Write in Style – Best EDC Pens in 2024

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
$$	$$	$	$	$
Length: Multiple	Length: 5.03″	Length: 5.24″	Length: 3.66″	Length: 5.05″
Materials: Multiple	Materials: 24 karat gold	Materials: Stainless steel	Materials: Stainless 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	Buy Now

The Best EDC Pens Today

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

493 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

167 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

10572 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

1046 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

1394 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

355 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

52 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

1431 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

34 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

1863 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

265 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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

10779 ratings

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.

Check It Out

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.