Mightier Than the Sword

(My pen collection.)

I have this weird things about pens.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a favorite pen or pens, and I get very attached to them.  Very attached.  I can remember stopping class in the middle of teaching on at least two occasions to have my students help me locate my missing pen.  It’s a problem.

When I was in high school, my dad gave me a Parker Jotter Pen, and I’ve been hooked on that brand ever since.  I love the sleek, shiny look, the tiny arrow on the clip, the loud click when you press the button on top, and how smoothly the ink flows.  Maybe it’s because I’m a lefty and have written a ton of papers throughout my life, but Parker pens just feel comfortable in my hand.  That permanent callous on my left middle finger is largely due to a Parker pen.  And my favorite part?  Parker sells ink cartridge refills, so my little well of writing utensil heaven will never run dry.

I’ve heard a lot about the Seven Year Pen and BIC’s new “Cristal for Her” pen, which has earned an hilarious following among Amazon reviewers, but I will always be loyal to my lovely Parker pens.

I’m also coveting the gorgeous notebooks and planners from Moleskine, which would go so well with my pen collection.

Do you have a favorite pen or some other quirky thing you love?