Zebra F-xMD vs F-701 (Modded and Stock) EDC Pen Comparison

Looking for the best cheap EDC pen? The F-xMD ( amzn.to/2kAmo3C ) is worth checking out. Here is my review of the F-xMD as well as a comparison to the F-701 and the modded / hacked F-701.
More at budget EDC and best EDC pen suggestions: unsharpen.com/pen/zebra-f-xmd...
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[@charlieisamonster]

Great review Sal. Many thanks

[@Lughnerson]

Spray teflon dry lube inside your pens to make them smoother.

[@theman1956]

The Zebra 701 and it's successor are nice pens but they have one flaw. The bottom nib screws into plastic with a fine shallow thread. Those threads quickly wear. While the nib can be held in place with silicone or some other semi-permanent adhesive, you never know when it's going to let go.

[@charlieisamonster]

I had the same issue with the space pen refill. Like a few people have mentioned there is a small plastic cone inside the very end of the nib. I found if you get the pointy end of a pair of scissors and insert it a few millimetres into the detached nib and rotate it will shave the plastic nicely. If you take a bit of time to keep trying the refill into it, until it fits perfectly otherwise if you shave too much it may get a little wobbly when writing. Worth it though because it’s a good pen but with the different refill its a great pen. I didn’t have any need to alter the spring.

[@squidwardstesticles5914]

I just cut a tiny part of the end of the plastic part off (as someone in a tutorial video suggested) and it worked perfectly

[@risingwarrior9937]

This was the answer I was searching for. Thanks to the both of you.

[@johnlarock4486]

I just picked up another f701 it's got the metal button and they've changed the to a thinner metal refill, space pen refill won't fit. I've actually modded mine with g402 parts to take the JK type gel refill, I had to use the 402 nose piece and click mechanism with a .050" shim to make up for the slight difference in length. I tried to install the JK refill into the new 701 but the diameter is just a bit too big and it jammed and pulled part of the mechanism out when I removed it. Thought I'd be able to save a step but no dice. I used a leather punch to cut a shim just the right size to stick in the cup of the mechanism, now I can just use stock refills.

[@rickh.3655]

Nice review :)

[@-----REDACTED-----]

So does the fisher space pen refill fit into the fxmd? And what about Parker G2 refills? That is currently all that keeps me from buying it...

[@acmramon]

can u fit a parker G2 refill into the zebra fxmd?(cut the top plastic?) a video will be nice

[@karnaghan]

Does the easyflow9000 fit into the fxmd without modification? Very curious

[@Giantcappuccino]

Can the FXMD body hold a Parker G2 refill without modification?

[@huangtow]

Anyone have any suggestions on which 0.5mm or smaller refill I can replace into the F-xMD?

[@eugeneokeeffe6]

Any gel inks fit in these pens

[@themightysquid]

I tried buying the F-701 but can’t find it in anything but a fine point. I need a medium or bold point.

[@venetianclown2309]

Hi, what is the F-xMD’s hand grip diameter? Is it thicker than that of Rotring 600’s? I find Rotring 600’s fits my hand very well. I hesitate to get this F-xMD. Thanks.

[@unsharpen]

unsharpen.com/pen/zebra-f-xmd-ballpoint/

[@romeclasher4671]

All steel F701 now replaced original. Since Aug. 2018. 👍

[@ivanflores2881]

Just bought a F701 at staples and it’s completely metal. Even the stock cartridge.no Black plastic at the top by the button either. New model maybe?

[@JohnneyT]

I also bought an all metal construction Zebra F-701 but from Office Depot. I'm also wondering if it's a new model. Can't remember what I paid for it. Now I'm confused, is the new F-701 all metal construction the same as the fxmd?🤔😵

[@squidwardstesticles5914]

Johnney T pretty much. I don’t know if the refill is the same because I’ve never owned an F-xmd, but everything else is the same

[@risingwarrior9937]

Can anyone tell me if rhe new Zebra F 701 (all metal construction) will take the Fisher Space Pen Refills. Thanks

[@juanf.maldonadomarin6954]

@@risingwarrior9937 , it does; mine went in neatly and without hassles or difficulties.

[@therealblurrybarber]

I'm not a pen guy at all. But I'm looking for a decent edc pen that's under $10. Obviously the zebra x701 or f701 have come up a lot. Does that little plastic piece really make that big of a difference? If so, for what? Are they notorious for breaking or something? Or is having an "all metal pen" an important feature for some people? And again .. if so, why?

[@unsharpen]

Most people prefer the feel and look of a metal pen. The plastic is a potential breaking point, but those pens don't tend to break. I'd recommend looking into the G-450: unsharpen.com/pen/zebra-g-450-gel-pen/

[@therealblurrybarber]

@@unsharpen ok thanks. I've been using a G2 for as long as I can remember. I just like how they write. For a cheap pen they seem to write the best out of what I have person used. But I carry a pocket notebook around now because my memory is shot. So I'm looking for a decent pen. And durability is something that is important to me since it is gonna be an edc item. All of these Zebra pens seem to be highly reviewed and they also fit into my price point. I don't really want to spend over $10 on a pen right now. At least until I find I've "outgrown" the cheaper ones. I thought the same thing about knives. Always said "I'll never spend over $50 on a pocket knife". Ive carried a variety of Benchmade knives over the past ten years now haha

[@dante_gonal]

between the Fxmd and F701 is there any difference?

[@unsharpen]

Basically no

[@b1lf435]

Hey I just got a Zebra F-xMD and the stock refill or the other Zebra refills - when I first write with the pen after “opening” it - there is a small 1mm depression for the refill that goes back into the pen before it remains stable. It’s extremely annoying to me. Have you noticed this as well?

[@b1lf435]

Sal - I have. It’s a tight fit and doesn’t pop back like the Zebra refills - however it writes like shit. I hate ballpoints. I want rollerball or gel, fine.

[@b1lf435]

I can email you a video of what I’m experiencing... maybe you don’t notice it because it’s slight ?

[@justadnan6286]

Hey @unsharpen I checked Zebra about the weight of the pen and why does it say 9 grams nowadays did they change it from 20 grams? If you know this change can you plz answer🙏🏻

[@unsharpen]

unsharpen.com/pen/zebra-f-701-ballpoint-pen/ 21g. Maybe I misspoke? Sorry

[@ChrisIliff]

My f-xMD doesn't take the space pen refills. The nib seems to be too wide for the pen. A shame because I love the pen and been using it every day for a while.

[@rlgonzalez04]

Chris Iliff You can use a different refills for Zebra pens. When I get some time I will make a video to show the new refill I'm on my D-xMD.

[@ChrisIliff]

rlgonzalez04 Great, thanks. I tried the Schmidt 4889M pressurised but no joy.

[@fidencio14]

I'd love for it to take pilot g2 gel refills. Besides the standard Parker , what gels would you recommend?

[@rlgonzalez04]

Chris Iliff I'm uploading the video now that shows you what refills you can use. Give it time to load my amigo.

[@rlgonzalez04]

fidencio14 Unfortunately, G2 refills won't work my man. I'm uploading a video showing you what you do to use a different refill in your Zebra pen. Then you can decide which gel refill. Give the video some time to upload as my work WiFi is sloooow.

[@sugenkthole]

The F-701 pen made in my country,, and the price is about $4-6

[@risingwarrior9937]

What country is ot made in?

[@shadowkillz9606]

@@risingwarrior9937 Indonesia according to the video

[@bieberninja1]

yo man your videos are so good but you forgot to tell us the length of the pen!

[@unsharpen]

All specs are on unsharpen.com

[@bieberninja1]

@@unsharpen i went to your website before coming to youtube and you only give the weight not the length

[@jballz5848]

The 402 clip is much nicer. Rounded mold instead of stamped crap

[@chainjail4834]

It's been 4 years and there's no successor...

[@unsharpen]

Well they revised the f701 to go all steel and releases the g750

[@piza3623]

Just why Japanese can't get pens that is manufactured by our own country's company in Japan. If it was designed for closed place like otaku, I could convince myself, but this...just why.

[@melprice]

I love EDC videos. I love this one but... What’s this obsession with weight? I’ve been able to carry 20 gram and 27 gram pens since I was 3 years old. Hmmm, which T-shirt should I wear today? The 100 gram one or the 107 gram one, I mean, I don’t want my legs to get tired. Do some bicep curls with 3 sheets of Charmin Ultra, you’ll build up to be able to carry that 27 gram pen in no time