The thing I like best about my Space Pen is that it’s tiny in my pocket, but it doesn’t feel like I’m writing with one of those short golf pencils. Fisher achieved this by using an extra-long pen cap that goes 3/4 the length of the mini-pen when it covers the tip, but only 1/4 when placed on the butt-end of the mini-pen.

From what I can gather from their website (visual inspection and the vague copy “…a few twists…”) the Inka’s journey to full-size pen is somewhat more involved: a) Pull the mini-pen from the cap. b) Remove the silver part of the cap from the plastic bit that attaches to the keyring. c) Unscrew the butt of the mini-pen. d) Reassemble the mini-pen and the butt with the silver part in the middle.

I like the idea of having my pen attached to my keyring — one less thing in the “take everywhere” category — but if I have to choose between golf-pencil annoying and multi-step-assembly annoying every time I use it, I’ll stick with Fisher.

Does anyone own an Inka? Can you confirm?

Inka pen not required.

Supplies Required:

1. Fisher Space Pen Multi-Pen Refill (http://www.styluscentral.com/fisspacpenpr.html) or buy at your local Staples for 1.99.

2. Pentel MiniRSVP Pen (http://www.shoplet.com/office/db/PENBK91MNBP5M.html) or buy at your local Staples for 4.99 for a 5pack.

Unscrew the bottom of the pen, and replace the guts with the Fisher refill. Close it up, and attach your new RSVPSpacePen with the included keyring to your keychain.

I keep one of these attached to my work ID lanyard along with some post-its stuck to the back of my badge. Works like a charm for quick notes.

After reading about the clip problems with the Fisher Bullet Pen, I did some web searching and found out about the INKA. It looks perfect for a HPDA. I can attach the ring to my binder clip and always have my pen in my pocket.

The only drawback is that it seems to come only with medium point refills. I’d prefer fine or extra fine.

Has anyone used an INKA? How does it work IRL?

I wish I could find a wallet like the one in the photo with as many pockets (to replace my wallet) but with a horizontal slot for a note pad (gasp — I know I defame the 3x5 card meme)

I have something like that which works well that I found at an Office Depot, but it only has one lame business card pocket.

The nice thing is that is has an elastic loop to hold a space pen. Works fine. This looks like a nice version of what I have: http://www.liteleathers.com/LgePictPages/Note_Pad%20Wallet.html Hmm..migh do the trick…

Okay, must remember to Google before posting. There’s a ton of wallets out there. David Allen even sells one, which while nice looking, is a bit spendy. $99.

http://www.davidco.com/store/product.php?productid=16167

A bit off topic, but talking about great pens…

I know it has been a bit worn into the ground by people saying it, but the G2/Mont Blanc Pen Hack is fantastic. I have been using it for over a month and it only gets better.

Instructions here: http://www.instructables.com/id/EWAMSPFFCKEP2871N2/?ALLSTEPS

[…] The demand for the power sash is out there.  A little hard to see at first, and a little geeky, but out there. […]

The Inka looks interesting. I would like to add a mention of the Cross Ion pen. It’s a pocket pen that has no parts to come off, extends with a simple pull, and feels more substantial than any other mini pen I’ve used. It’s worth a look. I use it daily with my HPDA.

I use a Cross Ion pen attached to my keychain as it is one piece. Just pull to extend the point. If Cross would make a fine point gel refill, I’d be extra happy. Rotring makes a fantastic telescoping ball point.

As a pen addict, I’ve seen the Inka site but wasn’t much intruiged. My keychain used to have a neat modern design pencil on it, similar to the Inka, but the core lead/pencil section got lost and I was left with the lonely holder dangling next to my keys.

At my cheapest, I attach a keychain sized Pilot Hi-Tech C pen http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/21_82 to my notebooks. They’re available at the Kinokuniya Stationary Store in SF’s Japan Town (if you haven’t been here Merlin, guard your credit card). Actually, they have an entire line of mini-pens and pencils with little cell-phone charm loops (really, this is just an eyeglass holder tied to string for most). The cost $3.30 each and come in many colors. SF South Bay residents can get these pens at MaiDo (look it up on Yelp.com)

Pen Lust, oh yes. Levenger’s having a sale on their pens, too. Can we just call it sharing instead of enabling?

I found the mini Pilot Hi-Tech-C’s for sale online : http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/218272 Just another option for an inexpensive mini-pen. The picture doesn’t show the keychain tassle so some may want to ask before purchasing.