You’re not going to remember it. That genius idea. That task that just got assigned to you. That thing you wanted to tell your partner about. These mental moments are slippery. You swear you’ll remember it. But you never do. Unless (unless!), you’re the kind of guy who always has a pen. And if small things in life really are the big things (they are), then toting around one of the best pens—at your desk, in your breast pocket or in your bag—can solve one of life’s simplest problems and prove highly useful. It’s not a bad thing to be “the guy who always has a pen.” Not a bad thing at all.
Yes, the humble and handy pen is certainly an analog solution to today’s largely digital problems, but it’s intentional in the best way possible. And while there’s nothing wrong with a trusty and ever-reliable standard-issue office pen, the very best pens on the market boast a difference you can feel. Literally feel. In your hand, on a pad of paper, and when holstered across the cover of your notebooks. Yes, there are luxury pens that prove otherworldly.
It’s the little luxuries that make life worth living, right? Just like using the right pomade or stepping into a stylish pair of dress shoes, the best pens for your everyday carry (and more) deliver a sense of purpose, craft, and style.
A complementary and yet critical part of your all-new desk set-up, sign that John Hancock with one of my favorite pens of the moment.
Photo via The James Brand
The James Brand Burwell Pen
The James Brand, in addition to making some of the most carefully crafted, reliable, and innovative pocket knives on the market, has turned its considerable technical expertise to the rest of your everyday carry with a lineup of handsome, functional pens. They’re for sale, rather aptly, under what The James Brand calls its “Communication” section.
“If it matters, you’ll write it down,” the company says.
This handsome number is durable and sleek, boasting a stainless steel barrel and utterly smooth click functionality. So satisfying.
Photo via Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch Pen In Brass
Pay close attention to the structure of your trusted pen: The very best pens for your daily carry are made from sturdy stuff, like the brass used by the menswear masters at Taylor Stitch. They’ve developed an A-to-Z approach that also includes smartly crafted, classically inspired accessories: Roll up the sleeves of your Taylor Stitch shirt, head to the drafting table and don’t forget this brass pen, not to mention the well-worn patina it’ll develop over time.
Photo via LAMY
LAMY Studio Rollerball Pen
Ever fumble through a drawer in desperate need of a pen, only to stumble across one that’s flimsy and out of ink? Those days are over, at least if you scoop up a positively delightful LAMY pen for its ultra-smooth, carefully measured writing experience. A minimalist design pairs seamlessly with LAMY’s signature, artfully designed clip, well-suited for stowing in your jacket pocket for daily use.
Photo via Kaweco
Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen
While ballpoint or rollerball pens are often the norm these days among high-end writing instruments, at least for consistent daily use, it doesn’t get much more purposeful or elegant than using a fountain pen. It takes a bit of extra care and attention to detail, but there’s a pleasant nature to using this pen. Perhaps your grandfather used a similar pen, and you can carry on that same legacy of stylish intentionality with this heritage selection.
If you’re just beginning your fountain pen journey, start with a budget-friendly but still quality option like Kaweco’s.
Photo via Montblanc
Montblanc Classique Ballpoint Pen
Montblanc has taken the act of putting pen to paper and elevated it to another level entirely. For more than a century, the luxury atelier has developed some of the most precisely engineered and artfully crafted writing instruments (yes, writing instruments) across several categories.
They even make stunning calligraphy pens and wonderfully built watches and leather goods. But for your day-to-day, this heirloom-level pen is thoughtfully designed for life’s memorable moments. You very well might not want for another pen after using this elegant, platinum-coated (and yes, investment-level) selection.
