In our “Buy It For Life” posts we feature products that are built to last a lifetime. We also give preference to products that are very durable, are warrantied for life, and are made in the U.S.
The Fisher Space Pen was invented by Paul C. Fisher in 1948. It is still manufactured in Boulder City, Nevada. The pen can write at any angle, and its operating temperatures range from −30 to 250 °F (−35 to 120 °C). It has an estimated shelf life of 100 years. The company says:
The ballpoint is made from tungsten carbide and is precisely fitted in order to avoid leaks. A sliding float separates the ink from the pressurized gas. The pen can write at altitudes up to 12,500 feet (3810 m). The ink is forced out by compressed nitrogen at a pressure of nearly 35 psi (240 kPa).
Each Fisher Space Pen is precision assembled, hand tested, and carries a lifetime guarantee. Fischer will send a repaired pen or replacement pen back to you, the company covering the shipping costs.
The Space Pen featured here is the Black Matte version of the Bullet Space Pen. It’s available from Amazon for about $13.
Tombow makes a similar matte black aluminum pen for indoor use, the OBJECT Roller Ball Pen. This pen feels great in your hand, and writes extremely smoothly. It’s available here.
