What if I could only keep one pen?

Today, we're going to take a look at my pen collection, and ask one of the hardest questions of all: What if I could only keep one?

[@sea0fgreen33]

I have a Parker jotter, I bought almost 20 years ago. Had it all through high school, and used it in my trucking career for logs and bills of lading and what not. Carried it in all 48 continental states, in the log woods driving log truck. In the oil fields hauling frac sand. I bought 4 refills the same day I got the pen, I still have 1 left unopened. Clicker still works like it did on day 1.

[@aliveandwell3958]

Which kind? Fountain or ball point?

[@sea0fgreen33]

@@aliveandwell3958 ball point

[@aliveandwell3958]

@@sea0fgreen33 thank you so much!

[@humanfirst11]

absolutely awesome!! i wish you many more days and years with it!

[@Zordy21]

Awesome 👍

[@gryphingeer2471]

You can kind of see his reflection Edit: he is wearing a batman mask I’m dead

[@semkoot8315]

Omg you're right 😭 6:21 on the TWSBI eco ring

[@squintygreeneyes]

u guys have issues lol

[@hehoff33]

I constantly mock my wife's obsession with office supplies. You must never tell her I watched this.

[@r__9_1____a34]

Office supplies are fun, there's lots of variety between them and the way I do it, it's a really cheap thing to like. I mean, I get a different pack of paper each time and it's like $3 and they're different from the last or I order a fountain pen from China for $3 and it's very fun to use and get some $3 bottle of Chinese ink or maybe even splurge on $7 ink. It's only marginally more expensive than the cheapest path and if you write a lot which I do for university then I mean you get to enjoy doing your work more.

[@squintygreeneyes]

u call them “office supplies” ? u fucking animal

[@oklahomahank2378]

Better than getting into watches.

[@James.Markham757Va]

😂

[@harrypehkonen]

Awww! Tell her! You'll have even more in common that way :D

[@Polyfusia]

I drilled a whole in a jagged rock and put a Fisher cartridge in it. Best EDC.

[@crippleboi8981]

So u have a Hinderer investigater

[@thestig007]

I carry the "bullet" style space pen every day. It never gets in my way and it always works when I need it.

[@badcrockett57]

Excellent pen!

[@fxrober]

I tried the Parker Jotter based on your comments, and it does everything I need. There may well be more satisfying and/or durable pens out there, but I don't need to get into pens! Your complete reviews and takedown videos are great, but I really love the 'philosophical' videos, either collection overviews like this and even more the videos like your recent 'Icarus gear' reflections. Thanks for all you do, Dr. Nick.

[@Discodave42]

I love my Machine Era Classic for all the same reasons. I love the feeling in the hand and writes really well. I also love the fact that feels like it will last forever.

[@HUGOTHT]

I longer I have my Machine-era classic, the more I love its feeling in my hand. The weight and the balance are just right, It has so much fun to fidget with it and spin it nonstop, Now I love to carry it and write with it more than my Tactile turn.

[@DieYuppieScum91]

Highly recommend Energel refills over the G2 for an inexpensive refill. Comparable smoothness without all of the smudging and messiness.

[@Richard_Barnes]

My 2nd time watching this and I still agree with your final choice. I love the TWSBI pens too, however they are not an ideal EDC pen. Great video Nick. 👍🏻😀

[@Smallfi5h]

For me a Bigidesign pocket pro in solid brass. It’s a lovely weight and is compatible with almost all the refills I like. From what I’ve been told it can use up to 100 refills, not that I use more than about 6. It comes with some spare parts and a lifetime guarantee.

[@richarda3764]

Interesting look at your pens. My preferred EDC is the Hexomatic Retro 1951. I switched the refill to a gel and it's fantastic. Personally, I like to have a clip and I really like having a knurled section so my fingers don't slip when writing.

[@ssvs0485]

Without a clip that would not be my choice

[@readyme]

TRUE LIBERTY agreed. Massdrop sold one with a version that had a clip. Sign up and request them to drop it again.

[@JoeySalinas12]

Same here. I actually own this pen (and it really is one of my favorites), but for this exact reason is why it wouldn't be my choice for my only pen.

[@polarbearjf]

@Nich Shabazz Would vid change if you had the TactileTurn Bolt Action Short at the time of filming? Cheers! Keep up the great work.

[@johobo2038]

Love the machine era pen. Been carrying mine ever since I saw your review on them. I’m done looking for new pens.

[@d4mdcykey]

I can totally understand the criteria used, and the one you chose. For me, however, now that I've been moving toward the most functional-yet-minimal EDC, I'd have to go with the Vision Metal Design LP-5. I really don't have that much need for a pen on a daily carry basis, and its compact nature is perfect. For at home use, I definitely choose the Machine Era Pen (stainless).

[@Danielsworlds]

As someone who has carried a fountain pen edc for years I've learned how to deal with some of the downsides that they do come with. I totally understand why many people don't but it's served me well.

[@cmaster0368]

Couldn't agree more. GREAT choice. I've tried various fountain pens (going back to Parker 51s, which still work and work well) and space pens and this, this is so far my ultimate go-to pen. Other than the roll-around factor...show me a more bullet-proof, disappears-in-a-pocket pen and I'll give it a whirl. Great, uber simplistic, all brass design and a multitude of refills = great EDC pen.

[@MrMikebarrie]

“Parka Charter” cracked me up WAY more than it should have.

[@cooperclarke154]

Have you looked at the David Oscarson pens? Beautiful machining and glass work on them.

[@saodavi6267]

Take a look at the Kaweco Al Sport in ballpoint/rollerball. It's a great daily user. I have both the Machine Era the Al Sport and find the Kaweco to be better balanced and more comfortable. The Kaweco is faceted and doesn't roll away. It also deploys more quickly.

[@EVONLMessi10]

Perfect Option Nick!! Love it too!

[@mrzotzot68]

have u tried the blank forces silencer or the hinderer investigator?

[@Lack_of_response]

the darriel caston rocket pen for me. all titanium, few parts, fits widely available refills, oval cross-section stops it from rolling away, nice bolt action.

[@LaughingKrow]

I've followed your knife vids for a while. But I've always ignored the pen ones. For an EDC nut like me who changes knives like I change shirts, all I've carried for years and all I've needed is the Fisher AG7 (Because history and it deploys instantly from by breast pocket) and a little Fisher brass bullet in my Popov slip. But now? I think I might have to try that Machine Era. I love me some brass and that just looks beefy. Might even fit the Popov slip next to my Lionsteel Shuffler.

[@michaelfarabella4459]

You should try the Kaweco Sport Brass roller ball edition. Feels like it would be the same as your favorite and it is a little more compact.

[@jdnoss1234]

I find it interesting that you went with the Machine Era Classic. Especially sense it didn’t get gem status and the ti-scribe bolt does. But having all of the same pens I would have to agree with you. Just need the machine eras to come back into stock so I can replace the one I lost.

[@franksalem8580]

It did receive Gem status. Listen at the 12:30 mark here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGqkfp5-ipaabLc

[@tylerhawkins6774]

New to your channel, good video! Are you planning to review the Big Idea Pocket Pro pen?

[@crazehare]

When did you get rid of your Prometheus pen?

[@BlueRedGooGoo]

What G2 refills do you prefer?

[@mattfisher72]

Bullet Fisher Space pen in blue ink. Writes great on those waxy receipts and easy to carry for under $20.

[@dejanzabaljac6950]

Yes i agree with you Nick! This pen is can be carried in many ways and it's gorgeous. It's made in USA,it's good price and it's good quality. I'm planing to take piece of brass and machine new cap for pen and put a clip on it.

[@tacticalfruitdestroyer9013]

Great video Nick, thank you! If Machine Era wasn't sold out I would've bought one. I picked up a Tactile Turn Bolt Action Mini. It's on the way. 😊

[@calihiker7980]

I use a Fisher bullet space pen. I like what you said though, it makes sense to get a pen that will last a lifetime if for nothing else than to not add more cheap pens to the landfill. The space pen refills are completely recyclable due to being brass, which is nice. It’s also great that they have many color options, and that the pen itself is so compact. I actually prefer that it’s not a gel pen, mainly due to my use of waterproof paper, which doesn’t work with gel ink.

[@Justintoxed]

My pick would be the Fellhoelter TiBolt, haven't used another in over a year.

[@13noman1]

If I had one of your final selection, it would be mine, too. The closest I have is an aluminum body Karas Kustom (retractable) that uses G2 fills. While I'm something of a fountain pen addict (carry several every day!) and would miss them terribly, if I could only have one it would indeed be some kind of metal pen using a G2 refill

[@urbandadcarry]

I wonder what your (updated) thoughts now that you have tt bolt action & tiscribe..

[@skengbiscuit279]

Yay I asked for a video like this recently, thank you

[@InGratitudeIam]

I would offer that you have a "meager assortment" as opposed to a "collection!" FWIW, you forgot to include a pencil (just for argument's sake). :))) For me, even though I love using a fountain pen on a daily basis, I think the TiScribe Bolt is tough to beat for a few reasons. The refills offer tremendous variety and it also serves as a very discreet weapon. Visually, it's elegant but not snooty. And finally, it's quicker to bring into action/use than the Machine Bolt, but every bit as durable. However, great thought process. Thanks!

[@W1cked805]

Nick, what about the tactile turn bolt?

[@messmer777]

I have the Machine Era classic, which I do like but it is heavy and my hand gets tired after writing with it for any length of time. My favorite is the Bigt Idea TI Arto EDC.

[@ReneMarcouxJr]

Cool, got one coming in the mail after it dropped on MD, it was an offer I couldn't refuse!

[@sputumtube]

My personal favourite is the Sheaffer No Nonsense fountain pen with the medium nib. I have four and have been using them for decades. Not being a big user of ball-points, the trusty old Bic Biro is a reliable (and mostly disposable) option. I've never found the need for a 'tactical' pen (whatever that means).

[@jaredrablin96]

Have you tried any of the pens by WE?

[@themixmusicandmore6280]

My only gripe about this one is it doesn't have a clip. I would buy the Parker jotter but it seems like the clip is too flimsy. The Grafton got a horrible review from you LOL so does anyone have a recommendation?

[@captainsewerrat]

Nick, you should consider doing a "What if I could only make/upload one more video?" a more philosophical video where you contemplate what topic you might want to cover, if it should be a review for traditions sake, or something like the billionaire credit card video, or a last message to your viewers? I think it could be an interesting video to make.

[@SmartFool24]

I was so sure it was gonna be TiScribe. I’m using he Ti EDC Click from BigIDesign right now but if I could only keep one the TiScribe would probably be it for the simple design, refill options, and titanium construction. I’d like to see a new Tiscribe where he hides the connection in one of the grooves but the way it is now is still functionally excellent.

[@standardaccount6658]

What if Nick could only keep one razor?

[@hulksquad3810]

Nice video 👌. My choice from my collection would be the Nottingham plain TI clicker

[@saxcobra895]

I have a Smith and Wesson pen that I love. It isn't overly tactical, takes most cartridges and is a solid edc choice

[@pmaggs]

Never been a pen gal but recently got a shell for a G2 cartridge in nice purple. Just a stick and cap pen. I like it enough.

[@Policesamuri77717]

Hello Sir. I see you are very knowledgeable. I have Kaweco, lamy, Twisby, Parker, Schaefer, Cross and Mont Blanc fountain pens. My Twisby also has the stub nib and it is also my favorite fountain pen. For everyday, on the go, I use a Fisher Space pen with a bold point refill.

[@jamieluvsknives3912]

I love the hinderer pen in brass and the boker bolt action micarta pen I switch back and forth . Great video

[@joshuadyck816]

In my mind, he closed off the video saying he made the "write" call.

[@AP_Thailand]

Rotring 800 black with Schmidt EasyFLOW cartridge is my choice, but really like the Hinderer Investigator pen for edc purpose ! This Machine Era pen looks very attractive for me as well, but without a clip for easy carry and to prevent it from rolling on the table is a deal breaker for me...

[@kylem4898]

Nick did you see the recent run of tiscribes? Black cerecote with mokuti kit is awesome

[@1598hi]

I have that machine era pen. I stopped using it. It looks and feels great but what I didnt know is that brass still contains lead. So I stopped using it. Was nice with the pilot bold gel cartridge

[@Tankman333]

so on one of your reviews a good while back i caught a look at the prometheus so my idea was to put together an all copper pocket slip so i got a slip started with the prometheus and having similar practical needs went with the same choice on the pen i did check out the work on the pen from prometheus and wow some really fine work but for some type of blade i ordered a copper natrix big mistake so i went and ordered the mass drop copper utility and all's right in the world today clean little cutter anyway that's my story and thanks Nick

[@HeyGeesh]

Pick up a slim line pen. They're great and look super good.

[@gregrudzinski]

Vintage Parker Jotter with black barrel and fine point Fisher refill. A good value durable pen.

[@Classicalthomas]

I havea couple pens that have a screw cap. when you have to quickly get a pen, it slows you down too much. I think if you can only have one, you need either a click or bolt or twist pen, or at worst a capped pen that you can just pull the cap off and stick onto the back without any screwing. Of the ones you showed, that would have left the parker jotter or the bolt pen.

[@petermitchell7851]

I’d definitely want a metal pen with as few mechanisms as possible that could break. Also a metal that won’t corrode easily. A titanium version of that machine era pen would be cool, if it fit a variety of refills. In the military, there are a lot of jobs for which an all weather refill is more than a gimmick.

[@joshxcor]

Parker Jotters are decent pens, but I’ve snapped the clip on every one I’ve ever owned. My choice is the Tactile Turn Glider in copper. I also like my fisher bullets, but I like a full size pen, especially as a full time student.

[@BeardsBaconTech]

What’s the name of that copper pen where can I buy it and how do you do your videos where you have the camera pointing down how do you do that

[@NickShabazz]

Check my "Behind the Gems" video. And the Brass is the MachineEra Classic.

[@shaunpearson7905]

Check out Pineider's travel ink pot (or more expensive one by Visconti). Nice way to bring extra ink with you and easy to use on the go. edit: travel inkwell

[@lz3390]

More pen videos please! For me, I'd probably keep my Kaweco Sport Al.

[@frankcolletti4344]

Hi Nick, I'm very surprised you didn't have your Prometheus writes isn't that your favorite pen

[@BrewCityRider]

What happened to your Fisher Space pen?

[@mc3129]

Machine Era’s are great ! Have 2 and ordered the Field Pen Twist yesterday. Carry my originals with my SK Buck Goodfella in my @khleather pen/knife sleeve per your reviews. Happy with all. I do really love my Liliput though. Fountain pens make writing fun (as fun as writing can get) and it has a great fidget factor.

[@lexan2002]

Im so partial to bolt action pens I really wanted the ti scribe to win. Just ordered me a brass boker rocket pen actually. Looking forward to using it

[@zachstuff]

Like your choice and mine would be the Urban ti scribe! Pens are okay to get Into???

[@monkeyfaceII]

Zach’s Stuff do not get into watches 😊

[@cedricathlan9399]

Pens are OK to get into, in my opinion, as long as you keep a safe distance between you and the full-on custom 12000$ pens, that is...

[@oklahomahank2378]

Knives are ok, too, unless you crave customs.

[@grimflipz]

Check out the blank forces pen... I really want a microtech syphon pen also...

[@JadeGeminiM390]

After watching The Urban Gentry, I picked up a Jotter with a Fisher Space Pen refill in it and haven’t looked back.

[@l0veall]

I love how you have to tell people that this is your opinion and you can't be wrong

[@ChasingForever]

Love my Refyne bolt action pen. Carry it every day.

[@katzsteel]

Hands down, Pentel Energel 07 needle point. Best writing pen I’ve found in my quest so far.

[@Yaotl-1]

Pentel is quality. Favorite used to be that robust energel alloy until I tried the energel style. Smooth and sleek body with an auto retracting barrel. You won't regret getting one

[@bryanstone654]

Energel refills fit both the ti scribe bolt and the machine era classic

[@BOH1995]

I love my fountain pens. I’ve got about 7 twsbis & other various ones, I’ve got the urban survival ti scribe in about three different types but over all I agree with you here if I needed just one tried & true pen it would be this one.

[@nobodyguy4524]

I think you just helped me find my dream pen. THE MACHINE ERA CLASSIC 😎

[@meowianoverlord4854]

I don't know, my 21 years old Parker Jotter still works fine. It's not my favorite pen but it's pretty sturdy.

[@trungdchu]

I use a tec pico titanium pen for the wallet (it use a zebra mini refill which is relatively common) and a ti arto for the days I do carry notebook (might upgrade to ti arto edc or ti pocket pro for compact size). I am not a fan of click form, much prefer the bolt action / twist form.

[@tomasdeleondominguez7693]

Titanium body Embassy pen with a stainless steel Embassy pen cap as made by countycomm with the Fisher refill used in the Space pen. It is built like a tank with no internal moving parts, similar to the chosen here by Nick, and heavy enought that doubles as a defense tool, but does not look tactical. Second place is Big Idea Ti Click, which is so easy to use, very lightweight and is well built.

[@tuhkathri9126]

We need you to do a 2021 version of this

[@justadudefrom97]

Machine Era Classic out of the ones I personally own, followed closely by the parker jotter.

[@shaunharrison9618]

I literally just bought a Benchmade 1100 Damasteel pen this afternoon. It is a tank and has beautiful machining. It also writes very well using fisher space pen refills.

[@Tmankiller72]

I thought for sure it would be the Prometheus.

[@tylermcgurk4576]

My edc pen is the tactile turn bolt action short (best pen in my opinion)

[@gmtmastertoo]

what happened to the prometheus writes alpha pen?

[@ExaltedWarrior]

My favorite is the Mortimer Ichabod marker...

[@Robert-ug5hx]

I used a parker jotter for decades, a few years went to the fisher cap-o-matic ,and the fisher ag7. Still love packets but I'm outdoors most of the time fisher work better for me

[@PatrisDev]

The Lamy 2000 for me. I don't get to write that often, so when the opportunity does occur, I want to make that experience as pleasurable as possible.

[@amoledzeppelin]

I have two Parkers, two "tactical" pens that take ISO standard G2 refills, and ~15 disposables including two Aihao rollers and oil-based semi-gels like Aihao Zentel or Axent Reporter (technically not a disposable, but good luck finding the exact same refills for it). I decided that if I move away, I only take these Parkers and the Nitecore NTP21. But... If I had to only keep one pen, it would depend on the environment I'd live in. In an urban environment, it would be the current-gen Parker Jotter SS BP. Because compact and reliable while not looking as intimidating as "tactical" pens, and also because ISO G2 (not to be confused with Pilot G2) refills FTW (which refills exactly I'd use for it, is another story). In a rural environment though, it would be... Parker Jotter CT (or SS, or even GT) FP F with a compatible converter. Because then I'd be able to make my own ink for it and not depend on disposable refills, its F nib writes exactly as I'd expect it to write to replace my seemingly neverending one-time Aihao rollerball pen, and it's not much larger than its ballpoint counterpart. Neither of them, by the way, features a screw-on cap, so they both are quicker to deploy than your pen of choice. And than the NTP21 too.

[@maelmissier3378]

I love the Urban Survival Gear and it is beautiful

[@drakos5442]

I admit to being a fidgeter and playing with the cap a bunch but my Machine Era Brass pen lasted about 2.5 months until the threads for posting the cap became basically useless. It's very disappointing because it's great other than that.

[@mackgmoney1515]

I would prefer a clicka...imho☺. Great info! Awesome reviews!

[@readyme]

I love my Machine Era Classic. Bought it after your review. I am hoping they rerelease the version with a clip attached to the cap... it was on Massdrop at one time. Sign on an request the drop again!

[@willseward2993]

it's on their site now!

[@ElliotDrinksWater]

Do you not have the Prometheus pen anymore, I was surprised to see that wasn't here anymore.

[@ElliotDrinksWater]

@Enclusion fair enough, that was such a beautiful pen that and the Ti-Scribe are my favorites.

[@moobcars6490]

@Enclusion And the blue clip? Did you buy it through massdrop?

[@abdalabinladen]

Parker Jotter for me... Looks decent, reliable, easy to carry. And if I lose it I will not get a stroke!

[@onpointedc4744]

No tactile turn??

[@ihurricane7]

No way is that his real accent

[@michaelmelling9333]

So. I rushed over to Amazon to snag one of these pens ... but stopped dead in my tracks when I saw some photos that people took with the end cap having broken off their pens.:-(