parker Jotter and a Zebra F-701 and although the Jotter gives a more satisfactory click ai prefer the Zebra coz is more comfortable to write with (the Jotter feel to slim and makes my hand cramps after a while). I bought a Jotter XL and although much comfortable than the regular Jotter I don’t like the clicking action... A curious fact, here in Mexico the version of the Zebra F-701 selling in Amazon is completely metal on their parts: there’s no plasticky Indonesia-engrave black cap... and yes, the clicking action feels better but still not as good as the Jotter. Terrific video🖖

[@Justinlmd]

Enjoyed the review as always. However this is one of the rare times where I disagree with the conclusion (obviously opinions can’t be wrong!). I sent my Jotter back due to it feeling cheap and rattle-y. The Zebra I kept and carry when I feel the need to carry a pen.

[@felixbelanger2659]

This is my usual EDC pen and I prefer the look over the Jotter, I've considered switching to the F-xMD but the plastic doesn't bother me that much. My only gripe with it is the weak pocket clip... Even the cheaper Zebra SL-F1 has a better one

[@TJPavey]

I fidget, so in order to not annoy coworkers I wanted a twist pen. I got a uni prime twist. The new jetstream refills are parker g2 sized. It's pricier (with 3 refills), but built nicely and much cheaper that other fancy pens.

[@spike4628]

Well I just bought an F 701 and the black plastic collar on the top has been replaced by a metal one. One improvement.

[@robhowell4424]

Over in the UK you can buy a zebra F-XMD which is the same pen but upgraded all the plastic bits to metal think zebra had enough of people moddin there pens although f-xmd doesn't roll off the mouth aswell as f701

[@Logan-de3xx]

Nick and his crazy Zebra voice, love ya buddy!

[@120382brian]

I love his videos he really makes me laugh

[@xxjay-rodxx]

First Comment! Love your vids Nick! Also love this pen.

[@YosefArteaga]

I have 2 all metal construction. I think the one you have is an old model.

[@leeonr]

i dislike how the clipper part is fragile and it stretches easily otherwise nice pen

[@josq81]

Finally a review of king on budget pens. First i bought Parker Jotter because of Nick's review. Fine pen i guess. Then i bought this Zebra. And very soon another one coz i was so pleased with it. Mine are not those older versions with plastic but all metal. Parker does not fit into my hand. Metal feels cheap and rough and pen is too light. It feels like a cheap 3$ pen overall. Zebra instead fits perfectly into my hand and feels like it's more expensive than it is. Grip is the key. Two Zebra's replaced my Parker Jotter 100%.

[@Jacklsovakia1]

This was all but replaced by the ALL METAL version a long time ago for the same exact price...

[@bobb.9917]

WHAT? No disassembly and lube? 😬

[@robkillebrew3685]

The 701 takes a very easy to find 301 refill. And yeah the new ones are all metal. Cheers

[@dustingaddis2423]

For everyone saying 'there's a new all metal one' - NO THERE ISN'T! I bought one of the "all metal" ones (it said "ALL METAL Inside & Out" on the packaging), and when I took it apart (trying to get a better refill in it) I found lotsa plastic. The click mechanism itself is plastic, and it threads into a plastic tube that's glued into the body of the pen. The tip also threads into the plastic tube. All of the stuff that moves and at least one side of every threaded connection is plastic. It's false advertising. Unless there's a new one that really is all metal. Pics: Pic of it most disassembled :: i.imgur.com/4sVoQ2Z.jpg Pic of the tube that's glued inside the body :: i.imgur.com/zs7SkMJ.jpg

[@sgtmeiers9211]

I have had 3 of these, and each one the ink refills leaks inside the housing and then it gets very hard to click and use. I would love if the refils were better. Going to try one more and put in a fisher space pen refill as soon as I get it.

[@alexv.4460]

This is the old model. The new one is the same price with all metal construction (including the refill)

[@dustingaddis2423]

Do you have a pic of one taken apart to prove it's all metal? 'Cause the one I bought a few months ago that said 'ALL METAL' on the packaging was full of plastic. The refil is metal, but the actual click mechanism is plastic, as is all of the threads in the pen. See this pic here :: i.imgur.com/4sVoQ2Z.jpg

[@dustingaddis2423]

What's not shown in that pic is the plastic tube inside the body of the pen - that plastic tube is what the clicker and tip both thread into. Here's the tube :: i.imgur.com/zs7SkMJ.jpg

[@beelzbb9976]

I carry this pen alot with a Fisher insert, if I lose it no big deal.

[@jeffmarshall7180]

Modding this pen is so freaking easy, it can fit a fisher ink refill you just have to bore the hole on the tip a little bit also the zebra f402 and it are the the same diameter meaning you can fully remove the all metal clicker with a pair of pliers and replace the clicker on the f701 so you have a full metal body

[@ToolFoolz]

I have the all metal version and really like it to be honest.

[@kylevanwinkle2081]

No more black plastic on the new ones and rite in rain cartridges fit. It's a great pen for the money. Granted I didnt buy the gel version due to it not writing on rite in rain paper

[@josevilchisreza1317]

great review as always Nick, I love my zebra f-701. I always carry a fountain pen but to fill formats anf write on standart paper this pen is my way to go.

[@jimclip2012]

I love Zebra’s designs, but there’s just not much great about the F ballpoint refills, other than I’ve never exhausted one 😂

[@Crushenator500]

The most sensible, and in my opinion most attractive pen you've ever reviewed. Probably the best choice for any reasonable person.

[@bryanstone654]

You like it more than Nick

[@goodtimes1046]

The photo on Amazon has a package that says "All Metal, Inside & Out!". The inside has a plastic insert. And the packaging I received says "All Metal, From Tip to Clip!". Which means they got caught for false advertising, changed their packaging, but advertise the same. The outside is metal, the inside is not.

[@mattfinish2196]

I love my Zebra F701!

[@marcjohnson4385]

My F-701 do not have any plastic on it, all metal. Of course this is a year old so maybe they heard you. However put a Fisher space pen refill in .

[@tickandslug]

As a machinist whose hands are usually slippery, the knurling is amazing.

[@michaelmelling9333]

He's a great Reviewer.

[@glenmo1]

The NEW & improved zebra is now all stainless steel .. the eliminated the plastic by the pocket clip which was the weak point of the pen for tactical applications

[@mikesmith883]

Ooooo yeah I like this pen to ive lost two while working and I did get some what mad because I changed the ink as I will do to most of my cool looking pens by putting fisher space pen ink in oh and yes that little plastic peace is a pain because it will start unscrewing the one I been using I made it ugly with an additude with heat shrink tube and the space ink witch I think is very cool

[@tom000]

Love mine

[@harleymichael83]

I have small and compact writing and I find this pen to be perfect. Gel and rollerball pens are too bold and messy for my taste. This pen is perfect in the way it has a soft touch. My favorite pen, only thing it needs is a rubber grip.

[@CoreyFromMinnesota]

4:36 yeah that doesn't sound like Amazon at all...😉 The plastic bic aside, you know you can find this pen at a lot more places than the other pens you compared it to? Big fan of your videos, Nick, but I think this one was consistently based on "just being a $5 pen" as you kept mentioning instead of really looking at the value. Plus, pay like an extra $3 and get an all metal body.

[@jessruss40]

So many people love this pen. I never understood it. I honestly can't stand this pen and I would rather just have a plastic G2.

[@LouisWinthorpe622]

5 bucks. Ah the good old days.

[@BootsWalken]

IMO it is nothing great, but still worth picking up for the money. Even buying the other model to replace the ring/clicker/clip was worth it for the enjoyment the few minutes of tinkering with it brought me. There's also a matching mechanical pencil out there that I picked up to make a set. Again, nothing special, but why not for a few bucks?

[@ericday604]

The new one I just purchased has the plastic top replaced with steel!! Gotta love that...

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

Maybe update your video. I just bought one Tonight and that plastic piece is metal!! When the nick speaks they listen!!

[@macgyverbryan1377]

I had one of those pens. For fans of FSP the refill fits well.

[@jacknemo8021]

The real secret here is that Zebra has a refill that comes in both 1.0mm and even a mighty 1.6mm rollerball. ( www.amazon.com/Zebra-Pen-F-Refill-Point-Package/dp/B00ED3G1I0 ).

[@WhoIsSerafin]

It’s a older model you can get a all metal one and space refill fits them great

[@MrRufusjax]

Is this guy Jordan Belfort?

[@pendulousphallus]

I still own one of these and I like it just fine. I continually run into issues with the refills giving up the ghost well before their time. I recognize this pen was pretty much made to receive a Space Pen refill without running into licensing issues, but for that matter they could have went with a standard G2 refill which is license-free on account of being and ISO standard (fact check me on that. I like this pen because I feel like I could drop it into a cement truck and bust it out with a jackhammer a month later without having to worry about it breaking, but as a daily writer the refill situation leaves much to be desired. I'll hold on to mine with a Space Pen cartridge in my car, but I ain't gonna be super happy about it. Zebra missed the mark by a hair.

[@jouwenlee7829]

I tried, fisher space pen filler doesn't fit without modification

[@Frip36]

Eddie Van Halen is half Indonesian. That's why he looks half Indonesian.

[@jsr407]

Knock of the Rotring Rapid Pro far superior.

[@iacopellir82]

Have both versions, I will say the MDX with the metal ring has a fuller click activation feeling. Much better then the 402 which is great but if you pen spin/fidget the pen separates into finger grip.

[@davidmarshall7752]

the Game of Thrones Season 8 of pens ...

[@johndobbins8051]

Fantastic job, you managed to make a review of a mediocre pen entertainment, well done!

[@psps6623]

You best mind what cha say around the "Pen" community. This here's the Mighty 701 you're speaking of. lol

[@bradleyh8044]

This was my entry into "nicer" pens. I currently have a $200 Franklin Christoph in my shirt pocket. Woe is me.

[@pomprocks]

The zebra is a much better looking pen that whatever that tapered spike is.

[@chrisrodriguez4139]

Yes it has a more satisfying bigger click...

[@clintonlewis1261]

Guess you can't expect a lot for 5 bucks,

[@AtariNerd2600]

best about these is a space pen refill lightly sanded will fit

[@dumperspydiehoe298]

Love this pen and the space pen also the jotter but 20years ago they were made better

[@davevision4928]

Cool accident 👍

[@Orochi_001]

The fact that half the g in “writing” just decided not to happen leads me to believe the refill has a wee bit of a skipping issue

[@InGratitudeIam]

You're not sure about all metal pens being used as improvised weapons? Pray tell, why did you get an Urban SURVIVAL Gear titanium pen, Nick? Was it solely for "hard use" writing? :)))

[@downsouth1678]

I have the all metal version and it's very well made , the one here has plastic , it probably makes it feel much cheaper

[@bryanstone654]

Bottom line spoiler alert: Not a gem and Nick didn't like it.

[@lancehandmade]

My F-701 is all metal. Purchased at Walmart.

[@Sparkjumper59]

Lowest price I could find on eBay for one F701 was $7.69 your quoted price of five dollars was over 50% off and that’s the ugly.

[@400lbguerrilla4]

Spark Jumper Walmart $5.24

[@Sparkjumper59]

400LBGUERRILLA i looked again and I don’t see the F701 when I look on line at Walmart. Either on the local shelves or at Walmart.com I see F series and G 301 etc but definitely not the Nick reviewed F701. a Z grip Z grip plus ,M-301 ,G-301, F-402 but not the F-701. So apples to apples I don’t see the F-701 on Walmart .com or on any of my the local Walmart’s shelves. I actually don’t think they make or sell this pen, any longer. No big deal I don’t need one and wouldn’t spend money on one. I was just price checking Nicks claimed price. I’ve been carrying a fisher bullet space pen in my pocket for over 12 years. A clicker is just not my carry.

[@TotallyNuss]

Up on the roof hitting each other with the hot mops

[@NuchieGuccivelli3030]

I think this pen deserves a re-review, i own the all metal version with no plastic parts. It can also take different refills as well. Nick you need to look into this.