probably a good quality steel fountain pen you can refill, something like a LAMY 2000
I really like my Lamy Safari fountain pen. I’ve only had it for a few years, so I can’t exactly speak to the durability of it long term, but it feels solid and works well. I use a standard Lamy cartridge converter to refill it with ink and it works great.
Non fountain pen option? I’m not a fan of
fountain pens are the best for BIFL; if you are serious, finding a fountain pen that works for you and learning to effectively clean, refill, and use it is your best bet
but this person claims they have used a Parker pen that they inherited that was manufactured in the 1970s and which they still make refills for … refills for a pen like that might be more expensive, and in general ballpoint pens are not going to last as long (and generally over a lifetime you won’t find pen companies that continue to manufacture compatible refills), but this might be a backup option if you just won’t consider fountain pens
Don’t pretty much all pens just end up getting lost long, long before they get worn out? I’ve managed to hold onto a few for a few months but eventually they just get stolen by a borrower or the pen gnomes.
If it’s a nice pen, sunglasses, umbrella, etc you tend to pay more attention to where it’s at and less likely to lose it or let someone walk off with it. Disposables from the utility closet who cares but that pen your grandpa gave you or lighter with a scrimshaw design you end up being a little more alert about.
I don’t think I’ve ever stopped using a pen because of a fault or end-of-life condition of the pen itself. I stop using them because “Where the actual fuck did I put my pen…?”
I like Fisher Pens personally. They’re not fancy or the “best” but, they’re relatively cheap, readily available, and can write in basically any condition, including space lol
