AbilityOne - U.S. Government Pen - Medium Point, Blue Ink 7520-01-332-2833

These days it is unusual to find a product that has not changed at all in the 50 plus years it has been manufactured. Stringent government specifications see to that. Most products have usually been cheapened-down, dumbed-down, off-shored or discontinued well before they have reached their Golden Anniversary. I recently purchased a dozen of these pens, and they are exactly the same as the two pens I still own from my time in the military in the 1970's. As these pens are made in the hundreds of thousands for the United States Government, Military and Postal Service, the number of people who have come into contact with them must range in the many millions. As you might expect, the pen has developed a bit of a fan base and its own folklore. Stories are told about how the barrels of the pen have been used as breathing tubes for emergency tracheotomies and so on. These pens are compact for economy of materials used, but sturdy, easy to hold and use. They ride comfortably in a shirt pocket, unnoticed until needed. Given reasonable care, these pens will last a very long time. Refills are available on Amazon from Sound Feelings. I tend to lose pens, so I don't leave home with nicer ones unless it is a dress up occasion. The Skilcraft pens are inexpensive and could be considered expendable should you lose track of it.

Memories for my sweetie!

As a formal employee of a company that made these pens I'm surprised there are still some minor issues with the ratcheting of these pens.I found 2 from each of the pack that doesn't click as nicely as I would expect, but that will not stop me from using these pens.These are great pens with a story behind them as with the strict quality associated with them.Love them lots and I support their misson!Will definitely buy again!

I retired from the post office (they use these pens) and I love these pens! They are long-lasting (claim to write for a mile), don't skip & if paper is not flat on a surface, they still write from any position. Best ball-point pen I've ever used. Inexpensive, long-lasting pen that writes beautifully! I happen to prefer blue ink and the blue ones are a nice blue color (not blue-black). Nice fine point pen. Highly recommended - would still be a great value at twice the price!

Since use this pen...over 30 years. Good portability, smooth writing, good appearance!

These pens are always reliable and bring back memories.

Great pen, durable, and long lasting.

As an old school devotee of the traditional click-and-write ballpoint pen, I was pleased to note these pieces came and performed as advertised.