Ballpoints for Convenience

Choose a ballpoint pen if a one-piece pen is your desire. They deploy the tip by either twist or a click. This convenience is favored by many writers.

The simple ballpoint pen gained widespread popularity following WWII. Interestingly, the first to market in the U.S. was Reynolds International Pen Company in the Gimbels department store in New York City, on 29 October 1945. The price was $12.50 which would be about $180 today. The ‘Reynold’s Rocket’ became a smash sensation but its quality was questionable. By 1954, Parker introduced the ‘Jotter’. Parker’s pen was far superior, the ball in the tip was much improved, and Parker went on to sell millions of ballpoint pens for $3 to $9 throughout the fifties. The simple one-piece pen with a refill was established in the marketplace.

The ballpoint pen has almost always referred to a one-piece pen. However, in today’s market it can also refer to the refill itself. Some two-piece pens (pens which have a separate cap) can also use a ballpoint refill.

The ballpoint’s refill, the most important piece in any pen, has for 60 years been an oil or wax based ink. This required much effort to extract the flow. In the last ten years, liquid ink ballpoint refills have become common and are the bestselling option.

Everyday Ballpoint Pens

If you’re looking for an everyday great writing ballpoint pen, you’ve found the right place. All of these choices represent great value in a beginning quality ballpoint. Best of all, we have refills in 10 colors and point sizes from fine to broad. Many are engravable which always makes for a great officemate gift!