A quality, beautiful pen that speaks to who you are can last the entirety of a person’s life. To do this, the writing utensil has to be made of a durable material that will not bend or snap, and can handle the repeated stress of everyday use.
An EDC Pen can be any pen- as long as it is manufactured to industry standards, is made of a durable material, and can be refilled. EDC means Everyday Carry, which is about always being prepared for life’s unexpected instances.
Qualities of an EDC Pen
EDC pens are known for being tough, but what exactly causes it to last much longer than typical pens? Material and construction are the most telling qualities if a pen will work for everyday use. Look for pens composed of strong metals like aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium.
What the pen’s daily intended use will be depicts what additional features you would like in your EDC Pen. Some EDC pens combine quality with safety or utility features like a point to break glass in an emergency. If you commonly carry a pocket multi-tool, or other survival supplies, then all of these extra features could be compacted and individualized to what you need.
EDC pens can come with a variety of inks, and most are designed to be refilled with whichever type meets the owner’s needs. There are multi-colored Japanese ink pens that can be adjusted to the users requirements, but some will have only one type of cartridge they can use.
EDC Pen Types
When choosing a pen to use every day, it has to meet certain standards. It is never a bad idea to have more than one EDC pen. Some interesting styles exist, and to get a taste of each of them, anInkredible: Monthly Pen Subscription Box can give you a selection of fountain pens with correlating inks. Online marketplaces will have a large selection, as well, but if looking for a home made piece, it could get pricey.
There are three types of pens that you can use as EDC pens.
Everyday Carry Pens
These pens are completely designed with EDC in mind. They are sturdy, have a minute footprint, and most pen caps fit comfortably at the bottom end of the pen. This creates an extension to make a pen more comfortable when used but also take up less room when carried.
Some designs will even take utility further by incorporating hooks, or loops to make the tool more easily accessible at any time. Such keychain loops will also ensure your pen is never left behind on the day you need it most.
Tactical Pens
Tactical pens are designed for survivalists, so many of these designs will feature another tool combined with the pen. This may be something for emergency use, like a flashlight or an everyday utility such as a knife. These types of devices are essential for those who want to be prepared for the unexpected.
There even those designed specifically for self defense when necessary. These are usually equipped with ridged grips and an especially sharp point. Survival pens are also available which can write even in a thunderstorm.
Machined Pens
Some machined pens have been improved, or upgraded, to be housed in metal casings. These pens will usually be a little larger, heavier, and longer-lasting than any plastic machined pens. The quality of these types of pens can easily be felt in your hand. These pens are the most durable on the market and are designed to accept different refills to meet the users evolving needs.
What to Avoid
While there are many options to use as your EDC Pen, do not forget there are important things to be wary of, as well. Where there is a quality product, there is always a cheaper knock off that appears the same but when put to work will always fail.
If the ink refill is especially hard to find, or very costly, the pen will continue making that large dent in your wallet everytime it is out of ink. Be sure your chosen design accepts a variety of refills, so you it doesnt go to waste when you can't find your brand.
Another note is to never use a sharpie or a marker as an EDC Pen. While they are great for certain projects, you will regret only having that on you to jot down quick notes or when the heavy ink bleeds through sheets of paper. These types of pens are meant to be disposable, which means, the are not built to last and can be easily broken.
The size of the tip also needs considered. This usually has a lot to do with personal preference, but keep in mind if the tip is too small, it can damage paper, but if it is too large, it may not be usable in small writing spaces.
A Well Manufactured Pen
The decision of investing in an EDC Pen is a step towards being prepared at any moment. A quality pen can speak volumes about your personality and will show preparedness and professionalism. When combined with safety tools, this pen can even save your life, or make a real difference in your survival in an emergency situation. Keep in mind all of the qualities to look for, so when you chose a design, it can stay with you for as long as you need it.
