Everyday Carry

Write in Style – Best EDC Pens in 2024

Authored by:
Jonathan Tayag
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
Write in Style – Best EDC Pens in 2024

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If you've ever found yourself having to search for a pen or ask someone around you for one, you know how important having a pen in your EDC is. And if you've ended up having to resort to the cheap throwaways they give you at a restaurant, you know how important having a good pen is.

A crucial part of being in the EDC hobby is self-reliance. Instead of being that person asking to borrow someone’s Parker Jotter next time you're waiting to put your name down at a restaurant or filling out paperwork at the post office, consider adding a quality pen to your set of daily gear. It's quick and convenient, especially compared to fumbling through your phone for a specific note-taking app.

The best pen for everyday carry is the one you have, which usually means it's durable, reliable, and pocket-friendly. This updated guide highlights our top 10 picks for today's best EDC pens.


Our Top Picks

The Best Overall EDC Pen: Tactile Turn Side Click [Buy] / [Full Review]

The Most Premium EDC Pen: The Ridge Bolt Action Pen 24 Karat Gold [Buy

The Best EDC Pen on a Budget: Zebra F-701 2018 Version [Buy

The Most Compact EDC Pen: Olight Open Mini [Buy

The Best EDC Pen for Writing Anywhere: Rite in the Rain All-Weather Pocket Pen [Buy

The Best EDC Pen for Multiple Refills: BigIDesign Ti Pocket Pro [Buy] / [Full Review]


Tactile Turn Side Click
The Ridge Bolt Action Pen 24 Karat Gold
Zebra F-701 2018 Version
Olight Open Mini
Rite in the Rain All-Weather Pocket Pen





$$
$$
$
$
$
LengthMultiple
Length5.03"
Length: 5.24"
Length3.66"
Length5.05"
Materials: Multiple
Materials24 karat gold
Materials: Stainless steel
MaterialsStainless steel
Materials: Plastic
Key Features: Also comes in a slim version
Key Features: Manganese spring steel clip
Key Features: All-metal construction
Key Features: Skeletonized body
Key Features: Fisher pressurized refill
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now

The Best EDC Pens Today

Tactile

The Best Overall EDC Pen: Tactile Turn Side Click

Purchase
Key Features
Three sizes
Four premium materials
Also comes in a slim version
Specifications
Length
Multiple
Weight
Multiple
Material
Multiple
EDC Rating


Price
$$
The Tactile Turn Side Click actuates as it sounds: with a click mechanism on its side. Unlike off-the-shelf click mechanisms, the USA-made Side Click is made entirely of metal, giving it a satisfying snappiness and audible clicky response when deploying the pen. Like the internals, the pen's exterior is made of metal. It is available in three premium materials: titanium, copper, bronze, and zirconium. It's also available in the length of your choice, from the Standard 5.8” model down to a smaller 4.6” everyday carry Mini note taker. And if you prefer a bolt-action method, the Tactile Turn Bolt Action pen is also an option.
The

The Most Premium EDC Pen: The Ridge Bolt Action Pen 24 Karat Gold

Purchase
Key Features
Lifetime warranty
Compatible with standard Parker refills
Manganese spring steel clip
Specifications
Length
5.3"
Weight
1.2 oz
Material
99.9% 24 karat gold
EDC Rating


Price
$$
Ridge's new Bolt Action Pen features high-quality construction, a fun deployment mechanism, and a smooth writing experience fit for every EDC. This special edition of Ridge's Bolt Action Pen strikes a different tone from the standard 6061 aluminum or even the premium titanium model. It’s certainly different from a gas station tactical pen that’s only good for self-defense and not my EDC. That's because it features 24-karat gold plated construction, something you find in only some of the finest luxury pens on the market. Like the other Ridge Bolt Action pens, this writing implement was designed with balance in mind. The bolt-action mechanism also serves as a fun fidgeting experience for folks with busy hands or as a focal point to help you concentrate if you're easily distracted. Activating the bolt deploys the pen's SCHMIDT easy FLOW 9000 refill. This unique, smooth-writing refill lets you lay down lines regardless of the conditions.
Zebra

The Best EDC Pen on a Budget: Zebra F-701 2018 Version

Purchase
Key Features
All-metal construction
Silent plunger
Uses metal Zebra F-Refill
Specifications
Length
5.24"
Weight
0.74 oz
Material
Stainless steel
EDC Rating


Price
$
The Zebra F-701 is one of the most popular EDC pens out there. They have a cult following and are widely cherished for their affordable price and solid construction. Many EDCers go as far as modifying the F-701 with the click mechanism from the lesser F-402 model. Thankfully, this is no longer a necessary mod. Zebra seems to have noticed that the plastic mechanism was a shortcoming amongst fans of the pen and now includes an all-metal clicky on the F-701s. At around 10 bucks for a stainless steel pen with a knurled grip, it’s hard to argue against it.
Olight

The Most Compact EDC Pen: Olight Open Mini

Purchase
Key Features
Small and concealed
Strong and stylish
Smooth to write
Specifications
Length
3.66"
Weigth
‎0.41 oz
Material
Stainless steel
EDC Rating


Price
$
The Olight Open Mini is tiny at just 3.66” in length. But don't let its small size make you think it's not worth EDCing. It features a durable aluminum alloy body that's tough and wear-resistant, and it has a smooth customized refill with a stainless steel tip that makes writing a joy. While its small size limits how long you want to use this pen, it also ensures you'll always have it on hand because it's manageable for your pocket EDC. It's also an excellent option to keep on hand as a backup if you prefer a standard-sized pen most of the time. You can even attach it to your keychain along with your other gadgets.

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Rite

The Best EDC Pen for Writing Anywhere: Rite in the Rain All-Weather

Purchase
Key Features
Super lightweight
Fisher pressurized refill
Made in the USA
Specifications
Length
5.5" when posted
Weight
0.32 oz
Material
Plastic
EDC Rating


Price
$
Rite in the Rain is best known for its waterproof and all-weather notebooks. They recently collaborated with Fisher and Pokka to create a great pen that works well with their notebooks. The All-Weather Pocket Pen is made in the USA, and it features a rugged matte plastic construction that takes its design cues from the Pokka pen. The internal cartridge is where Fisher Space Pen comes in, as the pressurized ink cartridge refill allows it to operate in extreme temperatures, upside down, and underwater if required. The Rite in the Rain All-Weather sacrifices the minimal look of the original bullet pen, opting for a more durable experience. The unique design of the cap will enable it to attach to the bottom of the pen body, increasing the length and making for a more comfortable long-term writing experience.
BigIDesign

The Best EDC Pen for Multiple Refills: BigIDesign Ti Pocket Pro

Purchase
Key Features
Wiggle-free fit
Auto-adjusting grip
Accommodates 100+ refills
Specifications
Length
4.11"- 4.65"
Weight
Multiple
Material
Multiple
EDC Rating


Price
$$
If you’re a pen enthusiast and have one or more favorite ink refills, chances are the BigIDesign Ti Pocket Pro can accommodate them all. This titanium pen is compatible with over 100+ refills for convenience and versatility to adapt to whatever writing experience you need. The way this works is with a unique “telescoping” mechanism that extends or retracts depending on the refills. An auto-adjusting collet grip ensures a wiggle-free fit at the writing tip for a solid feel all around. The pen can even adapt its length to the refill it’s holding—either 4.11“ or 4.65”—both relatively compact lengths for an easy carry. An included, grade 4 titanium pocket clip stays strong and springy. Thanks to its titanium construction, the pen manages to weigh in at a featherweight 0.6 oz while still being tough enough to handle the everyday carry and wear.
TWSBI

TWSBI Diamond Mini Clear EDC Fountain Pen

Purchase
Key Features
Compact design
Transparent barrel
Piston filling system
Specifications
Length
5.55" when posted
Weight
0.67 oz
Material
Plastic
EDC Rating


Price
$
Unlike most other pens on this list, the TWSBI Diamond Mini is a fountain pen. Fountain pens use water-based ink and a metal nib for a smooth and enjoyable writing experience. The design of the TWSBI Diamond Mini lets you free yourself from run-of-the-mill ballpoint inserts because you can fill it with a wide range of colorful and exciting inks based on your desires. The clear “demonstrator” body of the pen lets you see all the way through, giving you a clear look at what ink you have loaded and how much ink you have left. And the rear cap posts onto the back of the pen for easy storage and provides some added length for writing comfort, closer to a full-sized pen.
LAMY

LAMY 2000 4-Color EDC Ballpoint Pen

Purchase
Key Features
Iconic ergonomic design
Stainless steel clip
D1-style refills
Specifications
Length
5.5"
Weight
‎0.76 oz
Material
Polycarbonate (Makrolon)
EDC Rating


Price
$
You've probably seen cheap multi-color ballpoint pens, usually handed out as party favors or as marketing promo materials at trade shows. The LAMY 2000 four-color version elevates that practical idea to perfection. The LAMY 2000 is renowned in the EDC community for its beautiful Bauhaus-inspired design. Initially released in the 1950s, the LAMY 2000 has stood the test of time and looks professional. This multipen edition includes the standard black, red, and blue ballpoint refills, with green as an added bonus. To select a color, you turn the indicator at the top to your desired refill. You then press the clicker button, and the chosen tip emerges from the front of the pen, ready to go.
Studio

Studio Neat Mark One EDC Pen

Purchase
Key Features
Cerakote coating
Custom click mechanism
SCHMIDT P8126 rollerball refill
Specifications
Length
5"
Weight
0.88 oz
Material
Aluminum
EDC Rating


Price
$
True to its name, the Studio Neat Mark One EDC pen has a neat and minimalist appearance. It features an all-metal construction that has been precision custom-machined and coated with a durable ceramic exterior coating. That ceramic coating allows for special editions like a three-layer iridescent purple Cerakote edition that is sold out for now. The standard pens feature an extremely satisfying rear-click action, and the rollerball refill is a joy. Because these pens are made in small batches, there is some lag between your order and its arrival at your doorstep, but the wait is worth it.
Everyman

Everyman Grafton Mini Click EDC Pen

Purchase
Key Features
Grafton Mini Click Metal Gel refill included
Fisher Space Pen refill compatible
Heavy duty bolt-on pocket clip
Specifications
Length
4.92"
Weight
0.8 oz
Materials
Aluminum
EDC Rating


Price
$
The Grafton Mini Click makes for a convenient, compact pen that's light enough for less fatigue over extended writing sessions while still having enough heft for a satisfying feel in hand. The writing experience gets better thanks to the pen's deep, machined grooves that provide a secure grip on this otherwise slim jotter. And while the attractive design and bright color might make it look like this pen is only for show, its heavy-duty clip and construction would beg to differ. The body is 100% anodized 6061 aluminum, making it tough enough for everyday use but light enough for comfortable EDC in the pocket.

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Kaweco

Kaweco AL Sport EDC Fountain Pen

Purchase
Key Features
Many variations
Screw-on cap
Chrome-plated steel nib with iridium tip
Specifications
Length
5" when posted
Weight
0.8 oz
Materials
Aluminum
EDC Rating


Price
$$
The Kaweco AL Sport is a unique and compact fountain pen, measuring only 4.1" when closed. This metal pen features a twist-open cap, and you can post it on the rear of the pen to have a comfortable writing experience. The octagonal shape of the body helps with delicate writing work, especially if you opt for a fine nib rather than the medium and broad nibs that are also available. As its name implies, the Kaweco AL Sport is made of aluminum to keep things corrosion-resistant and lightweight at 0.74 oz. A removable pocket clip is also included to carry it inside any shirt or pants pocket safely.
Sharpie

Sharpie S-Gel Metal Barrel EDC Pen

Purchase
Key Features
Smooth gel ink
Rubber grip
Metal ring above grip indicates ink color
Specifications
Length
5.7"
Weight
0.39 oz
Material
Metal
EDC Rating


Price
$
While the regular Sharpie is a permanent marker and not a pen, they also make a line of durable metal barrel gel link pens called the S-Gel at a great price point for everyday carry. The gel ink is quick-drying, meaning there's less smear and bleed on the page. The bold 0.7mm line lets you write with authority but without the inaccuracy (and the smell) of a regular Sharpie permanent marker.

Best EDC Pen FAQs

What makes a good EDC pen?

It's a bit cliche, but the best EDC pen is the one you carry with you. That means it should be the right size and look for your everyday carry pen. That also means it should write how you want it, so you actually want to use it daily.

Should you EDC a pen?

It can be easy to say no to this question until you find yourself in a desperate situation where you really need one, and everyone else has also decided not to carry one. Having a pen is part of EDC: you're always ready. And it also lets you be a lifesaver when someone near you needs as well.

What does EDC mean in pens?

EDC stands for everyday carry, and in terms of pens, it refers to the pens you decide to bring along with you on life's journey. That can be a single pen, but for others, it can be a small (or large) collection of pens that get you through the day.

What is the smoothest pen ever?

For standard pens, gel ink pens like the Pilot G2 and rollerball pens like those by The James Brand, Grafton Pen, or Karas Customs make for the smoothest writing experience. You can also opt to pick a pen that’s compatible with Fisher Space Pen refills. Fountain pens tend to be smooth, depending on the nib material and size chosen, as well as the viscosity of the ink loaded into the pen's reservoir or cartridge.


How We Picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what's new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men's essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

Jonathan Tayag

Senior Contributor


About the Author
Jonathan Tayag is secretly an information technology and corporate security expert who prefers to moonlight as a creative event and commercial photographer whenever possible. His varied experience and substantial travels have led him to seek, without even thinking about it at first, the best gear for the best use at the best price available. Before the concept of EDC (everyday carry) firmly took hold, Jonathan already spent untold amounts of time optimizing for the best-in-slot pieces of gear, from cameras and lenses to pocket knives, pens, and bags and packs. In November 2015, Jonathan joined EverydayCarry.com and has since written numerous articles and guides to help impart his knowledge to the community as a whole.

Jonathan's photographic works have appeared on numerous online websites, print, video, and television outlets for over a decade. Jonathan's previous clients include Blizzard Entertainment, Red Bull, ESL, Razer, and several other endemic and non-endemic esports sponsors and brands. His work also features heavily in online competitive gaming communities, especially those of the StarCraft and Fighting Game genres. You've likely seen his work if you've spent time in a stream or in-game chat over the years.

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

Discussion (7 total)

ichi ·
Surprised Smooth Precision Pen v2.2 & Blank Forces V2 pen didn’t make it in the list. I carry em (one or the other) everyday! They’re the best pens I’ve own.
Nick L ·
Glad to see the Olight Open Mini represented. Its the exact size of my bifold so I always have a pen handy.
Bernie ·
I'm surprised Nottingham Tactical and Brian Fellhoelter's pens aren't included in this "Best Pens" list. It's very incomplete without them.