Review: Field Notes Fisher Space Pen

I’m not a pen nerd, by any stretch of the imagination, but I know what I like to use. For me, the gold standard for ball point pens is the one I scooped up a few months ago at a Ritz Carlton hotel. Without exaggeration, the Ritz Carlton pen is one of the finest writing instruments I’ve ever used. It fits perfectly in my hand and glides across paper when I write.

But this review isn’t so much about the Ritz as it about another famous model: the Fisher Space Pen. Specifically, the Field Notes branded Fisher Space Pen, which sells for $27.95. It’s not cheap. So, how does it measure up as a writing utensil? And is it better than my favorite Ritz Carlton model? And most importantly: is it worth the $28? Let’s find out.

The Fisher Space Pen comes in its own box, complete with an embossed Fisher Space Pen logo. It can be ordered in Silver or Matte Black.

The inside of the box features a hard foam cratered surface. Nestled in the middle of the foam is the Space Pen itself.

But what is a “Space Pen” exactly? In short, it’s a precision-made, durable pen with a tungsten carbide ballpoint. It uses thixotropic ink, which is contained inside a sealed and gas-pressurized reservoir. First developed in 1967, the Fisher Space Pen can write in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, and even operates between -30 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The original Space Pen was used by astronauts. Many popular Space Pen models exist today, and they’re all made in Boulder City, Nevada.

In its collapsed state, the Field Notes Space Pen measures 3.75 inches; when it’s deployed, it extends out to 5.25 inches. Despite its diminutive size, the Space Pen has some heft to it. Emblazoned on the side is the Field Notes brand with model number (FN-19).

Below is a photo comparing the Field Notes Space Pen’s size to my Ritz Carlton model.

To get a better sense of scale, I’ve placed the Space Pen in my Field Notes. Its small, rounded form factor makes the Field Notes Space Pen really comfortable to carry around in my pocket.

Here are the tips of both pens, side by side. The Field Notes Space Pen is just marginally larger than the Ritz Carlton pen. This isn’t a bad thing, per se, but it adds a very small, but perceptible, drag when writing with the Field Note Space Pen.

The Space Pen feels comfortable in my hands, and is easy to grip and hold.

Here’s a small writing sample using the Field Notes Space Pen. The ink applies evenly while writing, with no blotting or streaking. The ink dries instantaneously – applying my hand to rub the ink yielded no smudging whatsoever. In this way, the Field Notes Fisher Space Pen is similar to my Ritz Carlton pen.

Below is a writing sample comparing the Space Pen to the Ritz Carlton pen. The Space Pen writes just a tad darker than the Ritz Carlton pen.

In my opinion, the best feature of the Space Pen is its small size. It’s an easy pocket carry, and it has just enough weight to it to keep you from forgetting that it’s in your pocket. Once the ink runs out, replacement PR cartridge refills can be ordered directly from Fisher. I wish there was a clip option for the pen, so I can attach it to my Field Notes or shirt pocket.

The Fisher Space Pen looks great and writes well. It’s also reliable, and works anytime I need to write with it. The slight resistance took me a little time to get used to, but I don’t mind it now. While the Field Notes Fisher Space Pen won’t replace my Ritz Carlton pen, it’s definitely earned its keep as part of my Everyday Carry. The Field Notes Fisher Space Pen earns 4.5 Bob Weiners.

-Krishna

Krishna February 24, 2018 ball point pen review, everyday carry, Field Notes Fisher space pen, Fisher space pen, pen addict, Ritz Carlton pen, writing instruments