I love writing by hand. Grocery lists, journals, letters, you name it, I love to write it. But each thing I write requires a different writing implement. Certain pens are assigned certain tasks–can you appreciate this?
I have four specific pen-types that I use in my life, and each has its own arena. Let’s discuss, shall we? C’mon, it’s the weekend–you must have a few extra minutes to spare.
Addressing Packages/Envelopes/Writing on Cardstock: ULTRA-FINE SHARPIES
I adore ultra-fine Sharpies. They offer a precision not often seen with marker-esque implements. I have them in an array of colors, housed in a cute little tin bucket. Husbandito doesn’t dare touch the Sharpies.
Grading Papers/School Work: Papermate Felt Tips (Purple or Green ONLY) 
I only grade papers/essays/exams/homework/quizzes/tests in purple or green ink. I don’t use red because I think it’s threatening and looks angry. Green and purple are more friendly and less accusatory.
Journal Writing/Letter Writing: Pilot Liquid Ink V-Razor X-Fine 
These are such delightful writing implements! They make my handwriting so precise! I swear!
Grocery Lists/General Doodling/Scribbling: Papermate Blue Medium 
The granddaddy of pens–I used these during my high school years and just bought a box of 60 last week. Love them!
So, do you have a particular pen that you prefer?!?!
I love Sharpies too! I buy the huge packs at Costco. I never tried the Ultar Fine point ones, only the regular markers. I’ll look for them when I’m out. Cute blog, BTW. The Budget thing was funny.
Can we say ‘O.C.D.’ ?
BLUE, SIZE MICRO!
God, I love pens – always have. This everlasting love was cemented during my team debate days when we had to ‘flow’ (e.g. write tiny, tiny notes on what the hell was going on).
Perhaps that is why I have stayed so long in the legal field; I always have access to the best!
I love writing. I like the physical act of it. I’ll often write stuff down when I could just type it, then I’ll type it out, basing it off of what I’ve written.
I just LOVE to write. If I can’t think of anything else to write, I’ll just doodle my name on a page to get my fix.
I’m a fan of the PILOT G-2 07. As you said about the Pilot Liquid Ink V-Razor X-Fine, I write better with the G-2 than any other pen. Maybe I’ll give your PILOT a test drive since it’s such a close relative to my current pen of choice. Perhaps I’ll make switch after an earth moving handwriting session.
Lately, my pen of choice is the Uni-Ball Jetstream in blue black. But I have always loved Papermates – but dark blue is my color of choice – and you must be writing on several layers of paper. If not, I’m all about Flairs.
I have a love of pens as well. Funny thing, when I was teaching, I only graded with purple or green as well (and would bite the hands off my kids if they ever thought about touching my pens and they knew it!).
I fell in love with Le Pens some time in middle school. Now I always have a green and a purple one nearby on my desk for a quick grab. Otherwise, I go with Pilots for everything else.
My all time favorite pen, the ONE pen I keep in my purse and will never leave the side of should someone borrow it, is a Pilot Dr. Grip Gel pen. Anytime someone borrows it they comment on how great it is. Which of course, is why I never leave it’s side. It’s smooth and comfortable. I’ve been using it for the past 10 or so years now.
I’ve also recently tried the new Uni-Bal Signo pens – the kind specifically made for writing on checks and I have to say, it’s a nice one too.
uni ball VISION ELITE. black.
SUPERB.
i knew you guys were just as persnickety as i am! thanks for all the new pen ideas–i’m off to staples!!!!!
Wow. I completely missed this one yesterday.
Sharpie Extra Fine: all-purpose, for shopping lists, addressing envelopes and packages, et al. The Sharpie Twin Tip (fine + ultra fine) is a nice companion to this one, but I find I want the middle ground most often.
Sakura Pigma Brush tip: super fun for doodling. The Micron series is great for black & white illustrations.
Rotring cartridge rapidographs (sizes .18 & .12): for writing on skulls. ’nuff said.
My Caran d’Ache 849 Metal (orange body, with the little chili pepper symbol on it): blue ballpoint, writes smoothly and consistently, perfect for notes, journals, and so much more.
finis
I have pen snobbery like you wouldn’t believe!!
Drawing (ink) – Micron pens
Drawing (pencil) – Staedtler
Journal writing – Pilot G-Tec-C4 (0.3 – very fine lines) and my super-awesome LAMY fountain pen with scented Mont Blanc ink (it smells like cinnamon!).
Grocery lists – Pens stolen from doctors offices.
Notes to the Other Half – red Bic ballpoint.
In addition to being a pen snob – I may also have notebook and paper issues.
Also – I am tagging you for a meme – it’s all posted at my site!
Oh, and I only sign contracts in blood.
Hmmm. Seeing as we have a technical writer hereabout, I should be more accurate in my syntax:
“I sign contracts only in blood.”
Sniff…I am NOT alone in the world!!! I thought I was O.C.D. on the whole pen/ink/paper issues. I prefer black papermate pens at work. Everything else is wide open.