Zebra F-301 Stainless Steel Body Retractable Ballpoint Pen - 0.7 mm - Blue

This pen has a nice grip and solid construction, but it doesn't write well. I use it because it is convenient and writes more finely than a normal 0.7, but it makes small skips and blobs all the time.

I work in a lab and use this pen to take notes while at the bench. I use this pen because of its steel barrel and hard grip, which are easy to disinfect with 10% bleach. I also like it because you can buy refills for it almost anywhere. The ink is not alcohol-resistant, which probably isn't really an issue for most people but I thought I'd mention it after my experience. The ink also isn't super dark -- I accidentally left my pen in my white labcoat pocket before it went in the laundry with a bunch of other coats and it didn't ruin any of them, although the cartridge was rendered useless by the ordeal.

I've been using the Zebra F-301 exclusively for about the last fifteen years. I prefer the textured plastic grip to the rubber grip of the F-402. I've tried the various colors available (they come in black, blue, burgundy, and green), but prefer the black. I find it to be a perfect pen for writing or drawing, because it has a very even ink flow - no globs! As a lefty, I always had problems with pens leaving ink globs that would then get smeared as I continued to write - not a problem with the Zebra F-301. As for other people "borrowing" the Zebra F-301 and "forgetting" to give it back? Not a problem for me. My coworkers know they'd better not even think about touching my F-301. Also, I have left an empty F-301 lying around while I'm not there, so if anyone tried to use it, it wouldn't work. Then, when I'm there with my REAL F-301, people might see it lying around, but will avoid it out of habit, assuming it to be empty. Also, if anyone does ever borrow it, I don't let them out of my sight. And I stare at it in their hand until it is safely returned to me. I have considered getting the F-301 Compact, because it apparently comes equipped to wear on a lanyard. On the plus side, that would seem to pretty much eliminate borrowing altogether, but on the other hand, I just don't know if I want to go there...?

I've managed to hold on to the same Zebra F-301 ballpoint for twenty years. I've refilled it dozens of times and it still goes strong and is still good looking in a techie kind of way, which proves it's a classic.

I'd buy another one, but why? I've had the same one forever.

Stylish, durable, solid, nice fine line, great grip which offers excellent control- Zebra is amazing! This baby's a classic!