Buy It For Life
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Buy it for life: the most durable pens,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit.
Recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Most loved on r/BuyItForLife: Zebra F-701 and Lamy Safari Fountain Pen.

Zebra F-701

Stainless steel retractable pen praised for durability, grip, and easy long term everyday use.

Mentioned 10 times in the threads we read

• Very durable metal body
• Comfortable textured grip
• Works well with refill mods

I’ve had mine for 8 years and get compliments on it pretty frequently.
– BreakfastJunkie

The textured steel grip makes all the difference. Three jobs later I still have and guard them carefully.
– PierreDucot

The F701 is all metal construction and extremely durable.
– Know_A_Veil

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen

Entry level fountain pen valued for longevity, reliability, and being easy for beginners.

Mentioned 8 times in the threads we read

• Lasts for many years
• Good for new fountain pen users
• Reliable daily writer

Lamy Safari is one of the most newbie friendly fpens.
– nxcrosis

I've had mine for over twenty years now. It's been around the world, gone on backpacking trips up mountains, tossed in my purse, still writes like a champ.
– Quail-a-lot

I also use my charcoal Safari every day.
– Sinistereen

uni-ball Jetstream

Hybrid ink pen known for smooth writing, quick drying lines, and low smudging.

Mentioned 6 times in the threads we read

• Smooth writing
• Does not smudge easily
• Good for left handed writers

I refuse to use anything else. Smooth writing and no bleeding or smudging.
– AUGsupremacy

especially as a left hander who appreciates a nice bold line, this is the one.
– Briiii216

0.38 is my absolute favorite.
– Fernandizzle

Fisher Space Pen

Compact pressurized pen appreciated for toughness, pocket carry, and writing in awkward conditions.

Mentioned 6 times in the threads we read

• Very tough
• Survives laundry and drops
• Easy to carry every day

Thus far it has held up to a few years of daily carying in a pocket, as well as being dropped many times and frozen. It is tough.
– nerdychick22

This is my go to. It can even survive the washer machine.
– jeeves585

It is EXCELLENT, FANTASTIC, totally underrated EDC item, that I now use every day.
– zrad603

Parker Jotter

Classic refillable click pen liked for durability, simple design, and widely available refills.

Mentioned 6 times in the threads we read

• Lasts for decades
• Easy to refill
• Looks good over time

Both still work as new and look as good as the day they were bought.
– SpamOJavelin

Stainless Parkers are so nice, but not too tragic if lost. It’s my favorite pen.
– h3fabio

I’ve had the exact same one for 20 years and it’s barely got signs of wear on it.
– Daneel_

Pilot G2

Popular gel pen praised for smooth writing, cheap refills, and dependable everyday performance.

Mentioned 6 times in the threads we read

• Smooth writing feel
• Refills are cheap
• Widely liked for daily use

god tier pen
– lkkki

I've been using the same Pilot G2 0.5 gel pen for almost 10 years, it's a MIRACLE it didn't get stolen.
– _maru_maru

always wonder how the fuck they picking that over a G2.
– tselio

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