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Alternatives to the Fisher Pen

In the 1950s, a manufacturer named Paul Fisher invented a nitrogen-pressurized ballpoint ink cartridge that did not rely on gravity to flow. The pen could write in freezing cold climates, burning hot deserts and even underwater, though it became most famous for its use in anti-gravity conditions --- namely, space. Fisher's "Space Pen" continues to sell well today and many companies either use its cartridges in their own pen designs or have copied its pressurized technology and made it their own.

Sensa
- The Sensa Pen was designed by Boyd Willat, a former film art director who wanted to create a writing implement that conformed to the contours of the hand to make the act of writing a smooth, comfortable experience. The signature detail on all Sensa pens is a finger grip made of two different types of silicon that molds itself into the shape of the writer's hand. Additionally, the twist-opening mechanism of each pen is located at the end of the device, enabling writers to open and use the pen with one hand.
Smith &Wesson
- Like many of its products, Smith &Wesson pens are sturdy and reliable, if not very flashy. The company's black tactical pen, for instance, is made from aircraft aluminum, making it light and easy to write with, yet durable. The stylish S &W logo is laser-written on the side of the pen, which also features a strong black pocket clip. S &W's tactical pens use Parker and Hauser ink cartridges, which are pressurized using a technology similar to the Fisher Pen.
Parker
- Parker pens include many luxury items with an array of smooth and elegant designs. One of its most popular lines is the Vector, a clean, sleek implement made of stainless steel and available capped or as a push-button. Parker provides the original Space Pen pressurized refill cartridges for its pens, but modified to fit their shape, which is longer. Many of its pens, including the famous Jotter edition, are also available in more affordable plastic variations.
Cross
- Known best for its mechanical pencils, the A.T. Cross Company also features several fountain and ballpoint ink pen models. It is one of the few pen manufacturers for which the Fisher company makes custom pressurized ink cartridges --- many other companies have to modify Fisher's cartridges to make them fit. The most popular Cross pens are simple in design with bold, solid colors such as crimson, satin blue and chrome.

Collecting Memorabilia