The Definitive Guide to the Zebra F-701 (One Pen, 4 Variations)

The definitive guide to the best EDC pen sold today, the Zebra F-701 ( amzn.to/2MY1vAj ).
The four variants are:
- Standard F-701 sold in any big box store
- The new F-xMD ( amzn.to/2oRsm2h )
- Modded F-701 using parts from an F-402
- F-701 ALL METAL Ballpoint Retractable Pen
More information is available here: unsharpen.com/pen/zebra-f-701...
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note: amazon links are affiliate link and I get commissions for purchases made through amazon links. Any other affiliations or agreements will be noted in this space, if they exist.

[@unsharpen]

Full review and details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYvad2mfrNOEnqc

[@therealb888]

Wow nice that this comment is so new!.

[@therealb888]

I really hope they don't make any changes to the steel F-701, this pen is perfection. The X-701 is a real disappointment. They should go back to their roots and provide the thick all steel construction and space pen refill compatibility with the X-701.

[@therealb888]

Not able to click on the link through YT android app :(

[@stanleyriley8396]

You prolly dont care at all but does anyone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly lost the account password. I love any assistance you can give me

[@giovannicharlie9652]

@Stanley Riley instablaster ;)

[@derekhoffman2291]

I can’t believe they didn’t revamp the refills when they went to the all metal body. If they had ballpoint and gel options in different colors and multiple sizes, this pen would be unstoppable.

[@davidmathews2124]

Well...it’s a field pen. IMHO...The art pen (colors) market is totally crowded with already well accepted, even beloved contenders. The same for school pens, business pens, etc., etc., etc. So colors and twenty different kinds of ink aren’t a benefit in the marketplace. Big cost outlay for Zebra to develop a buncha new stuff. But whatever. I just ordered a new x thing and a Fischer bold black refill. Together they will fulfill precisely the intent of the steel field pen.

[@AJ-iu6nw]

Ballpoint 🖊️ are so bad.. use rollerball or felt tip. Ballpoint is for art nerds and school children

[@anthonynelson6671]

Idk if it can work, but I'd really like it if the metal F-701 could be compatible with all the Jetstream refills. There's just so much color and tip size variety with Jetstream that it would be a valuable modification.

[@ishy6556]

it's 3am, exam tomorrow, what am i doing.

[@paisaglaciar]

X2

[@sharonzli]

Great channel! I learned a great deal from your channel. - thank you! Sharing what I found out: before my EQ-refill arrives, I tried a "Papermate profile" Bold (very smooth) and cut the length to match the original refill and it worked! If you love Zebra, so this is another option.

[@infidelmedicolmmedic2880]

Nice. I did the fisher space pen refill and its much better. You were right, its a good mod. I dont care about the plastic collar, so left that alone. Great pen👍👍

[@thatyoutubechannel9953]

I'm quite glad I got the all-metal F 701. I didn't know there were so many variations. I got it from Wal-Mart. My Wal-Mart usually doesn't carry the nicer pens, so I tend to jump at the opportunity no matter what. I do believe it was just around $6.00.

[@natebot321]

Got a F-701 from Walmart for $5.25. Has the metal collar and a slim, metal 0.8mm refill. I really like it!

[@czguy3045]

I'm not sure if Sal has covered it in another video but it's pretty easy to get a Zebra Surari refill to work in the F-701. Just get a cheap ~$2.00 Surari (Jet Pens is the cheapest source I've found), use the spring from the Surari and slightly cut the refill down to size. Basically you need to cut about 1mm into the gel stopper stuff in the Surari refill but go slow and take your time. I used one refill worth of Fisher in my 701 and it's definitely an upgrade vs the stock Zebra but I absolutely prefer the Surari. Of course, it's not quite as versatile as the Fisher but I only have to write on standard paper and occasionally on masking tape and the Surari is perfect for those. I do think that for whatever reason, the 0.7mm Surari refills are smoother writing than the 0.5 and the 1.0, at least when using blue ink. In my opinion, YMMV, etc...

[@ITALIANxBOARDER]

I just got the all steel F701 The new one with the funky refill from staples 2 days ago for $7.79

[@bustapiggs8211]

Oh congratulations!, But seriously dude has the world gone crazy it's a damn pen!? Seriously dude you really need to get laid

[@W2SXL]

@@bustapiggs8211 then why tf are u watching this video

[@lennywong7588]

I picked up the new all metal f701 as well I think since it's now sold like an almetal pen recently that they would offer a all metal refill of course of there choice

[@ds2td]

Can you still take the clicker off the new F-701 like the old one? I'm planning on putting the F-402 clip on the new F-701. If I were to put in a Fisher Space cartridge, would I still need to stretch out the plastic piece in the tip in order for it to work properly? Thanks

[@funkymonkeylovin]

It’s good to see they finally updated that plastic collar! The new one looks to be available on Amazon now.

[@williammbaker]

Hey Sal, I was wondering if you could help me. I bought an f701. I don't remember it doing this when I first got it, but recently, it started "popping" when I start writing after I click it. I have taken it apart and tried stretching the spring. Not sure what to do.

[@THEBASTARDBILL]

I got the F701 from the stationary section from Walmart today. Go get you ☝️

[@j-boy9256]

Question: I like the writing experience of the zebra gp401 but not able to highlight my notes do you have suggestions that copies the feel but without smearing. The zebra Sanasa dry mark on 4.0 doesn't smear but is scratchy... It doesn't have to be in the Zebra line ..

[@bretth5070]

Can one use a Schmidt refill in the Zebra F-701? Specifically, I am looking to use the P900.

[@herbcraven7146]

I personally like the ballpoint ink of the original, though the fine (.007) point has slowly evolved to be a bit scratchy for my tastes. If you can find the standard Zebra refill 2 packs, you may find them with different point sizes (Fine, Med. or Bold), or you can buy a two pack of F-301's and cannibalize them for the refills, also sometimes sold in stores in point various sizes. I haven't found metal refills anywhere, but it's really not a big deal.

[@solarsynapse]

Does the F-xMD have metal click parts instead of plastic? Metal to metal would need lube. Do they all have the plastic bushing in the tip? Did you remove the bushing for the Space Pen refill?

[@James_Haskin]

Went with the space pen, if it’s edc the fact that it will always write is king for me.

[@26milez]

Which gel refills fit in the 701?

[@davidmathews2124]

Amazon now has a seller doing the xMD for $9 & change. Interesting that the current best offer fir the standard F-701 is essentially the same price.

[@lincmerc1581]

I removed the tip from a Hauser plastic g2 parker style cartridge. Slid it into the barrel. Works perfectly. Didn't even have to change out the spring.

[@kaizen5023]

You mean you removed the butt-end?

[@lincmerc1581]

@@kaizen5023 Yes. The notched plastic cap on the top of the refill. Just pull it out and remove it.

[@babypootsie6112]

Just bought an F701 via Amazon Prime. It’s all metal. Just to let other people know!

[@rizoa4625]

Which Fisher refill did you use?

[@silverfoxcondor46]

Ordering direct from Zebras website is the way to go. You can get free shipping if total is over 15 USD

[@epicsasquatch452]

I work at sportsman's Warehouse and I just bought a rite in the rain pen refill and threw it in mine. Funny thing is that I think it's just a rebranded Fisher space pen refill.

[@unsharpen]

Yes I believe it is

[@korbinianhuber3350]

Does it fit energels?

[@diversediversions]

Are all of the internals plastic as in the past?

[@Nathanchancy02]

Great video.

[@BikerBoyArunava]

What about the inside of the pen, I saw plastic insert, isn't it supposed to be all metal???

[@MrNight-dg1ug]

I bought the Zebra F-701, along with a fisher space pen REFILL, but had to buy some other stuff to actually send it (bought on Amazon), but no sweat; It's great :D EDIT: It's the newest version; The one with the slim ink cartridge inside.

[@LouisWinthorpe622]

On the Amazon I could have got an F-xMD a bit cheaper than that newest F-701 but I paid the extra because I wanted to have the classic F-701 stamped on the pocket clip, instead of F-xMD, haha. Also, I saw another KZbin video where the reviewer had owned an F-xMD for a while and it had dings and worn sections where it seemed to bely, to him, that the F-xMD was plated brass, rather than stainless steel, as he could see 'gold' colour, underneath where the 'silver' colour was dented and worn. The dings he had would even imply it was brass as brass is softer and easier dented. Being softer, it is also quicker and cheaper to machine into shape, in the factory (doesn't wear out cutting tools on saws and lathes as much, so tooling, be it tungsten carbide, diamond tipped blades, or whatever, lasts longer). This is also employed in the making of cheap watches where, you will find that, the cases are brass with nickel plating, etc, instead of stainless steel. I may be off on the wrong track, here, altogether, but that's what the other youtuber thought (brass, not stainless steel) and a move, like that, would make sense to me. It would also explain why they used the different nomenclature for that model, too; rather than calling it an F-701. And when Zebra say 'all metal construction' about it, they ain't lying. But the new F-701 packaging explicitly states 'stainless steel'. It would explain the price difference, too. As you have 3 F-701's, please take a fine needle file to the various component parts of your F-xMD and ruin it, to find out. 😜

[@Kurazaybo]

My issue with the 701 is that is not actually all metal and the metal parts are not all steel. Te conical part that screws in at the tip (is there a name for that?), grip and clicker button are made of crhomed brass apparently. Eventually the chrome wears off and a yellow/gold sheen is visible. In the grip it is specially ugly, but at the tip it easily gets dented, scratched and deformed. That is a very big issue in the M 701 mechanical pencil, which I actually prefer over the ballpoint pen. The problem is it has an integrated tube for the nib that is made of very thin brass and if you ever drop it or are not careful with it, it will bend preventing the nib from advancing and making the pencil unusable. Fortunately brass is soft enough that it can be straigthened back into shape, I do it by sliding a needle through it and have done it several times already. The brass grip does not compromise the function of the pen but it is perhaps the most dissapointing part of the original F-701 because over time the nice, sharp and shinny silver look is lost. The knurled surface deforms and becomes dull and scratched and brass has a characteristic metal smell that, while not awful, I have never had with any other zebra product (yes, I know it is not actually the metal that smells). The fatal flaw, however, is that on the inside the F-701 is made of plastic, with plastic threads to screw in the conical tip of the pen body. Over time the threads wear out and the pen cannot be closed again (this has been an issue since the F-301 and F401 models, of which I have broken a few this way). I had to retire my beloved F-701 thanks to this issue and was very hesitant about getting another. Granted, it lasted for 11 years but I was much more careful with it after I discovered this flaw. So I would like to confirm if the new version and/or the F-xMD change more than the looks. Perhaps the grip is now actually made of steel? I would like to think that the reason it is said to be all metal and has a metal refill is because there are no plastic or brass parts involved. One can dream, right? Edit: I realize now that perhaps a "cheaper" version with brass and plastic is what is available in my country, it would be nice to have confirmation so I could proceed to get one from abroad.

[@glenmo1]

The very last one you bought is the current model no longer called the MD.. I purchased one just like the one you have in the package at Staples for about 8 bucks. I actually purchased two of them I carry them with me when I travel on the airlines

[@unsharpen]

Thanks! The video is a bit old so perhaps they have made the line less confusing

[@thisisacrummyname]

The reason they are all different is because of the year they came out, now zebra makes them all stainless steel. So no more need to do any mods with the exception of the fisher space pen mod. With that mod you take the plastic sleeve out of the F-701 Metal tip & carefully cut the very outer tip of that plastic sleeve off which will make it ever so slightly shorter, & it will make it to where the fisher cartridge will fit easier.

[@unsharpen]

Yes the video is somewhat outdated at this point

[@crj5106]

I got my all steel F701 maybe two months ago. It came with the plastic 7mm one like in the MX or what ever one you showed. Though my older 301's come with the c18 china refill or the other one.. I think it's just whats on the assembly line that day. Though I wish Zebra would make a gel refill that just went into the 701 stock with no customizing.

[@angryagain68]

Office Max/Staples had "Indonesia" Zebra F-701 For about $5.00 recently.

[@benskx]

Hm I got one of the new F701 all metal from Office Depot and the Ohto PG-105NP, but the hack that worked for the previous model F701 is not working for my All Metal version. I removed the plastic stopped and even sanded down the refill but it just gets stuck in the end near the clicker, so I'm assuming something changed inside with the "all metal" version. Really sucks because the default ink is trash

[@unsharpen]

Yes the pen has been through a number of subtle changes over the years

[@LouisVuittonPrince]

Just bought an all metal stock f701 from Amazon

[@eviljeanyis]

Why don't they make them in black or other colors?

[@ccooper8040]

Sal help me out here. Recently got the new all steel F-701 and the clip is not very strong. How can it taken apart so that the clip can be bent? Thanks

[@chrisop4428]

I also want to know.

[@dalilbaby4238]

Went to Walmart and got the .8mm for $5.24. It was the Indonesia one with all metal as well!

[@jeffst.ongephotography1239]

Same here

[@chris_topher1984]

i just got that one today, it's really nice.

[@HellFire107]

I went to Meijer, they had them on sale for $2.58!!!

[@TheDizzyVids]

I literally bought this pen an hour ago click it use AMAZING but click again to retract.....doesn't T_t

[@alexis.kiyoko]

hi, i bought the f xmd and the retractor seems like its made out of plastic. Its not the same as the retractor from f 701. Should it be like that?

[@bustapiggs8211]

Man you got ripped off. Hey a damn lawyer and take them to Court.

[@VykersTechTips]

i also ordered zebra F 701 from indonesia. waiting to arrive.

[@robertmorano2372]

I've recently purchased the newer "all metal" f701 from Walmart (they have it for like $5). My question is about refills for this newer model. I've been doing a lot of reading on the subject, but everything you see is about some fitting in the older one, but having issues in the newer one. Is there somewhere I can find a list or does anyone have any confirmed recommendations for refills in the newer all metal f701. I am an executive chef and have carried a pen on me for probably 20 years or so. Usually Bic click sticks. This is my first non disposable. I like the idea of the space pen refill as I am always writing at whacky angles and conditions, but I am a sucker for a real satisfying click action. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated on this newer model, thanks!

[@robertmorano2372]

Little update. I trimmed and put just a basic 1.0mm Bic click "refill" and spring in the all metal f701. Removed the plastic liner from the tip, and stretched the spring slightly. The action is clicky and snappy and so good. The pen writes incredible now. the combination of the heavier pen and that classic Bic ink path just works for me. It is amazing how much better the pen is with these changes...amazing. I also picked up a zebra sarasa grand for a comparison. Nice pen, but an entirely different thing. I read that the gel refills that fit into the 701 do not last long, so that's a deal breaker for me. Anyway, I know nothing exciting, but I was blown away with how happy I am with this pen after the changes I've made. Next, is to pick up some of the 301 refills for further comparison. Happy writing.

[@JBbenanti]

Robert Morano the fisher space refill works perfectly with the newest “all metal” model. No worries

[@CMLounsbury]

FYI: The plastic collar F-701 is model # 29411. If anyone finds out the newer "ALL METAL" number, please reply to this comment and let me know.

[@Brad-xd2bt]

I ordered 29411 and it's the all metal one

[@juandemarko8348]

My favorite ball point

[@hubalahu]

Are all 4 versions sold simultaneously? Or are the ones with plastic already discontinued

[@unsharpen]

Discontinued. Unless you can find them new old Stock

[@hubalahu]

@@unsharpen I found the plastic ones new old stock in Singapore, stacked up among the other disposable pens. We could have easily looked past it if not observant

[@dustingaddis2423]

Just to add another data point :: I just bought an F-701 from Staples. Packaged says "All Metal Inside And Out!". It's made in Indonesia and has the skinny refill. I've been trying to get a Parker G2 Gel cartridge into it, and have ran into some problems. Using the stock spring with the Parker cartridge, no click. I think the spring is maybe too long, or at least, it's too long when compressed fully. I tried putting a Pilot G2 'plug' in the back of the cartridge, and it then got stuck inside the pen. I was able to get it out by dropping the pen onto a desk to knock the piece out, and when it came out, along came two little plastic pieces as well!! I guess it's not "all metal inside and out" after all huh? I wish I had taken a picture but was in a rush at the time. I've yet to get the Parker cartridge to work, gonna have to find a shorter spring and see if that'll do the trick.

[@dustingaddis2423]

​@@unsharpen I did get it to work, mostly. I ended up buying another 701 (with the black plastic click mechanism on top) after basically destroying the 'all-metal' version....more on that below. With the Parker cartridge it will sometimes stick just a bit, and it's because the tip on the pen is too long, when you press the clicker in and the cartridge moves all the way forward the leading edge of the body of the cartridge hits the back side of the pen tip. Because of the taper on the cartridge, sometimes it'll stick. I filed down the back edge of the tip just a bit and it works better now. But I'm still not in love with it, may file it down a bit more but I'm worried about buggering up the threads. Good thing I have two tips now! Here's the stock tip (left) vs the shortened tip (right) :: i.imgur.com/0TM9hhP.jpg It files really easily FYI. In other news. The 'All Metal' 701 is NOT all metal!!! It's literally full of plastic, from the tip to the top. Mine came in the same packaging shown on Jetpens currently, where it says 'all metal inside and out' - which is straight up false advertising. There's a plastic piece inside the tip, a plastic piece bonded inside the body, and three plastic pieces in the clicker mechanism. Here's some pics. This is the 'all metal' 701 taken mostly apart :: i.imgur.com/4sVoQ2Z.jpg What isn't shown is the plastic piece inside the tip and the plastic tube bonded inside the body. Here's a close up not-terribly-in-focus shot of the plastic click mechanism :: i.imgur.com/YBwpaQ1.jpg - do you know if this is brass in the 402 mechanism?? I haven't seen any pictures to confirm.... 'cause this is the part I would really want to be metal. And this is the plastic tube that's glued into the body of the pen. The clicker mechanism threads into this plastic piece :: i.imgur.com/zs7SkMJ.jpg When I heated mine up to un-thread the mechanism this came out too.

[@pkmachinegun]

Hey Dustin you went through all this research to get this info up and I appreciate it. Thanks 🙏

[@chrisbballninja]

does the new 7 series F-701 fit the fisher space pen refill?

[@sstevo4066]

This...Does it fit? Or can it be modded to fit?

[@jrli5952]

I just got this pen today and my dumbass got the plastic end of a pilot refill stuck in it Think all is lost and done for? Might have to but another one rip

[@IIGeminII]

I just bought the F 701's from WalMart (5 of them) for $3 each.

[@IIGeminII]

I went back today and bought four more ... Going to gift a few of them ...

[@iBendThings]

So these can take a pilot G2?

[@unsharpen]

No

[@iBendThings]

@@unsharpen Thanks!

[@rogeramdahl4992]

If that new F-701 takes the Schneider Express 775 refill, you should praise the lord of pen heaven. I have to purchase one now. I have a F-xMD in the mail, wonder if that one takes multiple refills also?

[@AJ-iu6nw]

What's so special about this pen body? I'm looking for a thick metal pen body

[@unsharpen]

Its nicely overbuilt. Its thick metal and very tough

[@AJ-iu6nw]

@@unsharpen can you recommend a thick grip pen (like your rotring 600) that will accept Schneider refills?

[@cheezbomber]

Burn me as a heretic, but I've now had at least 3 prior generation F-701's (with the plastic click mechanism) and 2 of the newer "stock" and "all-metal" F-701's. I really don't get what the fuss is about having all metal. That applies to 1) the click mechanism, which is now noticeably louder with the all metal, and 2) the refill. I mean, give me a break... these things are well made and I've always lost my pen without any of the mechanisms breaking. And the refills are fine. Are people afraid the plastic will melt or something? If so, why are you buying a sub-$10 (I always got mine on sale for $4.99 or less...) pen on Amazon?

[@unsharpen]

Fair point. What I've found is that some people like heavy pens and people use their pens under much tougher circumstances than I do. Additionally, people like buy-it-for-life stuff, so the F-701 has a lot of appeal.

[@cheezbomber]

@@unsharpen It seems like folks are obsessed with the "all metal" feature when I would argue it doesn't actually add to durability. I bet a stock (plastic) F-701 is more durable than the F-402 modified version. Actually, I never knew these things were so popular in the EDC community but have always loved them for the durability and heft in the hand. I found these videos while fixing an F-701 that my 5 year old broke/disassembled. The funny thing is that I couldn't find a single video just showing how the pen is actually assembled, just all these fancy mods. I guess I'm happy I'm not the only one who loves these pens, but I think the obsession with the metal is for the "cool factor" rather than anything with practical value. I'll quit worrying now...

[@ifffopfmn]

now I know I can get 4 near identical pens and have different colored ink in them and be able to tell them apart.

[@SaSpursFan]

How could they make an all steel pen but totally ignore the fact that people want something other than a ballpoint refill. I would love a gel refill

[@unsharpen]

This summer!

[@SaSpursFan]

Unsharpen amazing!!’

[@SaSpursFan]

Unsharpen are you referring to the G -750?

[@goodtimes1046]

The photo on Amazon for "F-701" 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.

[@patrickherring3565]

The Fischer tip won't fit through the end of the zebra

[@BPD007]

Yah I just tried this today and same thing

[@patrickherring3565]

@@BPD007 there’s a little piece of plastic in the tip you need to remove. I found that out and it worked fine

[@Skungeasaur]

Additionally all components are X-RAY Metal Detectable for the MD is the reason its metal!

[@Sifo_Dyas]

The F-xMD is now obsolete now that the F-701 comes all metal, yet it's still sold for twice the price.

[@unsharpen]

Yea it’s super confusing.

[@pendulousphallus]

Can I slap a Pilot G2 refill in mine? I didn't know they were similarly sized refills.

[@johnnyabernathy3278]

I clip my F701 to a split ring on my key ring making it a true edc pen.

[@jb6027]

I've totally given up on the F-701. I don't like the ink that came with it, so I tried a Fisher Space Pen refill. I have lots of Space Pens. Yes, they write anywhere, but for more than a short note, they're too much work. I then tried a Parker Gel refill. For whatever reason that didn't work either and then the plastic pieces in the clicker when flying and I couldn't find them. What really needs to happen is for Zebra to get off their dead ass and make a Gel refill for the F-701. Until then, I'll stick with Parker.

[@sumeetsoft]

Wait, try the pierre cardin refill parker style refill which doesn't cost much and but you can cut the blue plastic and then it fits perfect, also it writes really great. Try

[@jb6027]

@@sumeetsoft Too late, the retracting mechanism under the button came apart and went flying away.

[@sumeetsoft]

@@jb6027 oops

[@jb6027]

@@sumeetsoft Oops is right! I've gone back to the silver all metal Pentel Gel and the large size stainless Parker Jotter with Gel ink. The both write very well. I found out about the larger Parker Jotters from this channel and I appreciate his recommendation. The normal Parkers are to thin for me.

[@Joe-bm4wx]

The new "all metal" F-701 SUCKS ASS. I bought one to replace an old F-701 black collar that I had, and it is nowhere near as nice. I do not like the rounded top to it, and the clip stays loose all of the time. The refill in it writes poorly as well.

[@paulrayl9470]

Problem with it is that it's not all medal. The clicker mechanism is plastic.

[@paulrayl9470]

@@unsharpen I bought a couple of the new ones directly from zebra, and yes the collar is metal, but the actual inset is plastic.