What is the ultimate writing tool: pencil or pen?

[Aufbauwerk 2045]

My three favorite writing implements are my Twist-Erase 0.7 mechanical pencil, my Precise V5 rolling ball pen, and my Cross fountain pen. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. But in terms of ease of use I prefer the Twist-Erase. I just wish the marks were darker and that they did not smudge.

I'm curious what others in the pen and pencil camp use. Also I'm curious about the question of bound vs unbound notebook, paper size, and whether you scan your paper notes for archival purposes.

Is there a pen or pencil technology that combines the ease of use of Twist-Erase but which does not smudge and makes darker marks?

Sorry is this has been asked before. I could not find it. Please delete if it is redundant.

 

[George Jones]

Writing: on paper (notes and/or calculations) with Pilot friXion 0.5 purple erasable pens; on whiteboards with expo markers.

 

[jackwhirl]

I use pens. The Pilot G-2 isn't perfect, but it's close enough for me.

 

[levadny]

For study I use pen Parker. Parker is best desigion For lectures and calculation. But for study Knuth I use only simple wood pensil.

 

[mesa]

Definitely a pen fan.

Paper mate Profile multi-colors are great to write with, and help keep information categorized.

 

[gleem]

I've always enjoyed my 0.5mm Kon-I-Noor Rapidograph technical pen.

 

[Stephen Tashi]

For a sketching pencil: California Republic Palomino 2B

 

[DrClaude]

Pencil. Just got a Uni Kuru Toga for Christmas and I love it!

 

[Enigman]

Generally, fountain pens - Lamy Safari and Platinium Preppys.
Cheap pencils for brainstorming.

 

[newjerseyrunner]

I'm definitely an Expo marker + whiteboard guy. Quick calculations or notes to myself all just end up there.

If I'm writing on paper, it's usually a pen that I've stolen from TD bank, and it's always on 1/4 inch grid paper. I find it easier to use than college ruled or legal pads because the lines are smaller. It also allows me to write upside down or sideways, or do diagrams.

For drawing / sketching I usually use acid-free water color paper and a combination of 6H, 2H, 2B, and 6B graphite pencils. I'm honestly not sure what brand they are, I only care about how soft they are (I have a complete set, but those 4 are the most worn.)

 

[late347]

mechanical pencil

some good writing focused regular pencils are in my opinion, Faber castell pencils with the studs and triangular cross section (when looking at the pen from the back)

I like to use drawing / art pencils sometimes even for writing because they are softer and nice.Pens are always bad pretty much because the ballpoint always fails in the middle of writing some word, at least in my experience.
The only good ballpoint pen that I recently acquired was a freebie engineers' association pen, which is very effective even though it looks flimsy and cheap.
Fountain pen could be nice though

 

[collinsmark]

Pen. Pilot-G2, 0.7 mm.

Pad: I carry around a pocket sized pad (Caliber Composition Notebook) wherever I go, and use it if I can't find anything else to write on such as napkins or larger sized notebooks.

 

[epenguin]

Would be nice if posters attached pic of what their writing with their cited implement looks like.

 

[DrClaude]

Would be nice if posters attached pic of what their writing with their cited implement looks like.

Pencil. Just got a Uni Kuru Toga for Christmas and I love it!

And check out this video to understand the nice engineering behind it: